DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a violent knife attack have captured a suspect.

On November 4,&nbsp;police were called to 3250 Michigan Street in Lawrence where a 56-year-old victim told police a 46-year-old man had slashed his arm with a knife. The victim was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, .&nbsp;Police asked the public for help locating 46-year-old Rashidi "Rocky" McClelland in connection with the incident.

Just before <a href="https://x.com/LawrenceKS_PD/status/1856889439911301533?t=330">5:30</a> p.m. Wednesday, police received information that&nbsp; McClelland was inside a house in the 3700 block of Westland Place, near 6th Street and Monterey Way, according to a media release.

Within minutes, officers were in the area and began watching the house. Officers were able to spot a person they believed to be McClelland moving around inside. At approximately <a href="https://x.com/LawrenceKS_PD/status/1856889439911301533?t=450">7:30</a>p.m., officers moved in on the house, making their presence known, and used loudspeakers from the street to call McClelland out.

After attempting to exit multiple doors and windows, McClelland eventually surrendered peacefully to officers at <a href="https://x.com/LawrenceKS_PD/status/1856889439911301533?t=483">8:03</a> p.m. He was transported to the Douglas County Correctional Facility and booked on requested charges in connection with the stabbing.

The victim is expected to recover from his injuries, according to police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730743188862.png" alt="McClelland photo Lawrence Police" />
 <figcaption>McClelland photo Lawrence Police</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a violent knife attack have captured a suspect.On November 4,&nbsp;police were called to 3250 Michigan Street in Lawrence where a 56-year-old victim told police a 46-year-old man had slashed his arm with a knife. The victim was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, .&nbsp;Police asked the public for help locating 46-year-old Rashidi "Rocky" McClelland in connection with the incident.Just before <a href="https://x.com/LawrenceKS_PD/status/1856889439911301533?t=330">5:30</a> p.m. Wednesday, police received information that&nbsp; McClelland was inside a house in the 3700 block of Westland Place, near 6th Street and Monterey Way, according to a media release.Within minutes, officers were in the area and began watching the house. Officers were able to spot a person they believed to be McClelland moving around inside. At approximately <a href="https://x.com/LawrenceKS_PD/status/1856889439911301533?t=450">7:30</a>p.m., officers moved in on the house, making their presence known, and used loudspeakers from the street to call McClelland out. After attempting to exit multiple doors and windows, McClelland eventually surrendered peacefully to officers at <a href="https://x.com/LawrenceKS_PD/status/1856889439911301533?t=483">8:03</a> p.m. He was transported to the Douglas County Correctional Facility and booked on requested charges in connection with the stabbing.The victim is expected to recover from his injuries, according to police.

Police capture Kan. knife attack suspect after 9-day search

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans have won enough seats to control the U.S. House, completing the party’s sweep into power and securing their hold on U.S. government alongside President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>.

A House Republican victory in Arizona, alongside a win in slow-counting California earlier Wednesday, gave the GOP the 218 House victories that make up the majority. Republicans earlier gained control of the Senate from Democrats.

With hard-fought yet thin majorities, Republican leaders are envisioning a mandate to upend the federal government and swiftly implement&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-wins-second-term-policies-de3dcf0f173b42602b258042fd7aaafb">Trump’s vision for the country</a>.

The incoming president has promised to carry out the country’s largest-ever&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-day-1-priorities-deportations-drilling-ukraine-6747c6e64b0440978f59450b928f61d1">deportation operation</a>, extend tax breaks, punish his political enemies, seize control of the federal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-military-border-civil-unrest-domestic-use-a136c69cc85184b07f161c4c09b46c50">government’s most powerful tools</a>&nbsp;and reshape the U.S. economy. The GOP election victories ensure that Congress will be onboard for that agenda, and Democrats will be almost powerless to check it.

When Trump was elected president in 2016, Republicans also swept Congress, but he still encountered Republican leaders resistant to his policy ideas, as well as a Supreme Court with a liberal majority. Not this time.

When he returns to the White House, Trump will be working with a Republican Party that has been completely transformed by his “Make America Great Again" movement and a Supreme Court dominated by conservative justices, including three that he appointed.

Trump rallied House Republicans at a Capitol Hill hotel Wednesday morning, marking his first return to Washington since the election.

“I suspect I won’t be running again unless you say, ‘He’s good, we got to figure something else,’” Trump said to the room full of lawmakers who laughed in response.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, who with Trump's endorsement&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-trump-elections-republicans-29989249dcf533292ab5b2a22bf054a0">won the Republican Conference's nomination</a>&nbsp;to stay on as speaker next year, has talked of taking a “blowtorch” to the federal government and its programs, eyeing ways to overhaul even popular programs championed by Democrats in recent years. The Louisiana Republican, an ardent conservative, has pulled the House Republican Conference closer to Trump during the campaign season as they prepare an “ambitious” 100-day agenda.

“Republicans in the House and Senate have a mandate,” Johnson said earlier this week. “The American people want us to implement and deliver that ‘America First’ agenda.”

Trump's allies in the House are already signaling they will seek retribution for the legal troubles Trump faced while out of office. The incoming president on Wednesday said he would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-senate-john-thune-republican-leader-c34ecb7479cee50c24aacf3fef83dcfc">nominate Rep. Matt Gaetz</a>, a fierce loyalist, for attorney general.

Meanwhile, Rep. Jim Jordan, the chair of the powerful House Judiciary Committee, has said GOP lawmakers are “not taking anything off the table” in their plans to investigate special counsel Jack Smith, even as Smith is winding down two federal investigations into Trump for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">plotting to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-justice-department-indictment-classified-documents-miami-8315a5b23c18f27083ed64eef21efff3">hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate</a>.

Still, with a few races still uncalled the Republicans may hold the majority by just a few seats as the new Congress begins. Trump's decision to pull from the House for posts in his administration — Reps. Gaetz,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-national-security-adviser-mike-wlatz-0c81d044c9ffe18dfd745202e8351b9c">Mike Waltz</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-united-nations-elise-stefanik-ambassador-2b482fb39a8d6f03d389d27cc8820056">Elise Stefanik</a>&nbsp;so far — could complicate Johnson's ability to maintain a majority in the early days of the new Congress.

Gaetz submitted his resignation Wednesday, effective immediately. Johnson said he hoped the seat could be filled by the time the new Congress convenes Jan. 3. Replacements for members of the House require special elections, and the congressional districts held by the three departing members have been held by Republicans for years.

With the thin majority, a highly functioning House is also far from guaranteed. The past two years of Republican House control were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-campaign-house-republicans-majority-elections-ef7ef9a498e1c7a04971bf28b59c81f7">defined by infighting</a>&nbsp;as hardline conservative factions sought to gain influence and power by openly defying their party leadership. While Johnson — at times with Trump's help — largely&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-mike-johnson-donald-trump-b4f6b6d733a3b625ef44405ae4b5d591">tamed open rebellions</a>&nbsp;against his leadership, the right wing of the party is ascendant and ambitious on the heels of Trump's election victory.

The Republican majority also depends on a small group of lawmakers who won tough elections by running as moderates. It remains to be seen whether they will stay onboard for some of the most extreme proposals championed by Trump and his allies.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, meanwhile, is trying to keep Democrats relevant to any legislation that passes Congress, an effort that will depend on Democratic leaders unifying over 200 members, even as the party undergoes a postmortem of its election losses.

In the Senate, GOP leaders, fresh off winning a convincing majority, are already working with Trump to confirm his Cabinet picks. Sen. John Thune of South Dakota won an internal election Wednesday to replace Sen. Mitch McConnell, the longest serving party leader in Senate history.

Thune in the past has been critical of Trump, but praised the incoming president during his leadership election bid.

“This Republican team is united. We are on one team,” Thune said. “We are excited to reclaim the majority and to get to work with our colleagues in the House to enact President Trump’s agenda.”

The GOP’s Senate majority of 53 seats also ensures that Republicans will have breathing room when it comes to confirming Cabinet posts, or Supreme Court justices if there is a vacancy. Not all those confirmations are guaranteed. Republicans were incredulous Wednesday when the news hit Capitol Hill that Trump would nominate Gaetz as his attorney general. Even close Trump allies in the Senate distanced themselves from supporting Gaetz, who had been facing a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-ethics-committee-matt-gaetz-mccarthy-935a5ec46816f8310586a2a3d545f8f2">House Ethics Committee investigation</a>&nbsp;into allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use.

Still, Trump on Sunday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-senate-thune-cornyn-scott-republican-leadership-2a711f260887926676bb5d69866a1981">demanded that any Republican leader</a>&nbsp;must allow him to make administration appointments without a vote while the Senate is in recess. Such a move would be a notable shift in power away from the Senate, yet all the leadership contenders quickly agreed to the idea. Democrats could potentially fight such a maneuver.

Meanwhile, Trump's social media supporters, including Elon Musk, the world's richest man, clamored against picking a traditional Republican to lead the Senate chamber. Thune worked as a top lieutenant to McConnell, who once called the former president a “despicable human being”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mcconnell-trump-biography-election-0a861001d95287e689336504abc2281f">in his private notes</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731582077805.png" alt="Image Associated Press" />
 <figcaption>Image Associated Press</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans have won enough seats to control the U.S. House, completing the party’s sweep into power and securing their hold on U.S. government alongside President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>.A House Republican victory in Arizona, alongside a win in slow-counting California earlier Wednesday, gave the GOP the 218 House victories that make up the majority. Republicans earlier gained control of the Senate from Democrats.With hard-fought yet thin majorities, Republican leaders are envisioning a mandate to upend the federal government and swiftly implement&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-wins-second-term-policies-de3dcf0f173b42602b258042fd7aaafb">Trump’s vision for the country</a>.The incoming president has promised to carry out the country’s largest-ever&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-day-1-priorities-deportations-drilling-ukraine-6747c6e64b0440978f59450b928f61d1">deportation operation</a>, extend tax breaks, punish his political enemies, seize control of the federal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-military-border-civil-unrest-domestic-use-a136c69cc85184b07f161c4c09b46c50">government’s most powerful tools</a>&nbsp;and reshape the U.S. economy. The GOP election victories ensure that Congress will be onboard for that agenda, and Democrats will be almost powerless to check it.When Trump was elected president in 2016, Republicans also swept Congress, but he still encountered Republican leaders resistant to his policy ideas, as well as a Supreme Court with a liberal majority. Not this time.When he returns to the White House, Trump will be working with a Republican Party that has been completely transformed by his “Make America Great Again" movement and a Supreme Court dominated by conservative justices, including three that he appointed.Trump rallied House Republicans at a Capitol Hill hotel Wednesday morning, marking his first return to Washington since the election.“I suspect I won’t be running again unless you say, ‘He’s good, we got to figure something else,’” Trump said to the room full of lawmakers who laughed in response.House Speaker Mike Johnson, who with Trump's endorsement&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-trump-elections-republicans-29989249dcf533292ab5b2a22bf054a0">won the Republican Conference's nomination</a>&nbsp;to stay on as speaker next year, has talked of taking a “blowtorch” to the federal government and its programs, eyeing ways to overhaul even popular programs championed by Democrats in recent years. The Louisiana Republican, an ardent conservative, has pulled the House Republican Conference closer to Trump during the campaign season as they prepare an “ambitious” 100-day agenda.“Republicans in the House and Senate have a mandate,” Johnson said earlier this week. “The American people want us to implement and deliver that ‘America First’ agenda.”Trump's allies in the House are already signaling they will seek retribution for the legal troubles Trump faced while out of office. The incoming president on Wednesday said he would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-senate-john-thune-republican-leader-c34ecb7479cee50c24aacf3fef83dcfc">nominate Rep. Matt Gaetz</a>, a fierce loyalist, for attorney general.Meanwhile, Rep. Jim Jordan, the chair of the powerful House Judiciary Committee, has said GOP lawmakers are “not taking anything off the table” in their plans to investigate special counsel Jack Smith, even as Smith is winding down two federal investigations into Trump for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">plotting to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-justice-department-indictment-classified-documents-miami-8315a5b23c18f27083ed64eef21efff3">hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate</a>.Still, with a few races still uncalled the Republicans may hold the majority by just a few seats as the new Congress begins. Trump's decision to pull from the House for posts in his administration — Reps. Gaetz,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-national-security-adviser-mike-wlatz-0c81d044c9ffe18dfd745202e8351b9c">Mike Waltz</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-united-nations-elise-stefanik-ambassador-2b482fb39a8d6f03d389d27cc8820056">Elise Stefanik</a>&nbsp;so far — could complicate Johnson's ability to maintain a majority in the early days of the new Congress.Gaetz submitted his resignation Wednesday, effective immediately. Johnson said he hoped the seat could be filled by the time the new Congress convenes Jan. 3. Replacements for members of the House require special elections, and the congressional districts held by the three departing members have been held by Republicans for years.With the thin majority, a highly functioning House is also far from guaranteed. The past two years of Republican House control were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-campaign-house-republicans-majority-elections-ef7ef9a498e1c7a04971bf28b59c81f7">defined by infighting</a>&nbsp;as hardline conservative factions sought to gain influence and power by openly defying their party leadership. While Johnson — at times with Trump's help — largely&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-mike-johnson-donald-trump-b4f6b6d733a3b625ef44405ae4b5d591">tamed open rebellions</a>&nbsp;against his leadership, the right wing of the party is ascendant and ambitious on the heels of Trump's election victory.The Republican majority also depends on a small group of lawmakers who won tough elections by running as moderates. It remains to be seen whether they will stay onboard for some of the most extreme proposals championed by Trump and his allies.House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, meanwhile, is trying to keep Democrats relevant to any legislation that passes Congress, an effort that will depend on Democratic leaders unifying over 200 members, even as the party undergoes a postmortem of its election losses.In the Senate, GOP leaders, fresh off winning a convincing majority, are already working with Trump to confirm his Cabinet picks. Sen. John Thune of South Dakota won an internal election Wednesday to replace Sen. Mitch McConnell, the longest serving party leader in Senate history.Thune in the past has been critical of Trump, but praised the incoming president during his leadership election bid.“This Republican team is united. We are on one team,” Thune said. “We are excited to reclaim the majority and to get to work with our colleagues in the House to enact President Trump’s agenda.”The GOP’s Senate majority of 53 seats also ensures that Republicans will have breathing room when it comes to confirming Cabinet posts, or Supreme Court justices if there is a vacancy. Not all those confirmations are guaranteed. Republicans were incredulous Wednesday when the news hit Capitol Hill that Trump would nominate Gaetz as his attorney general. Even close Trump allies in the Senate distanced themselves from supporting Gaetz, who had been facing a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-ethics-committee-matt-gaetz-mccarthy-935a5ec46816f8310586a2a3d545f8f2">House Ethics Committee investigation</a>&nbsp;into allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use.Still, Trump on Sunday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-senate-thune-cornyn-scott-republican-leadership-2a711f260887926676bb5d69866a1981">demanded that any Republican leader</a>&nbsp;must allow him to make administration appointments without a vote while the Senate is in recess. Such a move would be a notable shift in power away from the Senate, yet all the leadership contenders quickly agreed to the idea. Democrats could potentially fight such a maneuver.Meanwhile, Trump's social media supporters, including Elon Musk, the world's richest man, clamored against picking a traditional Republican to lead the Senate chamber. Thune worked as a top lieutenant to McConnell, who once called the former president a “despicable human being”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mcconnell-trump-biography-election-0a861001d95287e689336504abc2281f">in his private notes</a>.

Republicans win 218 US House seats, giving Trump and the party control of government

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating after fire crews in Kansas City&nbsp; encountered gunfire on the way to a call.

Just before noon Wednesday, while responding to a call at 55th and Prospect, a Kansas City Fire Department pumper drove into the vicinity of gun fire while heading to their call, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.&nbsp;

Preliminary information indicates there was indeed an exchange of gunfire between individuals in the area, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez. Fire crews believed their pumper had been struck. 

Police responded to assist and the initial investigation revealed there were no injuries to any Kansas City Fire Department staff. Police and fire officials have also not found any damage to KCFD property.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating after fire crews in Kansas City&nbsp; encountered gunfire on the way to a call.Just before noon Wednesday, while responding to a call at 55th and Prospect, a Kansas City Fire Department pumper drove into the vicinity of gun fire while heading to their call, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.&nbsp;Preliminary information indicates there was indeed an exchange of gunfire between individuals in the area, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez. Fire crews believed their pumper had been struck. Police responded to assist and the initial investigation revealed there were no injuries to any Kansas City Fire Department staff. Police and fire officials have also not found any damage to KCFD property.

Kansas City fire crews drive through gunfire on the way to a call

KANSAS CITY —Police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run in Kansas City that occurred just before 7p.m. Wednesday in Kansas City.

A preliminary investigation revealed that a man was crossing Blue Ridge Boulevard from west to east at 103rd Terrace. He was in the middle of the southbound lanes of Blue Ridge when at least one vehicle struck him, according to KCPD&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

The unknown vehicle(s) left the scene of the crash without stopping and the pedestrian was declared deceased at the scene. 

This is fatality #81 in Kansas City, Missouri compared to #85 at this time last year, according to Gonzalez.

KANSAS CITY —Police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run in Kansas City that occurred just before 7p.m. Wednesday in Kansas City.A preliminary investigation revealed that a man was crossing Blue Ridge Boulevard from west to east at 103rd Terrace. He was in the middle of the southbound lanes of Blue Ridge when at least one vehicle struck him, according to KCPD&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.The unknown vehicle(s) left the scene of the crash without stopping and the pedestrian was declared deceased at the scene. This is fatality #81 in Kansas City, Missouri compared to #85 at this time last year, according to Gonzalez.

KCPD: Man dies after struck by at least one vehicle

KANSAS CITY (AP)—At least 104 people have been sickened, with 34 hospitalized, in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mcdonalds-outbreak-e-coli-onions-beef-fe0b86b40857b09dc01c001eacea3b67">an outbreak of E. coli food poisoning</a>&nbsp;tied to onions served on McDonald's Quarter Pounder hamburgers, federal health officials said Wednesday.

Cases have been detected in 14 states, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/outbreaks/investigation-update-e-coli-o157-2024.html">an update</a>&nbsp;from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One person died in Colorado and four people have developed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mcdonalds-e-coli-food-poisoning-acb6d87f6182b42295d16625480525b0">potentially life-threatening kidney disease</a>&nbsp;complication.

At least 30 cases were reported in Colorado, followed by 19 in Montana, 13 in Nebraska, 10 in New Mexico, eight in Missouri and Utah, six in Wyoming, three in Kansas, two in Michigan and one each in Iowa, North Carolina, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin.

Illnesses were reported between Sept. 12 and Oct. 21. At least seven people who got sick said they ate McDonald's food while traveling.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mcdonalds-outbreak-e-coli-onions-2bc3fc2d4198d9a5bad52c0028316165">Slivered onions</a>&nbsp;served on the Quarter Pounders were the likely source of the outbreak, the CDC said. Taylor Farms, a California-based produce grower, recalled onions potentially linked to the outbreak. Tests by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration detected a type of E. coli bacteria that produces a dangerous toxin in one sample of the onions, but it did not match the strain that made people sick, officials reported.

Quarter Pounders were removed from menus in several states during the early days of the outbreak. The onions served at the McDonald's locations are past their shelf life and no longer for sale. CDC officials said the risk to the public remains low.

The type of bacteria&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/e-coli-mcdonalds-outbreak-bacteria-quarter-pounder-080847096a6b7062b4fb17037393fc99">implicated in this outbreak</a>&nbsp;causes about 74,000 infections in the U.S. annually, leading to more than 2,000 hospitalizations and 61 deaths each year, according to the CDC.

Symptoms occur quickly, within a day or two of eating contaminated food, and typically include fever, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea and signs of dehydration — little or no urination, increased thirst and dizziness. The infection can cause a type of serious kidney injury, especially in kids younger than 5. E. coli poisoning in young children requires immediate medical attention.

KANSAS CITY (AP)—At least 104 people have been sickened, with 34 hospitalized, in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mcdonalds-outbreak-e-coli-onions-beef-fe0b86b40857b09dc01c001eacea3b67">an outbreak of E. coli food poisoning</a>&nbsp;tied to onions served on McDonald's Quarter Pounder hamburgers, federal health officials said Wednesday.Cases have been detected in 14 states, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/outbreaks/investigation-update-e-coli-o157-2024.html">an update</a>&nbsp;from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One person died in Colorado and four people have developed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mcdonalds-e-coli-food-poisoning-acb6d87f6182b42295d16625480525b0">potentially life-threatening kidney disease</a>&nbsp;complication.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731536357963.png" alt="CDC image" />
 <figcaption>CDC image</figcaption>
 </figure>At least 30 cases were reported in Colorado, followed by 19 in Montana, 13 in Nebraska, 10 in New Mexico, eight in Missouri and Utah, six in Wyoming, three in Kansas, two in Michigan and one each in Iowa, North Carolina, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin.Illnesses were reported between Sept. 12 and Oct. 21. At least seven people who got sick said they ate McDonald's food while traveling.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mcdonalds-outbreak-e-coli-onions-2bc3fc2d4198d9a5bad52c0028316165">Slivered onions</a>&nbsp;served on the Quarter Pounders were the likely source of the outbreak, the CDC said. Taylor Farms, a California-based produce grower, recalled onions potentially linked to the outbreak. Tests by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration detected a type of E. coli bacteria that produces a dangerous toxin in one sample of the onions, but it did not match the strain that made people sick, officials reported.Quarter Pounders were removed from menus in several states during the early days of the outbreak. The onions served at the McDonald's locations are past their shelf life and no longer for sale. CDC officials said the risk to the public remains low.The type of bacteria&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/e-coli-mcdonalds-outbreak-bacteria-quarter-pounder-080847096a6b7062b4fb17037393fc99">implicated in this outbreak</a>&nbsp;causes about 74,000 infections in the U.S. annually, leading to more than 2,000 hospitalizations and 61 deaths each year, according to the CDC.Symptoms occur quickly, within a day or two of eating contaminated food, and typically include fever, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea and signs of dehydration — little or no urination, increased thirst and dizziness. The infection can cause a type of serious kidney injury, especially in kids younger than 5. E. coli poisoning in young children requires immediate medical attention.

E. coli cases climb in McDonald's outbreak tied to slivered onions

JOHNSON COUNTY —A former Kansas middle school teacher is going to prison for child sex crimes.

On November 8, Judge Neil Foth sentenced 55-year-old Keil Hileman to 24-months in prison. He must also register as a sex offender for 25-years.

On August 14,&nbsp; Hileman pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted unlawful sexual relations, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.

As part of the plea agreement, the State of Kansas dismissed&nbsp; four additional sex crime charges against him, according to court documents.

In October of 2022, the Johnson County District Attorney’s office charged Hileman, at the time a Monticello Trails Middle School, USD 232 DeSoto teacher, alleging criminal conduct involving his role as an educator," the district said in the letter to families.

In 2004, Hileman was named Kansas Teacher of the Year and was a finalists for the National Teacher of the Year.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731165443157.png" alt="Hileman photo KBI Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Hileman photo KBI Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —A former Kansas middle school teacher is going to prison for child sex crimes.On November 8, Judge Neil Foth sentenced 55-year-old Keil Hileman to 24-months in prison. He must also register as a sex offender for 25-years.On August 14,&nbsp; Hileman pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted unlawful sexual relations, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.As part of the plea agreement, the State of Kansas dismissed&nbsp; four additional sex crime charges against him, according to court documents.In October of 2022, the Johnson County District Attorney’s office charged Hileman, at the time a Monticello Trails Middle School, USD 232 DeSoto teacher, alleging criminal conduct involving his role as an educator," the district said in the letter to families.In 2004, Hileman was named Kansas Teacher of the Year and was a finalists for the National Teacher of the Year.&nbsp;

Former Kan. teacher of the year sentenced for child sex crimes

WABAUNSEE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Wednesday in Wabaunsee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Chevy Silverado driven by&nbsp; Damon Michael&nbsp; Welsh, 20, Manhattan, was southbound on Kansas 99 just north of&nbsp;North of Antelope Creek Road.

&nbsp;The pickup traveled left of center and collided with a northbound 2010 Honda CR-V driven by John W. Long, 69, Wamego, in the northbound lane. After impact both vehicles became disabled in the east ditch.

EMS transported Long to the Wamego Health Center where he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; EMS transported Welsh to Stormont Vail. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

WABAUNSEE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Wednesday in Wabaunsee County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Chevy Silverado driven by&nbsp; Damon Michael&nbsp; Welsh, 20, Manhattan, was southbound on Kansas 99 just north of&nbsp;North of Antelope Creek Road.&nbsp;The pickup traveled left of center and collided with a northbound 2010 Honda CR-V driven by John W. Long, 69, Wamego, in the northbound lane. After impact both vehicles became disabled in the east ditch.EMS transported Long to the Wamego Health Center where he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; EMS transported Welsh to Stormont Vail. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after pickup, SUV crash

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump stunned the Pentagon and the broader defense world by nominating Fox News host Pete Hegseth&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-pete-hegseth-trump-defense-secretary-2e2bdd16c8e90f5d037f763cfadbde94">to serve as his defense secretary</a>, tapping someone largely inexperienced and untested on the global stage to take over the world's largest and most powerful military.

The news was met with bewilderment and worry among many in Washington as Trump passed on a number of established&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-defense-secretary-pentagon-nomination-59657362d8bb5b6bf245def8611e7a0f">national security heavy-hitters</a>&nbsp;and chose an Army National Guard major well known in conservative circles as a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox &amp; Friends Weekend.”

While some Republican lawmakers had a muted response to the announcement, others called his combat experience an asset or said he was “tremendously capable.”

Hegseth's choice could bring&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-transition-white-house-staff-huckabee-f51121db5b18814bbab014e872c2a736">sweeping changes to the military.</a>&nbsp;He has made it clear on his show and in interviews that, like Trump, he is opposed to “woke” programs that promote equity and inclusion. He also has questioned the role of women in combat and advocated pardoning service members charged with war crimes.

In June, at a rally in Las Vegas, Trump encouraged his supporters to buy Hegseth’s book and said that if he won the presidency, "The woke stuff will be gone within a period of 24 hours. I can tell you.”

The 44-year-old Hegseth, a staunch conservative who embraces Trump's “America First” policies, has pushed for making the military more lethal. During an interview on “The Shawn Ryan Show” podcast, he said allowing women to serve in combat hurts that effort.

“Everything about men and women serving together makes the situation more complicated, and complication in combat, that means casualties are worse,” Hegseth said.

And while he said diversity in the military is a strength, he said it was because minority and white men can perform similarly, but the same isn't true for women.

By opening combat slots to women, “we’ve changed the standards in putting them there, which means you’ve changed the capability of that unit,” Hegseth said in the podcast interview.

Since then-Defense Secretary Ash Carter opened all combat roles to women in 2016, women have successfully passed the military's grueling tests to become&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/army-special-operations-gender-bias-female-sexism-1c904cba739b8ba3720827bd9e77f5f4">Green Berets and Army Rangers</a>, and the Naval Special Warfare's test to serve as a&nbsp;<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/the%20boat%20operators%20who%20transport%20Navy%20SEALs%20and%20conduct%20their%20own%20classified%20missions%20at%20sea.">combatant-craft crewman</a>&nbsp;— the boat operators who transport Navy SEALs and conduct their own classified missions at sea.

While Trump lauded Hegseth as “tough, smart and a true believer in America First,” others were quick to point to the TV personality's lack of experience. Some suggested he could be Pentagon chief in name only as the Trump White House runs the department.

A number of other names floated as possible defense choices had included Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., chairman of the House Armed Services Committee; retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg; Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa; and Robert Wilkie, a former Pentagon official who was head of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Trump's first term.

“There is reason for concern that this is not a person who is a serious enough policymaker, serious enough policy implementer, to do a successful job,” said Rep. Adam Smith of Washington, the ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee.

Mark Cancian, a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said Hegseth's lack of senior national security experience makes it more difficult to get Senate confirmation.

“I think Trump was tired of fighting with his secretaries of defense and picked one who would be loyal to him,” Cancian said.

Military officials said the choice came out of the blue. A senior military officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media, said Hegseth's selection is raising concerns about whether he has the practical experience to manage a large department with an enormous budget.

The Defense Department has a budget exceeding $800 billion, with about 1.3 million active-duty troops and another 1.4 million in the National Guard, Reserves and civilian employees based worldwide.

If confirmed, Hegseth would face a daunting array of global crises, from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mideast-wars">wars in the Middle East</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Ukraine</a>&nbsp;and the expanding&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-korea-north-korea-troops-russia-ukraine-9ee96dc1d4f07ac0813c698e6873f96b">alliance between Russia and North Korea</a>&nbsp;to the growing competition with China. There is also the need to upgrade the complex U.S. missile and nuclear defense apparatus and ensure the defense industry can keep up with America's need for weapons systems.

Smith said that while Hegseth's combat experience is a plus, running the Pentagon requires a lot of other skill sets, and his nomination will need some time for consideration.

“What’s your plan? What are you going to do? ... How can you assure us that that lack of experience, you know, isn’t going to make it impossible for you to do the job?” Smith said. “I think those are questions that need to be answered over the next couple of months.”

Even some Republicans in the Senate, who would vote on his nomination, had a subdued response.

North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis called the choice “interesting.” Indiana Sen. Todd Young, who served in the Marine Corps, said, “I don’t know much about his background or his vision, so I look forward to learning more.”

North Dakota Sen. John Hoeven said he’s not surprised that Trump chose Hegseth because Trump is “close to him and likes him and trusts him.”

“The guy’s obviously tremendously capable, a great communicator," Hoeven said. "I look forward to getting to know him better.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said Hegseth brings a lot to the table and will be "reform-minded in the areas that need reform.”

According to the Army, Hegseth served in the Guard from 2002 to 2021 as an infantry officer, but is not currently serving. He deployed to Iraq in 2005, Afghanistan in 2011 and to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in 2004. He has two Bronze Stars.

He has been a contributor since 2014 for Fox News, developing a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on his show. He is the author of “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free.”

“With Pete at the helm, America’s enemies are on notice — Our Military will be Great Again, and America will Never Back Down,” Trump said in a statement. “Nobody fights harder for the Troops, and Pete will be a courageous and patriotic champion of our ‘Peace through Strength’ policy.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731502153990.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump stunned the Pentagon and the broader defense world by nominating Fox News host Pete Hegseth&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-pete-hegseth-trump-defense-secretary-2e2bdd16c8e90f5d037f763cfadbde94">to serve as his defense secretary</a>, tapping someone largely inexperienced and untested on the global stage to take over the world's largest and most powerful military.The news was met with bewilderment and worry among many in Washington as Trump passed on a number of established&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-defense-secretary-pentagon-nomination-59657362d8bb5b6bf245def8611e7a0f">national security heavy-hitters</a>&nbsp;and chose an Army National Guard major well known in conservative circles as a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox &amp; Friends Weekend.”While some Republican lawmakers had a muted response to the announcement, others called his combat experience an asset or said he was “tremendously capable.”Hegseth's choice could bring&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-transition-white-house-staff-huckabee-f51121db5b18814bbab014e872c2a736">sweeping changes to the military.</a>&nbsp;He has made it clear on his show and in interviews that, like Trump, he is opposed to “woke” programs that promote equity and inclusion. He also has questioned the role of women in combat and advocated pardoning service members charged with war crimes.In June, at a rally in Las Vegas, Trump encouraged his supporters to buy Hegseth’s book and said that if he won the presidency, "The woke stuff will be gone within a period of 24 hours. I can tell you.”The 44-year-old Hegseth, a staunch conservative who embraces Trump's “America First” policies, has pushed for making the military more lethal. During an interview on “The Shawn Ryan Show” podcast, he said allowing women to serve in combat hurts that effort.“Everything about men and women serving together makes the situation more complicated, and complication in combat, that means casualties are worse,” Hegseth said.And while he said diversity in the military is a strength, he said it was because minority and white men can perform similarly, but the same isn't true for women.By opening combat slots to women, “we’ve changed the standards in putting them there, which means you’ve changed the capability of that unit,” Hegseth said in the podcast interview.Since then-Defense Secretary Ash Carter opened all combat roles to women in 2016, women have successfully passed the military's grueling tests to become&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/army-special-operations-gender-bias-female-sexism-1c904cba739b8ba3720827bd9e77f5f4">Green Berets and Army Rangers</a>, and the Naval Special Warfare's test to serve as a&nbsp;<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/the%20boat%20operators%20who%20transport%20Navy%20SEALs%20and%20conduct%20their%20own%20classified%20missions%20at%20sea.">combatant-craft crewman</a>&nbsp;— the boat operators who transport Navy SEALs and conduct their own classified missions at sea.While Trump lauded Hegseth as “tough, smart and a true believer in America First,” others were quick to point to the TV personality's lack of experience. Some suggested he could be Pentagon chief in name only as the Trump White House runs the department.A number of other names floated as possible defense choices had included Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., chairman of the House Armed Services Committee; retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg; Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa; and Robert Wilkie, a former Pentagon official who was head of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Trump's first term.“There is reason for concern that this is not a person who is a serious enough policymaker, serious enough policy implementer, to do a successful job,” said Rep. Adam Smith of Washington, the ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee.Mark Cancian, a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said Hegseth's lack of senior national security experience makes it more difficult to get Senate confirmation.“I think Trump was tired of fighting with his secretaries of defense and picked one who would be loyal to him,” Cancian said.Military officials said the choice came out of the blue. A senior military officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media, said Hegseth's selection is raising concerns about whether he has the practical experience to manage a large department with an enormous budget.The Defense Department has a budget exceeding $800 billion, with about 1.3 million active-duty troops and another 1.4 million in the National Guard, Reserves and civilian employees based worldwide.If confirmed, Hegseth would face a daunting array of global crises, from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mideast-wars">wars in the Middle East</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Ukraine</a>&nbsp;and the expanding&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-korea-north-korea-troops-russia-ukraine-9ee96dc1d4f07ac0813c698e6873f96b">alliance between Russia and North Korea</a>&nbsp;to the growing competition with China. There is also the need to upgrade the complex U.S. missile and nuclear defense apparatus and ensure the defense industry can keep up with America's need for weapons systems.Smith said that while Hegseth's combat experience is a plus, running the Pentagon requires a lot of other skill sets, and his nomination will need some time for consideration.“What’s your plan? What are you going to do? ... How can you assure us that that lack of experience, you know, isn’t going to make it impossible for you to do the job?” Smith said. “I think those are questions that need to be answered over the next couple of months.”Even some Republicans in the Senate, who would vote on his nomination, had a subdued response.North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis called the choice “interesting.” Indiana Sen. Todd Young, who served in the Marine Corps, said, “I don’t know much about his background or his vision, so I look forward to learning more.”North Dakota Sen. John Hoeven said he’s not surprised that Trump chose Hegseth because Trump is “close to him and likes him and trusts him.”“The guy’s obviously tremendously capable, a great communicator," Hoeven said. "I look forward to getting to know him better.”House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said Hegseth brings a lot to the table and will be "reform-minded in the areas that need reform.”According to the Army, Hegseth served in the Guard from 2002 to 2021 as an infantry officer, but is not currently serving. He deployed to Iraq in 2005, Afghanistan in 2011 and to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in 2004. He has two Bronze Stars.He has been a contributor since 2014 for Fox News, developing a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on his show. He is the author of “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free.”“With Pete at the helm, America’s enemies are on notice — Our Military will be Great Again, and America will Never Back Down,” Trump said in a statement. “Nobody fights harder for the Troops, and Pete will be a courageous and patriotic champion of our ‘Peace through Strength’ policy.”___

Trump's choice for Secretary of Defense stuns the Pentagon

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;chose Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida to serve as his attorney general on Wednesday, bypassing more experienced options in favor of a loyalist who has built a national reputation as a disruptor and has pledged to dramatically overhaul the Justice Department.

Trump also announced that he had tapped Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/112752631378869022">Marco Rubio</a>&nbsp;of Florida as his nominee for secretary of state. And he selected Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic member of Congress and presidential candidate, to serve as his director of national intelligence.

The choices continued a pattern of Trump stocking his Cabinet with loyalists he believes he can trust to execute his agenda rather than longtime officials with experience in their fields. Gaetz's selection, in particular, was seen as a shock. The Florida lawmaker was not among the more established attorneys who had been mentioned as contenders for the job.

Trump announced the decision in a post in his Truth Social network, saying that, “Matt will end Weaponized Government, protect our Borders, dismantle Criminal Organizations and restore Americans’ badly-shattered Faith and Confidence in the Justice Department."

Gaetz represents much of the Florida Panhandle and became a conservative star when he joined Congress, appearing as a frequent staunch defender of Trump on cable news.

He irked fellow GOP members in early 2023 when he filed the resolution that successfully ousted former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. McCarthy then helped fund a primary challenge to Gaetz that included commercials alleging that he paid for sex with a 17-year-old, an allegation currently investigated by the House Ethics Committee. Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing. The Justice Department ended its own sex trafficking investigation without bringing charges against him.

Even Trump’s allies in the Senate are keeping their distance from Gaetz.

“We’ll see,” said Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin when asked whether he would vote to confirm the congressman.

Sen. John Cornyn, a Texas Republican, suggested that the Senate would look closely into Gaetz, including the House Ethics Committee investigation.

“I’m sure it will make for a popcorn-eating confirmation hearing,” said GOP Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina.

The announcement came shortly after Trump confirmed that he had picked Rubio, a conservative lawmaker, as the nation’s top diplomat. A onetime critic who evolved into one of the president-elect’s fiercest defenders, Rubio, who will become the first Latino in the job, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump’s running mate this summer.

On Capitol Hill, Rubio is the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He has pushed for taking a harder line against China and has targeted social media app TikTok because its parent company is Chinese. He and other lawmakers contend that Beijing could demand access to the data of users whenever it wants.

“He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries,” Trump said of Rubio in a statement.

Trump made the announcement while flying back back to Florida from Washington after meeting with President Joe Biden.

The president-elect had been expected to pick Rubio for the post, but had also faced pressure from allies of Ric Grenell, who served as acting director of national intelligence during Trump’s first administration.

Grenell responded to the news on on X, writing, “Congratulations, Senator. You will be great for America!”

The selection is the culmination of a long, complicated history between Trump and Rubio. During their tense competition for the GOP presidential nomination in 2016, Rubio was especially blunt in his criticism of Trump, calling him a “con artist” and “the most vulgar person to ever aspire to the presidency.”

He tried to match Trump’s often-crude attacks by joking about the size of Trump’s hands in a reference to his manhood. Trump responded by branding Rubio as “little Marco,” a nickname that stuck with the senator for years.

But like many Republicans who sought to maintain their relevance in the Trump era, Rubio shifted his rhetoric. As speculation intensified that Trump might pick him as his running mate, Rubio sought to play down the tension from 2016, suggesting the heated tone simply reflected the intensity of a campaign.

“That is like asking a boxer why they punched somebody in the face in the third round,” Rubio told CNN when asked about his previous comments. “It’s because they were boxing.”

Rubio was first elected to the Senate in 2010 as part of the tea party wave of Republicans who swept into Washington. He quickly gained a reputation as someone who could embody a more diverse, welcoming Republican Party. He was a key member of a group that worked on a 2013 immigration bill that included a path to citizenship for millions of people in the country illegally.

But that legislation stalled in the House, where more conservative Republicans were in control, signaling the sharp turn to the right that the party — and Rubio — would soon embrace. Now, Rubio says he supports Trump’s plan to deploy the U.S. military to deport those in the country illegally.

“We are going to have to do something, unfortunately, we’re going to have to do something dramatic,” Rubio said in a May interview with NBC.

Gabbard, meanwhile, will to serve as director of national intelligence.

“As a former Candidate for the Democrat Presidential Nomination, she has broad support in both Parties - She is now a proud Republican!” Trump said in a statement. “I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community, championing our Constitutional Rights, and securing Peace through Strength. Tulsi will make us all proud!”

Both Vice President-elect JD Vance and Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr. had been advocating for Gabbard to get a position in the administration, after she grew close with them during the campaign.

She helped prepare Trump for his debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, announced she was becoming a Republican at a Trump rally during the race’s final stretch, and received huge cheers from his crowds at events.

Gabbard, who has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades, deploying to Iraq and Kuwait, would come to the role as somewhat of an outsider, compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, was confirmed by the Senate in 2021 following several years in a number of top national security and intelligence positions.

Gabbard hasn’t worked directly in the intelligence community, outside of House committees, including two years on the Homeland Security Committee. Like others Trump has selected for his agency leadership, she has been among his most popular political surrogates, often drawing thunderous responses from crowds as she stumped for him in the campaign’s closing months.

Earlier Wednesday, Trump announced that four longtime aides would be joining his administration as well.

Longtime aide Dan Scavino, who first worked for Trump as caddy at one of his golf courses and later became his social media guru, will serve as a deputy chief of staff. James Blair, the campaign’s political director, will serve as as deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs. And Taylor Budowich, who ran the pro-Trump Super PAC, Maga Inc., before joining the campaign, will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel. All will have the rank of assistant to the president.

Trump also formally announced Stephen Miller, an immigration hard-liner and another of Trump’s longest-serving aides, will be deputy chief of staff for policy and homeland security adviser.

Colvin reported from New York and Miller reported from Washington.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731531518225.png" alt="Rep. Matt Gaetz-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Matt Gaetz-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;chose Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida to serve as his attorney general on Wednesday, bypassing more experienced options in favor of a loyalist who has built a national reputation as a disruptor and has pledged to dramatically overhaul the Justice Department.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">It will be an honor to serve as President Trump’s Attorney General! <a href="https://t.co/dg0iQ0bA6Y">pic.twitter.com/dg0iQ0bA6Y</a>&mdash; Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) <a href="https://twitter.com/mattgaetz/status/1856796371048960344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump also announced that he had tapped Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/112752631378869022">Marco Rubio</a>&nbsp;of Florida as his nominee for secretary of state. And he selected Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic member of Congress and presidential candidate, to serve as his director of national intelligence.The choices continued a pattern of Trump stocking his Cabinet with loyalists he believes he can trust to execute his agenda rather than longtime officials with experience in their fields. Gaetz's selection, in particular, was seen as a shock. The Florida lawmaker was not among the more established attorneys who had been mentioned as contenders for the job.Trump announced the decision in a post in his Truth Social network, saying that, “Matt will end Weaponized Government, protect our Borders, dismantle Criminal Organizations and restore Americans’ badly-shattered Faith and Confidence in the Justice Department."Gaetz represents much of the Florida Panhandle and became a conservative star when he joined Congress, appearing as a frequent staunch defender of Trump on cable news.He irked fellow GOP members in early 2023 when he filed the resolution that successfully ousted former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. McCarthy then helped fund a primary challenge to Gaetz that included commercials alleging that he paid for sex with a 17-year-old, an allegation currently investigated by the House Ethics Committee. Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing. The Justice Department ended its own sex trafficking investigation without bringing charges against him.Even Trump’s allies in the Senate are keeping their distance from Gaetz.“We’ll see,” said Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin when asked whether he would vote to confirm the congressman.Sen. John Cornyn, a Texas Republican, suggested that the Senate would look closely into Gaetz, including the House Ethics Committee investigation.“I’m sure it will make for a popcorn-eating confirmation hearing,” said GOP Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina.The announcement came shortly after Trump confirmed that he had picked Rubio, a conservative lawmaker, as the nation’s top diplomat. A onetime critic who evolved into one of the president-elect’s fiercest defenders, Rubio, who will become the first Latino in the job, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump’s running mate this summer.On Capitol Hill, Rubio is the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He has pushed for taking a harder line against China and has targeted social media app TikTok because its parent company is Chinese. He and other lawmakers contend that Beijing could demand access to the data of users whenever it wants.“He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries,” Trump said of Rubio in a statement.Trump made the announcement while flying back back to Florida from Washington after meeting with President Joe Biden.The president-elect had been expected to pick Rubio for the post, but had also faced pressure from allies of Ric Grenell, who served as acting director of national intelligence during Trump’s first administration.Grenell responded to the news on on X, writing, “Congratulations, Senator. You will be great for America!”The selection is the culmination of a long, complicated history between Trump and Rubio. During their tense competition for the GOP presidential nomination in 2016, Rubio was especially blunt in his criticism of Trump, calling him a “con artist” and “the most vulgar person to ever aspire to the presidency.”He tried to match Trump’s often-crude attacks by joking about the size of Trump’s hands in a reference to his manhood. Trump responded by branding Rubio as “little Marco,” a nickname that stuck with the senator for years.But like many Republicans who sought to maintain their relevance in the Trump era, Rubio shifted his rhetoric. As speculation intensified that Trump might pick him as his running mate, Rubio sought to play down the tension from 2016, suggesting the heated tone simply reflected the intensity of a campaign.“That is like asking a boxer why they punched somebody in the face in the third round,” Rubio told CNN when asked about his previous comments. “It’s because they were boxing.”Rubio was first elected to the Senate in 2010 as part of the tea party wave of Republicans who swept into Washington. He quickly gained a reputation as someone who could embody a more diverse, welcoming Republican Party. He was a key member of a group that worked on a 2013 immigration bill that included a path to citizenship for millions of people in the country illegally.But that legislation stalled in the House, where more conservative Republicans were in control, signaling the sharp turn to the right that the party — and Rubio — would soon embrace. Now, Rubio says he supports Trump’s plan to deploy the U.S. military to deport those in the country illegally.“We are going to have to do something, unfortunately, we’re going to have to do something dramatic,” Rubio said in a May interview with NBC.Gabbard, meanwhile, will to serve as director of national intelligence.“As a former Candidate for the Democrat Presidential Nomination, she has broad support in both Parties - She is now a proud Republican!” Trump said in a statement. “I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community, championing our Constitutional Rights, and securing Peace through Strength. Tulsi will make us all proud!”Both Vice President-elect JD Vance and Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr. had been advocating for Gabbard to get a position in the administration, after she grew close with them during the campaign.She helped prepare Trump for his debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, announced she was becoming a Republican at a Trump rally during the race’s final stretch, and received huge cheers from his crowds at events.Gabbard, who has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades, deploying to Iraq and Kuwait, would come to the role as somewhat of an outsider, compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, was confirmed by the Senate in 2021 following several years in a number of top national security and intelligence positions.Gabbard hasn’t worked directly in the intelligence community, outside of House committees, including two years on the Homeland Security Committee. Like others Trump has selected for his agency leadership, she has been among his most popular political surrogates, often drawing thunderous responses from crowds as she stumped for him in the campaign’s closing months.Earlier Wednesday, Trump announced that four longtime aides would be joining his administration as well.Longtime aide Dan Scavino, who first worked for Trump as caddy at one of his golf courses and later became his social media guru, will serve as a deputy chief of staff. James Blair, the campaign’s political director, will serve as as deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs. And Taylor Budowich, who ran the pro-Trump Super PAC, Maga Inc., before joining the campaign, will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel. All will have the rank of assistant to the president.Trump also formally announced Stephen Miller, an immigration hard-liner and another of Trump’s longest-serving aides, will be deputy chief of staff for policy and homeland security adviser.—Colvin reported from New York and Miller reported from Washington.

Trump's pick for attorney general shocks the capitol

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The homes of Kansas City Chiefs' quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce were broken into within days of each other last month, law enforcement reports show.

“Obviously it’s frustrating, disappointing," Mahomes said before practice on Wednesday.

The break-ins, which were first reported by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tmz.com/2024/11/12/patrick-mahomes-travis-kelce-homes-burglarized/">TMZ,</a>&nbsp;happened just before and the day of the Chiefs’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saints-chiefs-score-7b5412c1594d73113111336074ee5ade">26-13 home victory</a>&nbsp;over the New Orleans Saints on Oct. 7, as Kelce’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-taylor-swift-travis-kelce-arrowhead-b386bd5deb5b6588f255d62068417cae">superstar girlfriend Taylor Swift</a>&nbsp;watched from the stands. No injuries were reported in either case.

One day before the Monday night game, law enforcement was called to a home matching Mahomes' address in a private gated resort-like community in northwestern Cass County, just to the south of the city's metropolitan area.

Mahomes said he couldn’t provide many details because the investigation is ongoing. He described it as “something you don’t want to happen to anybody and obviously yourself.”

His name isn’t listed on the sheriff's office report, which The Associated Press obtained. The single-page document shows another person called just after midnight on Oct. 6 to report what was classified as a burglary. It didn't describe any missing items.

Ronnie Lozano, a spokesman for the sheriff's department, wrote in an email that the investigation is active and declined to answer other questions, including whether there had been any arrests. The prosecutor for the county didn't immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

Around 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 7, as the Chiefs played the Saints at Arrowhead Stadium, a home matching the address of Kelce's was broken into in the affluent suburb of Leawood, just over the state line in Kansas. The crime wasn't reported until early the next morning, an offense report obtained from police by the AP shows.

Kelce’s name isn’t listed in the report, which said losses included $20,000 in cash and damage to a rear door. The 16,000-square-foot (1,440 square meter) home includes a wine cellar, backyard pool and six-car garage.

“The Leawood Police Department does not comment about specific victims of crimes except in the case of fatality crashes or homicides,” police Capt. Jason Ahring said in an email.

Melody Webb, a spokeswoman for the area's Johnson County prosecutor's office, said in an email that the office had no comment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695261614994.jpeg" alt="File photo Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes&nbsp; (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)" />
 <figcaption>File photo Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes&nbsp; (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The homes of Kansas City Chiefs' quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce were broken into within days of each other last month, law enforcement reports show.“Obviously it’s frustrating, disappointing," Mahomes said before practice on Wednesday.The break-ins, which were first reported by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tmz.com/2024/11/12/patrick-mahomes-travis-kelce-homes-burglarized/">TMZ,</a>&nbsp;happened just before and the day of the Chiefs’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saints-chiefs-score-7b5412c1594d73113111336074ee5ade">26-13 home victory</a>&nbsp;over the New Orleans Saints on Oct. 7, as Kelce’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-taylor-swift-travis-kelce-arrowhead-b386bd5deb5b6588f255d62068417cae">superstar girlfriend Taylor Swift</a>&nbsp;watched from the stands. No injuries were reported in either case.One day before the Monday night game, law enforcement was called to a home matching Mahomes' address in a private gated resort-like community in northwestern Cass County, just to the south of the city's metropolitan area.Mahomes said he couldn’t provide many details because the investigation is ongoing. He described it as “something you don’t want to happen to anybody and obviously yourself.”His name isn’t listed on the sheriff's office report, which The Associated Press obtained. The single-page document shows another person called just after midnight on Oct. 6 to report what was classified as a burglary. It didn't describe any missing items.Ronnie Lozano, a spokesman for the sheriff's department, wrote in an email that the investigation is active and declined to answer other questions, including whether there had been any arrests. The prosecutor for the county didn't immediately respond to an email seeking comment.Around 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 7, as the Chiefs played the Saints at Arrowhead Stadium, a home matching the address of Kelce's was broken into in the affluent suburb of Leawood, just over the state line in Kansas. The crime wasn't reported until early the next morning, an offense report obtained from police by the AP shows.Kelce’s name isn’t listed in the report, which said losses included $20,000 in cash and damage to a rear door. The 16,000-square-foot (1,440 square meter) home includes a wine cellar, backyard pool and six-car garage.“The Leawood Police Department does not comment about specific victims of crimes except in the case of fatality crashes or homicides,” police Capt. Jason Ahring said in an email.Melody Webb, a spokeswoman for the area's Johnson County prosecutor's office, said in an email that the office had no comment.____

Homes of Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce broken into 

DETROIT (AP) — General Motors is recalling nearly 462,000 pickup trucks and big SUVs with diesel engines because&nbsp;<a href="https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V797-7588.PDF">the rear wheels can lock up</a>, increasing the risk of a crash.

The recall in the U.S. covers certain Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups from the 2020 through 2022 model years. Also included are the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban.

Documents posted Wednesday on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website say a transmission control valve can wear out over time. In rare cases it can fail and lock up the rear wheels. Drivers may notice harsh shifting before any wheel problems.

GM says in documents that dealers will install new transmission control software that will monitor the valve and detect excess wear 10,000 miles before the wheels lock up. If wear is detected, the transmission will be limited to fifth gear, preventing wheel lockup, which happens when the transmission downshifts from eighth gear.

GM will provide warranty coverage to fix transmissions that have a defective control valve.

Owners will be notified of the recall by letter on Dec. 9.

DETROIT (AP) — General Motors is recalling nearly 462,000 pickup trucks and big SUVs with diesel engines because&nbsp;<a href="https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V797-7588.PDF">the rear wheels can lock up</a>, increasing the risk of a crash.The recall in the U.S. covers certain Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups from the 2020 through 2022 model years. Also included are the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban.Documents posted Wednesday on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website say a transmission control valve can wear out over time. In rare cases it can fail and lock up the rear wheels. Drivers may notice harsh shifting before any wheel problems.GM says in documents that dealers will install new transmission control software that will monitor the valve and detect excess wear 10,000 miles before the wheels lock up. If wear is detected, the transmission will be limited to fifth gear, preventing wheel lockup, which happens when the transmission downshifts from eighth gear.GM will provide warranty coverage to fix transmissions that have a defective control valve.Owners will be notified of the recall by letter on Dec. 9.

GM recalling big pickups, SUVs because the rear wheels can lock up

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;made a victor’s return to Washington on Wednesday, visiting the White House for an Oval Office meeting with President Joe Biden and committing to a smooth transition of power as the president-elect moves quickly to build out his new administration.

Sitting in front of a crackling fire, the rivals shook hands in the Oval Office as reporters looked on. Biden called Trump "Mr. President-elect and former president” before settling on “Donald.”

“Congratulations,” the Democrat told the Republican. “I look forward to having, like they said, a smooth transition,” Biden said. “Welcome. Welcome back.”

Trump replied, “Thank you very much," saying that “politics is tough. And it’s, in many cases, not a very nice world. But it is a nice world today, and I appreciate it very much.”

Neither man answered questions shouted by the media. At one point, Biden looked at Trump, who moved his head to the side and gave a small shrug but did not respond. Each was joined by his chief of staff for the private meeting that is a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-biden-white-house-meeting-awkward-obama-6ad7c112e2e1af6ff4fe2ebb4117eef5">traditional part of the peaceful handoff of power</a>, but a ritual that Trump declined to participate in four years ago after losing to Biden.

First lady Jill Biden greeted Trump upon his arrival at the White House and gave him a handwritten letter of congratulations for his wife, Melania Trump, who did not make the trip to Washington. The letter also expressed the first lady's team’s readiness to assist with the transition.

As Trump met with Biden, Trump sent out a fundraising email to supporters saying that he "is inside the White House right now conducting a very important meeting.”

Trump had flown from Florida in the morning, joining up with billionaire&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/elon-musk">Elon Musk</a>&nbsp;for a morning session with House Republicans. That discussion came as Trump prepares for a potentially unified Republican government and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-senate-leadership-elections-house-trump-82730f474a365a0d6e6af78a84bceda7">sweep of power</a>.

Back in Washington for the first time since his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/election-2024">election victory</a>, Trump told the GOP lawmakers, “It’s nice to win.”

He received a standing ovation from House GOP members, many of whom took cellphone videos of Trump as ran through their party's victories up and down the ballot, in what would be, under the constitutional limits, his final presidential election.

“I suspect I won’t be running again unless you say he’s good we got to figure something else,” Trump said to laughter from the lawmakers.

It’s a stunning return to the seat of America's government for the former president, who departed Washington in January 2021 a diminished, politically defeated leader after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/january-6-cases/">attack on the Capitol.</a>&nbsp;Today, he is preparing to come back to power with what he and his GOP allies see as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-day-1-priorities-deportations-drilling-ukraine-6747c6e64b0440978f59450b928f61d1">mandate for governance</a>.

“He is the comeback king,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., before Trump’s arrival. “We owe him a great debt of gratitude.”

The private meetings, including his sit-down with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Biden</a>, put in stark relief the former president’s remarkable political rebound. The reemergence comes amid Republican congressional leadership elections — with the potential for him to place his imprint on the outcome.

Trump endorsed Johnson's return to the speaker's office with the president-elect saying he is with Johnson all the way, according to a person familiar with the remarks but not authorized to publicly discuss the private meeting.

Musk joining Trump on the return to Washington comes after the Tesla and SpaceX CEO has been spending much of his time at Mar-a-Lago, Trump's Florida estate, and participating in discussions as the incoming Trump administration prepares to transition from Biden's.

Trump has named Musk to a government efficiency advisory role in his incoming administration. Some close to Trump and his team now see Musk as the second most influential figure in Trump’s immediate orbit, after Susie Wiles, the campaign manager who is Trump's incoming chief of staff.

After his election win in 2016, Trump met with President Barack Obama in the Oval Office and called it “a great honor." But he soon was back to heaping insults on Obama, including accusing his predecessor — without evidence — of having&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/1b2637860b2042c48b18a26951437d5d">wire-tapped him</a>&nbsp;during the 2016 campaign.

Four years later, Trump disputed his election loss to Biden, and he has continued to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-2020-election-lies-debunked-4fc26546b07962fdbf9d66e739fbb50d">lie</a>&nbsp;about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voter-fraud-election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-7fcb6f134e528fee8237c7601db3328f">widespread voter fraud that did not occur</a>. He didn't invite Biden, then the president-elect, to the White House and he left Washington without attending&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-inaugurations-302e242646b2bec9838b5e8d9950d164">Biden's inauguration.</a>&nbsp;It was the first time that had happened since Andrew Johnson skipped Ulysses S. Grant's swearing-in 155 years ago.

Biden insists that he'll do everything he can to make the transition to the next Trump administration go smoothly. That's despite having spent more than a year campaigning for reelection and decrying Trump as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/president-joe-biden-donald-trump-democracy-arizona-788d5203b3ac970dbf6b71ca74d6b386">threat to democracy and the nation’s core values.</a>&nbsp;Biden then&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">bowed out of the race</a>&nbsp;in July and endorsed Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;to succeed him.

Traditionally, as the outgoing and incoming presidents meet in the West Wing, the first lady hosts her successor upstairs in the residence, But her office said Melania Trump wasn't attending, saying in a statement that “her husband’s return to the Oval Office to commence the transition process is encouraging, and she wishes him great success.”

When Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-leaves-white-house-ad718c0048c341d0044c4709fb23c8dd">left Washington</a>&nbsp;in 2021, even some top Republicans had begun to decry his role in helping incite a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">mob of his supporters</a>&nbsp;that had staged the violent attack on the Capitol mere weeks earlier, trying to stop the certification of Biden’s election victory.

But his win in last week's election completes a political comeback that has seen Trump once again become the unchallenged head of the GOP.

Wednesday's trip was not the first time Trump has returned to the Capitol area since the end of his first term, though. Congressional Republicans hosted Trump over the summer, as Trump was again solidifying his dominance over the party.

In last week's election, Republicans wrested the Senate majority from Democrats and are on the cusp of keeping control of the House, are in the midst of their own&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-senate-thune-cornyn-scott-republican-leadership-2a711f260887926676bb5d69866a1981">leadership elections</a>&nbsp;happening behind closed doors Wednesday. Johnson has pulled ever-closer to Trump as he worked to keep his majority — and his own job with the gavel.

It's unclear whether Trump will also visit the Senate, which is entangled in a more divisive closed-door leadership election in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-republicans-leadership-mcconnell-thune-cornyn-scott-d17b341874cb6627f1d75d7051feebe4">three-way race</a>&nbsp;to replace outgoing GOP Leader Mitch McConnell.

Trump's allies are pushing GOP senators to vote for Sen. Rick Scott of Florida, who had been a longshot candidate challenging two more senior Republicans, Sen. John Thune of South Dakota and Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, for the job.

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;is making a victor’s return to Washington.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731516296418.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;made a victor’s return to Washington on Wednesday, visiting the White House for an Oval Office meeting with President Joe Biden and committing to a smooth transition of power as the president-elect moves quickly to build out his new administration.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden: &quot;Congratulations. Looking forward to a smooth transition...Welcome back.&quot; President-elect Trump: &quot;Politics is tough and it&#39;s in many cases not a nice world, but it is a nice world today. I appreciate it very much.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/OUQLkb12tC">pic.twitter.com/OUQLkb12tC</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1856735906650075452?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Sitting in front of a crackling fire, the rivals shook hands in the Oval Office as reporters looked on. Biden called Trump "Mr. President-elect and former president” before settling on “Donald.”“Congratulations,” the Democrat told the Republican. “I look forward to having, like they said, a smooth transition,” Biden said. “Welcome. Welcome back.”Trump replied, “Thank you very much," saying that “politics is tough. And it’s, in many cases, not a very nice world. But it is a nice world today, and I appreciate it very much.”Neither man answered questions shouted by the media. At one point, Biden looked at Trump, who moved his head to the side and gave a small shrug but did not respond. Each was joined by his chief of staff for the private meeting that is a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-biden-white-house-meeting-awkward-obama-6ad7c112e2e1af6ff4fe2ebb4117eef5">traditional part of the peaceful handoff of power</a>, but a ritual that Trump declined to participate in four years ago after losing to Biden.First lady Jill Biden greeted Trump upon his arrival at the White House and gave him a handwritten letter of congratulations for his wife, Melania Trump, who did not make the trip to Washington. The letter also expressed the first lady's team’s readiness to assist with the transition.As Trump met with Biden, Trump sent out a fundraising email to supporters saying that he "is inside the White House right now conducting a very important meeting.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President-Elect Trump Arrives in Washington, DC. <a href="https://t.co/wZUsR3ioDO">pic.twitter.com/wZUsR3ioDO</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1856716215936250124?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump had flown from Florida in the morning, joining up with billionaire&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/elon-musk">Elon Musk</a>&nbsp;for a morning session with House Republicans. That discussion came as Trump prepares for a potentially unified Republican government and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-senate-leadership-elections-house-trump-82730f474a365a0d6e6af78a84bceda7">sweep of power</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President-elect Trump meets with <a href="https://twitter.com/HouseGOP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HouseGOP</a>. <a href="https://t.co/eyXFMXIx90">pic.twitter.com/eyXFMXIx90</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1856721986468110820?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Back in Washington for the first time since his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/election-2024">election victory</a>, Trump told the GOP lawmakers, “It’s nice to win.”He received a standing ovation from House GOP members, many of whom took cellphone videos of Trump as ran through their party's victories up and down the ballot, in what would be, under the constitutional limits, his final presidential election.“I suspect I won’t be running again unless you say he’s good we got to figure something else,” Trump said to laughter from the lawmakers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731510612311.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>It’s a stunning return to the seat of America's government for the former president, who departed Washington in January 2021 a diminished, politically defeated leader after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/january-6-cases/">attack on the Capitol.</a>&nbsp;Today, he is preparing to come back to power with what he and his GOP allies see as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-day-1-priorities-deportations-drilling-ukraine-6747c6e64b0440978f59450b928f61d1">mandate for governance</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731510628243.png" alt="Trump arrives in Washington Wednesday morning- image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Trump arrives in Washington Wednesday morning- image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>“He is the comeback king,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., before Trump’s arrival. “We owe him a great debt of gratitude.”The private meetings, including his sit-down with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Biden</a>, put in stark relief the former president’s remarkable political rebound. The reemergence comes amid Republican congressional leadership elections — with the potential for him to place his imprint on the outcome.Trump endorsed Johnson's return to the speaker's office with the president-elect saying he is with Johnson all the way, according to a person familiar with the remarks but not authorized to publicly discuss the private meeting.Musk joining Trump on the return to Washington comes after the Tesla and SpaceX CEO has been spending much of his time at Mar-a-Lago, Trump's Florida estate, and participating in discussions as the incoming Trump administration prepares to transition from Biden's.Trump has named Musk to a government efficiency advisory role in his incoming administration. Some close to Trump and his team now see Musk as the second most influential figure in Trump’s immediate orbit, after Susie Wiles, the campaign manager who is Trump's incoming chief of staff.After his election win in 2016, Trump met with President Barack Obama in the Oval Office and called it “a great honor." But he soon was back to heaping insults on Obama, including accusing his predecessor — without evidence — of having&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/1b2637860b2042c48b18a26951437d5d">wire-tapped him</a>&nbsp;during the 2016 campaign.Four years later, Trump disputed his election loss to Biden, and he has continued to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-2020-election-lies-debunked-4fc26546b07962fdbf9d66e739fbb50d">lie</a>&nbsp;about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voter-fraud-election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-7fcb6f134e528fee8237c7601db3328f">widespread voter fraud that did not occur</a>. He didn't invite Biden, then the president-elect, to the White House and he left Washington without attending&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-inaugurations-302e242646b2bec9838b5e8d9950d164">Biden's inauguration.</a>&nbsp;It was the first time that had happened since Andrew Johnson skipped Ulysses S. Grant's swearing-in 155 years ago.Biden insists that he'll do everything he can to make the transition to the next Trump administration go smoothly. That's despite having spent more than a year campaigning for reelection and decrying Trump as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/president-joe-biden-donald-trump-democracy-arizona-788d5203b3ac970dbf6b71ca74d6b386">threat to democracy and the nation’s core values.</a>&nbsp;Biden then&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">bowed out of the race</a>&nbsp;in July and endorsed Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;to succeed him.Traditionally, as the outgoing and incoming presidents meet in the West Wing, the first lady hosts her successor upstairs in the residence, But her office said Melania Trump wasn't attending, saying in a statement that “her husband’s return to the Oval Office to commence the transition process is encouraging, and she wishes him great success.”When Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-leaves-white-house-ad718c0048c341d0044c4709fb23c8dd">left Washington</a>&nbsp;in 2021, even some top Republicans had begun to decry his role in helping incite a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">mob of his supporters</a>&nbsp;that had staged the violent attack on the Capitol mere weeks earlier, trying to stop the certification of Biden’s election victory.But his win in last week's election completes a political comeback that has seen Trump once again become the unchallenged head of the GOP.Wednesday's trip was not the first time Trump has returned to the Capitol area since the end of his first term, though. Congressional Republicans hosted Trump over the summer, as Trump was again solidifying his dominance over the party.In last week's election, Republicans wrested the Senate majority from Democrats and are on the cusp of keeping control of the House, are in the midst of their own&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-senate-thune-cornyn-scott-republican-leadership-2a711f260887926676bb5d69866a1981">leadership elections</a>&nbsp;happening behind closed doors Wednesday. Johnson has pulled ever-closer to Trump as he worked to keep his majority — and his own job with the gavel.It's unclear whether Trump will also visit the Senate, which is entangled in a more divisive closed-door leadership election in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-republicans-leadership-mcconnell-thune-cornyn-scott-d17b341874cb6627f1d75d7051feebe4">three-way race</a>&nbsp;to replace outgoing GOP Leader Mitch McConnell.Trump's allies are pushing GOP senators to vote for Sen. Rick Scott of Florida, who had been a longshot candidate challenging two more senior Republicans, Sen. John Thune of South Dakota and Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, for the job.WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;is making a victor’s return to Washington.

🎥Trump and Biden hold historic meeting in the White House

FINNEY COUNTY—A Kansas woman accused in connection with the robbery and murder of a southwest Kansas restaurant owner will now be sentenced for a reduced charge.

On November 7, Samantha Jo Smith pled guilty to an amended complaint filed in in Finney County District Court for conspiracy to commit robbery&nbsp; according to the Finney County Attorney's office.&nbsp; &nbsp;The conspiracy involved Smith and Marcus Roady, who is now deceased in connection with the 2019 death of Charles Ernest 'Ernie' Ortiz.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;In September 2019, Ernie Ortiz was found shot outside of his family restaurant in Garden City and he later died at the hospital. It is believed Ortiz was shot during a robbery after he closed the business for the night.

On September 6 of 2023, U.S. Marshals arrested Smith in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in connection with crime.

A statement from the Finney County Attorney's office said they recognize the death of Mr. Ortiz was devastating to the family, friends and community. As victims, the family has been involved throughout all phases of the investigation and prosecution of Samantha Smith. As prosecutors, it is our duty to ensure justice is fair and commensurate with crimes committed by parties charges. It this instance, the amendment of the complaint to a reduced charge of conspiracy to commit robbery took into consideration all facts and circumstances known by law enforcement and the county attorney at the time of the plea.

The case remains an open and ongoing investigation, according to the Garden City Police Department. Anyone with information about the case, is asked to call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or the Garden City Police Department Criminal Investigations Division.

Smith is scheduled for sentencing December 4.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695074941566.png" alt="Smith after her extradition to Finney County" />
 <figcaption>Smith after her extradition to Finney County</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY—A Kansas woman accused in connection with the robbery and murder of a southwest Kansas restaurant owner will now be sentenced for a reduced charge.On November 7, Samantha Jo Smith pled guilty to an amended complaint filed in in Finney County District Court for conspiracy to commit robbery&nbsp; according to the Finney County Attorney's office.&nbsp; &nbsp;The conspiracy involved Smith and Marcus Roady, who is now deceased in connection with the 2019 death of Charles Ernest 'Ernie' Ortiz.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In September 2019, Ernie Ortiz was found shot outside of his family restaurant in Garden City and he later died at the hospital. It is believed Ortiz was shot during a robbery after he closed the business for the night.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694046768318.png" alt="Smith-photo Horry County, South Carolina Jail" />
 <figcaption>Smith-photo Horry County, South Carolina Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>On September 6 of 2023, U.S. Marshals arrested Smith in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in connection with crime.A statement from the Finney County Attorney's office said they recognize the death of Mr. Ortiz was devastating to the family, friends and community. As victims, the family has been involved throughout all phases of the investigation and prosecution of Samantha Smith. As prosecutors, it is our duty to ensure justice is fair and commensurate with crimes committed by parties charges. It this instance, the amendment of the complaint to a reduced charge of conspiracy to commit robbery took into consideration all facts and circumstances known by law enforcement and the county attorney at the time of the plea.The case remains an open and ongoing investigation, according to the Garden City Police Department. Anyone with information about the case, is asked to call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or the Garden City Police Department Criminal Investigations Division.Smith is scheduled for sentencing December 4.

Woman enters plea to lesser charge in SW Kansas robbery, murder

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans have elected South Dakota Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/john-thune">John Thune</a>&nbsp;as the next Senate majority leader, completing a momentous shift in their leadership that elevates a top deputy of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mitch-mcconnell">Mitch McConnell</a>&nbsp;into a key position as President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;returns to the White House.

Thune, 63, is in his fourth Senate term and has promised to work closely with Trump, despite differences the two have had over the years, and will be a crucial part of the incoming president’s efforts to push through his policy agenda.

In a statement, Thune said he was “extremely honored to have earned the support of my colleagues.”

“This Republican team is united behind President Trump’s agenda, and our work starts today,” he said.

Thune beat out two other competitors, Sens.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/john-cornyn">John Cornyn</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/rick-scott">Rick Scott</a>, by gaining majority support from GOP senators in a secret ballot vote in two rounds of voting. Scott was eliminated on the first round and the final vote between Thune and Cornyn was 29-24, according to several people who requested anonymity to discuss the private meeting.

Republicans are replacing McConnell, the longest serving Senate party leader, as they prepare to take majority control of the Senate with the 53 seats they won in last week’s elections.

Much of the campaign centered around the candidates' relationship with Trump. Thune has worked to smooth his over after breaking publicly with Trump over the effort to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, which he called “inexcusable.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans have elected South Dakota Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/john-thune">John Thune</a>&nbsp;as the next Senate majority leader, completing a momentous shift in their leadership that elevates a top deputy of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mitch-mcconnell">Mitch McConnell</a>&nbsp;into a key position as President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;returns to the White House.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Newly elected <a href="https://twitter.com/SenateGOP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenateGOP</a> Leader <a href="https://twitter.com/SenJohnThune?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenJohnThune</a>: &quot;We have the team assembled...I&#39;m excited to get to work with this team right away...I promise to be a leader who serves the entire Republican conference.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/H1Sf8vAIDI">pic.twitter.com/H1Sf8vAIDI</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1856770268821090648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Thune, 63, is in his fourth Senate term and has promised to work closely with Trump, despite differences the two have had over the years, and will be a crucial part of the incoming president’s efforts to push through his policy agenda.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Honored to serve as the next U.S. Senate majority leader. <a href="https://t.co/zq9XLrPDUr">pic.twitter.com/zq9XLrPDUr</a>&mdash; Senator John Thune (@SenJohnThune) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenJohnThune/status/1856748892550832530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In a statement, Thune said he was “extremely honored to have earned the support of my colleagues.”“This Republican team is united behind President Trump’s agenda, and our work starts today,” he said.Thune beat out two other competitors, Sens.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/john-cornyn">John Cornyn</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/rick-scott">Rick Scott</a>, by gaining majority support from GOP senators in a secret ballot vote in two rounds of voting. Scott was eliminated on the first round and the final vote between Thune and Cornyn was 29-24, according to several people who requested anonymity to discuss the private meeting.Republicans are replacing McConnell, the longest serving Senate party leader, as they prepare to take majority control of the Senate with the 53 seats they won in last week’s elections.Much of the campaign centered around the candidates' relationship with Trump. Thune has worked to smooth his over after breaking publicly with Trump over the effort to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, which he called “inexcusable.”In recent months, Thune has realigned with Trump, visiting him in his Florida home, and the two have been consulting on how to implement the incoming president’s agenda. Thune&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2024/john-thune-is-striving-to-be-the-next-republican-senate-leader-but-can-he-rise-in-trumps-gop/">told The Associated Press</a>&nbsp;over the summer that he views their potential relationship as a professional one. If they both win their elections, Thune said, “we’ve got a job to do.”As he made his case, Thune also made clear that he would listen to Trump's demands. When Trump posted on X Sunday that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-senate-thune-cornyn-scott-republican-leadership-2a711f260887926676bb5d69866a1981">the new leader “must agree”</a>&nbsp;to allow him to appoint Cabinet members and others when the Senate is on recess, avoiding confirmation votes, Thune responded that the Senate must “quickly and decisively” act to get nominees in place and that “all options are on the table to make that happen, including recess appointments.”Well liked and a respected communicator, Thune has been perceived as a front-runner for much of the year. Like McConnell, he hails from the Republican Party’s more traditional wing.He is a former chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee and has held the Republican whip position — no. 2 in party leadership — since 2019. He took over for McConnell for several weeks last year when he was on a medical leave, a move that was widely seen as an audition of sorts as speculation surrounded McConnell's future.Thune’s win is all the more extraordinary because of his 2004 election to the Senate – defeating then-Senate Majority Leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tom-daschle">Tom Daschle</a>&nbsp;after arguing during the campaign that Daschle had lost his South Dakota roots during his years in Democratic leadership. Twenty years later, Thune will become majority leader himself.As he geared up to run for leader, Thune spent much of the year campaigning for his colleagues. According to his aides, he raised more than $31 million to elect Senate Republicans this cycle, including a $4 million transfer from his own campaign accounts to the Senate’s main campaign arm.The election was difficult for many in the conference who saw Thune and Cornyn as similar choices. They are alike on policy, voting generally in step with the conference but working with Democrats at times. Cornyn is a longtime member of the Senate Judiciary Committee who took a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uvalde-school-shooting-mitch-mcconnell-john-cornyn-texas-congress-ebdf2dbcd766559777be10338d7ce87c">leading role on bipartisan gun legislation</a>&nbsp;two years ago.But the two differed on whether the leader should be term limited — a key demand from some in the conservative wing. Cornyn pushed for limits, while Thune did not.Scott, the former governor of Florida, was elected to the Senate in 2018 and quickly positioned himself as a foil to McConnell, running against him for leader in 2022 and aligning with Utah Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-lee">Mike Lee</a>&nbsp;and others who have been highly critical of the current leadership.As Thune and Cornyn wooed their colleagues one by one all year, Scott spent most of the year tied up in his own reelection race. He handily&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rick-scott-debbie-mucarselpowell-florida-senate-elections-4cfe5d065ce60129f65627d5b3812de9">defeated</a>&nbsp;Democrat Debbie Mucarsel-Powell by more than 10 points.After his re-election last week, Scott aggressively stepped up his campaign for GOP leader, campaigning publicly as the candidate closest to Trump and winning endorsements from people who are close to the former and future president, such as billionaire&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/elon-musk">Elon Musk</a>. But some questioned whether that strategy might backfire.Rounds said that he prefers the way that Thune and Cornyn have “handled it one-on-one with everybody,” but that he had talked to Scott as well. “We’ve got three qualified individuals,” he said ahead of the race.