WASHINGTON, D.C.&nbsp;– Republicans on Wednesday used a secret ballot and elected South Dakota Sen.&nbsp;John Thune&nbsp;as the next Senate majority leader.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In a statement from his office, Kansas Senior U.S. Senator Jerry Moran wrote, “I congratulate Sen. John Thune on being selected as the new Senate Majority Leader. I stand ready to work with John and President Trump to lower prices, secure the southern border, promote domestic energy production and bolster our national security.

Moran continued, “I appreciate Sen. Cornyn and Sen. Scott’s willingness to serve their colleagues and the American people and have no doubt they will continue to be valuable members of the Senate.”

Moran and Marshall have not indicated how they voted. Moran and Thune were both members of the freshman class in Congress in 1996 which may indicate how Moran voted.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731512616861.png" alt="President-elect Trump during a meeting with House Republicans at the Capitol on Wednesday -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President-elect Trump during a meeting with House Republicans at the Capitol on Wednesday -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON, D.C.&nbsp;– Republicans on Wednesday used a secret ballot and elected South Dakota Sen.&nbsp;John Thune&nbsp;as the next Senate majority leader.&nbsp;&nbsp;In a statement from his office, Kansas Senior U.S. Senator Jerry Moran wrote, “I congratulate Sen. John Thune on being selected as the new Senate Majority Leader. I stand ready to work with John and President Trump to lower prices, secure the southern border, promote domestic energy production and bolster our national security.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Congratulations to Leader <a href="https://twitter.com/SenJohnThune?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenJohnThune</a> and all of the newly elected Senate Republican Leadership. Senate Republicans are united and ready to work with Leader Thune to execute President Trump&#39;s America First agenda and fight for America&#39;s workers, families&#39; economic security, and…&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1856808284314878058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Moran continued, “I appreciate Sen. Cornyn and Sen. Scott’s willingness to serve their colleagues and the American people and have no doubt they will continue to be valuable members of the Senate.”Moran and Marshall have not indicated how they voted. Moran and Thune were both members of the freshman class in Congress in 1996 which may indicate how Moran voted.&nbsp;

After secret ballot, Kan. U.S. Senators show support for Trump, new Majority Leader

We’re right in the thick of it—the past seven days and the next week are the most likely times for hitting a deer on Kansas roads.&nbsp; November 13 is the peak day of the year for deer collisions, with around 85 car-deer crash reports expected to be filed with the state, according to a social media report from KHP Trooper Ben Gardner.

"And remember, that’s only the reported crashes—many more go unreported."

"If you’re driving through areas where you often spot deer, slow down and stay extra alert. This is the time of year when deer are on the move."

"A quick tip: if you see one deer cross, don’t just watch it run off. Start looking left and right—deer often travel in groups, and it’s usually the second or third deer that people end up hitting."

"And most importantly, don’t swerve if a deer jumps out in front of you. Brake if you can and stay in control. Swerving can lead to even more dangerous situations.&nbsp; Stay safe out there, Kansas."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731592658288.png" alt="Photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>We’re right in the thick of it—the past seven days and the next week are the most likely times for hitting a deer on Kansas roads.&nbsp; November 13 is the peak day of the year for deer collisions, with around 85 car-deer crash reports expected to be filed with the state, according to a social media report from KHP Trooper Ben Gardner."And remember, that’s only the reported crashes—many more go unreported.""If you’re driving through areas where you often spot deer, slow down and stay extra alert. This is the time of year when deer are on the move.""A quick tip: if you see one deer cross, don’t just watch it run off. Start looking left and right—deer often travel in groups, and it’s usually the second or third deer that people end up hitting.""And most importantly, don’t swerve if a deer jumps out in front of you. Brake if you can and stay in control. Swerving can lead to even more dangerous situations.&nbsp; Stay safe out there, Kansas."

KHP: 85 car-deer crash reports on Wednesday 

MCPHERSON County— A coach from Central Christian College in McPherson was jailed on sex crime charges earlier this week.

According to the McPherson County jail log, 46-year-old Joshua Macharia was booked just before 6p.m. Tuesday on two counts of Aggravated Sexual Battery. He posted bond and was released just before 9p.m.

The 46-year-old&nbsp;Macharia, who coaches women's soccer, is on administrative leave pending a full investigation. He is also restricted from campus and prohibited from contacting students during the investigation.

Macharia's playing and coaching career has been at Christian institutions, as he played at Olivet Nazarene University in Illinois before becoming an assistant there and then head women's coach for four years at Arizona Christian University before joining Central, according to his online bio.

Central Christian College of Kansas has been made aware of allegations of inappropriate conduct involving a staff member and a student, according to a statement in an email from&nbsp;Doug Vanderhoof,&nbsp;Chief Strategic Operations Officer.

"Upon learning of these allegations, we took immediate action by placing the individual on administrative leave, pending a full investigation. The individual is restricted from campus and prohibited from contact with students during the period of the investigation. In the meantime, the College is cooperating with law enforcement to ensure a thorough and fair investigation."

"As an institution rooted in Christian faith and a deep commitment to the wellbeing of our students, we are profoundly saddened and grieved by these accusations. Our primary concern is the safety and support of our students and we remain steadfast in our resolve to uphold our values and maintain a safe, respectful environment for all members of our community."

"We have received no further information from authorities regarding this ongoing investigation and are respecting the privacy of the involved parties by not disclosing additional details. Out of respect for the legal process and the integrity of the investigation, we ask for the public’s patience and understanding. We remain dedicated to seeking truth, accountability, and justice in this matter."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731584355079.png" alt="Macharia- photo McPherson Co." />
 <figcaption>Macharia- photo McPherson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON County— A coach from Central Christian College in McPherson was jailed on sex crime charges earlier this week.According to the McPherson County jail log, 46-year-old Joshua Macharia was booked just before 6p.m. Tuesday on two counts of Aggravated Sexual Battery. He posted bond and was released just before 9p.m.The 46-year-old&nbsp;Macharia, who coaches women's soccer, is on administrative leave pending a full investigation. He is also restricted from campus and prohibited from contacting students during the investigation.Macharia's playing and coaching career has been at Christian institutions, as he played at Olivet Nazarene University in Illinois before becoming an assistant there and then head women's coach for four years at Arizona Christian University before joining Central, according to his online bio.Central Christian College of Kansas has been made aware of allegations of inappropriate conduct involving a staff member and a student, according to a statement in an email from&nbsp;Doug Vanderhoof,&nbsp;Chief Strategic Operations Officer."Upon learning of these allegations, we took immediate action by placing the individual on administrative leave, pending a full investigation. The individual is restricted from campus and prohibited from contact with students during the period of the investigation. In the meantime, the College is cooperating with law enforcement to ensure a thorough and fair investigation.""As an institution rooted in Christian faith and a deep commitment to the wellbeing of our students, we are profoundly saddened and grieved by these accusations. Our primary concern is the safety and support of our students and we remain steadfast in our resolve to uphold our values and maintain a safe, respectful environment for all members of our community.""We have received no further information from authorities regarding this ongoing investigation and are respecting the privacy of the involved parties by not disclosing additional details. Out of respect for the legal process and the integrity of the investigation, we ask for the public’s patience and understanding. We remain dedicated to seeking truth, accountability, and justice in this matter."

College responds after women's soccer coach accused of sex crimes in McPherson

President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;is starting to fill key posts in his second administration, putting an emphasis so far on aides and allies who were his strongest backers during the 2024 campaign.

Here's a look at whom he has selected so far.

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-marco-rubio-secretary-of-state-25664371f80dcf3332838352165e4d48">named Florida Sen. Marco Rubio</a>&nbsp;to be secretary of state, making a former sharp critic his choice to be the new administration's top diplomat.

Rubio, 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump's running mate on the Republican ticket last summer. Rubio is the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

“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.

The announcement punctuates the hard pivot Rubio has made with Trump, whom the senator called a “con man" during his unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination.

Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House. And as Trump campaigned for the presidency a third time, Rubio cheered his proposals. For instance, Rubio, who more than a decade ago helped craft immigration legislation that included a path to citizenship for people in the U.S. illegally, now supports Trump's plan to use the U.S. military for mass deportations.

Trump said Wednesday he will nominate Florida Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/matt-gaetz">Matt Gaetz</a>&nbsp;to serve as his attorney general, naming a loyalist in the role of the nation's top prosecutor.

In selecting Gaetz, 42, Trump passed over some of the more established lawyers whose names had been mentioned as being contenders for the job.

“Matt will end Weaponized Government, protect our Borders, dismantle Criminal Organizations and Restore Americans' badly-shattered Faith and Confidence in the Justice Department,” Trump said in a statement.

Gaetz resigned from Congress Wednesday night. The House Ethics Committee has been investigating an allegation that Gaetz paid for sex with a 17-year-old, though that probe effectively ended when he resigned. Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing.

Tulsi Gabbard, director of national intelligence

Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-gabbard-director-national-intelligence-466dfdfe2f949ea20bc2f4ef13e21438">has been tapped by Trump</a>&nbsp;to be director of national intelligence, keeping with the trend to stock his Cabinet with loyal personalities rather than veteran professionals in their requisite fields.

Gabbard, 43, was a Democratic House member who unsuccessfully sought the party's 2020 presidential nomination before leaving the party in 2022. She endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him this fall.

“I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community,” Trump said in a statement.

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.

Scavino, whom Trump's transition referred to in a statement as one of “Trump's longest serving and most trusted aides,” was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 campaign, as well as his 2016 and 2020 campaigns. He will be deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president.

Scavino had run Trump's social media profile in the White House during his first administration. He was also held in contempt of Congress in 2022 after a month-long refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House committee’s investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Blair was political director for Trump's 2024 campaign and for the Republican National Committee. He will be deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs and assistant to the president.

Blair was key to Trump's economic messaging during his winning White House comeback campaign this year, a driving force behind the candidate's “Trump can fix it” slogan and his query to audiences this fall if they were better off than four years ago.

Budowich is a veteran Trump campaign aide who launched and directed Make America Great Again, Inc., a super PAC that supported Trump's 2024 campaign. He will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel and assistant to the president.

Budowich also had served as a spokesman for Trump after his presidency.

Hegseth, 44, is a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox &amp; Friends Weekend” and has been a contributor with the network since 2014, where he developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show.

Hegseth lacks senior military and national security experience. If confirmed by the Senate, he would inherit the top job during a series of global crises — ranging from Russia’s war in Ukraine and the ongoing attacks in the Middle East by Iranian proxies to the push for a cease-fire between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah and escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea.

Hegseth is also the author of “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free,” published earlier this year.

Kristi Noem, secretary of homeland security

Noem is a well-known conservative who faced sharp criticism for telling a story in her memoir about shooting a rambunctious dog. She is set to lead an agency crucial to the president-elect’s hardline immigration agenda.

Noem used her two terms leading a tiny state to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics.

South Dakota is usually a political afterthought. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions that other states had issued and instead declared her state “open for business.” Trump held a fireworks rally at Mount Rushmore in July 2020 in one of the first large gatherings of the pandemic.

She would lead a department with a sprawling mission. In addition to key immigration agencies, the Department of Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports.

McGinley was White House Cabinet secretary during Trump's first administration, and was outside legal counsel for the Republican National Committee's election integrity effort during the 2024 campaign.

In a statement, Trump called McGinley “a smart and tenacious lawyer who will help me advance our America First agenda, while fighting for election integrity and against the weaponization of law enforcement.”

Ratcliffe was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump's first term, leading the U.S. government's spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic.

“I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation's highest Intelligence positions,” Trump said in a statement, calling him a “fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans” who would ensure “the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.”

Steven Witkoff, special envoy to the Middle East

The 67-year-old Witkoff is the president-elect's golf partner and was golfing with him at Trump's club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15, when the former president was the target of a second attempted assassination.

Witkoff “is a Highly Respected Leader in Business and Philanthropy,” Trump said of Witkoff in a statement. “Steve will be an unrelenting Voice for PEACE, and make us all proud."

Trump also named Witkoff co-chair, with former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler, of his inaugural committee.

Huckabee is a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-huckabee-ambassador-israel-ace1894ce731c36622d5f09982a0a9b2">staunch defender of Israel</a>&nbsp;and his intended nomination comes as Trump has promised to align U.S. foreign policy more closely with Israel's interests as it wages wars against the Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah.

“He loves Israel, and likewise the people of Israel love him,” Trump said in a statement. “Mike will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East.”

Huckabee, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination in 2008 and 2016, has been a popular figure among evangelical Christian conservatives, many of whom support Israel due to Old Testament writings that Jews are God’s chosen people and that Israel is their rightful homeland.

Trump has been praised by some in this important Republican voting bloc for moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Huckabee has rejected a Palestinian homeland in territory occupied by Israel, calling for a so-called “one-state solution.”

Waltz is a three-term GOP congressman from east-central Florida. He served multiple tours in Afghanistan and also worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs.

He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population.

Wiles, 67,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-susie-wiles-32df8958bedde5f3f2d55fd071979692">was a senior adviser</a>&nbsp;to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager.

Wiles has a background in Florida politics. She helped Ron DeSantis win his first race for Florida governor. Six years later, she was key to Trump's defeat of him in the 2024 Republican primary.

Wiles’ hire was Trump’s first major decision as president-elect and one that could be a defining test of his incoming administration considering her close relationship with the president-elect. Wiles is said to have earned Trump's trust in part by guiding what was the most disciplined of Trump's three presidential campaigns.

Wiles was able to help keep Trump on track as few others have, not by criticizing his impulses, but by winning his respect by demonstrating his success after taking her advice.

Homan, 62,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-homan-ice-border-czar-7dea915b5ea43896390b8020d254f887">has been tasked</a>&nbsp;with Trump’s top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nation’s history.

Homan, who served under Trump in his first administration leading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was widely expected to be offered a position related to the border, an issue Trump made central to his campaign.

Though Homan has insisted such a massive undertaking would be humane, he has long been a loyal supporter of Trump's policy proposals, suggesting at a July conference in Washington that he would be willing to "run the biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.”

Democrats have criticized Homan for defending Trump's “zero tolerance” policy on border crossings during his first administration, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border.

Elise Stefanik, United Nations ambassador

Stefanik is a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-united-nations-elise-stefanik-ambassador-2b482fb39a8d6f03d389d27cc8820056">representative from New York</a>&nbsp;and one of Trump's staunchest defenders going back to his first impeachment.

Elected to the House in 2014, Stefanik was selected by her GOP House colleagues as House Republican Conference chair in 2021, when former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney was removed from the post after publicly criticizing Trump for falsely claiming he won the 2020 election. Stefanik, 40, has served in that role ever since as the third-ranking member of House leadership.

Stefanik’s questioning of university presidents over antisemitism on their campuses helped lead to two of those presidents resigning, further raising her national profile.

If confirmed, she would represent American interests at the U.N. as Trump vows to end the war waged by Russia against Ukraine that began in 2022.

Stephen Miller, deputy chief of staff for policy

Miller, an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-stephen-miller-policy-immigration-9cc6ad3118779b23bff88022ca5e2260">immigration hardliner</a>, was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trump's priority of mass deportations. The 39-year-old was a senior adviser during Trump's first administration.

Miller has been a central figure in some of Trump's policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families.

Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nation's economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people who are in the United States illegally. Since Trump left office in 2021, Miller has served as the president of America First Legal, an organization made up of former Trump advisers aimed at challenging the Biden administration, media companies, universities and others over issues such as free speech and national security.

Lee Zeldin, Environmental Protection Agency

Zeldin does not appear to have any experience in environmental issues, but is a longtime supporter of the former president. The 44-year-old former U.S. House member from New York wrote on&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/LeeMZeldin/status/1856068555865026956">X</a>, “We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI.”

“We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water,” he added.

During his campaign, Trump often attacked the Biden administration's promotion of electric vehicles, and incorrectly referred to a tax credit for EV purchases as a government mandate. Trump also often told his audiences during the campaign that his administration would “drill, baby, drill,” referring to his support for expanded petroleum exploration.

In a statement, Trump said Zeldin “will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.”

Farnoush Amiri, Lolita C. Baldor, Jill Colvin, Matthew Daly, Edith M. Lederer, Lisa Mascaro, Zeke Miller and Michelle L. Price contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731100201525.png" alt="File photo -President -elect Donald Trump early Wednesday morning-courtesy Margo Martin Deputy Director of Communications" />
 <figcaption>File photo -President -elect Donald Trump early Wednesday morning-courtesy Margo Martin Deputy Director of Communications</figcaption>
 </figure>President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;is starting to fill key posts in his second administration, putting an emphasis so far on aides and allies who were his strongest backers during the 2024 campaign.Here's a look at whom he has selected so far.<h2>Marco Rubio, secretary of state</h2>Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-marco-rubio-secretary-of-state-25664371f80dcf3332838352165e4d48">named Florida Sen. Marco Rubio</a>&nbsp;to be secretary of state, making a former sharp critic his choice to be the new administration's top diplomat.Rubio, 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump's running mate on the Republican ticket last summer. Rubio is the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.“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.The announcement punctuates the hard pivot Rubio has made with Trump, whom the senator called a “con man" during his unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination.Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House. And as Trump campaigned for the presidency a third time, Rubio cheered his proposals. For instance, Rubio, who more than a decade ago helped craft immigration legislation that included a path to citizenship for people in the U.S. illegally, now supports Trump's plan to use the U.S. military for mass deportations.<h2>Matt Gaetz, attorney general</h2>Trump said Wednesday he will nominate Florida Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/matt-gaetz">Matt Gaetz</a>&nbsp;to serve as his attorney general, naming a loyalist in the role of the nation's top prosecutor.In selecting Gaetz, 42, Trump passed over some of the more established lawyers whose names had been mentioned as being contenders for the job.“Matt will end Weaponized Government, protect our Borders, dismantle Criminal Organizations and Restore Americans' badly-shattered Faith and Confidence in the Justice Department,” Trump said in a statement.Gaetz resigned from Congress Wednesday night. The House Ethics Committee has been investigating an allegation that Gaetz paid for sex with a 17-year-old, though that probe effectively ended when he resigned. Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing.<h2>Tulsi Gabbard, director of national intelligence</h2>Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-gabbard-director-national-intelligence-466dfdfe2f949ea20bc2f4ef13e21438">has been tapped by Trump</a>&nbsp;to be director of national intelligence, keeping with the trend to stock his Cabinet with loyal personalities rather than veteran professionals in their requisite fields.Gabbard, 43, was a Democratic House member who unsuccessfully sought the party's 2020 presidential nomination before leaving the party in 2022. She endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him this fall.“I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community,” Trump said in a statement.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.<h2>Dan Scavino, deputy chief of staff</h2>Scavino, whom Trump's transition referred to in a statement as one of “Trump's longest serving and most trusted aides,” was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 campaign, as well as his 2016 and 2020 campaigns. He will be deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president.Scavino had run Trump's social media profile in the White House during his first administration. He was also held in contempt of Congress in 2022 after a month-long refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House committee’s investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.<h2>James Blair, deputy chief of staff</h2>Blair was political director for Trump's 2024 campaign and for the Republican National Committee. He will be deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs and assistant to the president.Blair was key to Trump's economic messaging during his winning White House comeback campaign this year, a driving force behind the candidate's “Trump can fix it” slogan and his query to audiences this fall if they were better off than four years ago.<h2>Taylor Budowich, deputy chief of staff</h2>Budowich is a veteran Trump campaign aide who launched and directed Make America Great Again, Inc., a super PAC that supported Trump's 2024 campaign. He will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel and assistant to the president.Budowich also had served as a spokesman for Trump after his presidency.<h2>Pete Hegseth, secretary of defense</h2>Hegseth, 44, is a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox &amp; Friends Weekend” and has been a contributor with the network since 2014, where he developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show.Hegseth lacks senior military and national security experience. If confirmed by the Senate, he would inherit the top job during a series of global crises — ranging from Russia’s war in Ukraine and the ongoing attacks in the Middle East by Iranian proxies to the push for a cease-fire between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah and escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea.Hegseth is also the author of “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free,” published earlier this year.<h2>Kristi Noem, secretary of homeland security</h2>Noem is a well-known conservative who faced sharp criticism for telling a story in her memoir about shooting a rambunctious dog. She is set to lead an agency crucial to the president-elect’s hardline immigration agenda.Noem used her two terms leading a tiny state to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics.South Dakota is usually a political afterthought. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions that other states had issued and instead declared her state “open for business.” Trump held a fireworks rally at Mount Rushmore in July 2020 in one of the first large gatherings of the pandemic.She would lead a department with a sprawling mission. In addition to key immigration agencies, the Department of Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports.<h2>William McGinley, White House counsel</h2>McGinley was White House Cabinet secretary during Trump's first administration, and was outside legal counsel for the Republican National Committee's election integrity effort during the 2024 campaign.In a statement, Trump called McGinley “a smart and tenacious lawyer who will help me advance our America First agenda, while fighting for election integrity and against the weaponization of law enforcement.”<h2>John Ratcliffe, CIA director</h2>Ratcliffe was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump's first term, leading the U.S. government's spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic.“I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation's highest Intelligence positions,” Trump said in a statement, calling him a “fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans” who would ensure “the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.”<h2>Steven Witkoff, special envoy to the Middle East</h2>The 67-year-old Witkoff is the president-elect's golf partner and was golfing with him at Trump's club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15, when the former president was the target of a second attempted assassination.Witkoff “is a Highly Respected Leader in Business and Philanthropy,” Trump said of Witkoff in a statement. “Steve will be an unrelenting Voice for PEACE, and make us all proud."Trump also named Witkoff co-chair, with former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler, of his inaugural committee.<h2>Mike Huckabee, ambassador to Israel</h2>Huckabee is a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-huckabee-ambassador-israel-ace1894ce731c36622d5f09982a0a9b2">staunch defender of Israel</a>&nbsp;and his intended nomination comes as Trump has promised to align U.S. foreign policy more closely with Israel's interests as it wages wars against the Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah.“He loves Israel, and likewise the people of Israel love him,” Trump said in a statement. “Mike will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East.”Huckabee, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination in 2008 and 2016, has been a popular figure among evangelical Christian conservatives, many of whom support Israel due to Old Testament writings that Jews are God’s chosen people and that Israel is their rightful homeland.Trump has been praised by some in this important Republican voting bloc for moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.Huckabee has rejected a Palestinian homeland in territory occupied by Israel, calling for a so-called “one-state solution.”<h2>Mike Waltz, national security adviser</h2>Waltz is a three-term GOP congressman from east-central Florida. He served multiple tours in Afghanistan and also worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs.He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population.<h2>Susie Wiles, chief of staff</h2>Wiles, 67,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-susie-wiles-32df8958bedde5f3f2d55fd071979692">was a senior adviser</a>&nbsp;to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager.Wiles has a background in Florida politics. She helped Ron DeSantis win his first race for Florida governor. Six years later, she was key to Trump's defeat of him in the 2024 Republican primary.Wiles’ hire was Trump’s first major decision as president-elect and one that could be a defining test of his incoming administration considering her close relationship with the president-elect. Wiles is said to have earned Trump's trust in part by guiding what was the most disciplined of Trump's three presidential campaigns.Wiles was able to help keep Trump on track as few others have, not by criticizing his impulses, but by winning his respect by demonstrating his success after taking her advice.<h2>Tom Homan, ‘border czar’</h2>Homan, 62,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-homan-ice-border-czar-7dea915b5ea43896390b8020d254f887">has been tasked</a>&nbsp;with Trump’s top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nation’s history.Homan, who served under Trump in his first administration leading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was widely expected to be offered a position related to the border, an issue Trump made central to his campaign.Though Homan has insisted such a massive undertaking would be humane, he has long been a loyal supporter of Trump's policy proposals, suggesting at a July conference in Washington that he would be willing to "run the biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.”Democrats have criticized Homan for defending Trump's “zero tolerance” policy on border crossings during his first administration, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border.<h2>Elise Stefanik, United Nations ambassador</h2>Stefanik is a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-united-nations-elise-stefanik-ambassador-2b482fb39a8d6f03d389d27cc8820056">representative from New York</a>&nbsp;and one of Trump's staunchest defenders going back to his first impeachment.Elected to the House in 2014, Stefanik was selected by her GOP House colleagues as House Republican Conference chair in 2021, when former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney was removed from the post after publicly criticizing Trump for falsely claiming he won the 2020 election. Stefanik, 40, has served in that role ever since as the third-ranking member of House leadership.Stefanik’s questioning of university presidents over antisemitism on their campuses helped lead to two of those presidents resigning, further raising her national profile.If confirmed, she would represent American interests at the U.N. as Trump vows to end the war waged by Russia against Ukraine that began in 2022.<h2>Stephen Miller, deputy chief of staff for policy</h2>Miller, an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-stephen-miller-policy-immigration-9cc6ad3118779b23bff88022ca5e2260">immigration hardliner</a>, was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trump's priority of mass deportations. The 39-year-old was a senior adviser during Trump's first administration.Miller has been a central figure in some of Trump's policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families.Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nation's economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people who are in the United States illegally. Since Trump left office in 2021, Miller has served as the president of America First Legal, an organization made up of former Trump advisers aimed at challenging the Biden administration, media companies, universities and others over issues such as free speech and national security.<h2>Lee Zeldin, Environmental Protection Agency</h2>Zeldin does not appear to have any experience in environmental issues, but is a longtime supporter of the former president. The 44-year-old former U.S. House member from New York wrote on&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/LeeMZeldin/status/1856068555865026956">X</a>, “We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI.”“We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water,” he added.During his campaign, Trump often attacked the Biden administration's promotion of electric vehicles, and incorrectly referred to a tax credit for EV purchases as a government mandate. Trump also often told his audiences during the campaign that his administration would “drill, baby, drill,” referring to his support for expanded petroleum exploration.In a statement, Trump said Zeldin “will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.”______Farnoush Amiri, Lolita C. Baldor, Jill Colvin, Matthew Daly, Edith M. Lederer, Lisa Mascaro, Zeke Miller and Michelle L. Price contributed to this report.

The people Trump has picked for key positions so far

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

SALINE COUNTY —A Salina Police Department SWAT operation tied to a Topeka Police Department&nbsp; homicide investigation led to the discovery of a significant amount of drugs, including MDMA and marijuana.

On November 11, the Salina Police SWAT team executed a search warrant at a residence in the 100 block of North College in Salina at the request of Topeka police, which is investigating a homicide that occurred in its jurisdiction.&nbsp;

While officers were serving the search warrant, they came across suspected drugs, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman. Police applied for a search warrant for the drugs, and during the investigation and search of the residence, officers did locate drugs that were consistent with the distribution of drugs, according to Feldman.

Officers found packaging materials alongside more than a pound of marijuana and approximately 1,000 pills of suspected MDMA or ecstasy. 

Police arrested Damari Owens, 19, of Salina on requested charges including possession with intent to distribute controlled substances (marijuana and MDMA), possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute, no Kansas drug tax stamp, and endangering a child.

Feldman said the requested charge of child endangerment was added after police discovered a two-year-old child was living in the room where the drugs were found.

The initial search warrant, requested by TPD, for the North College Avenue residence is connected to a reported homicide that occurred in Topeka earlier this week.&nbsp;

On Sunday, November 10, Topeka police officers responded to a shooting in the 1200 block of SW Huntoon Street in Topeka, according to a media release.&nbsp; Upon arrival, two individuals were located with life-threatening injuries. One was pronounced deceased on scene by medical personnel, and the other was taken to a local hospital in critical condition.

According to a statement from Topeka, this marks the 17th homicide investigation of 2024. TPD has not said whether or not Owens is a suspect in the ongoing Topeka homicide investigation.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731416657744.jpeg" alt="Owens photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Owens photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —A Salina Police Department SWAT operation tied to a Topeka Police Department&nbsp; homicide investigation led to the discovery of a significant amount of drugs, including MDMA and marijuana.On November 11, the Salina Police SWAT team executed a search warrant at a residence in the 100 block of North College in Salina at the request of Topeka police, which is investigating a homicide that occurred in its jurisdiction.&nbsp;While officers were serving the search warrant, they came across suspected drugs, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman. Police applied for a search warrant for the drugs, and during the investigation and search of the residence, officers did locate drugs that were consistent with the distribution of drugs, according to Feldman.Officers found packaging materials alongside more than a pound of marijuana and approximately 1,000 pills of suspected MDMA or ecstasy. Police arrested Damari Owens, 19, of Salina on requested charges including possession with intent to distribute controlled substances (marijuana and MDMA), possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute, no Kansas drug tax stamp, and endangering a child.Feldman said the requested charge of child endangerment was added after police discovered a two-year-old child was living in the room where the drugs were found.The initial search warrant, requested by TPD, for the North College Avenue residence is connected to a reported homicide that occurred in Topeka earlier this week.&nbsp;On Sunday, November 10, Topeka police officers responded to a shooting in the 1200 block of SW Huntoon Street in Topeka, according to a media release.&nbsp; Upon arrival, two individuals were located with life-threatening injuries. One was pronounced deceased on scene by medical personnel, and the other was taken to a local hospital in critical condition.According to a statement from Topeka, this marks the 17th homicide investigation of 2024. TPD has not said whether or not Owens is a suspect in the ongoing Topeka homicide investigation.&nbsp;

Police: 2-year-old was living in drug filled room at Kansas home

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.”___