‘Connections’ December 21: Hints and Answers for Game #559

Law enforcement in Green Isle, Minnesota, captured suspect Boelter after a 10-hour manhunt following the discovery of his abandoned vehicle and hat nearby. Despite challenging terrain, officers, including SWAT teams and a helicopter, located him after a sighting, leading to his peaceful arrest; he was armed, and investigations into his motive are ongoing. More Context

A man identified as Arturo Gamboa, 24, was taken into custody after allegedly brandishing a rifle at the "No Kings" protest in Salt Lake City, leading to a shooting that injured him and fatally struck bystander Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, 39. The incident, involving peacekeepers who attempted to de-escalate the situation, raises questions about Gamboa's motives and the actions of the peacekeepers, who are under investigation. More Context

New Jersey residents face a potential 20% increase in electricity bills starting June 1, largely driven by the rising demand for data centers, which are projected to boost electricity consumption by 16% by 2029. This surge, fueled by the growth of AI and cloud computing, is threatening grid reliability and contributing to higher energy costs amidst other factors like inflation and natural gas prices. More Context

US President Donald Trump has ordered an expansion of migrant detention and deportation, urging federal agencies to conduct "the single largest mass deportation programme in history" targeting cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York amid ongoing protests against his policies. This order follows a surge in demonstrations, including the "No Kings" movement, and aims to enforce immigration laws more strictly, particularly in sanctuary cities. More Context

After a two-day manhunt, Vance Boelter, accused of fatally shooting Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, was captured, prompting gratitude from lawmakers including House Speaker Lisa Demuth and Governor Tim Walz. They emphasized the need to reject violence and highlighted the collaborative efforts of over 20 agencies in bringing Boelter to justice. More Context

Grant Hardin, a former police chief and convicted murderer, escaped from an Arkansas prison by disguising himself in law enforcement attire and leaving through a back gate. After a two-week manhunt, he was recaptured near a creek, revealing security lapses at the facility and reopening wounds for victims of his past crimes, including the fatal shooting of a city water employee and a sexual assault on a teacher. More Context