RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — U.S. President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;met with interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, the first encounter between the two nations’ leaders in 25 years and one that could mark a turning point for Syria as it struggles to emerge from decades of international isolation.

The meeting, on the sidelines of Trump's get-together with the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council, marks a major turn of events for a Syria still adjusting to life after the over 50-year,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-bashar-assad-war-1468a97ff95bb782f5933856d99c9a8d">iron-gripped rule of the Assad family</a>.

According to White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, President Trump, at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa. President Erdogan of Turkey joined by phone. President Erdogan praised President Trump for lifting sanctions on Syria and committed to working alongside Saudi Arabia to encourage peace and prosperity in Syria. The Crown Prince also commended President Trump for his decision to lift the sanctions, calling it courageous. President Trump thanked President Erdogan and the Crown Prince for their friendship, and told President Al-Sharaa that he has a tremendous opportunity to do something historic in his country. President Trump encouraged President Al-Sharaa to do a great job for the Syrian people, and urged him to:

1. Sign onto the Abraham Accords with Israel 

2. Tell all foreign terrorists to leave Syria 

4. Help the United States to prevent the resurgence of ISIS 

5. Assume responsibility for ISIS detention centers in Northeast Syria

President Al-Sharaa thanked President Trump, the Crown Prince, and President Erdogan for their efforts to put together the meeting, and recognized the significant opportunity presented by the Iranians leaving Syria, as well as shared U.S.-Syrian interests in countering terrorism and eliminating chemical weapons. President Al-Sharaa affirmed his commitment to the 1974 disengagement with Israel. President Al-Sharaa concluded with his hope that Syria would serve as a critical link in facilitating trade between east and west, and invited American companies to invest in Syrian oil and gas.

The Russia-Ukraine war and the war in Gaza was also discussed.

Trump announced on Tuesday as he kicked off his three-nation Middle East tour in Riyadh that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ahmad-alsharaa-trump-syria-bashar-al-assad-6facdef5b881286955b95e0c5b2704d7">he would also move to lift U.S. sanctions imposed on Syria</a>&nbsp;under the deposed autocrat Bashar Assad.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuWrgnnl7go">People across Syria cheered in the streets</a>&nbsp;and set off fireworks on Tuesday night to celebrate, hopeful their nation — locked out of credit cards and global finance — might rejoin the world's economy when they need investments the most.

Wednesday's meeting was also remarkable given al-Sharaa, under the nom de guerre&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-insurgents-algolani-hts-aab4c8894238904a4e351076726499fb">Abu Mohammed al-Golani</a>, had ties to al-Qaida and joined insurgents battling U.S. forces in Iraq before entering the Syrian war. He was even imprisoned by U.S. troops there for several years.

And the meeting came even after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier asked Trump not to lift sanctions on Syria, again underscoring a growing discontent between the White House and the Israeli government as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mideast-wars-israel-hamas-gaza-05-14-2025-bc5c95bdcf4106da61dda4fff762e5fe">its war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip rages on</a>.

I am “ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria to give them a fresh start,” Trump told the Gulf Cooperation Council after his meeting with al-Sharaa. “It gives them a chance for greatness. The sanctions were really crippling, very powerful.”

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed displeasure at Trump’s announcement about the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Syria.

Araghchi, who is Iran’s nuclear negotiator, slammed Trump as having a “very deceitful viewpoint.”

“What he stated about the hope of regional nations for a progressive, flourishing path, is the same path that people of Iran decided through their revolution,” Araghchi said.

“It was the U.S. that blocked progress of Iranian nation through sanctions for more than 40 years as well as its pressures, military and nonmilitary threats,” he added.

Trump dives into Mideast crises in his speech to GCC leaders

Trump told GCC leaders in Riyadh that he wanted to secure a deal that would prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

He said he hoped for a “future of safety and dignity of the Palestinian people” but not with Gaza’s current leaders, Hamas, who he said “delight in raping, torturing and murdering innocent people.” He said his sanctions relief for Syria would “give them a fresh start.”

He told the room of regional leaders that the the world was watching them “with envy” but added: “if we can simply stop the aggression from a small group of pretty bad actors.”

Trump also dove into U.S. politics, making sure to mention his victory in the 2024 election, which he called historic. He said the Biden administration “created havoc and bedlam.”

Photos show up of Trump's meeting with Syria's al-Sharaa

The photos show Syrian interim president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, shaking hands with the Saudi crown prince, with Trump standing behind them. The three leaders later posed for a photo, Trump smiling broadly. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had joined the gathering by phone.

The source of the photos was not immediately clear, though Syrian activists and others shared them and local Saudi-owned media began publishing them.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said later in a statement that Trump urged al-Sharaa to “do a great job for the Syrian people.”

He also asked him to diplomatically recognize Israel, “tell all foreign terrorists to leave Syria” and help the U.S. stop any resurgence of the Islamic State group, as well as having Syrian government “assume responsibility” for detention centers holding IS militants.

For his part, al-Sharaa expressed "hope that Syria would serve as a critical link in facilitating trade between east and west, and invited American companies to invest in Syrian oil and gas,” Leavitt wrote.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — U.S. President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;met with interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, the first encounter between the two nations’ leaders in 25 years and one that could mark a turning point for Syria as it struggles to emerge from decades of international isolation.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, President Trump, at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa. President Erdogan of Turkey joined by phone. President Erdogan praised President Trump for lifting sanctions on Syria and committed to working alongside Saudi… <a href="https://t.co/0yhyZbQ1o0">pic.twitter.com/0yhyZbQ1o0</a>&mdash; Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) <a href="https://twitter.com/PressSec/status/1922567846317392240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The meeting, on the sidelines of Trump's get-together with the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council, marks a major turn of events for a Syria still adjusting to life after the over 50-year,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-bashar-assad-war-1468a97ff95bb782f5933856d99c9a8d">iron-gripped rule of the Assad family</a>.According to White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, President Trump, at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa. President Erdogan of Turkey joined by phone. President Erdogan praised President Trump for lifting sanctions on Syria and committed to working alongside Saudi Arabia to encourage peace and prosperity in Syria. The Crown Prince also commended President Trump for his decision to lift the sanctions, calling it courageous. President Trump thanked President Erdogan and the Crown Prince for their friendship, and told President Al-Sharaa that he has a tremendous opportunity to do something historic in his country. President Trump encouraged President Al-Sharaa to do a great job for the Syrian people, and urged him to:1. Sign onto the Abraham Accords with Israel 2. Tell all foreign terrorists to leave Syria 3. Deport Palestinian terrorists 4. Help the United States to prevent the resurgence of ISIS 5. Assume responsibility for ISIS detention centers in Northeast SyriaPresident Al-Sharaa thanked President Trump, the Crown Prince, and President Erdogan for their efforts to put together the meeting, and recognized the significant opportunity presented by the Iranians leaving Syria, as well as shared U.S.-Syrian interests in countering terrorism and eliminating chemical weapons. President Al-Sharaa affirmed his commitment to the 1974 disengagement with Israel. President Al-Sharaa concluded with his hope that Syria would serve as a critical link in facilitating trade between east and west, and invited American companies to invest in Syrian oil and gas.The Russia-Ukraine war and the war in Gaza was also discussed.Trump announced on Tuesday as he kicked off his three-nation Middle East tour in Riyadh that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ahmad-alsharaa-trump-syria-bashar-al-assad-6facdef5b881286955b95e0c5b2704d7">he would also move to lift U.S. sanctions imposed on Syria</a>&nbsp;under the deposed autocrat Bashar Assad.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuWrgnnl7go">People across Syria cheered in the streets</a>&nbsp;and set off fireworks on Tuesday night to celebrate, hopeful their nation — locked out of credit cards and global finance — might rejoin the world's economy when they need investments the most.Wednesday's meeting was also remarkable given al-Sharaa, under the nom de guerre&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-insurgents-algolani-hts-aab4c8894238904a4e351076726499fb">Abu Mohammed al-Golani</a>, had ties to al-Qaida and joined insurgents battling U.S. forces in Iraq before entering the Syrian war. He was even imprisoned by U.S. troops there for several years.And the meeting came even after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier asked Trump not to lift sanctions on Syria, again underscoring a growing discontent between the White House and the Israeli government as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mideast-wars-israel-hamas-gaza-05-14-2025-bc5c95bdcf4106da61dda4fff762e5fe">its war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip rages on</a>.I am “ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria to give them a fresh start,” Trump told the Gulf Cooperation Council after his meeting with al-Sharaa. “It gives them a chance for greatness. The sanctions were really crippling, very powerful.”<h2>Iran unhappy with Trump's moves on Syria</h2>Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed displeasure at Trump’s announcement about the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Syria.Araghchi, who is Iran’s nuclear negotiator, slammed Trump as having a “very deceitful viewpoint.”“What he stated about the hope of regional nations for a progressive, flourishing path, is the same path that people of Iran decided through their revolution,” Araghchi said.“It was the U.S. that blocked progress of Iranian nation through sanctions for more than 40 years as well as its pressures, military and nonmilitary threats,” he added.<h2>Trump dives into Mideast crises in his speech to GCC leaders</h2>Trump told GCC leaders in Riyadh that he wanted to secure a deal that would prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.He said he hoped for a “future of safety and dignity of the Palestinian people” but not with Gaza’s current leaders, Hamas, who he said “delight in raping, torturing and murdering innocent people.” He said his sanctions relief for Syria would “give them a fresh start.”He told the room of regional leaders that the the world was watching them “with envy” but added: “if we can simply stop the aggression from a small group of pretty bad actors.”Trump also dove into U.S. politics, making sure to mention his victory in the 2024 election, which he called historic. He said the Biden administration “created havoc and bedlam.”<h2>Photos show up of Trump's meeting with Syria's al-Sharaa</h2>The photos show Syrian interim president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, shaking hands with the Saudi crown prince, with Trump standing behind them. The three leaders later posed for a photo, Trump smiling broadly. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had joined the gathering by phone.The source of the photos was not immediately clear, though Syrian activists and others shared them and local Saudi-owned media began publishing them.White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said later in a statement that Trump urged al-Sharaa to “do a great job for the Syrian people.”He also asked him to diplomatically recognize Israel, “tell all foreign terrorists to leave Syria” and help the U.S. stop any resurgence of the Islamic State group, as well as having Syrian government “assume responsibility” for detention centers holding IS militants.For his part, al-Sharaa expressed "hope that Syria would serve as a critical link in facilitating trade between east and west, and invited American companies to invest in Syrian oil and gas,” Leavitt wrote.

Trump meets Syrian president, urges him to establish ties with Israel

KANSAS CITY —On person died in an accident just after 8a.m. Tuesday in Kansas City.

A red/black Honda CVR600F motorcycle was eastbound on Interstate 70 onto the exit ramp for Beardsley Road, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

The motorcyclist failed to negotiate the curve of the exit ramp. The vehicle&nbsp; struck the concrete bridge rail. The motorcyclist was ejected off the motorcycle and off the bridge, landing on the railroad tracks below. 

The motorcyclist was pronounced deceased at the scene. This is fatality #24 compared to #39 at this time last year in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Becchina.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747172375142.png" alt="First responders near the crash scene -photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>First responders near the crash scene -photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —On person died in an accident just after 8a.m. Tuesday in Kansas City.A red/black Honda CVR600F motorcycle was eastbound on Interstate 70 onto the exit ramp for Beardsley Road, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.The motorcyclist failed to negotiate the curve of the exit ramp. The vehicle&nbsp; struck the concrete bridge rail. The motorcyclist was ejected off the motorcycle and off the bridge, landing on the railroad tracks below. The motorcyclist was pronounced deceased at the scene. This is fatality #24 compared to #39 at this time last year in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Becchina.

Motorcyclist dead after I-70 crash, fall onto railroad tracks

WASHINGTON (AP) —A federal judge says President Donald Trump can use the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alien-enemies-trump-immigration-deportations-21a62ede23b8c493b60d00a9c125722f">Alien Enemies Act</a>&nbsp;to deport Venezuelan citizens who are shown to be members of the Tren de Aragua gang.

The ruling Tuesday from U.S. District Judge Stephanie Haines in Pennsylvania appears to be the first time a federal judge has signed off on Trump's proclamation calling Tren de Aragua a foreign terrorist organization and invoking the 18th century wartime law to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alien-enemies-trump-immigration-deportations-21a62ede23b8c493b60d00a9c125722f">deport people</a>&nbsp;labeled as being members of the gang.

At least&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-alien-enemies-act-judge-ruling-f1988c63140c95f8228b42368caed96b">three other federal judges</a>&nbsp;have said Trump was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-deportations-alien-enemies-act-venezuelans-texas-e0dda59f64b1f5752fb92a91ff7878f8">improperly using</a>&nbsp;the Alien Enemies Act to speed deportations of people the administration says are Venezuelan gang members.

Haines, a Trump appointee, also said the administration hasn’t been giving enough notice to people facing removal under the AEA. She ordered the administration to provide at least 21 days notice — far longer than the 12 hours that some deportees have been given.

“This case poses significant issues that are deeply interwoven with the constitutional principles upon which this Nation’s government is founded,” Haines wrote. "In approaching these issues, the Court begins by stressing the questions that it is not resolving at this time.”

The ruling doesn't address whether the administration can remove people under other immigration laws, nor does it address whether Trump can invoke the Alien Enemies Act to deport people who simply migrated to the U.S. and who aren't members of a foreign terrorist organization, Haines wrote. She also did not weigh in on whether people suspected of being members of other gangs could be removed under the act.

But she did say the Act can be used to remove Venezuelan citizens who are at least 14 years old, who are in the U.S. without legal immigration status, and who are members of Tren de Aragua.

“Having done its job, the Court now leaves it to the Political Branches of the government, and ultimately to the people who elect those individuals, to decide whether the laws and those executing them continue to reflect their will,” Haines wrote.

Trump issued a proclamation in March claiming that Tren de Aragua was invading the U.S. He said he had special powers to deport immigrants, identified by his administration as gang members, without the usual court proceedings. After the proclamation, the administration began deporting people designated as Tren de Aragua members to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/el-salvador-trump-prison-immigrants-4ab3fc3c0474efb308084604b61f8a37">notorious prison</a>&nbsp;in El Salvador.

The proclamation and deporations sparked a flurry of lawsuits in multiple states — including the one that led to Haines' ruling Tuesday. That case was brought a Venezuelan national who says he fled to the U.S. with his wife and children in 2023 after facing extortion in his own country. He was arrested in February after a neighbor reported that he is a member of Tren de Aragua — a claim the man vehemently denies.

The man is identified only by his initials in the lawsuit. His attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.

Haines initially approved the case as a class action, temporarily blocking the Trump administration from using the AEA to deport any migrants in her district. But she lifted that designation Tuesday, clearing the way for deportations to resume as long as the people being removed are given at least 21 days notice in English and Spanish as well as an “opportunity to be heard” on any objections they might have.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747180226201.png" alt="Image from video provided by U.S. Senator from Missouri Eric Schmitt" />
 <figcaption>Image from video provided by U.S. Senator from Missouri Eric Schmitt</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —A federal judge says President Donald Trump can use the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alien-enemies-trump-immigration-deportations-21a62ede23b8c493b60d00a9c125722f">Alien Enemies Act</a>&nbsp;to deport Venezuelan citizens who are shown to be members of the Tren de Aragua gang.The ruling Tuesday from U.S. District Judge Stephanie Haines in Pennsylvania appears to be the first time a federal judge has signed off on Trump's proclamation calling Tren de Aragua a foreign terrorist organization and invoking the 18th century wartime law to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alien-enemies-trump-immigration-deportations-21a62ede23b8c493b60d00a9c125722f">deport people</a>&nbsp;labeled as being members of the gang.At least&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-alien-enemies-act-judge-ruling-f1988c63140c95f8228b42368caed96b">three other federal judges</a>&nbsp;have said Trump was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-deportations-alien-enemies-act-venezuelans-texas-e0dda59f64b1f5752fb92a91ff7878f8">improperly using</a>&nbsp;the Alien Enemies Act to speed deportations of people the administration says are Venezuelan gang members.Haines, a Trump appointee, also said the administration hasn’t been giving enough notice to people facing removal under the AEA. She ordered the administration to provide at least 21 days notice — far longer than the 12 hours that some deportees have been given.“This case poses significant issues that are deeply interwoven with the constitutional principles upon which this Nation’s government is founded,” Haines wrote. "In approaching these issues, the Court begins by stressing the questions that it is not resolving at this time.”The ruling doesn't address whether the administration can remove people under other immigration laws, nor does it address whether Trump can invoke the Alien Enemies Act to deport people who simply migrated to the U.S. and who aren't members of a foreign terrorist organization, Haines wrote. She also did not weigh in on whether people suspected of being members of other gangs could be removed under the act.But she did say the Act can be used to remove Venezuelan citizens who are at least 14 years old, who are in the U.S. without legal immigration status, and who are members of Tren de Aragua.“Having done its job, the Court now leaves it to the Political Branches of the government, and ultimately to the people who elect those individuals, to decide whether the laws and those executing them continue to reflect their will,” Haines wrote.Trump issued a proclamation in March claiming that Tren de Aragua was invading the U.S. He said he had special powers to deport immigrants, identified by his administration as gang members, without the usual court proceedings. After the proclamation, the administration began deporting people designated as Tren de Aragua members to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/el-salvador-trump-prison-immigrants-4ab3fc3c0474efb308084604b61f8a37">notorious prison</a>&nbsp;in El Salvador.The proclamation and deporations sparked a flurry of lawsuits in multiple states — including the one that led to Haines' ruling Tuesday. That case was brought a Venezuelan national who says he fled to the U.S. with his wife and children in 2023 after facing extortion in his own country. He was arrested in February after a neighbor reported that he is a member of Tren de Aragua — a claim the man vehemently denies.The man is identified only by his initials in the lawsuit. His attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.Haines initially approved the case as a class action, temporarily blocking the Trump administration from using the AEA to deport any migrants in her district. But she lifted that designation Tuesday, clearing the way for deportations to resume as long as the people being removed are given at least 21 days notice in English and Spanish as well as an “opportunity to be heard” on any objections they might have.

Federal judge OKs use of 1798 law to deport Venezuelan gang members

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV has taken over the Vatican’s official&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-leo-journalists-free-press-121ae0103b771fb3cda71ae03870853d">social media</a>&nbsp;handles, with a first Instagram post on Tuesday repeating the first words he said to the world as pope: “Peace be with you all!”

The @Pontifex – Pope Leo XIV post featured some of the photos that have documented the first days of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/conclave-pope-francis-cardinals-vatican-d7991a37a679f09792ed220cc1f6bbed">history’s first American pope</a>.

The Vatican said it was archiving the posts from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-new-orleans-saints-nfl-e42784b6c180611d78d821c9e909a76b">Pope Francis</a>&nbsp;’ 12-year papacy. On X, the new account didn’t appear to be active Tuesday.

The Vatican launched the @Pontifex handle in 2012 during the pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI. It now comes in nine languages -- English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French, German, Polish, Arabic, and Latin -- and counts a combined 52 million followers.

Past popes didn't actually send the posts, which were curated by the Vatican.

The former Cardinal Robert Prevost occasionally posted on X in an account started in 2011. It had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-leo-twitter-x-trump-vance-criticism-9c311123985ebce282877071f75b6d80">dormant since July 2023</a>&nbsp;but came back to life earlier this year to share criticism of Trump administration migration policies and comments by Vice President JD Vance.

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.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747189594985.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV has taken over the Vatican’s official&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-leo-journalists-free-press-121ae0103b771fb3cda71ae03870853d">social media</a>&nbsp;handles, with a first Instagram post on Tuesday repeating the first words he said to the world as pope: “Peace be with you all!”The @Pontifex – Pope Leo XIV post featured some of the photos that have documented the first days of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/conclave-pope-francis-cardinals-vatican-d7991a37a679f09792ed220cc1f6bbed">history’s first American pope</a>.The Vatican said it was archiving the posts from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-new-orleans-saints-nfl-e42784b6c180611d78d821c9e909a76b">Pope Francis</a>&nbsp;’ 12-year papacy. On X, the new account didn’t appear to be active Tuesday.The Vatican launched the @Pontifex handle in 2012 during the pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI. It now comes in nine languages -- English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French, German, Polish, Arabic, and Latin -- and counts a combined 52 million followers.Past popes didn't actually send the posts, which were curated by the Vatican.The former Cardinal Robert Prevost occasionally posted on X in an account started in 2011. It had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-leo-twitter-x-trump-vance-criticism-9c311123985ebce282877071f75b6d80">dormant since July 2023</a>&nbsp;but came back to life earlier this year to share criticism of Trump administration migration policies and comments by Vice President JD Vance.___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.

Pope Leo XIV is back on social media, with a message of peace

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

On May 8,&nbsp;Skyler Breann Sledd, 25, of Belton, Missouri was reported to have allegedly fled from the Jackson County District Court and had a warrant for her arrest, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

Deputies located her near U.S. Highway 75 and 110th&nbsp; Road in a 2007 Buick Lacrosse.&nbsp; Deputies conducted a high-risk traffic stop, near 102nd Road where Sledd was taken into custody. A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted and resulted in the discovery of illegal drugs and narcotics.

Sledd was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of fentanyl possession, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while revoked and driving with expired registration .

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747008472005.png" alt="Sledd photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Sledd photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.On May 8,&nbsp;Skyler Breann Sledd, 25, of Belton, Missouri was reported to have allegedly fled from the Jackson County District Court and had a warrant for her arrest, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.Deputies located her near U.S. Highway 75 and 110th&nbsp; Road in a 2007 Buick Lacrosse.&nbsp; Deputies conducted a high-risk traffic stop, near 102nd Road where Sledd was taken into custody. A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted and resulted in the discovery of illegal drugs and narcotics.Sledd was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of fentanyl possession, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while revoked and driving with expired registration .

Woman who fled from Kan. court is caught with fentanyl

WABAUNSEE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 11a.m. Tuesday in Wabaunsee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe driven by Kimberly G.&nbsp;Terhune, 64, Maple Hill, was westbound on Interstate 70 just east of Keene Eskridge Road. The SUV traveled into the median, continued&nbsp;&nbsp;into the passing lane of eastbound Interstate 70 and collided with a 2019 Ram 1500 driven by Mark E. Robb,&nbsp; 73, Manhattan.

Terhune was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the Shawnee County Coroner's Office. EMS transported Robb and a passenger Judith A. Robb, 75, Manhattan, to Stormont Vail.&nbsp; Terhune was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

WABAUNSEE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 11a.m. Tuesday in Wabaunsee County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe driven by Kimberly G.&nbsp;Terhune, 64, Maple Hill, was westbound on Interstate 70 just east of Keene Eskridge Road. The SUV traveled into the median, continued&nbsp;&nbsp;into the passing lane of eastbound Interstate 70 and collided with a 2019 Ram 1500 driven by Mark E. Robb,&nbsp; 73, Manhattan.Terhune was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the Shawnee County Coroner's Office. EMS transported Robb and a passenger Judith A. Robb, 75, Manhattan, to Stormont Vail.&nbsp; Terhune was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman killed in I-70 SUV, pickup crash

LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/menendez-brothers-erik-lyle-murder-netflix-resentencing-7499311f600fdaee47e50ffe037e1f0e">Erik and Lyle Menendez</a>&nbsp;will have a new shot at freedom after 35 years behind bars for murdering their parents, a judge ruled Tuesday.

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic reduced the brothers’ sentences from life without parole to 50 years to life. They’re now eligible for parole under California’s youthful offender law because they committed the crime under the age of 26. The state parole board must still decide whether to release them from prison.

The brothers appeared via livestream video and spoke for the first time in court before the ruling.

“I killed my mom and dad. I make no excuses and also no justification,” Lyle said in a statement to the court. “The impact of my violent actions on my family ... is unfathomable.”

Erik also spoke about taking responsibility for his actions and apologizing to his family. “You did not deserve what I did to you, but you inspire me to do better,” he said.

The judge said he had given “long thought” to what sentences the brothers deserved, taking into account all of the arguments.

“I do give them a lot of credit for changing their lives,” Jesic said.

He said he was especially moved by a letter that was submitted by a prison official who wrote in support of the resentencing, something he had never done for any inmate in 25 years.

“I’m not saying they should be released, it’s not for me to decide,” Jesic said. “I do believe they’ve done enough in the past 35 years, that they should get that chance.”

The brothers were sentenced in 1996 to life in prison without the possibility of parole for murdering their father, Jose Menendez, and mother, Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home in 1989. The brothers were 18 and 21 at the time. While defense attorneys argued the brothers acted out of self-defense after years of sexual abuse by their father, prosecutors said the brothers killed their parents for a multimillion-dollar inheritance.

The case has captured the public’s attention for decades — and last year, the Netflix drama “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/national-7c12b6b51da7494f875a7bf7d7630432">Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story</a>&nbsp;” and documentary “The Menendez Brothers” brought new attention to the case. Supporters of the brothers have flown in from across the country to attend rallies and hearings in the past few months.

“Today is a great day after 35 years,” defense attorney Mark Geragos said.

“We have evolved,” Geragos said. “This is not the '90s anymore. We have a more robust understanding of a lot of things.”

The defense began by calling Anamaria Baralt, a cousin of Erik and Lyle, who testified that the brothers have repeatedly expressed remorse for their actions.

“We all, on both sides of the family, believe that 35 years is enough,” Baralt said. “They are universally forgiven by our family.”

Another cousin, Tamara Goodell, said she had recently taken her 13-year-old son to meet the brothers in prison, and that they would contribute a lot of good to the world if released.

“They are a real family,” Geragos said. “Real people who have lived through unimaginable horrors. And I’m hopeful and glad that we’re one huge step closer to bringing the boys home.”

Diane Hernandez, who also testified during Erik and Lyle’s first trial, spoke about the abuse she witnessed in the Menendez household when she lived with them and the so-called “hallway rule."

“When Jose was with one of the boys … you couldn’t even go up the stairs to be on the same floor,” Hernandez said of the father.

Attorneys for the brothers proved they had been rehabilitated in prison and deserve a lesser sentence.

The judge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/menendez-brothers-resentencing-2fd1b7882fc828e4eaeff5b86c9b3705">reduced their charges to manslaughter</a>, and gave them time served to allow them to be immediately released.

Los Angeles County prosecutors argued against the resentencing. They said the brothers have not taken complete responsibility for the crime. “They have not come clean” about their crimes, Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman said.

Geragos emphasized that the purpose of resentencing is to “encourage rehabilitation.”

“That is the law,” Geragos said, “not relitigate the facts of the crime as the D.A. wants to do.”

The previous LA County District Attorney George Gascón had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-menendez-brothers-erik-lyle-menendez-bafe4ca46b23751cfa7c4745e88f4edb">opened the door to possible freedom</a>&nbsp;for the brothers last fall by asking a judge to reduce their sentences. His office said the case would’ve been handled differently today due to modern understandings of sexual abuse and trauma, and the brothers’ rehabilitation over three decades in prison.

A resentencing petition laid out by Gascón focused on the brothers’ accomplishments and rehabilitation. Since their conviction, the brothers have gotten an education, participated in self-help classes and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/menendez-brothers-murder-erik-lyle-freedom-prison-b1eede9677e78df88f6709703cc8b716">started various support groups</a>&nbsp;for their fellow inmates.

A former judge who said he considered himself tough on crime, Jonathan Colby, told the court that he was impressed with the programs the brothers started during their time in prison to provide aid and care for older and disabled inmates. He got to know them over a series of prison visits.

“There’s not many prisoners I meet like Erik and Lyle that have such concern for the elderly,” he said.

Former inmate Anerae Brown cried as he testified about how the brothers helped him heal and get on the path to rehabilitation, leading to his release from prison.

He called the programs they started “Menendez University."

“I have children now,” he said. “Without Lyle and Erik I might still be sitting in there doing stupid things.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729793922699.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/menendez-brothers-erik-lyle-murder-netflix-resentencing-7499311f600fdaee47e50ffe037e1f0e">Erik and Lyle Menendez</a>&nbsp;will have a new shot at freedom after 35 years behind bars for murdering their parents, a judge ruled Tuesday.Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic reduced the brothers’ sentences from life without parole to 50 years to life. They’re now eligible for parole under California’s youthful offender law because they committed the crime under the age of 26. The state parole board must still decide whether to release them from prison.The brothers appeared via livestream video and spoke for the first time in court before the ruling.“I killed my mom and dad. I make no excuses and also no justification,” Lyle said in a statement to the court. “The impact of my violent actions on my family ... is unfathomable.”Erik also spoke about taking responsibility for his actions and apologizing to his family. “You did not deserve what I did to you, but you inspire me to do better,” he said.The judge said he had given “long thought” to what sentences the brothers deserved, taking into account all of the arguments.“I do give them a lot of credit for changing their lives,” Jesic said.He said he was especially moved by a letter that was submitted by a prison official who wrote in support of the resentencing, something he had never done for any inmate in 25 years.“I’m not saying they should be released, it’s not for me to decide,” Jesic said. “I do believe they’ve done enough in the past 35 years, that they should get that chance.”The brothers were sentenced in 1996 to life in prison without the possibility of parole for murdering their father, Jose Menendez, and mother, Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home in 1989. The brothers were 18 and 21 at the time. While defense attorneys argued the brothers acted out of self-defense after years of sexual abuse by their father, prosecutors said the brothers killed their parents for a multimillion-dollar inheritance.The case has captured the public’s attention for decades — and last year, the Netflix drama “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/national-7c12b6b51da7494f875a7bf7d7630432">Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story</a>&nbsp;” and documentary “The Menendez Brothers” brought new attention to the case. Supporters of the brothers have flown in from across the country to attend rallies and hearings in the past few months.<h2>The defense made their case heard</h2>“Today is a great day after 35 years,” defense attorney Mark Geragos said.“We have evolved,” Geragos said. “This is not the '90s anymore. We have a more robust understanding of a lot of things.”The defense began by calling Anamaria Baralt, a cousin of Erik and Lyle, who testified that the brothers have repeatedly expressed remorse for their actions.“We all, on both sides of the family, believe that 35 years is enough,” Baralt said. “They are universally forgiven by our family.”Another cousin, Tamara Goodell, said she had recently taken her 13-year-old son to meet the brothers in prison, and that they would contribute a lot of good to the world if released.“They are a real family,” Geragos said. “Real people who have lived through unimaginable horrors. And I’m hopeful and glad that we’re one huge step closer to bringing the boys home.”Diane Hernandez, who also testified during Erik and Lyle’s first trial, spoke about the abuse she witnessed in the Menendez household when she lived with them and the so-called “hallway rule."“When Jose was with one of the boys … you couldn’t even go up the stairs to be on the same floor,” Hernandez said of the father.<h2>Judge reduced charge to manslaughter</h2>Attorneys for the brothers proved they had been rehabilitated in prison and deserve a lesser sentence.The judge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/menendez-brothers-resentencing-2fd1b7882fc828e4eaeff5b86c9b3705">reduced their charges to manslaughter</a>, and gave them time served to allow them to be immediately released.Los Angeles County prosecutors argued against the resentencing. They said the brothers have not taken complete responsibility for the crime. “They have not come clean” about their crimes, Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman said.Geragos emphasized that the purpose of resentencing is to “encourage rehabilitation.”“That is the law,” Geragos said, “not relitigate the facts of the crime as the D.A. wants to do.”<h2>Former district attorney and fami</h2><h2>ly support resentencing</h2>The previous LA County District Attorney George Gascón had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-menendez-brothers-erik-lyle-menendez-bafe4ca46b23751cfa7c4745e88f4edb">opened the door to possible freedom</a>&nbsp;for the brothers last fall by asking a judge to reduce their sentences. His office said the case would’ve been handled differently today due to modern understandings of sexual abuse and trauma, and the brothers’ rehabilitation over three decades in prison.A resentencing petition laid out by Gascón focused on the brothers’ accomplishments and rehabilitation. Since their conviction, the brothers have gotten an education, participated in self-help classes and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/menendez-brothers-murder-erik-lyle-freedom-prison-b1eede9677e78df88f6709703cc8b716">started various support groups</a>&nbsp;for their fellow inmates.A former judge who said he considered himself tough on crime, Jonathan Colby, told the court that he was impressed with the programs the brothers started during their time in prison to provide aid and care for older and disabled inmates. He got to know them over a series of prison visits.“There’s not many prisoners I meet like Erik and Lyle that have such concern for the elderly,” he said.Former inmate Anerae Brown cried as he testified about how the brothers helped him heal and get on the path to rehabilitation, leading to his release from prison.He called the programs they started “Menendez University."“I have children now,” he said. “Without Lyle and Erik I might still be sitting in there doing stupid things.”

Judge reduces brothers' sentences for killing their parents in 1989

PAWNEE COUNTY– Jeffery Lynn Renfo, 39 formerly of Great Bend, appeared in the Pawnee County District Court in custody Monday for a hearing on defense motions in his three pending cases, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.

Prior to the hearing, the parties advised the Court they had reached a plea agreement whereby Renfro entered a No Conest plea to Burglary of a Dwelling, a severity level 7 person felony, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, a severity level 8 nonperson felony, and Inference with Law Enforcement, a severity level 8 nonperson felony. In exchange for the plea, the State agreed to dismiss additional charges of felony Theft, Criminal Deprivation of a Motor Vehicle and Intimidation of a Witness.

In support of the plea, Pawnee County Attorney Douglas McNett advised the Court that had the matter proceeded to trial the evidence would have shown that on September 25, 2023, Renfro entered a home south of Larned. While in the home, Renfro stole among other things a .45 caliber handgun. 

At the time, Renfro was on post-release supervision for a McPherson County conviction for criminal threat. Renfro was taken into custody on October 2, 2023, on an arrest warrant.

 While in custody, Renfro agreed to be interviewed by a detective with the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office. At the close of the interview, Renfro grabbed the detective’s notebook in which he had been taking notes and preceded to rip up the pages.

After accepting the Renfr’s plea as being knowingly and voluntarily made, Pawnee County District Judge Bruce Gatterman ordered a presentence investigation report be completed to determine the defendant’s criminal history. Sentencing was scheduled for June 26, 2025.

Renfro remains in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff.&nbsp; He has over two dozen convictions in counties across the state for burglary, theft, aggravated assault, criminal threat and flee or attempt to elude police, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Based on the plea agreement and the parties’ understanding of the defendant’s criminal history, it is anticipated Renfro will be subject to a presumptive prison sentence of 53 months less jail credit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747086304346.png" alt="Renfro-photo Pawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Renfro-photo Pawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY– Jeffery Lynn Renfo, 39 formerly of Great Bend, appeared in the Pawnee County District Court in custody Monday for a hearing on defense motions in his three pending cases, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.Prior to the hearing, the parties advised the Court they had reached a plea agreement whereby Renfro entered a No Conest plea to Burglary of a Dwelling, a severity level 7 person felony, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, a severity level 8 nonperson felony, and Inference with Law Enforcement, a severity level 8 nonperson felony. In exchange for the plea, the State agreed to dismiss additional charges of felony Theft, Criminal Deprivation of a Motor Vehicle and Intimidation of a Witness.In support of the plea, Pawnee County Attorney Douglas McNett advised the Court that had the matter proceeded to trial the evidence would have shown that on September 25, 2023, Renfro entered a home south of Larned. While in the home, Renfro stole among other things a .45 caliber handgun. At the time, Renfro was on post-release supervision for a McPherson County conviction for criminal threat. Renfro was taken into custody on October 2, 2023, on an arrest warrant. While in custody, Renfro agreed to be interviewed by a detective with the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office. At the close of the interview, Renfro grabbed the detective’s notebook in which he had been taking notes and preceded to rip up the pages.After accepting the Renfr’s plea as being knowingly and voluntarily made, Pawnee County District Judge Bruce Gatterman ordered a presentence investigation report be completed to determine the defendant’s criminal history. Sentencing was scheduled for June 26, 2025.Renfro remains in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff.&nbsp; He has over two dozen convictions in counties across the state for burglary, theft, aggravated assault, criminal threat and flee or attempt to elude police, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.Based on the plea agreement and the parties’ understanding of the defendant’s criminal history, it is anticipated Renfro will be subject to a presumptive prison sentence of 53 months less jail credit.

Kan. man with over 2 dozen convictions gets plea deal for burglary

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/aamer-madhani">AAMER MADHANI</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/zeke-miller">ZEKE MILLER</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/jon-gambrell">JON GAMBRELL</a>

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — President Donald Trump on Tuesday held out Saudi Arabia as a model for a reimagined Middle East, using the first major foreign trip of his term to emphasize the promise of economic prosperity over instability in a region reeling from multiple wars.

Offering partnership to longtime foes, Trump said he would move to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ahmad-alsharaa-trump-syria-bashar-al-assad-6facdef5b881286955b95e0c5b2704d7">lift sanctions on Syria</a>&nbsp;and normalize relations with the new government led by a former insurgent, and he touted the U.S. role in bringing about a fragile ceasefire with Yemen’s Houthis. But Trump also indicated his patience was not endless, as he urged Iran to make a new nuclear deal with the U.S. or risk severe economic and military consequences.

With his carrot and stick approach, Trump gave the clearest indication yet of his vision for remaking the region, where goals of fostering human rights and democracy promotion have been replaced by an emphasis on economic prosperity and regional stability.

Trump also made a pitch to Saudi Arabia to join the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-joe-biden-middle-east-africa-ab22eb240158bfeea2b92f3914e6f50d">Abraham Accords</a>&nbsp;started in his first term and recognize Israel. And he envisioned a hopeful future for the people of Gaza — emphasizing they must first cast off the influence of Hamas.

“As I have shown repeatedly, I am willing to end past conflicts and forge new partnerships for a better and more stable world, even if our differences may be profound,” Trump said as he laid out his outlook for the region in a speech at an investment forum.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto ruler, welcomed Trump to the kingdom&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-crown-prince-mohammed-saudi-arabia-7111559bdb8355e81068055a2ac3c24e">with royal flourishes</a>&nbsp;and lavished attention on him at every turn. It was a stark contrast to the crown prince’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-israel-saudi-arabia-jamal-khashoggi-edba0435dedc08db952c406536d67713">awkward fist bump</a>&nbsp;in 2022 with then-President Joe Biden, who tried to avoid being seen on camera shaking hands with him during a visit to the kingdom.

Trump shows disdain for ‘nation-builders’ and interventionists

The Republican president made the case for a vision centered in pragmatism. It’s something he sees as a necessity for the U.S., which he believes is still feeling the ill effects of 20 years of “endless war” in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“In the end, the so-called nation builders wrecked far more nations than they built, and the interventionists were intervening in complex societies that they did not even understand themselves,” Trump said.

Trump used the moment to extend an olive branch to Iran and urge its leaders to come to terms with his administration on a deal to curb its nuclear program. But he also warned that this opportunity to find a diplomatic solution “won’t last forever.”

“If Iran’s leadership rejects this olive branch ... we will have no choice but to inflict massive maximum pressure, drive Iranian oil exports to zero,” he said.

The latest entreaty to Tehran comes days after Trump dispatched&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/steve-witkoff-special-envoy-russia-ukraine-mideast-d26c80c87a57fd3a811e4b0aa0eda58e">special envoy Steve Witkoff</a>&nbsp;to meet with Iranian officials for a fourth round of talks aimed at persuading Iran to abandon its nuclear program.

Trump, in his speech, also said he hoped Saudi Arabia will recognize Israel “in your own time.”

Saudi Arabia long has maintained that recognition of Israel is tied to the establishment of a Palestinian state along the lines of Israel’s 1967 borders. Under the Biden administration, there was a push for Saudi Arabia to recognize Israel as part of a major diplomatic deal. However, the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel upended those plans and sent the region into one of the worst periods it has faced.

Trump moving to restore relations with new leader of Syria

Separately, Trump announced he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ahmad-alsharaa-trump-syria-bashar-al-assad-6facdef5b881286955b95e0c5b2704d7">lifting U.S. sanctions on Syria</a>. He is expected to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ahmad-alsharaa-trump-syria-bashar-al-assad-6facdef5b881286955b95e0c5b2704d7">meet Wednesday</a>&nbsp;in Saudi Arabia with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, the onetime insurgent who last year led the overthrow of longtime leader Bashar Assad.

The U.S. has been weighing how to handle al-Sharaa since he took power in December. Gulf leaders have rallied behind the new government in Damascus and want Trump to follow suit, believing it is a bulwark against Iran’s return to influence in Syria, where it had helped prop up Assad’s government during a decadelong civil war.

Trump said calls from Gulf leaders as well as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shaped his surprise announcement.

“So I say, good luck, Syria, show us something very special like they’ve done, frankly, in Saudi Arabia,” Trump said.

Prince Mohammed carefully choreographed the visit as he looked to flatter Trump.

The de facto Saudi leader greeted Trump warmly as he stepped off Air Force One at King Khalid International Airport. The two leaders then retreated to a grand hall at the Riyadh airport, where Trump and his aides were served traditional Arabic coffee by waiting attendants wearing ceremonial gun belts.

The leaders signed more than a dozen agreements to increase cooperation between their governments’ militaries, justice departments and cultural institutions.

The crown prince has already committed to some $600 billion in new Saudi investment in the U.S. And Trump teased $1 trillion would be even better.

The pomp began before Trump even landed. Royal Saudi Air Force F-15s provided an honorary escort for Air Force One as it approached the kingdom’s capital — an exceptionally rare sight.

Trump and Prince Mohammed also took part in a formal greeting and lunch at the Royal Court at Al Yamamah Palace, gathering with guests and aides in an ornate room with blue and gold accents and massive crystal chandeliers. As he greeted business titans with Trump by his side, the crown prince was animated and smiling.

Biden’s 2022 visit was far more restrained. At the time, Prince Mohammed’s reputation had been badly damaged by a U.S. intelligence determination that he had ordered the 2018 killing of journalist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jamal-khashoggi">Jamal Khashoggi</a>.

But that dark moment appeared to be distant memory for the prince on Tuesday as he rubbed elbows with high-profile business executives — including Blackstone Group CEO Stephen Schwarzman, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink and Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk — in front of the cameras and with Trump by his side.

Trump slammed Biden for “spurning” a “most trusted and long-standing partner.”

“We have great partners in the world, but we have none stronger and nobody like the gentleman that’s right before me,” Trump said of the prince. “He’s your greatest representative.”

Later,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saudi-arabia-us-russia-talks-analysis-mohammed-bin-salman-9a42a3f1e09599f423a693262caa179c">the crown prince</a>&nbsp;feted Trump with an intimate state dinner at Ad-Diriyah, a UNESCO heritage site that is the birthplace of the first Saudi state and the location of a major development project championed by the crown prince.

The three countries on Trump’s itinerary — Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates — are places where the Trump Organization, run by Trump’s two oldest sons, is developing major real estate projects. They include a high-rise tower in Jeddah, a luxury hotel in Dubai and a golf course and villa complex in Qatar.

Trump planned to announce deals at all three stops during the Mideast swing, initiatives that will touch on artificial intelligence, expanding energy cooperation and beyond.

.And Trump believes more deals with Saudi Arabia should be in the offing.

“I really believe we like each other a lot,” Trump said at one point with a smiling crown prince sitting nearby.

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/aamer-madhani">AAMER MADHANI</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/zeke-miller">ZEKE MILLER</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/jon-gambrell">JON GAMBRELL</a>RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — President Donald Trump on Tuesday held out Saudi Arabia as a model for a reimagined Middle East, using the first major foreign trip of his term to emphasize the promise of economic prosperity over instability in a region reeling from multiple wars.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump Participates in a U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum <a href="https://t.co/iIKhZgw1eB">https://t.co/iIKhZgw1eB</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1922314165449904627?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">You know you are the most important man in the world when Saudi Arabia brings in a mobile <a href="https://twitter.com/McDonalds?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@McDonalds</a> for you! <a href="https://t.co/fJh1JvredO">pic.twitter.com/fJh1JvredO</a>&mdash; Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) <a href="https://twitter.com/GuntherEagleman/status/1922276279870493143?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Offering partnership to longtime foes, Trump said he would move to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ahmad-alsharaa-trump-syria-bashar-al-assad-6facdef5b881286955b95e0c5b2704d7">lift sanctions on Syria</a>&nbsp;and normalize relations with the new government led by a former insurgent, and he touted the U.S. role in bringing about a fragile ceasefire with Yemen’s Houthis. But Trump also indicated his patience was not endless, as he urged Iran to make a new nuclear deal with the U.S. or risk severe economic and military consequences.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Donald J. Trump with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 🇺🇸🇸🇦 <a href="https://t.co/vR7U45DXP3">pic.twitter.com/vR7U45DXP3</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1922318195886624994?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>With his carrot and stick approach, Trump gave the clearest indication yet of his vision for remaking the region, where goals of fostering human rights and democracy promotion have been replaced by an emphasis on economic prosperity and regional stability.Trump also made a pitch to Saudi Arabia to join the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-joe-biden-middle-east-africa-ab22eb240158bfeea2b92f3914e6f50d">Abraham Accords</a>&nbsp;started in his first term and recognize Israel. And he envisioned a hopeful future for the people of Gaza — emphasizing they must first cast off the influence of Hamas.“As I have shown repeatedly, I am willing to end past conflicts and forge new partnerships for a better and more stable world, even if our differences may be profound,” Trump said as he laid out his outlook for the region in a speech at an investment forum.Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto ruler, welcomed Trump to the kingdom&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-crown-prince-mohammed-saudi-arabia-7111559bdb8355e81068055a2ac3c24e">with royal flourishes</a>&nbsp;and lavished attention on him at every turn. It was a stark contrast to the crown prince’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-israel-saudi-arabia-jamal-khashoggi-edba0435dedc08db952c406536d67713">awkward fist bump</a>&nbsp;in 2022 with then-President Joe Biden, who tried to avoid being seen on camera shaking hands with him during a visit to the kingdom.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> arrives at the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum in Riyadh alongside Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, entering the Gallery of Memories 🇺🇸🇸🇦 <a href="https://t.co/4iYbBBsBmx">pic.twitter.com/4iYbBBsBmx</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1922310540556112197?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sign a series of agreements on energy, defense, and other areas <a href="https://t.co/p44J673740">pic.twitter.com/p44J673740</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1922280938442031117?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> learns more about At-Turaif with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman prior to the state dinner <a href="https://t.co/1MWOd7D8ww">pic.twitter.com/1MWOd7D8ww</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1922358374831669388?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> gets a golf cart tour of At-Turaif in Diriyah from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman 🇺🇸🇸🇦 <a href="https://t.co/9YQgEaOh85">pic.twitter.com/9YQgEaOh85</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1922354349046391159?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><h2>Trump shows disdain for ‘nation-builders’ and interventionists</h2>The Republican president made the case for a vision centered in pragmatism. It’s something he sees as a necessity for the U.S., which he believes is still feeling the ill effects of 20 years of “endless war” in Iraq and Afghanistan.“In the end, the so-called nation builders wrecked far more nations than they built, and the interventionists were intervening in complex societies that they did not even understand themselves,” Trump said.Trump used the moment to extend an olive branch to Iran and urge its leaders to come to terms with his administration on a deal to curb its nuclear program. But he also warned that this opportunity to find a diplomatic solution “won’t last forever.”“If Iran’s leadership rejects this olive branch ... we will have no choice but to inflict massive maximum pressure, drive Iranian oil exports to zero,” he said.The latest entreaty to Tehran comes days after Trump dispatched&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/steve-witkoff-special-envoy-russia-ukraine-mideast-d26c80c87a57fd3a811e4b0aa0eda58e">special envoy Steve Witkoff</a>&nbsp;to meet with Iranian officials for a fourth round of talks aimed at persuading Iran to abandon its nuclear program.Trump, in his speech, also said he hoped Saudi Arabia will recognize Israel “in your own time.”Saudi Arabia long has maintained that recognition of Israel is tied to the establishment of a Palestinian state along the lines of Israel’s 1967 borders. Under the Biden administration, there was a push for Saudi Arabia to recognize Israel as part of a major diplomatic deal. However, the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel upended those plans and sent the region into one of the worst periods it has faced.<h2>Trump moving to restore relations with new leader of Syria</h2>Separately, Trump announced he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ahmad-alsharaa-trump-syria-bashar-al-assad-6facdef5b881286955b95e0c5b2704d7">lifting U.S. sanctions on Syria</a>. He is expected to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ahmad-alsharaa-trump-syria-bashar-al-assad-6facdef5b881286955b95e0c5b2704d7">meet Wednesday</a>&nbsp;in Saudi Arabia with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, the onetime insurgent who last year led the overthrow of longtime leader Bashar Assad.The U.S. has been weighing how to handle al-Sharaa since he took power in December. Gulf leaders have rallied behind the new government in Damascus and want Trump to follow suit, believing it is a bulwark against Iran’s return to influence in Syria, where it had helped prop up Assad’s government during a decadelong civil war.Trump said calls from Gulf leaders as well as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shaped his surprise announcement.“So I say, good luck, Syria, show us something very special like they’ve done, frankly, in Saudi Arabia,” Trump said.Prince Mohammed carefully choreographed the visit as he looked to flatter Trump.The de facto Saudi leader greeted Trump warmly as he stepped off Air Force One at King Khalid International Airport. The two leaders then retreated to a grand hall at the Riyadh airport, where Trump and his aides were served traditional Arabic coffee by waiting attendants wearing ceremonial gun belts.The leaders signed more than a dozen agreements to increase cooperation between their governments’ militaries, justice departments and cultural institutions.The crown prince has already committed to some $600 billion in new Saudi investment in the U.S. And Trump teased $1 trillion would be even better.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Saudi F-15’s providing honorary escort for Air Force One! 🇺🇸🇸🇦 <a href="https://t.co/c0EURfBRNt">pic.twitter.com/c0EURfBRNt</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1922180470051160571?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><h2>Fighter jet escort</h2>The pomp began before Trump even landed. Royal Saudi Air Force F-15s provided an honorary escort for Air Force One as it approached the kingdom’s capital — an exceptionally rare sight.Trump and Prince Mohammed also took part in a formal greeting and lunch at the Royal Court at Al Yamamah Palace, gathering with guests and aides in an ornate room with blue and gold accents and massive crystal chandeliers. As he greeted business titans with Trump by his side, the crown prince was animated and smiling.Biden’s 2022 visit was far more restrained. At the time, Prince Mohammed’s reputation had been badly damaged by a U.S. intelligence determination that he had ordered the 2018 killing of journalist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jamal-khashoggi">Jamal Khashoggi</a>.But that dark moment appeared to be distant memory for the prince on Tuesday as he rubbed elbows with high-profile business executives — including Blackstone Group CEO Stephen Schwarzman, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink and Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk — in front of the cameras and with Trump by his side.Trump slammed Biden for “spurning” a “most trusted and long-standing partner.”“We have great partners in the world, but we have none stronger and nobody like the gentleman that’s right before me,” Trump said of the prince. “He’s your greatest representative.”Later,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saudi-arabia-us-russia-talks-analysis-mohammed-bin-salman-9a42a3f1e09599f423a693262caa179c">the crown prince</a>&nbsp;feted Trump with an intimate state dinner at Ad-Diriyah, a UNESCO heritage site that is the birthplace of the first Saudi state and the location of a major development project championed by the crown prince.<h2>Qatar and UAE next</h2>The three countries on Trump’s itinerary — Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates — are places where the Trump Organization, run by Trump’s two oldest sons, is developing major real estate projects. They include a high-rise tower in Jeddah, a luxury hotel in Dubai and a golf course and villa complex in Qatar.Trump planned to announce deals at all three stops during the Mideast swing, initiatives that will touch on artificial intelligence, expanding energy cooperation and beyond..And Trump believes more deals with Saudi Arabia should be in the offing.“I really believe we like each other a lot,” Trump said at one point with a smiling crown prince sitting nearby.

🎥.Mobile McDonalds and more: Trump's day with Saudi Crown Prince

<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 Associated Press</a>

The Missouri House on Tuesday endorsed a new framework of financial incentives to try to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals from possibly leaving the state by helping fund new or renovated stadiums for them.

The legislation, which has the backing of Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe, would authorize the state to issue bonds valued at up to half the cost of the stadium projects and allow tax credits of up to $50 million. But the plan doesn't list a total cost or a location for the stadiums, leaving those details to be negotiated later.

Missouri lawmakers are scrambling to try to counter&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-royals-new-stadiums-3441b3084c8efab00057f593f4d9b95e">an offer from neighboring Kansas</a>, which authorized its own package of incentives last year after voters in Jackson County, Missouri,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-royals-kansas-city-stadiums-e9605296b85e91699441e4ba10e83212">turned down a sales tax extension</a>&nbsp;that would have helped finance a $2 billion ballpark district for the Royals in downtown Kansas City and an $800 million renovation of the Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium.

The clock is ticking for Missouri lawmakers. The state Senate would still need to approve the plan before a Friday deadline to wrap up work in the annual legislative session. But the legislation encountered immediate resistance when it was brought up later Tuesday in Senate. Republican state Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman denounced it as “special interests for billionaires” and foreshadowed a lengthy debate.

The Chiefs and Royals have played for more than 50 years in side-by-side football and baseball stadiums built in eastern Kansas City, drawing fans from both states in the split metropolitan area. Their stadium leases run until 2031, but Royals owner John Sherman has said the team won’t play at Kauffman Stadium beyond the 2030 season.

Kansas amended its laws last year to allow bonds that would cover up to 70% of the costs of new stadiums for the Chiefs and Royals.

Materials distributed Tuesday by the Missouri governor's office said, “Kansas is aggressively negotiating with both teams.” Some lawmakers said they felt pressure to act now or potentially miss their chance to retain teams that generate thousands of jobs and millions of dollars of tax revenue annually.

“I can't imagine the economic landscape without the Chiefs and the Royals in Missouri," said Republican state Rep. Chris Brown, of Kansas City, who presented the plan to colleagues. But more than that, “the Chiefs and the Royals literally are a part of us to some degree, they are a fabric woven within the state of Missouri.”

Missouri has experience with losing professional sports teams. The National Football League’s Rams were the most recent to depart, leaving a publicly financed domed stadium that had lured the team St. Louis to return to a gleaming new stadium in Los Angeles that opened in 2020.

But many economists contend that 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.

State Rep. Del Taylor, a Democrat from St. Louis, denounced “fearmongering” suggestions that the Chiefs and Royals might also leave, calling it “unfair” and “conniving” to come to lawmakers with a plan so late in the session.

“I don’t like making decisions because someone has put my back against the wall,” Taylor said.

Kehoe has been working for months with team representatives, lawmakers and community leaders to develop “a competitive package” for the Chiefs and Royals, said Gabby Picard, a spokesperson for the governor. The state aid ultimately also must be accompanied by local support.

“Choosing a location is a business decision that must be made by the teams, and any proposed tools put forward by the state will work in whatever Missouri location they select,” she said.

Sports teams have been pushing a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stadiums-public-funding-nfl-mlb-70f5054b1e1f6862713ef036cbae2a10">new wave of stadium construction</a>&nbsp;across the U.S., going beyond basic repairs to derive fresh revenue from luxury suites, dining, shopping and other developments surrounding their stadiums.

The Washington Commanders and the District of Columbia&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-commanders-stadium-3bda9804a246219f28e9a2d2206bb492">announced a deal</a>&nbsp;two weeks ago for a new stadium complex, with the football team contributing $2.7 billion and the city investing roughly $1.1 billion. Last month, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-cleveland-browns-bengals-stadium-fight-b1e5533972e187e00c159f78ae2bb1a9">Ohio House endorsed a plan</a>&nbsp;for $600 million of bonds to help build a new $2.4 billion football stadium complex for the Cleveland Browns. But that plan also must pass the Senate and has led the Cincinnati Bengals to re-up a request for $350 million of aid for their own stadium.

<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 Associated Press</a>The Missouri House on Tuesday endorsed a new framework of financial incentives to try to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals from possibly leaving the state by helping fund new or renovated stadiums for them.The legislation, which has the backing of Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe, would authorize the state to issue bonds valued at up to half the cost of the stadium projects and allow tax credits of up to $50 million. But the plan doesn't list a total cost or a location for the stadiums, leaving those details to be negotiated later.Missouri lawmakers are scrambling to try to counter&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-royals-new-stadiums-3441b3084c8efab00057f593f4d9b95e">an offer from neighboring Kansas</a>, which authorized its own package of incentives last year after voters in Jackson County, Missouri,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-royals-kansas-city-stadiums-e9605296b85e91699441e4ba10e83212">turned down a sales tax extension</a>&nbsp;that would have helped finance a $2 billion ballpark district for the Royals in downtown Kansas City and an $800 million renovation of the Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium.The clock is ticking for Missouri lawmakers. The state Senate would still need to approve the plan before a Friday deadline to wrap up work in the annual legislative session. But the legislation encountered immediate resistance when it was brought up later Tuesday in Senate. Republican state Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman denounced it as “special interests for billionaires” and foreshadowed a lengthy debate.The Chiefs and Royals have played for more than 50 years in side-by-side football and baseball stadiums built in eastern Kansas City, drawing fans from both states in the split metropolitan area. Their stadium leases run until 2031, but Royals owner John Sherman has said the team won’t play at Kauffman Stadium beyond the 2030 season.Kansas amended its laws last year to allow bonds that would cover up to 70% of the costs of new stadiums for the Chiefs and Royals.Materials distributed Tuesday by the Missouri governor's office said, “Kansas is aggressively negotiating with both teams.” Some lawmakers said they felt pressure to act now or potentially miss their chance to retain teams that generate thousands of jobs and millions of dollars of tax revenue annually.“I can't imagine the economic landscape without the Chiefs and the Royals in Missouri," said Republican state Rep. Chris Brown, of Kansas City, who presented the plan to colleagues. But more than that, “the Chiefs and the Royals literally are a part of us to some degree, they are a fabric woven within the state of Missouri.”Missouri has experience with losing professional sports teams. The National Football League’s Rams were the most recent to depart, leaving a publicly financed domed stadium that had lured the team St. Louis to return to a gleaming new stadium in Los Angeles that opened in 2020.But many economists contend that 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.State Rep. Del Taylor, a Democrat from St. Louis, denounced “fearmongering” suggestions that the Chiefs and Royals might also leave, calling it “unfair” and “conniving” to come to lawmakers with a plan so late in the session.“I don’t like making decisions because someone has put my back against the wall,” Taylor said.Kehoe has been working for months with team representatives, lawmakers and community leaders to develop “a competitive package” for the Chiefs and Royals, said Gabby Picard, a spokesperson for the governor. The state aid ultimately also must be accompanied by local support.“Choosing a location is a business decision that must be made by the teams, and any proposed tools put forward by the state will work in whatever Missouri location they select,” she said.Sports teams have been pushing a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stadiums-public-funding-nfl-mlb-70f5054b1e1f6862713ef036cbae2a10">new wave of stadium construction</a>&nbsp;across the U.S., going beyond basic repairs to derive fresh revenue from luxury suites, dining, shopping and other developments surrounding their stadiums.The Washington Commanders and the District of Columbia&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-commanders-stadium-3bda9804a246219f28e9a2d2206bb492">announced a deal</a>&nbsp;two weeks ago for a new stadium complex, with the football team contributing $2.7 billion and the city investing roughly $1.1 billion. Last month, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-cleveland-browns-bengals-stadium-fight-b1e5533972e187e00c159f78ae2bb1a9">Ohio House endorsed a plan</a>&nbsp;for $600 million of bonds to help build a new $2.4 billion football stadium complex for the Cleveland Browns. But that plan also must pass the Senate and has led the Cincinnati Bengals to re-up a request for $350 million of aid for their own stadium.

Mo. House backs new stadium incentives to try to keep the Chiefs and Royals

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

Christopher “Kit” Bond, a Republican who brought billions of dollars in federal funding to Missouri during his four terms in the U.S. Senate and who was state's the youngest person to be governor, died Tuesday. He was 86.

Bond's family told Gov. Mike Kehoe's office that Bond died in St. Louis, but it didn't disclose the cause, Gabby Picard, a spokesperson for the governor, said in an email. Kehoe ordered flags flown at half staff for the man he described as a “skilled statesman."

Jason Van Eaton, Bond’s former deputy chief of staff, told The Associated Press that his former boss' death marked the end of an era. “The lasting legacy of Kit Bond will be the thousands of people that he inspired," he said.

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley, of Missouri, described Bond as a “champion for Missouri” in a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/HawleyMO/status/1922333491460501748">message on X.</a>&nbsp;Former U.S. Sen. Jim Talent, of Missouri, praised Bond's “relentless and penetrating intelligence” in a statement.

As a member of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, Bond secured federal money for big and small projects in Missouri, scoffing at government watchdog groups that considered him a master of pork-barrel spending.

"If it's pork, it's an awfully healthy diet for the people of Missouri," Bond said in 1999.

Early in his career, Bond was considered a political wunderkind. When he took office at age 33 as Missouri’s youngest governor, he was also the state’s first Republican chief executive in about three decades and garnered consideration as a vice presidential candidate.

His early success stalled when he lost a reelection bid, but he later rebounded to win another term as governor before being elected to the Senate in 1986 and eventually becoming the patriarch of the Missouri Republican Party.

“Public service has been a blessing and a labor of love for me,” Bond said during his 2009 announcement to a joint session of the Legislature that he would not seek another term.

Former Gov. Matt Blunt, who was the state’s second-youngest governor, recalled the advice and friendship Bond offered after his 2004 election. He called Bond's death a “profound loss.”

When Bond entered the Senate, he downplayed hot-button issues in favor of working on legislation that benefited Missouri. Early in his career, Bond voted to override President Ronald Reagan’s veto of a highway financing bill that included money for projects in Missouri.

Bond assumed a higher national profile during his last term in the Senate. After the U.S. invasion of Iraq, he became a primary spokesman for congressional Republicans about the war during the time leading up to the 2006 elections.

Eventually, though, the Bush administration’s central allegation that Saddam Hussein was hiding weapons of mass destruction&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iraq-war-wmds-us-intelligence-f9e21ac59d3a0470d9bfcc83544d706e">proved baseless</a>.

After Republicans lost control of Congress in 2006, Bond sought to mend relations with Democrats on the Senate Intelligence Committee after years of discord over its investigation into intelligence before the invasion of Iraq.

Testaments to Bond’s longevity in the public arena are stamped across Missouri. A federal courthouse in Jefferson City and a life sciences center at the University of Missouri-Columbia are named after him. A highway bridge crossing the Missouri River in Hermann and one in Kansas City also carry his name.

Bond often bragged about his wife, Linda, a fundraising consultant whom he married in 2002, and his son from his previous marriage, Sam.

"I have a wonderful wife, a magnificent son I'm very proud of, I have the opportunity to serve the state I love," he told the AP in 2004.

Former Associated Press reporters Chris Blank and Sam Hananel contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747169081478.png" alt="Christopher 'Kit' Bond courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Christopher 'Kit' Bond courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22HEATHER%20HOLLINGSWORTH%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH &nbsp;Associated Press</a>Christopher “Kit” Bond, a Republican who brought billions of dollars in federal funding to Missouri during his four terms in the U.S. Senate and who was state's the youngest person to be governor, died Tuesday. He was 86.Bond's family told Gov. Mike Kehoe's office that Bond died in St. Louis, but it didn't disclose the cause, Gabby Picard, a spokesperson for the governor, said in an email. Kehoe ordered flags flown at half staff for the man he described as a “skilled statesman."Jason Van Eaton, Bond’s former deputy chief of staff, told The Associated Press that his former boss' death marked the end of an era. “The lasting legacy of Kit Bond will be the thousands of people that he inspired," he said.U.S. Senator Josh Hawley, of Missouri, described Bond as a “champion for Missouri” in a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/HawleyMO/status/1922333491460501748">message on X.</a>&nbsp;Former U.S. Sen. Jim Talent, of Missouri, praised Bond's “relentless and penetrating intelligence” in a statement.As a member of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, Bond secured federal money for big and small projects in Missouri, scoffing at government watchdog groups that considered him a master of pork-barrel spending."If it's pork, it's an awfully healthy diet for the people of Missouri," Bond said in 1999.Early in his career, Bond was considered a political wunderkind. When he took office at age 33 as Missouri’s youngest governor, he was also the state’s first Republican chief executive in about three decades and garnered consideration as a vice presidential candidate.His early success stalled when he lost a reelection bid, but he later rebounded to win another term as governor before being elected to the Senate in 1986 and eventually becoming the patriarch of the Missouri Republican Party.“Public service has been a blessing and a labor of love for me,” Bond said during his 2009 announcement to a joint session of the Legislature that he would not seek another term.Former Gov. Matt Blunt, who was the state’s second-youngest governor, recalled the advice and friendship Bond offered after his 2004 election. He called Bond's death a “profound loss.”When Bond entered the Senate, he downplayed hot-button issues in favor of working on legislation that benefited Missouri. Early in his career, Bond voted to override President Ronald Reagan’s veto of a highway financing bill that included money for projects in Missouri.Bond assumed a higher national profile during his last term in the Senate. After the U.S. invasion of Iraq, he became a primary spokesman for congressional Republicans about the war during the time leading up to the 2006 elections.Eventually, though, the Bush administration’s central allegation that Saddam Hussein was hiding weapons of mass destruction&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iraq-war-wmds-us-intelligence-f9e21ac59d3a0470d9bfcc83544d706e">proved baseless</a>.After Republicans lost control of Congress in 2006, Bond sought to mend relations with Democrats on the Senate Intelligence Committee after years of discord over its investigation into intelligence before the invasion of Iraq.Testaments to Bond’s longevity in the public arena are stamped across Missouri. A federal courthouse in Jefferson City and a life sciences center at the University of Missouri-Columbia are named after him. A highway bridge crossing the Missouri River in Hermann and one in Kansas City also carry his name.Bond often bragged about his wife, Linda, a fundraising consultant whom he married in 2002, and his son from his previous marriage, Sam."I have a wonderful wife, a magnificent son I'm very proud of, I have the opportunity to serve the state I love," he told the AP in 2004.___Former Associated Press reporters Chris Blank and Sam Hananel contributed to this report.

Sen. Kit Bond, whose mastery of pork-barrel spending benefitted his native Missouri, dies at 86

RENO COUNTY —The Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office confirms that they are currently conducting an investigation involving Nickerson USD 309 students and/or staff members at the request of the Reno County Sheriff's Office, according to a statement from the Sedgwick County Sheriff.

This matter remains an active investigation and no arrests have been made at this time. Once the investigation is complete, all findings will be presented to the appropriate charging authority for formal review and consideration of any potential charges.

To preserve the integrity of the investigation and protect the rights of those involved, no further details will be released at this time.

RENO COUNTY —The Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office confirms that they are currently conducting an investigation involving Nickerson USD 309 students and/or staff members at the request of the Reno County Sheriff's Office, according to a statement from the Sedgwick County Sheriff.This matter remains an active investigation and no arrests have been made at this time. Once the investigation is complete, all findings will be presented to the appropriate charging authority for formal review and consideration of any potential charges.To preserve the integrity of the investigation and protect the rights of those involved, no further details will be released at this time.

Sheriff's investigation involves Nickerson USD 309 staff, students

WASHINGTON (AP) —The Episcopal Church's migration service is refusing a directive from the federal government to help resettle white South Africans granted refugee status, citing the church's longstanding “commitment to racial justice and reconciliation.”

Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe announced the step Monday, shortly before 59 South Africans arrived at Dulles International Airport outside Washington on a private charter plane and were greeted by a government delegation.

Episcopal Migration Ministries instead will halt its decades-long partnership with the government, Rowe said.

President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-prescription-drugs-prices-most-favored-nation-4c620a32ccd193b793ba1558f3fe93e0">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;opened a fast-tracked refugee status to white South Africans, accusing their government of discrimination, even as his administration abruptly shut down the overall U.S. refugee program. The South Africans jumped ahead of thousands of would-be refugees overseas who had been undergoing years of vetting and processing.

Episcopal Migration Ministries has long resettled refugees under federal grants. Rowe said that about two weeks ago, the government contacted it and said it expected the ministry to resettle some of the South Africans under terms of its grant.

WASHINGTON (AP) —The Episcopal Church's migration service is refusing a directive from the federal government to help resettle white South Africans granted refugee status, citing the church's longstanding “commitment to racial justice and reconciliation.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today <a href="https://twitter.com/DeputySecState?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DeputySecState</a> welcomed the first group of Afrikaner refugees fleeing persecution from their native South Africa. We stand with these refugees, many of them farmers and former business owners, as they build a better future for themselves and their children here in the… <a href="https://t.co/W16RJSU3tB">pic.twitter.com/W16RJSU3tB</a>&mdash; Department of State (@StateDept) <a href="https://twitter.com/StateDept/status/1922049777103204381?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe announced the step Monday, shortly before 59 South Africans arrived at Dulles International Airport outside Washington on a private charter plane and were greeted by a government delegation.Episcopal Migration Ministries instead will halt its decades-long partnership with the government, Rowe said.President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-prescription-drugs-prices-most-favored-nation-4c620a32ccd193b793ba1558f3fe93e0">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;opened a fast-tracked refugee status to white South Africans, accusing their government of discrimination, even as his administration abruptly shut down the overall U.S. refugee program. The South Africans jumped ahead of thousands of would-be refugees overseas who had been undergoing years of vetting and processing.Episcopal Migration Ministries has long resettled refugees under federal grants. Rowe said that about two weeks ago, the government contacted it and said it expected the ministry to resettle some of the South Africans under terms of its grant.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">U.S. officials greet white South Africans to whom the Trump administration has granted refugee status for being deemed victims of racial discrimination in their home country. <a href="https://t.co/JwaVyziofT">pic.twitter.com/JwaVyziofT</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1922007640294519257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“In light of our church’s steadfast commitment to racial justice and reconciliation and our historic ties with the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, we are not able to take this step,” Rowe said. “Accordingly, we have determined that, by the end of the federal fiscal year, we will conclude our refugee resettlement grant agreements with the U.S. federal government.”Another faith-based group, Church World Service, said it is open to helping resettle the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-africa-us-refugees-trump-98a72fdb1f71edc960136b92cbd62db4">Afrikaners</a>.South Africa's government has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-south-africa-refugees-afrikaners-white-9d6f87ae9b09ac21ba6ae2a2197b11d3">vehemently denied</a>&nbsp;allegations of discriminatory treatment of its white minority residents.“It has been painful to watch one group of refugees, selected in a highly unusual manner, receive preferential treatment over many others who have been waiting in refugee camps or dangerous conditions for years,” Rowe said. “I am saddened and ashamed that many of the refugees who are being denied entrance to the United States are brave people who worked alongside our military in Iraq and Afghanistan and now face danger at home because of their service to our country.”He also said many refugees, including Christians, are victims of religious persecution and are now denied entry.He said the church would find other ways to serve immigrants, such as those already in this country and those stranded overseas.The move marks the end of a ministry-government partnership that, for nearly four decades, has served nearly 110,000 refugees from countries, including Ukraine, Myanmar and Congo, Rowe said.It's not the first high-profile friction between the Episcopal Church and the Trump administration.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-inaugural-prayer-service-episcopal-bishop-mariann-budde-60d409d1ba9b69ad1065065b9218c558">Bishop Mariann Budde</a>&nbsp;of Washington drew Trump's anger in January at an inaugural prayer service in which she urged “mercy” on those fearing his actions, including migrants and LGBTQ+ children.The Anglican Church of Southern Africa includes churches in South Africa and neighboring countries. It was a potent force in the campaign against apartheid in the 1980s and 1990s, an effort for which the late&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/africa-religion-cape-town-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-dbff09f744f1c5c63e43b65617e8ed4a">Archbishop Desmond Tutu</a>&nbsp;received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984.Another faith-based refugee agency, Church World Service, says it is open to serving the South African arrivals.“We are concerned that the U.S. Government has chosen to fast-track the admission of Afrikaners, while actively fighting court orders to provide life-saving resettlement to other refugee populations who are in desperate need of resettlement," Rick Santos, CWS president and CEO, said in a statement.He added that the action proves the government knows how to screen and process refugees quickly.“Despite the Administration’s actions, CWS remains committed to serving all eligible refugee populations seeking safety in the United States, including Afrikaners who are eligible for services," he said. “Our faith compels us to serve each person in our care with dignity and compassion.”The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-africa-refugees-white-afrikaners-us-trump-52024f6d86fca76cfe7460a9f9bc6110">Episcopal ministry</a>&nbsp;and CWS are among 10 national groups, most of them faith-based, that have partnered with the government for refugee resettlement.___Associated Press writer Tiffany Stanley contributed reporting.