<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22HOLLY%20MEYER%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By HOLLY MEYER Associated Press</a>

In his first words directed specifically to Americans,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pope-leo-xiv">Pope Leo XIV</a>&nbsp;told young people on Saturday how to find hope and meaning in their lives through God and in service to others.

“So many people who suffer from different experiences of depression or sadness — they can discover that the love of God is truly healing, that it brings hope,” the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/conclave-pope-francis-cardinals-vatican-d7991a37a679f09792ed220cc1f6bbed">first American pope</a>&nbsp;said in a video broadcast on the jumbotron at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-new-pope-leo-xiv-facts-chicago-peru-fe9e955bfc5c683311575b1b3cf079f5">White Sox baseball</a>&nbsp;stadium in Chicago.

The event — set in Leo's hometown and at the home stadium of his favorite major league team — was organized by the Archdiocese of Chicago in honor of his recent election as pope. Leo seized the opportunity to speak directly to young people, tying his message to the Catholic Church's ongoing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-holy-year-jubilee-957b791dcb4143c9f33e4cb23ea9cd6b">Jubilee</a>&nbsp;year of hope that was declared by Pope Francis.

In Saturday's message, Leo urged those listening in the stadium and online to be beacons of hope capable of inspiring others.

“To share that message of hope with one another — in outreach, in service, in looking for ways to make our world a better place — gives true life to all of us, and is a sign of hope for the whole world.”

The afternoon program, emceed by Chicago Bulls announcer Chuck Swirsky, highlighted Leo’s roots, including music by the city's Leo Catholic High School Choir and a musician from Peru, according to the event's program. There was also a discussion featuring a former teacher of the pope as well as a high school classmate and fellow Augustinian.

The event also celebrated the mixing of Catholicism and baseball, including a special invitation from the team for Leo to throw out a ceremonial first pitch at a future White Sox game.

Leo, formerly Robert Prevost, was elected May 8, becoming the first American pope in the 2,000-year history of the church.

Leo, 69, spent his career serving as an Augustinian missionary and ministering in Peru before taking over the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops. He succeeded Pope Francis, who died April 21.

“When I see each and every one of you, when I see how people gather together to celebrate their faith, I discover myself how much hope there is in the world,” Leo said in the video message.

The program was followed by a Mass celebrated by Cardinal Blase Cupich, the archbishop of Chicago who was part of the conclave that elected Leo.

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/ap-twir">collaboration</a>&nbsp;with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22HOLLY%20MEYER%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By HOLLY MEYER Associated Press</a>In his first words directed specifically to Americans,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pope-leo-xiv">Pope Leo XIV</a>&nbsp;told young people on Saturday how to find hope and meaning in their lives through God and in service to others.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K1dwENW-5hU?si=jkcVHGTRLsVOZkqX" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>“So many people who suffer from different experiences of depression or sadness — they can discover that the love of God is truly healing, that it brings hope,” the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/conclave-pope-francis-cardinals-vatican-d7991a37a679f09792ed220cc1f6bbed">first American pope</a>&nbsp;said in a video broadcast on the jumbotron at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-new-pope-leo-xiv-facts-chicago-peru-fe9e955bfc5c683311575b1b3cf079f5">White Sox baseball</a>&nbsp;stadium in Chicago.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A joyous day at Rate Field. <a href="https://t.co/WUks17v63g">pic.twitter.com/WUks17v63g</a>&mdash; Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) <a href="https://twitter.com/whitesox/status/1934004738871242987?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The event — set in Leo's hometown and at the home stadium of his favorite major league team — was organized by the Archdiocese of Chicago in honor of his recent election as pope. Leo seized the opportunity to speak directly to young people, tying his message to the Catholic Church's ongoing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-holy-year-jubilee-957b791dcb4143c9f33e4cb23ea9cd6b">Jubilee</a>&nbsp;year of hope that was declared by Pope Francis.In Saturday's message, Leo urged those listening in the stadium and online to be beacons of hope capable of inspiring others.“To share that message of hope with one another — in outreach, in service, in looking for ways to make our world a better place — gives true life to all of us, and is a sign of hope for the whole world.”The afternoon program, emceed by Chicago Bulls announcer Chuck Swirsky, highlighted Leo’s roots, including music by the city's Leo Catholic High School Choir and a musician from Peru, according to the event's program. There was also a discussion featuring a former teacher of the pope as well as a high school classmate and fellow Augustinian.The event also celebrated the mixing of Catholicism and baseball, including a special invitation from the team for Leo to throw out a ceremonial first pitch at a future White Sox game.Leo, formerly Robert Prevost, was elected May 8, becoming the first American pope in the 2,000-year history of the church.Leo, 69, spent his career serving as an Augustinian missionary and ministering in Peru before taking over the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops. He succeeded Pope Francis, who died April 21.“When I see each and every one of you, when I see how people gather together to celebrate their faith, I discover myself how much hope there is in the world,” Leo said in the video message.The program was followed by a Mass celebrated by Cardinal Blase Cupich, the archbishop of Chicago who was part of the conclave that elected Leo.___Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/ap-twir">collaboration</a>&nbsp;with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

🎥 In White Sox stadium broadcast, Pope Leo XIV sends message of hope to the US

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/maria-sherman">MARIA SHERMAN</a>

NEW YORK (AP) — The musical world lost a giant with news Wednesday that Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys’ visionary and fragile leader,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brian-wilson-dies-beach-boys-2272762e46c46820a7af09ffc73cb9a6">had died.</a>&nbsp;He was 82.

Attempting to distill&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brian-wilson-music-entertainment-arts-and-entertainment-6574d4bcebf3f3d98b46c3eb2593cfa5">Wilson’s talent and influence</a>&nbsp;in a few short songs is an impossibility; even just focusing on a few select cuts from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brian-wilson-music-entertainment-arts-and-entertainment-6574d4bcebf3f3d98b46c3eb2593cfa5">The Beach Boys’</a>&nbsp;1966 album “Pet Sounds,” routinely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time, would feel shortsighted. (Lest we forget, there is no Beatles’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/e0e565258e1748c48e8be315041f737b">“Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club”</a>&nbsp;without it, and countless other classics past and present.) Instead, to celebrate Wilson’s life and legacy, we’ve decided to identify just a few songs that made the man, from the fiercely familiar to a few unexpected selections.

Read on and then listen to all of the tracks on&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/71kvCGVlvTzeOBrEoZltQE?si=66ae5ac6116d4092" target="_blank">our Spotify playlist.</a>

1963:&nbsp;“Surfin’ USA,”&nbsp;The Beach Boys

The song of the summer in 1963 — heck,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/songs-of-summer-2024-b38527d7ff8d498e72943ef84cda638b">the song of any summer,</a>&nbsp;ever — “Surfin’ USA” at least partially introduced the group that would forever become synonymous with an image of eternal California bliss, where the sun always shines, the waves are always pristine, and paradise is a place on Earth. It’s hard to imagine the beach existing before these wake-up riffs, the guitars that sparked a surf rock movement and then some. (Though it is important to mention that the song borrows heavily from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/chuck-berry">Chuck Berry’s</a>&nbsp;“Sweet Little Sixteen.”) It’s hard to think that surf music was once mostly just instrumental — even when Wilson and his cousin, fellow Beach Boy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-music-3654257187e84abda38a7cdddeda5842">Mike Love,</a>&nbsp;hastily wrote up their first single, “Surfin,’” a minor hit released in 1961.

1964:&nbsp;“Don’t Worry Baby,”&nbsp;The Beach Boys

Think of it as a response to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ronnie-spector-dead-84c905db02a01ffa43a6052c3ce66920">The Ronettes’</a>&nbsp;“Be My Baby.” The hot-rod hit “Don’t Worry Baby” is the cheery B-side to “I Get Around,” and has one of the most transformative key shifts in pop music history, from the man’s perspective in the verse to the woman’s response in the chorus. Brilliant!

1965:&nbsp;“California Girls,”&nbsp;The Beach Boys

Headphones on, stereo up. The Beach Boys’ “California Girls” sounds massive. It is no doubt the result of Wilson’s love and admiration for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/phil-spector-dead-2845684db91046267039f7d628ce20d4">Phil Spector’s</a>&nbsp;“Wall of Sound,” which lead to the song’s use of guitar, horns, percussion and organ as its overture. The song is a sunshine-y good time — and would later inspire&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/katy-perry">Katy Perry’s</a>&nbsp;“California Gurls,” among countless others. But most importantly, the song establishes the band — and Wilson’s own — larger-than-life aspirations, where pop music could be both avant-garde and built of earworms.

1966:&nbsp;“Wouldn’t It Be Nice,”&nbsp;The Beach Boys

Wilson’s voice is the first one heard on the Beach Boys’ unimpeachable “Pet Sounds.” “Wouldn’t it be nice if we were older? / Then we wouldn’t have to wait so long,” he sweetly sings on the album’s opener. “And wouldn’t it be nice to live together / In the kind of world where we belong?” Optimism and innocence are the name of the game, and the listener is the winner.

1966:&nbsp;“God Only Knows,”&nbsp;The Beach Boys

If Wilson must be known for one thing, let it be his inimitable sense of harmony, perfected across his craft and completely unignorable on “God Only Knows,” a masterclass in vocals, love, emotional depth, harpsichord and the intersection of all such forces.

“God Only Knows” is also one of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/paul-mccartney">Paul McCartney’s</a>&nbsp;favorite songs of all time, one known to bring him to tears.

1967:&nbsp;“Good Vibrations,”&nbsp;The Beach Boys

What kind of vibrations? Good, good, GOOD vibrations. And at a cost. As the story goes, one of the Beach Boys’ best-known hits — and, arguably, one of the most immediately recognizable songs in rock ’n’ roll history — was recorded over seven months, in four different studios, reportedly costing up to $75,000. And it is an absolute masterpiece of theremin, cello, harmonica and so much more. Pop music has never been so ambitious — and successful.

1967:&nbsp;“Heroes and Villains,”&nbsp;The Beach Boys

“Heroes and Villains” might be one of the most complex songs in the Beach Boys’ discography, and with good reason. It is the opener of “Smile,” what Wilson called a “teenage symphony to God,” a whimsical cycle of songs on nature and American folklore written with lyricist Van Dyke Parks. It was delayed, then canceled, then rerecorded and issued in September 1967 on “Smiley Smile,” dismissed by Carl Wilson as a “bunt instead of a grand slam.” In moments, “Heroes and Villains” is psychedelic, in others, it embodies an otherworldly barbershop quartet. It is off-kilter and clever, as Wilson’s band so often proved to be.

1967:&nbsp;“Darlin’,”&nbsp;The Beach Boys

The late ‘60s are an undercelebrated time in Wilson’s creative oeuvre — no doubt an effect of his declining mental health — but there are many rich songs to dig into. Particularly, the soulful, R&amp;B,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/travel-detroit-museums-smokey-robinson-b55595b4f7b25af4c3f9537b048934d2">Motown-esque</a>&nbsp;harmonies of “Darlin’.”

2004: “Don’t Let Her Know She’s an Angel,” Brian Wilson

As the story goes, “Don’t Let Her Know She’s an Angel” was originally record for his 1991 unreleased album “Sweet Insanity,” but did not officially appear until it was rerecorded for his 2004 album “Gettin’ in Over My Head.” The song features a bunch of programming, synths and percussion, which might strike Beach Boys fans as odd. But trust us, it works here.

2012:&nbsp;“Isn’t It Time,”&nbsp;The Beach Boys

This pick might come as a surprise for many fans. “Isn’t It Time” is a cut from “That’s Why God Made the Radio,” the album the legendary group put out to celebrate their 50th anniversary and left a lot to be desired. But within its filler, this song is undoubtedly catchy, with its ukulele and handclap percussion.

AP National Writer Hillel Italie contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749661423740.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/maria-sherman">MARIA SHERMAN</a>NEW YORK (AP) — The musical world lost a giant with news Wednesday that Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys’ visionary and fragile leader,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brian-wilson-dies-beach-boys-2272762e46c46820a7af09ffc73cb9a6">had died.</a>&nbsp;He was 82.Attempting to distill&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brian-wilson-music-entertainment-arts-and-entertainment-6574d4bcebf3f3d98b46c3eb2593cfa5">Wilson’s talent and influence</a>&nbsp;in a few short songs is an impossibility; even just focusing on a few select cuts from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brian-wilson-music-entertainment-arts-and-entertainment-6574d4bcebf3f3d98b46c3eb2593cfa5">The Beach Boys’</a>&nbsp;1966 album “Pet Sounds,” routinely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time, would feel shortsighted. (Lest we forget, there is no Beatles’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/e0e565258e1748c48e8be315041f737b">“Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club”</a>&nbsp;without it, and countless other classics past and present.) Instead, to celebrate Wilson’s life and legacy, we’ve decided to identify just a few songs that made the man, from the fiercely familiar to a few unexpected selections.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We are heartbroken to announced that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away. We are at a loss for words right now. Please respect our privacy at this time as our family grieving. We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world. Love &amp; Mercy <a href="https://t.co/sIe7TUUdOm">pic.twitter.com/sIe7TUUdOm</a>&mdash; Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrianWilsonLive/status/1932838576955302326?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Read on and then listen to all of the tracks on&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/71kvCGVlvTzeOBrEoZltQE?si=66ae5ac6116d4092" target="_blank">our Spotify playlist.</a><h2>1963:&nbsp;“Surfin’ USA,”&nbsp;The Beach Boys</h2>The song of the summer in 1963 — heck,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/songs-of-summer-2024-b38527d7ff8d498e72943ef84cda638b">the song of any summer,</a>&nbsp;ever — “Surfin’ USA” at least partially introduced the group that would forever become synonymous with an image of eternal California bliss, where the sun always shines, the waves are always pristine, and paradise is a place on Earth. It’s hard to imagine the beach existing before these wake-up riffs, the guitars that sparked a surf rock movement and then some. (Though it is important to mention that the song borrows heavily from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/chuck-berry">Chuck Berry’s</a>&nbsp;“Sweet Little Sixteen.”) It’s hard to think that surf music was once mostly just instrumental — even when Wilson and his cousin, fellow Beach Boy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-music-3654257187e84abda38a7cdddeda5842">Mike Love,</a>&nbsp;hastily wrote up their first single, “Surfin,’” a minor hit released in 1961.<h2>1964:&nbsp;“Don’t Worry Baby,”&nbsp;The Beach Boys</h2>Think of it as a response to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ronnie-spector-dead-84c905db02a01ffa43a6052c3ce66920">The Ronettes’</a>&nbsp;“Be My Baby.” The hot-rod hit “Don’t Worry Baby” is the cheery B-side to “I Get Around,” and has one of the most transformative key shifts in pop music history, from the man’s perspective in the verse to the woman’s response in the chorus. Brilliant!<h2>1965:&nbsp;“California Girls,”&nbsp;The Beach Boys</h2>Headphones on, stereo up. The Beach Boys’ “California Girls” sounds massive. It is no doubt the result of Wilson’s love and admiration for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/phil-spector-dead-2845684db91046267039f7d628ce20d4">Phil Spector’s</a>&nbsp;“Wall of Sound,” which lead to the song’s use of guitar, horns, percussion and organ as its overture. The song is a sunshine-y good time — and would later inspire&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/katy-perry">Katy Perry’s</a>&nbsp;“California Gurls,” among countless others. But most importantly, the song establishes the band — and Wilson’s own — larger-than-life aspirations, where pop music could be both avant-garde and built of earworms.<h2>1966:&nbsp;“Wouldn’t It Be Nice,”&nbsp;The Beach Boys</h2>Wilson’s voice is the first one heard on the Beach Boys’ unimpeachable “Pet Sounds.” “Wouldn’t it be nice if we were older? / Then we wouldn’t have to wait so long,” he sweetly sings on the album’s opener. “And wouldn’t it be nice to live together / In the kind of world where we belong?” Optimism and innocence are the name of the game, and the listener is the winner.<h2>1966:&nbsp;“God Only Knows,”&nbsp;The Beach Boys</h2>If Wilson must be known for one thing, let it be his inimitable sense of harmony, perfected across his craft and completely unignorable on “God Only Knows,” a masterclass in vocals, love, emotional depth, harpsichord and the intersection of all such forces.“God Only Knows” is also one of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/paul-mccartney">Paul McCartney’s</a>&nbsp;favorite songs of all time, one known to bring him to tears.<h2>1967:&nbsp;“Good Vibrations,”&nbsp;The Beach Boys</h2>What kind of vibrations? Good, good, GOOD vibrations. And at a cost. As the story goes, one of the Beach Boys’ best-known hits — and, arguably, one of the most immediately recognizable songs in rock ’n’ roll history — was recorded over seven months, in four different studios, reportedly costing up to $75,000. And it is an absolute masterpiece of theremin, cello, harmonica and so much more. Pop music has never been so ambitious — and successful.<h2>1967:&nbsp;“Heroes and Villains,”&nbsp;The Beach Boys</h2>“Heroes and Villains” might be one of the most complex songs in the Beach Boys’ discography, and with good reason. It is the opener of “Smile,” what Wilson called a “teenage symphony to God,” a whimsical cycle of songs on nature and American folklore written with lyricist Van Dyke Parks. It was delayed, then canceled, then rerecorded and issued in September 1967 on “Smiley Smile,” dismissed by Carl Wilson as a “bunt instead of a grand slam.” In moments, “Heroes and Villains” is psychedelic, in others, it embodies an otherworldly barbershop quartet. It is off-kilter and clever, as Wilson’s band so often proved to be.<h2>1967:&nbsp;“Darlin’,”&nbsp;The Beach Boys</h2>The late ‘60s are an undercelebrated time in Wilson’s creative oeuvre — no doubt an effect of his declining mental health — but there are many rich songs to dig into. Particularly, the soulful, R&amp;B,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/travel-detroit-museums-smokey-robinson-b55595b4f7b25af4c3f9537b048934d2">Motown-esque</a>&nbsp;harmonies of “Darlin’.”<h2>2004: “Don’t Let Her Know She’s an Angel,” Brian Wilson</h2>As the story goes, “Don’t Let Her Know She’s an Angel” was originally record for his 1991 unreleased album “Sweet Insanity,” but did not officially appear until it was rerecorded for his 2004 album “Gettin’ in Over My Head.” The song features a bunch of programming, synths and percussion, which might strike Beach Boys fans as odd. But trust us, it works here.<h2>2012:&nbsp;“Isn’t It Time,”&nbsp;The Beach Boys</h2>This pick might come as a surprise for many fans. “Isn’t It Time” is a cut from “That’s Why God Made the Radio,” the album the legendary group put out to celebrate their 50th anniversary and left a lot to be desired. But within its filler, this song is undoubtedly catchy, with its ukulele and handclap percussion.___AP National Writer Hillel Italie contributed to this report.

10 songs to celebrate the life and legacy of the Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson

MINNEAPOLIS - The Kansas FFA student led organization for the first time, has recently elected a State President from Minneapolis, KS since its establishment in 1928.&nbsp;

Lillian Hulse, incoming freshman for Kansas State University made history after the 97th annual Kansas FFA State Convention on May 28th - May 30th, 2025 by becoming the first Kansas FFA State President for the 2025-2026 tenure from Minneapolis, KS. Hulse is the President of the 2025-2026 Kansas FFA State Officer team, which was announced at the Kansas FFA State Convention at the campus of K-State.

"Becoming President was very unexpected for me," but it is an honor to be in this position," said Hulse.&nbsp;

Hulse grew up on a farm with her family, where they raised commercial Hereford cattle. Since she was always around the agricultural lifestyle, Hulse found her love and interest for it. She then became involved with <a href="https://4-h.org/about/">4-H</a>&nbsp;when she was 6 years old.&nbsp;

Hulse first joined Kansas FFA in the Minneapolis chapter when she was a 7th grader. Kansas FFA was that next step for her as she&nbsp; followed her brother's footsteps, August Hulse who was in Kansas FFA. This is where she found her own interest in career development and leadership development events, that allowed her to find her own passions for agriculture.&nbsp;

“The leadership aspect, allows you to meet alot of people, learn alot about agriculture and learn from others," said Hulse. 

She then served as the chapter officer for Minneapolis, when she was a sophomore in high school and ran for district office. This is when Hulse realized that she really enjoyed meeting people and making an impact in the leadership role. Furthermore, Hulse then became the Minneapolis Chapter Vice President that same year and her junior year, she was elected as the President for the chapter of Minneapolis. She went on ahead and served in the Kansas FFA North Central Kansas District, which oversees 30 chapters. Hulse was the Treasurer for the district her junior year and was then elected as Vice President her senior of high school. 

Throughout her journey, she found her interest in Agricultural Communications, which is a setting where FFA students listen to an individual speak about an agricultural issue and then students will write an article regarding it.&nbsp;

"I realized that I really love Agricultural Communications and it allowed me to start my supervised agricultural experience," said Hulse.

Hulse has written articles for “Grass and Grain” (Kansas Agriculture Newspaper) and the "Minneapolis Messenger." She has wrote stories that touch on topics on why she thinks agricultural education should be taught in grade schools in some way of form.

Voting process of becoming the first Kansas FFA State President out of Minneapolis, KS

Before she started her role as Kansas FFA State President for the 2025-2026 year, she had to go through a lengthy process during State Convention. Hulse stated that the voting process took 3 days full of interviews, speeches and activities.&nbsp;

"I had a busy week, but in the end it helped me work on my own communication skills," said Hulse.

According to Hulse, the voting process consisted of 12 people on a nominating committee, past state officers, advisors and agricultural industry professionals that are part of a process that includes delegates and every chapter in the state of Kansas (240 chapters).

The candidates went through many interviews (both one on one and group), speeches about a specific topic and issues regarding the agricultural industry. The nominating committee also voted and evaluated on a specific activity that was performed by the candidate and their partner. Then delegates would evaluate each candidate during a meet and greet session, which went over their&nbsp;personable skills and traits. Candidates were also evaluated through a parliamentary procedure and their employability skills, which is a similar to a job interview.

After the process, Hulse was then elected as the Kansas FFA State President for the 2025-2026 State Officer team.

Hulse has been pretty busy since she has started her presidency role. She described her role as one who will lead&nbsp;all of the Board of Director meetings for Kansas FFA, participating in Chapter Leadership Trainings and District Officer Conferences.&nbsp;

According to Hulse, Chapter Leadership Trainings are&nbsp;meant to help other chapters (local) across the state create their own program of activities for the year. District Officer Conferences&nbsp;help district officers (7 of them) learn how to facilitate their own conferences that they will hold throughout the year. Hulse will also participate in industry visits and tours as well.

Hulse is committed to attending K-State University in Manhattan, where she will be majoring in Agricultural Education and Communications. After her college career, she plans on hoping to be an agriculture teacher, writer and a Kansas FFA advisor.

"I hope to advocate and inform people about issues regarding agriculture,” said Hulse. Hopefully more people can join FFA and grow from it themselves.”

"Now with this degree that I am pursuing in agricultural education, I hope to help people become more aware of agriculture and the importance of it especially for people at a young age," said Hulse.

Hulse will continue to write for Grass and Grain during her college career.&nbsp;

Thoughts on FFA and Hulse's support system

Hulse could not have accomplished this achievement by herself as she thanks her family and her Minneapolis FFA agriculture teacher and advisor, Christina Wallace. She thanked her father, Joshua Hulse, mother, Melissa Hulse and brother, August Hulse. Wallace helped her practice for about 3 months before state convention, where she was elected as Kansas FFA State President.

"No matter what she (Wallace) always went out her way to make sure I succeeded and she does this for everyone too,” said Hulse. “There is no way I would be state president if it was not for her. Her and my family&nbsp;have always been very supportive."

Wallace had nothing but great things to say about Hulse. Both had a common experience when it came to entering a new environment, as Wallace started her teaching career in Minneapolis when Hulse entered the Minneapolis chapter in the 7th grade, after she transferred from Bennington.

“We got to journey along and figure things out together," said Wallace.

Wallace stated when she first met Hulse as a student, that she was very 'quiet,' yet very 'diligent.' She described that Hulse never let her grades falter no matter how busy she may have gotten with extracurricular activities and FFA.&nbsp;

As Hulse started to acclimate to the Minneapolis environment, Wallace said this is when she 'came out her shell.'

“The more I got to spend time with Lillian, the more I got to know her and we were comfortable around each other,” said Wallace. “Once you are comfortable around the people you know, then it flows over to every aspect of your life.”

Wallace commented that many teachers have said they wish more students were like Hulse. She also described that Hulse was 'very competitive' and that she wanted to compete in every contest and opportunity that was available to her.

“She (Hulse) was almost always top ten in just about everything she competed in,” said Wallace. "Literally I can count on one hand, the contests that she did not place top ten in the contests she had gone to for 4 years.”

The friendship that Hulse and Wallace have is one that is strong and keeps each other uplifted. Wallace talked about how she 'pushed her to try new things' that Hulse did not always think were her best fit. Not only did Wallace support her through thick and thin, but Hulse has been one to impact Wallace's life as well.

“There’s that bible verse that says, 'Iron Sharpens Iron' and if I can keep Lillian by my side my whole life I would be sharpest person you will ever meet,” said Wallace. “With Lillian’s incredible accomplishments and unwavering faith, it kept me so grounded and when her name got called (to be State President) I don't think I have felt that much pride in my heart for someone to be related to my job. It was proud moment for all of us at Minneapolis and especially those that have all worked closely with her."

Wallace said she 'shed tears' when Hulse became the Kansas FFA State President for the 2025-2026 year.

Hulse is the State President for Kansas FFA that consists of 13,528 members.

For more information about the largest student-led organization is the country, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ffa.org/about/">https://www.ffa.org/about/</a>

To learn more about FFA for the state of Kansas, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksffa.org/about/">https://www.ksffa.org/about/</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749741543963.jpeg" alt="Lillian Hulse, 2025-2026 Kansas FFA President (Minneapolis, KS); photo courtesy from Lillian Hulse" />
 <figcaption>Lillian Hulse, 2025-2026 Kansas FFA President (Minneapolis, KS); photo courtesy from Lillian Hulse</figcaption>
 </figure>By: NICOLAS FIERROSalina PostMINNEAPOLIS - The Kansas FFA student led organization for the first time, has recently elected a State President from Minneapolis, KS since its establishment in 1928.&nbsp;Lillian Hulse, incoming freshman for Kansas State University made history after the 97th annual Kansas FFA State Convention on May 28th - May 30th, 2025 by becoming the first Kansas FFA State President for the 2025-2026 tenure from Minneapolis, KS. Hulse is the President of the 2025-2026 Kansas FFA State Officer team, which was announced at the Kansas FFA State Convention at the campus of K-State."Becoming President was very unexpected for me," but it is an honor to be in this position," said Hulse.&nbsp;<h2>Growing up</h2>Hulse grew up on a farm with her family, where they raised commercial Hereford cattle. Since she was always around the agricultural lifestyle, Hulse found her love and interest for it. She then became involved with <a href="https://4-h.org/about/">4-H</a>&nbsp;when she was 6 years old.&nbsp;Hulse first joined Kansas FFA in the Minneapolis chapter when she was a 7th grader. Kansas FFA was that next step for her as she&nbsp; followed her brother's footsteps, August Hulse who was in Kansas FFA. This is where she found her own interest in career development and leadership development events, that allowed her to find her own passions for agriculture.&nbsp;“The leadership aspect, allows you to meet alot of people, learn alot about agriculture and learn from others," said Hulse. She then served as the chapter officer for Minneapolis, when she was a sophomore in high school and ran for district office. This is when Hulse realized that she really enjoyed meeting people and making an impact in the leadership role. Furthermore, Hulse then became the Minneapolis Chapter Vice President that same year and her junior year, she was elected as the President for the chapter of Minneapolis. She went on ahead and served in the Kansas FFA North Central Kansas District, which oversees 30 chapters. Hulse was the Treasurer for the district her junior year and was then elected as Vice President her senior of high school. Throughout her journey, she found her interest in Agricultural Communications, which is a setting where FFA students listen to an individual speak about an agricultural issue and then students will write an article regarding it.&nbsp;"I realized that I really love Agricultural Communications and it allowed me to start my supervised agricultural experience," said Hulse.Hulse has written articles for “Grass and Grain” (Kansas Agriculture Newspaper) and the "Minneapolis Messenger." She has wrote stories that touch on topics on why she thinks agricultural education should be taught in grade schools in some way of form.<h2>Voting process of becoming the first Kansas FFA State President out of Minneapolis, KS</h2>Before she started her role as Kansas FFA State President for the 2025-2026 year, she had to go through a lengthy process during State Convention. Hulse stated that the voting process took 3 days full of interviews, speeches and activities.&nbsp;"I had a busy week, but in the end it helped me work on my own communication skills," said Hulse.According to Hulse, the voting process consisted of 12 people on a nominating committee, past state officers, advisors and agricultural industry professionals that are part of a process that includes delegates and every chapter in the state of Kansas (240 chapters).The candidates went through many interviews (both one on one and group), speeches about a specific topic and issues regarding the agricultural industry. The nominating committee also voted and evaluated on a specific activity that was performed by the candidate and their partner. Then delegates would evaluate each candidate during a meet and greet session, which went over their&nbsp;personable skills and traits. Candidates were also evaluated through a parliamentary procedure and their employability skills, which is a similar to a job interview.After the process, Hulse was then elected as the Kansas FFA State President for the 2025-2026 State Officer team.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749747499764.jpeg" alt="2025-2026 Kansas FFA State Officer Team by order left to right: President, Lillian Hulse (Minneapolis), Vice President, Dustin Denton (Valley Heights), Secretary, Marisa Wasinger (Hays), Treasurer, Maggie Chandler (Neodesha), Reporter, Bricen Benyshek (Concordia), Sentinel, Ally Rietcheck (Eudora); photo courtesy&nbsp;from Lillian Hulse" />
 <figcaption>2025-2026 Kansas FFA State Officer Team by order left to right: President, Lillian Hulse (Minneapolis), Vice President, Dustin Denton (Valley Heights), Secretary, Marisa Wasinger (Hays), Treasurer, Maggie Chandler (Neodesha), Reporter, Bricen Benyshek (Concordia), Sentinel, Ally Rietcheck (Eudora); photo courtesy&nbsp;from Lillian Hulse</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Role of a Kansas FFA State President</h2>Hulse has been pretty busy since she has started her presidency role. She described her role as one who will lead&nbsp;all of the Board of Director meetings for Kansas FFA, participating in Chapter Leadership Trainings and District Officer Conferences.&nbsp;According to Hulse, Chapter Leadership Trainings are&nbsp;meant to help other chapters (local) across the state create their own program of activities for the year. District Officer Conferences&nbsp;help district officers (7 of them) learn how to facilitate their own conferences that they will hold throughout the year. Hulse will also participate in industry visits and tours as well.<h2>What's next</h2>Hulse is committed to attending K-State University in Manhattan, where she will be majoring in Agricultural Education and Communications. After her college career, she plans on hoping to be an agriculture teacher, writer and a Kansas FFA advisor."I hope to advocate and inform people about issues regarding agriculture,” said Hulse. Hopefully more people can join FFA and grow from it themselves.”"Now with this degree that I am pursuing in agricultural education, I hope to help people become more aware of agriculture and the importance of it especially for people at a young age," said Hulse.Hulse will continue to write for Grass and Grain during her college career.&nbsp;<h2>Thoughts on FFA and Hulse's support system</h2>Hulse could not have accomplished this achievement by herself as she thanks her family and her Minneapolis FFA agriculture teacher and advisor, Christina Wallace. She thanked her father, Joshua Hulse, mother, Melissa Hulse and brother, August Hulse. Wallace helped her practice for about 3 months before state convention, where she was elected as Kansas FFA State President."No matter what she (Wallace) always went out her way to make sure I succeeded and she does this for everyone too,” said Hulse. “There is no way I would be state president if it was not for her. Her and my family&nbsp;have always been very supportive."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749748221964.jpeg" alt="Lillian Hulse with her father, Joshua Hulse and mother Melissa Hulse; photo courtesy from Lillian Hulse" />
 <figcaption>Lillian Hulse with her father, Joshua Hulse and mother Melissa Hulse; photo courtesy from Lillian Hulse</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749748331777.jpeg" alt="Lillian Hulse with Christina Wallace (Minneapolis FFA agriculture teacher and FFA advisor); photo courtesy from Lillian Hulse" />
 <figcaption>Lillian Hulse with Christina Wallace (Minneapolis FFA agriculture teacher and FFA advisor); photo courtesy from Lillian Hulse</figcaption>
 </figure>Wallace had nothing but great things to say about Hulse. Both had a common experience when it came to entering a new environment, as Wallace started her teaching career in Minneapolis when Hulse entered the Minneapolis chapter in the 7th grade, after she transferred from Bennington.“We got to journey along and figure things out together," said Wallace.Wallace stated when she first met Hulse as a student, that she was very 'quiet,' yet very 'diligent.' She described that Hulse never let her grades falter no matter how busy she may have gotten with extracurricular activities and FFA.&nbsp;As Hulse started to acclimate to the Minneapolis environment, Wallace said this is when she 'came out her shell.'“The more I got to spend time with Lillian, the more I got to know her and we were comfortable around each other,” said Wallace. “Once you are comfortable around the people you know, then it flows over to every aspect of your life.”Wallace commented that many teachers have said they wish more students were like Hulse. She also described that Hulse was 'very competitive' and that she wanted to compete in every contest and opportunity that was available to her.“She (Hulse) was almost always top ten in just about everything she competed in,” said Wallace. "Literally I can count on one hand, the contests that she did not place top ten in the contests she had gone to for 4 years.”The friendship that Hulse and Wallace have is one that is strong and keeps each other uplifted. Wallace talked about how she 'pushed her to try new things' that Hulse did not always think were her best fit. Not only did Wallace support her through thick and thin, but Hulse has been one to impact Wallace's life as well.“There’s that bible verse that says, 'Iron Sharpens Iron' and if I can keep Lillian by my side my whole life I would be sharpest person you will ever meet,” said Wallace. “With Lillian’s incredible accomplishments and unwavering faith, it kept me so grounded and when her name got called (to be State President) I don't think I have felt that much pride in my heart for someone to be related to my job. It was proud moment for all of us at Minneapolis and especially those that have all worked closely with her."Wallace said she 'shed tears' when Hulse became the Kansas FFA State President for the 2025-2026 year.Hulse is the State President for Kansas FFA that consists of 13,528 members.For more information about the largest student-led organization is the country, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ffa.org/about/">https://www.ffa.org/about/</a>To learn more about FFA for the state of Kansas, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksffa.org/about/">https://www.ksffa.org/about/</a>

Minneapolis student makes history for the Kansas FFA student led organization

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Masses of demonstrators packed into streets, parks and plazas across the U.S. on Saturday to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/photo-gallery/no-kings-protest-trump-us-b5de52994b7c592034fb19b7d3e9d577">protest President Donald Trump</a>, marching through downtowns and small towns, blaring anti-authoritarian chants mixed with support for protecting democracy and immigrant rights.

Organizers of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/no-kings-protest-things-to-know-trump-8d37f2bb2bf20ab503205b277e92b885">“No Kings” demonstrations</a>&nbsp;said millions had marched in hundreds of events. Governors across the U.S. had urged calm and vowed no tolerance for violence, while some mobilized the National Guard ahead of marchers gathering.

Confrontations were isolated. But police in Los Angeles, where protests over federal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-raids-los-angeles-f8c4160e32be0ff77c5d4bf0ccef98cc">immigration enforcement raids</a>&nbsp;erupted a week earlier and sparked demonstrations across the country, used tear gas and crowd-control munitions to clear out protesters after the formal event ended.

Huge, boisterous crowds marched, danced, drummed, and chanted shoulder-to-shoulder in New York, Denver, Chicago, Austin and Los Angeles, some behind “no kings” banners. Atlanta’s 5,000-capacity event quickly reached its limit, with thousands more gathered outside barriers to hear speakers in front of the state Capitol.

Trump was in Washington for a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-army-parade-troops-tanks-birthday-protests-4cca4da0e89908d39c820240744375a1">military parade</a>&nbsp;marking the Army’s 250th anniversary that coincides with the president’s birthday. About 200 protesters assembled in northwest Washington’s Logan Circle and chanted “Trump must go now” before erupting in cheers. A larger-than-life puppet of Trump — a caricature of the president wearing a crown and sitting on a golden toilet — was wheeled through the crowd.

In some places, organizers handed out little American flags while others flew their flags upside down, a sign of distress.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/photo-gallery/mexican-flag-flown-la-immigration-protests-e321c28691f0fa61427c981f99bfed13">Mexican flags</a>, which have become a fixture of the Los Angeles protests against immigration raids, also made an appearance at some demonstrations Saturday.

In Culpepper, Virginia, police said one person was struck by an SUV when a 21-year-old driver intentionally accelerated his SUV into the crowd as protesters were leaving a rally. The driver was charged with reckless driving.

The demonstrations come on the heels of the protests over the federal immigration enforcement raids that began last week and Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-raids-los-angeles-2d1d5e2f638da600c4b34fe8bf8cf3aa">ordering the National Guard</a>&nbsp;and Marines to Los Angeles, where protesters blocked a freeway and set cars on fire.

“Today, across red states and blue, rural towns and major cities, Americans stood in peaceful unity and made it clear: we don’t do kings," the No Kings Coalition said in a statement Saturday afternoon after many events had ended.

Thousands gathered downtown, where organizers handed out small American flags and people carried protest signs saying “fight oligarchy” and “deport the mini-Mussolinis."

Karen Van Trieste, a 61-year-old nurse who drove up from Maryland, said she grew up in Philadelphia and wanted to be with a large group of people showing her support.

“I just feel like we need to defend our democracy,” she said. She is concerned about the Trump administration’s layoffs of staff at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the fate of immigrant communities and Trump trying to rule by executive order, she said.

A woman wearing a foam Statue of Liberty crown brought a speaker system and led an anti-Trump sing-along, changing the words “young man” in the song “Y.M.C.A.” to “con man.”

”I am what the successful American dream looks like,” said C.C. Téllez, an immigrant from Bolivia who attended the protest. “I’ve enjoyed great success here in the United States, and I’ve also contributed heavily to my community. And if there was space for me, I think there’s a way for everybody else to belong here as well.”

Thousands gathered in front of City Hall, waving signs and listening to a Native American drum circle before marching through the streets.

As protesters passed National Guard troops or U.S. Marines stationed at various buildings, most interactions were friendly, with demonstrators giving fist bumps or posing for selfies. But others chanted “shame” or “go home” at the troops.

Amid signs reading “They fear us don’t back down California” and “We carry dreams not danger, ” one demonstrator carried a 2-foot-tall (60-centimeter) Trump pinata on a stick, with a crown on his head and sombrero hanging off his back. Another hoisted a huge helium-filled orange baby balloon with blond hair styled like Trump's.

A few blocks from City Hall, protesters gathered in front of the downtown federal detention center being guarded by a line of Marines and other law enforcement. It was the first time that the Marines, in combat gear and holding rifles, have appeared at a demonstration since they were deployed to city on Friday with the stated mission of defending federal property.

Peter Varadi, 54, said he voted for Trump last November for “economic reasons.” Now, for the first time in his life, he is protesting, waving a Mexican and U.S. combined flag.

“I voted for Donald Trump, and now I regret that, because he’s taken this fascism to a new level,” Varadi said. “It’s Latinos now. Who’s next? It’s gays. Blacks after that. They’re coming for everybody.”

Even after the formal event ended, the downtown streets were packed with a jubilant crowd as people danced to salsa music and snacked on hot dogs and ice cream bought from vendors, many of whom are Latino immigrants. But the previously calm demonstration turned confrontational as police on horseback moved into the crowd and struck some people with wood rods and batons as they cleared the street in front of the federal building.

Marchers in the crowd that stretched for blocks along Fifth Avenue had diverse reasons for coming, including anger over Trump’s immigration policies, support for the Palestinian people and outrage over what they said was an erosion of free speech rights.

But there were patriotic symbols, too. Leah Griswold, 32, and Amber Laree, 59, who marched in suffragette white dresses, brought 250 American flags to hand out to people in the crowd.

“Our mothers who came out, fought for our rights, and now we're fighting for future generations as well,” Griswold said.

Some protesters held signs denouncing Trump while others banged drums.

“We’re here because we’re worried about the existential crisis of this country and the planet and our species,” said Sean Kryston, 28.

Gov. Tim Walz and law enforcement encouraged people not to attend rallies “out of an abundance of caution” following the shootings of the Democratic state lawmakers.

Dozen of events were canceled, but tens of thousands still turned out for demonstrations in Duluth, Rochester and St. Paul, which included a march to the state Capitol. Walz canceled his scheduled appearance at the St. Paul event.

Authorities said the suspect had “No Kings” flyers in his car and writings mentioning the names of the victims as well as other lawmakers and officials, though they could not say if he had any other specific targets.

Seda Heng, 29, of Rochester, said she was heartbroken by the shootings, but still wanted to join the rally there. “These people are trying to do what they can for their communities, for the state, for the nation,” Heng told the Minnesota Star-Tribune.

Crowds cheered anti-Trump speakers in Charlotte's First Ward Park before marching, chanting “No kings. No crowns. We will not bow down."

Marchers stretched for blocks, led by a group of people holding a giant Mexican flag and bystanders cheering and clapping along the way.

Jocelyn Abarca, a 21-year-old college student, said the protest was a chance to “speak for what’s right” after mass deportations and Trump's deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles.

“If we don’t stop it now, it’s just going to keep getting worse,” she said.

Naomi Mena said she traveled an hour to demonstrate in Charlotte to represent her “friends and family who sadly can’t have a voice out in public now” to stay safe.

A rally at the Texas Capitol in Austin went off as planned despite state police briefly shutting down the building and the surrounding grounds after authorities said they received a “credible threat” to Democratic state lawmakers who were to attend.

Dozens of state troopers swarmed through the grounds about four hours before the event, but the area was later opened and the rally started on time. The building remained closed.

The Department of Public Safety later said one person was taken into custody “in connection with the threats made against state lawmakers" after a traffic stop in La Grange, Texas, about 65 miles (105 kilometers) east of Austin. State police did not detail the threat or immediately identify the person, but said there was no additional active threat.

A demonstration of hundreds of people opened to “War Pigs” by Black Sabbath playing over a sound system on the state Capitol lawn in Jackson.

“A lot of stuff that’s going on now is targeting people of color, and to see so many folks out here that aren’t black or brown fighting for the same causes that I’m here for, it makes me very emotional,” said Tony Cropper, who traveled from Tennessee to attend the protest.

Some people wore tinfoil crowns atop their heads. Others held signs inviting motorists to “Honk if you never text war plans.”

Melissa Johnson said she drove an hour-and-a-half to Jackson to protest because “we are losing the thread of democracy in our country."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749934172608.jpeg" alt="No Kings protest Saturday on the. Plaza in Kansas City -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>No Kings protest Saturday on the. Plaza in Kansas City -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Masses of demonstrators packed into streets, parks and plazas across the U.S. on Saturday to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/photo-gallery/no-kings-protest-trump-us-b5de52994b7c592034fb19b7d3e9d577">protest President Donald Trump</a>, marching through downtowns and small towns, blaring anti-authoritarian chants mixed with support for protecting democracy and immigrant rights.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749929043459.png" alt="No Kings rally in Philadelphia-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>No Kings rally in Philadelphia-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Happening right now, we’re leading the No Kings Protest through the Plaza to let everyone know—Kansas City doesn’t stand with Donald Trump! 🚫 <a href="https://t.co/dP6QZ4vL6I">pic.twitter.com/dP6QZ4vL6I</a>&mdash; Justice Horn (@JusticeHorn_) <a href="https://twitter.com/JusticeHorn_/status/1933977845044220213?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Organizers of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/no-kings-protest-things-to-know-trump-8d37f2bb2bf20ab503205b277e92b885">“No Kings” demonstrations</a>&nbsp;said millions had marched in hundreds of events. Governors across the U.S. had urged calm and vowed no tolerance for violence, while some mobilized the National Guard ahead of marchers gathering.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749951214438.png" alt="No Kings rally at the Kansas Statehouse on Saturday -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>No Kings rally at the Kansas Statehouse on Saturday -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Confrontations were isolated. But police in Los Angeles, where protests over federal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-raids-los-angeles-f8c4160e32be0ff77c5d4bf0ccef98cc">immigration enforcement raids</a>&nbsp;erupted a week earlier and sparked demonstrations across the country, used tear gas and crowd-control munitions to clear out protesters after the formal event ended.Huge, boisterous crowds marched, danced, drummed, and chanted shoulder-to-shoulder in New York, Denver, Chicago, Austin and Los Angeles, some behind “no kings” banners. Atlanta’s 5,000-capacity event quickly reached its limit, with thousands more gathered outside barriers to hear speakers in front of the state Capitol.Trump was in Washington for a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-army-parade-troops-tanks-birthday-protests-4cca4da0e89908d39c820240744375a1">military parade</a>&nbsp;marking the Army’s 250th anniversary that coincides with the president’s birthday. About 200 protesters assembled in northwest Washington’s Logan Circle and chanted “Trump must go now” before erupting in cheers. A larger-than-life puppet of Trump — a caricature of the president wearing a crown and sitting on a golden toilet — was wheeled through the crowd.In some places, organizers handed out little American flags while others flew their flags upside down, a sign of distress.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/photo-gallery/mexican-flag-flown-la-immigration-protests-e321c28691f0fa61427c981f99bfed13">Mexican flags</a>, which have become a fixture of the Los Angeles protests against immigration raids, also made an appearance at some demonstrations Saturday.In Culpepper, Virginia, police said one person was struck by an SUV when a 21-year-old driver intentionally accelerated his SUV into the crowd as protesters were leaving a rally. The driver was charged with reckless driving.The demonstrations come on the heels of the protests over the federal immigration enforcement raids that began last week and Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-raids-los-angeles-2d1d5e2f638da600c4b34fe8bf8cf3aa">ordering the National Guard</a>&nbsp;and Marines to Los Angeles, where protesters blocked a freeway and set cars on fire.“Today, across red states and blue, rural towns and major cities, Americans stood in peaceful unity and made it clear: we don’t do kings," the No Kings Coalition said in a statement Saturday afternoon after many events had ended.<h2>Philadelphia</h2>Thousands gathered downtown, where organizers handed out small American flags and people carried protest signs saying “fight oligarchy” and “deport the mini-Mussolinis."Karen Van Trieste, a 61-year-old nurse who drove up from Maryland, said she grew up in Philadelphia and wanted to be with a large group of people showing her support.“I just feel like we need to defend our democracy,” she said. She is concerned about the Trump administration’s layoffs of staff at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the fate of immigrant communities and Trump trying to rule by executive order, she said.A woman wearing a foam Statue of Liberty crown brought a speaker system and led an anti-Trump sing-along, changing the words “young man” in the song “Y.M.C.A.” to “con man.””I am what the successful American dream looks like,” said C.C. Téllez, an immigrant from Bolivia who attended the protest. “I’ve enjoyed great success here in the United States, and I’ve also contributed heavily to my community. And if there was space for me, I think there’s a way for everybody else to belong here as well.”<h2>Los Angeles</h2>Thousands gathered in front of City Hall, waving signs and listening to a Native American drum circle before marching through the streets.As protesters passed National Guard troops or U.S. Marines stationed at various buildings, most interactions were friendly, with demonstrators giving fist bumps or posing for selfies. But others chanted “shame” or “go home” at the troops.Amid signs reading “They fear us don’t back down California” and “We carry dreams not danger, ” one demonstrator carried a 2-foot-tall (60-centimeter) Trump pinata on a stick, with a crown on his head and sombrero hanging off his back. Another hoisted a huge helium-filled orange baby balloon with blond hair styled like Trump's.A few blocks from City Hall, protesters gathered in front of the downtown federal detention center being guarded by a line of Marines and other law enforcement. It was the first time that the Marines, in combat gear and holding rifles, have appeared at a demonstration since they were deployed to city on Friday with the stated mission of defending federal property.Peter Varadi, 54, said he voted for Trump last November for “economic reasons.” Now, for the first time in his life, he is protesting, waving a Mexican and U.S. combined flag.“I voted for Donald Trump, and now I regret that, because he’s taken this fascism to a new level,” Varadi said. “It’s Latinos now. Who’s next? It’s gays. Blacks after that. They’re coming for everybody.”Even after the formal event ended, the downtown streets were packed with a jubilant crowd as people danced to salsa music and snacked on hot dogs and ice cream bought from vendors, many of whom are Latino immigrants. But the previously calm demonstration turned confrontational as police on horseback moved into the crowd and struck some people with wood rods and batons as they cleared the street in front of the federal building.<h2>New York City</h2>Marchers in the crowd that stretched for blocks along Fifth Avenue had diverse reasons for coming, including anger over Trump’s immigration policies, support for the Palestinian people and outrage over what they said was an erosion of free speech rights.But there were patriotic symbols, too. Leah Griswold, 32, and Amber Laree, 59, who marched in suffragette white dresses, brought 250 American flags to hand out to people in the crowd.“Our mothers who came out, fought for our rights, and now we're fighting for future generations as well,” Griswold said.Some protesters held signs denouncing Trump while others banged drums.“We’re here because we’re worried about the existential crisis of this country and the planet and our species,” said Sean Kryston, 28.<h2>Minnesota</h2>Gov. Tim Walz and law enforcement encouraged people not to attend rallies “out of an abundance of caution” following the shootings of the Democratic state lawmakers.Dozen of events were canceled, but tens of thousands still turned out for demonstrations in Duluth, Rochester and St. Paul, which included a march to the state Capitol. Walz canceled his scheduled appearance at the St. Paul event.Authorities said the suspect had “No Kings” flyers in his car and writings mentioning the names of the victims as well as other lawmakers and officials, though they could not say if he had any other specific targets.Seda Heng, 29, of Rochester, said she was heartbroken by the shootings, but still wanted to join the rally there. “These people are trying to do what they can for their communities, for the state, for the nation,” Heng told the Minnesota Star-Tribune.<h2>North Carolina</h2>Crowds cheered anti-Trump speakers in Charlotte's First Ward Park before marching, chanting “No kings. No crowns. We will not bow down."Marchers stretched for blocks, led by a group of people holding a giant Mexican flag and bystanders cheering and clapping along the way.Jocelyn Abarca, a 21-year-old college student, said the protest was a chance to “speak for what’s right” after mass deportations and Trump's deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles.“If we don’t stop it now, it’s just going to keep getting worse,” she said.Naomi Mena said she traveled an hour to demonstrate in Charlotte to represent her “friends and family who sadly can’t have a voice out in public now” to stay safe.<h2>Texas</h2>A rally at the Texas Capitol in Austin went off as planned despite state police briefly shutting down the building and the surrounding grounds after authorities said they received a “credible threat” to Democratic state lawmakers who were to attend.Dozens of state troopers swarmed through the grounds about four hours before the event, but the area was later opened and the rally started on time. The building remained closed.The Department of Public Safety later said one person was taken into custody “in connection with the threats made against state lawmakers" after a traffic stop in La Grange, Texas, about 65 miles (105 kilometers) east of Austin. State police did not detail the threat or immediately identify the person, but said there was no additional active threat.<h2>Mississippi</h2>A demonstration of hundreds of people opened to “War Pigs” by Black Sabbath playing over a sound system on the state Capitol lawn in Jackson.“A lot of stuff that’s going on now is targeting people of color, and to see so many folks out here that aren’t black or brown fighting for the same causes that I’m here for, it makes me very emotional,” said Tony Cropper, who traveled from Tennessee to attend the protest.Some people wore tinfoil crowns atop their heads. Others held signs inviting motorists to “Honk if you never text war plans.”Melissa Johnson said she drove an hour-and-a-half to Jackson to protest because “we are losing the thread of democracy in our country."___

Thousands crowd streets nationwide at 'No Kings' demonstrations

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, good week of practice up to this point, they have one more tomorrow and these are Phase 3 practices. Next week, we’ll start our official mandatory OTAs. We have a couple – three days of those, so we’ll go from there, but it’s been a good turnout, the guys are working hard. (I) appreciate the improvement that they’re making, especially the young guys. They’re pushing through these things, so it’s a good lead up for them as they get ready for camp coming up here.”

REID:&nbsp;“Raider day, yeah. Chargers yesterday.”

Q: What tells you Kingsley Suamataia is going to be a more productive player in his new spot than he was his rookie year?

REID:&nbsp;“First of all, he (Kingsley Suamataia) has experience and then he looks more comfortable there. He seems to be picking it up well. Not that we’re going full speed contact, but he has an opportunity to go against Chris (Jones) and that’ll surely help him for the season.”

Q: What type of veteran leadership does Gardner Minshew provide for the team?

REID:&nbsp;“He’s (Gardner Minshew) been there – he’s started, so he’s got that. He’s got the confidence of the guys around him. Patrick (Mahomes) knows he’s been in there and done it, so they can bounce things off of each other. It’s always good to have peers that have played, and you can talk to them about it a little bit. I think on gameday he’ll be great with Patrick, just with what he’s seeing from the sideline and what Pat’s seeing when he’s in there.”

Q: How impressed are you with the attendance for voluntary camp?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, really everybody – for the most part has been here at some point. Some guys have business things they have to run out and do, but for the most part, guys have been here participating, which I’ve been impressed with. I appreciate it.”

Q: How’s Josh Simmons been progressing?

REID:&nbsp;“He’s (Josh Simmons) doing a nice job. We weren’t sure quite how much we were going to be able to get out of him, but he looks strong. He’s been jumping in and taking the team reps now – which he was just doing the individual stuff before, and you can definitely see the talent. He’s got to keep learning and learn the stuff that (Offensive Line Coach) Andy’s (Heck) teaching him fundamentally and technique-wise, but he sure has a good attitude about it.”

Q: What have you learned about Brashard Smith since he’s been here?

REID:&nbsp;“I like what he (Brashard Smith) does. He’s got good speed and (he’s a) good route runner. That part of his game – for running backs and linebackers, these are kind of tough camps, so we’ll just see how things go once we get to (training) camp but with what we’ve asked him to do, he’s done a good job with it.”

Q: Did Kingsley Suamataia handle last season how you hoped he would?

REID:&nbsp;“It looked like he (Kingsley Suamataia) learned as he went. It was rough, obviously, early and expectations are high. You come into a championship caliber team, and you’re thrown in there at left tackle, it’s not always the easiest thing for a young guy. I think it was a great experience when you – I think it’ll tell itself out as he goes forward.”

Q: What are you looking for with the young guys? Are you more interested in what you see on the practice field or around the building?

REID:&nbsp;“I have to tell you; you probably evaluate all that. You have kind of an eagle eye on them and make sure they’re handling themselves the right way and still giving them the little room to grow in there on their own, but you definitely keep a close eye on them.”

Q: Have you had to tell Josh Simmons to slow down?

REID:&nbsp;“We’ve done that. We’ve done that with him (Josh Simmons) and he’s asked for more and we’ve kind of kept backing him up here and easing him into it. You can tell that he rehabbed – (he) did a nice job with it. Obviously, the people that did the surgery did a nice job with it, so he looks like he – and he’s in good shape. He’s here quite a bit. He’s one of those guys that you have to kind of kick out of the building.”

Q: Is it your expectation that Trey Smith will be participating in mandatory minicamp next week?

REID:&nbsp;“We’ll see. I don’t know that to be honest with you. These things are – we’ll see where it goes.”

Q: What are you looking for when you focus on different position groups during practice?

REID:&nbsp;“Listen, if I can give the guys something, just from experience, I try to do that. These guys are great. They’re the best in the world at what they’re doing but if you can give them a little nugget – the great players that I’ve been around, they want that so if I see something, I’ll share it with them. Their coaches do a great job with them but if I see something, I’m going to try to tell them.”

Q: How important is it for you guys to stay innovative and unpredictable?

REID:&nbsp;“I think every coach would probably tell you that, but I think it’s important that you keep growing. There are some lessons (that) you can learn out of that, and I told you before (that) I thought the attitude that they had coming out of that (Super Bowl LIX loss), I look for that. ‘Are you going to take responsibility?’ These guys took responsibility for it. That gives you an opportunity to improve – coaches and players. If you come in and you start pointing the finger at each other, you can’t grow but these guys have done that, and they have had a great attitude this offseason.”

Q: What do you remember about meeting Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo for the first time at UTEP?

REID:&nbsp;“He (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) was real close with that staff and I was kind of the new kid on that staff. They’d already been there a year by the time I got there but everybody respected him, we all knew he was a good coach. Some of the guys, like I said, had worked with him, so over the years I got to know him because of that. That same staff went to Missouri, so Spags was always around visiting, coming down to learn stuff and then to see his friends at the same time.”

Q: Can you talk a little bit about former Assistant Special Teams Coach Andy Hill?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, so (former Assistant Special Teams Coach) Andy (Hill) retired to golf and fish – and hunt but he did a great job when he was here. He is Mr. Missouri, he knows everybody (laughs). I’m not just saying that, he knows everybody. He’s got a great attitude, and he has a great relationship with (Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator Dave) Toub – and the other coaches but he was very close with Dave. We’ll miss him. (Assistant Special Teams coach) Porter’s (Ellett) moved over to that, who’s a good, young football coach so he’ll do a nice job but again, it was good to have Andy here for the years he was here. He was very well liked.”

Q: What kind of potential do you see in Jalen Royals? Do you see him involved in his rookie year?

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, good week of practice up to this point, they have one more tomorrow and these are Phase 3 practices. Next week, we’ll start our official mandatory OTAs. We have a couple – three days of those, so we’ll go from there, but it’s been a good turnout, the guys are working hard. (I) appreciate the improvement that they’re making, especially the young guys. They’re pushing through these things, so it’s a good lead up for them as they get ready for camp coming up here.”Q: Chargers day today?REID:&nbsp;“Raider day, yeah. Chargers yesterday.”Q: What tells you Kingsley Suamataia is going to be a more productive player in his new spot than he was his rookie year?REID:&nbsp;“First of all, he (Kingsley Suamataia) has experience and then he looks more comfortable there. He seems to be picking it up well. Not that we’re going full speed contact, but he has an opportunity to go against Chris (Jones) and that’ll surely help him for the season.”Q: What type of veteran leadership does Gardner Minshew provide for the team?REID:&nbsp;“He’s (Gardner Minshew) been there – he’s started, so he’s got that. He’s got the confidence of the guys around him. Patrick (Mahomes) knows he’s been in there and done it, so they can bounce things off of each other. It’s always good to have peers that have played, and you can talk to them about it a little bit. I think on gameday he’ll be great with Patrick, just with what he’s seeing from the sideline and what Pat’s seeing when he’s in there.”Q: How impressed are you with the attendance for voluntary camp?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, really everybody – for the most part has been here at some point. Some guys have business things they have to run out and do, but for the most part, guys have been here participating, which I’ve been impressed with. I appreciate it.”Q: How’s Josh Simmons been progressing?REID:&nbsp;“He’s (Josh Simmons) doing a nice job. We weren’t sure quite how much we were going to be able to get out of him, but he looks strong. He’s been jumping in and taking the team reps now – which he was just doing the individual stuff before, and you can definitely see the talent. He’s got to keep learning and learn the stuff that (Offensive Line Coach) Andy’s (Heck) teaching him fundamentally and technique-wise, but he sure has a good attitude about it.”Q: What have you learned about Brashard Smith since he’s been here?REID:&nbsp;“I like what he (Brashard Smith) does. He’s got good speed and (he’s a) good route runner. That part of his game – for running backs and linebackers, these are kind of tough camps, so we’ll just see how things go once we get to (training) camp but with what we’ve asked him to do, he’s done a good job with it.”Q: Did Kingsley Suamataia handle last season how you hoped he would?REID:&nbsp;“It looked like he (Kingsley Suamataia) learned as he went. It was rough, obviously, early and expectations are high. You come into a championship caliber team, and you’re thrown in there at left tackle, it’s not always the easiest thing for a young guy. I think it was a great experience when you – I think it’ll tell itself out as he goes forward.”Q: What are you looking for with the young guys? Are you more interested in what you see on the practice field or around the building?REID:&nbsp;“I have to tell you; you probably evaluate all that. You have kind of an eagle eye on them and make sure they’re handling themselves the right way and still giving them the little room to grow in there on their own, but you definitely keep a close eye on them.”Q: Have you had to tell Josh Simmons to slow down?REID:&nbsp;“We’ve done that. We’ve done that with him (Josh Simmons) and he’s asked for more and we’ve kind of kept backing him up here and easing him into it. You can tell that he rehabbed – (he) did a nice job with it. Obviously, the people that did the surgery did a nice job with it, so he looks like he – and he’s in good shape. He’s here quite a bit. He’s one of those guys that you have to kind of kick out of the building.”Q: Is it your expectation that Trey Smith will be participating in mandatory minicamp next week?REID:&nbsp;“We’ll see. I don’t know that to be honest with you. These things are – we’ll see where it goes.”Q: What are you looking for when you focus on different position groups during practice?REID:&nbsp;“Listen, if I can give the guys something, just from experience, I try to do that. These guys are great. They’re the best in the world at what they’re doing but if you can give them a little nugget – the great players that I’ve been around, they want that so if I see something, I’ll share it with them. Their coaches do a great job with them but if I see something, I’m going to try to tell them.”Q: How important is it for you guys to stay innovative and unpredictable?REID:&nbsp;“I think every coach would probably tell you that, but I think it’s important that you keep growing. There are some lessons (that) you can learn out of that, and I told you before (that) I thought the attitude that they had coming out of that (Super Bowl LIX loss), I look for that. ‘Are you going to take responsibility?’ These guys took responsibility for it. That gives you an opportunity to improve – coaches and players. If you come in and you start pointing the finger at each other, you can’t grow but these guys have done that, and they have had a great attitude this offseason.”Q: What do you remember about meeting Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo for the first time at UTEP?REID:&nbsp;“He (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) was real close with that staff and I was kind of the new kid on that staff. They’d already been there a year by the time I got there but everybody respected him, we all knew he was a good coach. Some of the guys, like I said, had worked with him, so over the years I got to know him because of that. That same staff went to Missouri, so Spags was always around visiting, coming down to learn stuff and then to see his friends at the same time.”Q: Can you talk a little bit about former Assistant Special Teams Coach Andy Hill?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, so (former Assistant Special Teams Coach) Andy (Hill) retired to golf and fish – and hunt but he did a great job when he was here. He is Mr. Missouri, he knows everybody (laughs). I’m not just saying that, he knows everybody. He’s got a great attitude, and he has a great relationship with (Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator Dave) Toub – and the other coaches but he was very close with Dave. We’ll miss him. (Assistant Special Teams coach) Porter’s (Ellett) moved over to that, who’s a good, young football coach so he’ll do a nice job but again, it was good to have Andy here for the years he was here. He was very well liked.”Q: What kind of potential do you see in Jalen Royals? Do you see him involved in his rookie year?

Chiefs Quotes: 6-12-25

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel attacked Iran's capital early Friday, with explosions booming across Tehran as Israel said it targeted nuclear and military sites.

The attack comes as tensions have reached new heights over Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear program. The Board of Governors at the International Atomic Energy Agency for the first time in 20 years on Thursday censured Iran over it not working with its inspectors. Iran immediately announced it would establish a third enrichment site in the country and swap out some centrifuges for more-advanced ones.

Israel for years has warned it will not allow Iran to build a nuclear weapon, something Tehran insists it doesn’t want — though official there have repeatedly warned it could build them. The U.S. has been preparing for something to happen, already pulling some diplomats from Iraq’s capital and offering voluntary evacuations for the families of U.S. troops in the wider Middle East.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an address on YouTube that the attacks will continue “for as many days at it takes to remove this threat.”

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Israel took “unilateral action against Iran” and that Israel advised the U.S. that it believed the strikes were necessary for its self-defense.

“We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region,” Rubio said in a statement released by the White House.

Rubio also issued a warning to Iran that it should not target U.S. interests or personnel.

People in Tehran awoke to the sound of the blast. State television acknowledged the blast.

It wasn't immediately clear what had been hit, though smoke could be rising from Chitgar, a neighborhood in western Tehran. There are no known nuclear sites in that area — but it wasn't immediately clear if anything was happening in the rest of the country.

An Israeli military official says that his country targeted Iranian nuclear sites, without identifying them.

The official spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing operation, which is also targeting military sites.

Benchmark Brent crude spiked on the attack, rising nearly 5% on the news.

Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz said that his country carried out the attack, without saying what it targeted.

“In the wake of the state of Israel’s preventive attack against Iran, missile and drone attacks against Israel and its civilian population are expected immediately," he said in a statement.

The statement added that Katz “signed a special order declaring an emergency situation in the home front.”

“It is essential to listen to instructions from the home front command and authorities to stay in protected areas,” it said

Both Iran and Israel closed their airspace.

As the explosions in Tehran started, President Donald Trump was on the lawn of the White House mingling with members of Congress. It was unclear if he had been informed but the president continued shaking hands and posing for pictures for several minutes.

Trump earlier said he was urging Netanyahu to hold off from taking action for the time being while the administration negotiated with Iran.

“As long as I think there is a (chance for an) agreement, I don’t want them going in because I think it would blow it,” Trump told reporters.

Israel for years has warned it will not allow Iran to build a nuclear weapon, something Tehran insists it doesn't want — though official there have repeatedly warned it could build them. The U.S. has been preparing for something to happen, already pulling some diplomats from Iraq's capital and offering voluntary evacuations for the families of U.S. troops in the wider Middle East.

Iran halted flights Friday at Imam Khomeini International Airport outside of Tehran, the country’s main airport, Iranian state TV said.

Iran has closed its airspace in the past when launching previous attacks against Israel during the Israel-Hamas war.

The White House did not have an immediate comment Thursday night.

Trump earlier said he was urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to hold off from taking action for the time being while the administration negotiated with Iran.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — (AP) — Israel attacked Iran's capital early Friday, with explosions booming across Tehran.

Israel for years has warned it will not allow Iran to build a nuclear weapon, something Tehran insists it doesn't want — though official there have repeatedly warned it could. The U.S. has been preparing for something to happen, already pulling some diplomats from Iraq's capital and offering voluntary evacuations for the families of U.S. troops in the wider Middle East.

It wasn't immediately clear what had been hit, though smoke could be rising from Chitgar, a neighborhood in western Tehran.

Benchmark Brent crude spiked on the attack, rising over 2%.

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel attacked Iran's capital early Friday, with explosions booming across Tehran as Israel said it targeted nuclear and military sites.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Statement from Secretary of State Marco Rubio “Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its… <a href="https://t.co/5FFesh3dkF">pic.twitter.com/5FFesh3dkF</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1933328486669697508?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The attack comes as tensions have reached new heights over Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear program. The Board of Governors at the International Atomic Energy Agency for the first time in 20 years on Thursday censured Iran over it not working with its inspectors. Iran immediately announced it would establish a third enrichment site in the country and swap out some centrifuges for more-advanced ones.Israel for years has warned it will not allow Iran to build a nuclear weapon, something Tehran insists it doesn’t want — though official there have repeatedly warned it could build them. The U.S. has been preparing for something to happen, already pulling some diplomats from Iraq’s capital and offering voluntary evacuations for the families of U.S. troops in the wider Middle East.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Prime Minister Netanyahu: &quot;Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel&#39;s very survival. This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/3c8oF1GCYa">pic.twitter.com/3c8oF1GCYa</a>&mdash; Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraeliPM/status/1933329728246534596?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an address on YouTube that the attacks will continue “for as many days at it takes to remove this threat.”U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Israel took “unilateral action against Iran” and that Israel advised the U.S. that it believed the strikes were necessary for its self-defense.“We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region,” Rubio said in a statement released by the White House.Rubio also issued a warning to Iran that it should not target U.S. interests or personnel.People in Tehran awoke to the sound of the blast. State television acknowledged the blast.It wasn't immediately clear what had been hit, though smoke could be rising from Chitgar, a neighborhood in western Tehran. There are no known nuclear sites in that area — but it wasn't immediately clear if anything was happening in the rest of the country.An Israeli military official says that his country targeted Iranian nuclear sites, without identifying them.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A statement from IDF Spokesperson BG Effie Defrin on the preemptive Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear targets <a href="https://t.co/IJNT5LXz6o">pic.twitter.com/IJNT5LXz6o</a>&mdash; Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1933328551333216407?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The official spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing operation, which is also targeting military sites.Benchmark Brent crude spiked on the attack, rising nearly 5% on the news.Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz said that his country carried out the attack, without saying what it targeted.“In the wake of the state of Israel’s preventive attack against Iran, missile and drone attacks against Israel and its civilian population are expected immediately," he said in a statement.The statement added that Katz “signed a special order declaring an emergency situation in the home front.”“It is essential to listen to instructions from the home front command and authorities to stay in protected areas,” it saidBoth Iran and Israel closed their airspace.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">At our Embassy in Jerusalem and closely following the situation. We will remain here all night. “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!” <a href="https://t.co/2nAHxijkdA">https://t.co/2nAHxijkdA</a>&mdash; Ambassador Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovMikeHuckabee/status/1933302492147687876?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>As the explosions in Tehran started, President Donald Trump was on the lawn of the White House mingling with members of Congress. It was unclear if he had been informed but the president continued shaking hands and posing for pictures for several minutes.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/A9A4LhK7PZ">pic.twitter.com/A9A4LhK7PZ</a>&mdash; Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecRubio/status/1933275097357312051?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump earlier said he was urging Netanyahu to hold off from taking action for the time being while the administration negotiated with Iran.“As long as I think there is a (chance for an) agreement, I don’t want them going in because I think it would blow it,” Trump told reporters.-----------JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel attacked Iran's capital early Friday, with explosions booming across Tehran as Israel said it targeted nuclear and military sites.The attack comes as tensions have reached new heights over Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear program. The Board of Governors at the International Atomic Energy Agency for the first time in 20 years on Thursday censured Iran over it not working with its inspectors. Iran immediately announced it would establish a third enrichment site in the country and swap out some centrifuges for more-advanced ones.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐃𝐅 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞, 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐞, 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐈𝐫𝐚𝐧&#39;𝐬 𝐧𝐮𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦. Dozens of IAF jets completed the first stage that included strikes on dozens of military targets, including… <a href="https://t.co/vtx98P9564">pic.twitter.com/vtx98P9564</a>&mdash; Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1933324595471454495?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Israel for years has warned it will not allow Iran to build a nuclear weapon, something Tehran insists it doesn't want — though official there have repeatedly warned it could build them. The U.S. has been preparing for something to happen, already pulling some diplomats from Iraq's capital and offering voluntary evacuations for the families of U.S. troops in the wider Middle East.People in Tehran awoke to the sound of the blast. State television acknowledged the blast.It wasn't immediately clear what had been hit, though smoke could be rising from Chitgar, a neighborhood in western Tehran. There are no known nuclear sites in that area — but it wasn't immediately clear if anything was happening in the rest of the country.An Israeli military official says that his country targeted Iranian nuclear sites, without identifying them.The official spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing operation, which is also targeting military sites.Benchmark Brent crude spiked on the attack, rising nearly 5% on the news.Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz said that his country carried out the attack, without saying what it targeted.“In the wake of the state of Israel’s preventive attack against Iran, missile and drone attacks against Israel and its civilian population are expected immediately," he said in a statement.The statement added that Katz “signed a special order declaring an emergency situation in the home front.”“It is essential to listen to instructions from the home front command and authorities to stay in protected areas,” it saidIran halted flights Friday at Imam Khomeini International Airport outside of Tehran, the country’s main airport, Iranian state TV said.Iran has closed its airspace in the past when launching previous attacks against Israel during the Israel-Hamas war.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">At our Embassy in Jerusalem and closely following the situation. We will remain here all night. “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!” <a href="https://t.co/2nAHxijkdA">https://t.co/2nAHxijkdA</a>&mdash; Ambassador Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovMikeHuckabee/status/1933302492147687876?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The White House did not have an immediate comment Thursday night.As the explosions in Tehran started, President Donald Trump was on the lawn of the White House mingling with members of Congress. It was unclear if he had been informed but the president continued shaking hands and posing for pictures for several minutes.Trump earlier said he was urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to hold off from taking action for the time being while the administration negotiated with Iran.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/A9A4LhK7PZ">pic.twitter.com/A9A4LhK7PZ</a>&mdash; Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecRubio/status/1933275097357312051?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“As long as I think there is a (chance for an) agreement, I don’t want them going in because I think it would blow it,” Trump told reporters.--------------------DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — (AP) — Israel attacked Iran's capital early Friday, with explosions booming across Tehran.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">At our Embassy in Jerusalem and closely following the situation. We will remain here all night. “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!” <a href="https://t.co/2nAHxijkdA">https://t.co/2nAHxijkdA</a>&mdash; Ambassador Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovMikeHuckabee/status/1933302492147687876?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The attack comes as tensions have reached new heights over Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear program. The Board of Governors at the International Atomic Energy Agency for the first time in 20 years on Thursday censured Iran over it not working with its inspectors. Iran immediately announced it would establish a third enrichment site in the country and swap out some centrifuges for more-advanced ones.Israel for years has warned it will not allow Iran to build a nuclear weapon, something Tehran insists it doesn't want — though official there have repeatedly warned it could. The U.S. has been preparing for something to happen, already pulling some diplomats from Iraq's capital and offering voluntary evacuations for the families of U.S. troops in the wider Middle East.People in Tehran awoke to the sound of the blast. State television acknowledged the blast.It wasn't immediately clear what had been hit, though smoke could be rising from Chitgar, a neighborhood in western Tehran.Benchmark Brent crude spiked on the attack, rising over 2%.The White House did not have an immediate comment Thursday night.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/A9A4LhK7PZ">pic.twitter.com/A9A4LhK7PZ</a>&mdash; Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecRubio/status/1933275097357312051?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>As the explosions in Tehran started, President Donald Trump was on the lawn of the White House mingling with members of Congress. It was unclear if he had been informed but the president continued shaking hands and posing for pictures for several minutes.

Rubio: U.S. not involved as Israel launches strike against Iran's nuclear program

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22DAVID%20A.%20LIEB%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By DAVID A. LIEB&nbsp;</a>

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri lawmakers on Wednesday approved hundreds of millions of dollars of financial aid to try to persuade the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals to remain in the state and help the St. Louis area recover from a devastating tornado.

House passage sends the legislative package to Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-royals-stadiums-missouri-kansas-tornado-9627dbb949df43a7736d0d72cd4ebf56">called lawmakers into special session</a>&nbsp;with a plea for urgent action. Kehoe is expected to sign the measures into law.

Missouri's session paired two otherwise unrelated national trends —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-stadiums-public-funding-nfl-mlb-a81d825286530bb95f227efc99f2e9d3">a movement for new taxpayer-funded sports stadiums</a>&nbsp;and a reevaluation of states' roles in natural disasters as President Donald Trump's administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fema-hurricane-season-disasters-fema-application-team-rubicon-united-way-1cdd11a3f36fb7cfd37a9ea2655e99f0">reassess federal aid programs</a>.

The stadium subsidies already were a top concern in Missouri when a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/storms-tornadoes-damage-destruction-3f7207e36dc589e9635755a1f579e926">deadly tornado struck St. Louis</a>&nbsp;on May 16, causing an estimated $1.6 billion of damage a day after lawmakers had wrapped up work in their annual regular session.

The disaster relief had widespread support. Lawmakers listened attentively on Wednesday as Democratic state Rep. Kimberly-Ann Collins described with a cracking voice how she witnessed the tornado rip the roof off her house and damage her St. Louis neighborhood. Collins said she has no home insurance, slept in her car for days and has accepted food from others.

“Homes are crumbled and leveled,” said Collins, adding: “It hurts me to my core to see the families that have worked so hard, the businesses that have worked so hard, to see them ripped apart.”

Lawmakers approved $100 million of open-ended aid for St. Louis and $25 million for emergency housing assistance in any areas covered under requests for presidential disaster declarations. They also authorized a $5,000 income tax credit to offset insurance policy deductibles for homeowners and renters hit by this year’s storms — a provision that state budget director Dan Haug said could eventually cost up to $600 million.

The Chiefs and Royals currently play football and baseball in side-by-side stadiums in Jackson County, Missouri, under leases that expire in January 2031. Jackson County voters last year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-royals-kansas-city-stadiums-e9605296b85e91699441e4ba10e83212">defeated a sales tax extension</a>&nbsp;that would have helped finance an $800 million renovation of the Chiefs’ Arrowhead Stadium and a $2 billion ballpark district for the Royals in downtown Kansas City.

That prompted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-royals-new-stadiums-3441b3084c8efab00057f593f4d9b95e">lawmakers in neighboring Kansas</a>&nbsp;last year to authorize bonds for up to 70% of the cost of new stadiums in Kansas to lure the teams to their state. The Royals have bought a mortgage for property in Kansas, though the team also has continued to pursue other possible sites in Missouri.

The Kansas offer is scheduled to expire June 30, creating urgency for Missouri to approve a counteroffer.

Missouri's legislation authorizes bonds covering up to 50% of the cost of new or renovated stadiums, plus up to $50 million of tax credits for each stadium and unspecified aid from local governments. If they choose to stay in Missouri, the Chiefs plan a $1.15 billion renovation of Arrowhead Stadium.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748716070795.png" alt=" GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs, and Kauffman Stadium, home of the Kansas City Royals-photo Anna Spoerre/The Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs, and Kauffman Stadium, home of the Kansas City Royals-photo Anna Spoerre/The Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22DAVID%20A.%20LIEB%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By DAVID A. LIEB&nbsp;</a>JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri lawmakers on Wednesday approved hundreds of millions of dollars of financial aid to try to persuade the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals to remain in the state and help the St. Louis area recover from a devastating tornado.House passage sends the legislative package to Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-royals-stadiums-missouri-kansas-tornado-9627dbb949df43a7736d0d72cd4ebf56">called lawmakers into special session</a>&nbsp;with a plea for urgent action. Kehoe is expected to sign the measures into law.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Mayor Lucas Applauds Passage of Show-Me Sports Investment Act <a href="https://t.co/hu2susLDkr">pic.twitter.com/hu2susLDkr</a>&mdash; Mayor Quinton Lucas (@MayorLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MayorLucasKC/status/1932889603188666558?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Missouri's session paired two otherwise unrelated national trends —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-stadiums-public-funding-nfl-mlb-a81d825286530bb95f227efc99f2e9d3">a movement for new taxpayer-funded sports stadiums</a>&nbsp;and a reevaluation of states' roles in natural disasters as President Donald Trump's administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fema-hurricane-season-disasters-fema-application-team-rubicon-united-way-1cdd11a3f36fb7cfd37a9ea2655e99f0">reassess federal aid programs</a>.The stadium subsidies already were a top concern in Missouri when a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/storms-tornadoes-damage-destruction-3f7207e36dc589e9635755a1f579e926">deadly tornado struck St. Louis</a>&nbsp;on May 16, causing an estimated $1.6 billion of damage a day after lawmakers had wrapped up work in their annual regular session.The disaster relief had widespread support. Lawmakers listened attentively on Wednesday as Democratic state Rep. Kimberly-Ann Collins described with a cracking voice how she witnessed the tornado rip the roof off her house and damage her St. Louis neighborhood. Collins said she has no home insurance, slept in her car for days and has accepted food from others.“Homes are crumbled and leveled,” said Collins, adding: “It hurts me to my core to see the families that have worked so hard, the businesses that have worked so hard, to see them ripped apart.”Lawmakers approved $100 million of open-ended aid for St. Louis and $25 million for emergency housing assistance in any areas covered under requests for presidential disaster declarations. They also authorized a $5,000 income tax credit to offset insurance policy deductibles for homeowners and renters hit by this year’s storms — a provision that state budget director Dan Haug said could eventually cost up to $600 million.The Chiefs and Royals currently play football and baseball in side-by-side stadiums in Jackson County, Missouri, under leases that expire in January 2031. Jackson County voters last year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-royals-kansas-city-stadiums-e9605296b85e91699441e4ba10e83212">defeated a sales tax extension</a>&nbsp;that would have helped finance an $800 million renovation of the Chiefs’ Arrowhead Stadium and a $2 billion ballpark district for the Royals in downtown Kansas City.That prompted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-royals-new-stadiums-3441b3084c8efab00057f593f4d9b95e">lawmakers in neighboring Kansas</a>&nbsp;last year to authorize bonds for up to 70% of the cost of new stadiums in Kansas to lure the teams to their state. The Royals have bought a mortgage for property in Kansas, though the team also has continued to pursue other possible sites in Missouri.The Kansas offer is scheduled to expire June 30, creating urgency for Missouri to approve a counteroffer.Missouri's legislation authorizes bonds covering up to 50% of the cost of new or renovated stadiums, plus up to $50 million of tax credits for each stadium and unspecified aid from local governments. If they choose to stay in Missouri, the Chiefs plan a $1.15 billion renovation of Arrowhead Stadium.The Chiefs, in a statement to The Associated Press, described the legislative vote as a “significant step forward” that enables the team to continue exploring options to remain in Missouri. The Royals described the legislation as “a very important piece of our decision-making process" but made no site-specific commitment.“Our focus remains the same: to prioritize the best interests of our team, fans, partners and regional community as we pursue the next generational home for the Kansas City Royals,” the team said in a statement to the AP.Though they have no specific plans in the works, the St. Louis Cardinals also would be eligible for stadium aid if they undertake a project of at least $500 million.Many economists contend public funding for stadiums isn’t worth it, because sports tend to divert discretionary spending away from other forms of entertainment rather than generate new income.But supporters said Missouri stands to lose millions of dollars of tax revenue if Kansas City's most prominent professional sports teams move to Kansas. They said Missouri's reputation also would take a hit, particularly if it loses the Chiefs, which have won three of the past six Super Bowls.“We have the chance to maybe save what is the symbol of this state,” Rep. Jim Murphy, a Republican from St. Louis County, said while illustrating cross-state support for the measure.The legislation faced some bipartisan pushback from those who described it as a subsidy for wealthy sports team owners. Others raised concerns that a property tax break for homeowners, which was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/st-louis-tornado-chiefs-royals-stadiums-7bdf60809d968c82178fd7df17cce181">added in the Senate</a>&nbsp;to gain votes, violates the state constitution by providing different levels of tax relief in various counties while excluding others entirely.“This bill is unconstitutional, it’s fiscally reckless, it’s morally wrong," said Republican state Rep. Bryant Wolfin.