‘Connections’ January 17: Hints and Answers for Puzzle #586

Democratic politician Melissa Hortman and her husband were tragically killed by a man impersonating a police officer, shocking Minnesota's reputation for civility. This incident follows a troubling rise in political violence across the U.S., raising concerns about safety for lawmakers, while some figures have controversially attempted to link the tragedy to political motives. Need More Context? 🔎

Seven men from California have been charged in the largest jewellery heist in US history, stealing $100 million worth of gold, gems, and luxury watches from a Brinks truck. The robbery occurred in July 2022 at a rest stop in Lebec, California, where the suspects, who tracked the truck from a jewellery show, allegedly stole 24 bags without using weapons, and some items were later recovered during searches. Need More Context? 🔎

Michigan Congresswoman Hillary Scholten received alarming news from state police that she was on a suspected killer's target list, following the murder of Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman. The suspect, Vance Boelter, had detailed surveillance notes on various individuals, with Scholten expressing her determination to continue her work despite the threats, emphasizing the need for bipartisan condemnation of political violence. Need More Context? 🔎

Two wildfires in New Mexico, the Buck Fire and Trout Fire, are consuming over 80,000 acres, leading to evacuation orders for around 2,000 homes and a state of emergency declared by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. Firefighting efforts involve 875 personnel and helicopters, with severe drought and high temperatures exacerbating the situation, prompting health warnings about smoke impact on air quality. Need More Context? 🔎

A federal judge in Boston granted class-action status to transgender and nonbinary Americans in a lawsuit against a State Department policy requiring passports to match birth certificate sex, citing potential Fifth Amendment violations. The judge's injunction allows all class members to challenge the policy while the case proceeds, despite the government's appeal and claims of administrative burden. Need More Context? 🔎

Investigators are examining the alleged plot of Vance Boelter, accused of murdering Minnesota lawmakers Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, and shooting Sen. John Hoffman and his wife. Dressed as a police officer and armed with multiple firearms, Boelter's motive remains unclear, though his writings suggest a long-planned attack targeting elected officials, all Democrats. Need More Context? 🔎