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

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

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

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yet of his vision for remaking the region, where goals of fostering human rights and democracy promotion have been replaced by an emphasis on economic prosperity and regional stability.

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

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

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

Trump shows disdain for ‘nation-builders’ and interventionists

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trump moving to restore relations with new leader of Syria

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But many economists contend that public funding for stadiums isn’t worth it, because sports tend to divert discretionary spending away from other forms of entertainment rather than generate new income.

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

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

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

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

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

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

<p><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22DAVID%20A.%20LIEB%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By DAVID A. LIEB <br>Associated Press</a></p><p>The Missouri House on Tuesday endorsed a new framework of financial incentives to try to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals from possibly leaving the state by helping fund new or renovated stadiums for them.</p><p>The legislation, which has the backing of Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe, would authorize the state to issue bonds valued at up to half the cost of the stadium projects and allow tax credits of up to $50 million. But the plan doesn't list a total cost or a location for the stadiums, leaving those details to be negotiated later.</p><p>Missouri lawmakers are scrambling to try to counter&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-royals-new-stadiums-3441b3084c8efab00057f593f4d9b95e">an offer from neighboring Kansas</a>, which authorized its own package of incentives last year after voters in Jackson County, Missouri,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-royals-kansas-city-stadiums-e9605296b85e91699441e4ba10e83212">turned down a sales tax extension</a>&nbsp;that would have helped finance a $2 billion ballpark district for the Royals in downtown Kansas City and an $800 million renovation of the Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium.</p><p>The clock is ticking for Missouri lawmakers. The state Senate would still need to approve the plan before a Friday deadline to wrap up work in the annual legislative session. But the legislation encountered immediate resistance when it was brought up later Tuesday in Senate. Republican state Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman denounced it as “special interests for billionaires” and foreshadowed a lengthy debate.</p><p>The Chiefs and Royals have played for more than 50 years in side-by-side football and baseball stadiums built in eastern Kansas City, drawing fans from both states in the split metropolitan area. Their stadium leases run until 2031, but Royals owner John Sherman has said the team won’t play at Kauffman Stadium beyond the 2030 season.</p><p>Kansas amended its laws last year to allow bonds that would cover up to 70% of the costs of new stadiums for the Chiefs and Royals.</p><p>Materials distributed Tuesday by the Missouri governor's office said, “Kansas is aggressively negotiating with both teams.” Some lawmakers said they felt pressure to act now or potentially miss their chance to retain teams that generate thousands of jobs and millions of dollars of tax revenue annually.</p><p>“I can't imagine the economic landscape without the Chiefs and the Royals in Missouri," said Republican state Rep. Chris Brown, of Kansas City, who presented the plan to colleagues. But more than that, “the Chiefs and the Royals literally are a part of us to some degree, they are a fabric woven within the state of Missouri.”</p><p>Missouri has experience with losing professional sports teams. The National Football League’s Rams were the most recent to depart, leaving a publicly financed domed stadium that had lured the team St. Louis to return to a gleaming new stadium in Los Angeles that opened in 2020.</p><p>But many economists contend that public funding for stadiums isn’t worth it, because sports tend to divert discretionary spending away from other forms of entertainment rather than generate new income.</p><p>State Rep. Del Taylor, a Democrat from St. Louis, denounced “fearmongering” suggestions that the Chiefs and Royals might also leave, calling it “unfair” and “conniving” to come to lawmakers with a plan so late in the session.</p><p>“I don’t like making decisions because someone has put my back against the wall,” Taylor said.</p><p>Kehoe has been working for months with team representatives, lawmakers and community leaders to develop “a competitive package” for the Chiefs and Royals, said Gabby Picard, a spokesperson for the governor. The state aid ultimately also must be accompanied by local support.</p><p>“Choosing a location is a business decision that must be made by the teams, and any proposed tools put forward by the state will work in whatever Missouri location they select,” she said.</p><p>Sports teams have been pushing a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stadiums-public-funding-nfl-mlb-70f5054b1e1f6862713ef036cbae2a10">new wave of stadium construction</a>&nbsp;across the U.S., going beyond basic repairs to derive fresh revenue from luxury suites, dining, shopping and other developments surrounding their stadiums.</p><p>The Washington Commanders and the District of Columbia&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-commanders-stadium-3bda9804a246219f28e9a2d2206bb492">announced a deal</a>&nbsp;two weeks ago for a new stadium complex, with the football team contributing $2.7 billion and the city investing roughly $1.1 billion. Last month, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-cleveland-browns-bengals-stadium-fight-b1e5533972e187e00c159f78ae2bb1a9">Ohio House endorsed a plan</a>&nbsp;for $600 million of bonds to help build a new $2.4 billion football stadium complex for the Cleveland Browns. But that plan also must pass the Senate and has led the Cincinnati Bengals to re-up a request for $350 million of aid for their own stadium.</p>

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sheriff's investigation involves Nickerson USD 309 staff, students

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

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

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

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

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

“In light of our church’s steadfast commitment to racial justice and reconciliation and our historic ties with the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, we are not able to take this step,” Rowe said. “Accordingly, we have determined that, by the end of the federal fiscal year, we will conclude our refugee resettlement grant agreements with the U.S. federal government.”

Another faith-based group, Church World Service, said it is open to helping resettle the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-africa-us-refugees-trump-98a72fdb1f71edc960136b92cbd62db4">Afrikaners</a>.

South Africa's government has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-south-africa-refugees-afrikaners-white-9d6f87ae9b09ac21ba6ae2a2197b11d3">vehemently denied</a>&nbsp;allegations of discriminatory treatment of its white minority residents.

“It has been painful to watch one group of refugees, selected in a highly unusual manner, receive preferential treatment over many others who have been waiting in refugee camps or dangerous conditions for years,” Rowe said. “I am saddened and ashamed that many of the refugees who are being denied entrance to the United States are brave people who worked alongside our military in Iraq and Afghanistan and now face danger at home because of their service to our country.”

He also said many refugees, including Christians, are victims of religious persecution and are now denied entry.

He said the church would find other ways to serve immigrants, such as those already in this country and those stranded overseas.

The move marks the end of a ministry-government partnership that, for nearly four decades, has served nearly 110,000 refugees from countries, including Ukraine, Myanmar and Congo, Rowe said.

It's not the first high-profile friction between the Episcopal Church and the Trump administration.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-inaugural-prayer-service-episcopal-bishop-mariann-budde-60d409d1ba9b69ad1065065b9218c558">Bishop Mariann Budde</a>&nbsp;of Washington drew Trump's anger in January at an inaugural prayer service in which she urged “mercy” on those fearing his actions, including migrants and LGBTQ+ children.

The Anglican Church of Southern Africa includes churches in South Africa and neighboring countries. It was a potent force in the campaign against apartheid in the 1980s and 1990s, an effort for which the late&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/africa-religion-cape-town-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-dbff09f744f1c5c63e43b65617e8ed4a">Archbishop Desmond Tutu</a>&nbsp;received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984.

Another faith-based refugee agency, Church World Service, says it is open to serving the South African arrivals.

“We are concerned that the U.S. Government has chosen to fast-track the admission of Afrikaners, while actively fighting court orders to provide life-saving resettlement to other refugee populations who are in desperate need of resettlement," Rick Santos, CWS president and CEO, said in a statement.

He added that the action proves the government knows how to screen and process refugees quickly.

“Despite the Administration’s actions, CWS remains committed to serving all eligible refugee populations seeking safety in the United States, including Afrikaners who are eligible for services," he said. “Our faith compels us to serve each person in our care with dignity and compassion.”

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-africa-refugees-white-afrikaners-us-trump-52024f6d86fca76cfe7460a9f9bc6110">Episcopal ministry</a>&nbsp;and CWS are among 10 national groups, most of them faith-based, that have partnered with the government for refugee resettlement.

Associated Press writer Tiffany Stanley contributed reporting.

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

Episcopal Church won't help resettle white South Africans granted refugee status in US

TULSA, Okla. (AP) — A Kansas City Chiefs superfan known as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-superfan-accused-bank-robberies-kansas-city-f7b764389a54a9e0812ac50eceafa033">“ChiefsAholic”</a>&nbsp;was sentenced Monday in an Oklahoma courtroom to serve 32 years in state prison for robbing a Tulsa-area bank, a sentence that will be carried out after he finishes serving time in federal prison.

Xaviar Babudar, 30, appeared in a Tulsa courtroom and apologized to the court and to the victims of the December 2022 robbery of the Tulsa Teachers Credit Union in Bixby, Oklahoma, said Babudar’s attorney, Jay-Michael Swab.

“He expressed sincere remorse and took full responsibility for his actions,” Swab said.

Babudar already was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefsaholic-bank-robbery-42c31469e1c8188d77c80832d75c12f9">serving more than 17 years</a>&nbsp;in federal prison for a string of 11 bank robberies across seven states where he stole nearly $850,000 to finance his social media stardom. Swab said the robberies also were the result of a gambling addiction.

Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler had sought life in prison for Babudar.

“He is a serial robber who traumatized these victims and numerous other victims across this country,” Kunzweiler said in a statement.

Tulsa County District Judge Michelle Keely ordered Babudar’s 32-year sentence to run concurrently to his federal sentence, which means after he is released from federal prison he will be transferred to state custody to serve his remaining 14 years.

Babudar developed a following on his @ChiefsAholic account on the social platform X after attending games dressed as a wolf in Chiefs gear. His avid support of the Chiefs became well known on social media.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747133429096.png" alt="Babudar -photo Tulsa County Jail" />
                        <figcaption>Babudar -photo Tulsa County Jail</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>TULSA, Okla. (AP) — A Kansas City Chiefs superfan known as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-superfan-accused-bank-robberies-kansas-city-f7b764389a54a9e0812ac50eceafa033">“ChiefsAholic”</a>&nbsp;was sentenced Monday in an Oklahoma courtroom to serve 32 years in state prison for robbing a Tulsa-area bank, a sentence that will be carried out after he finishes serving time in federal prison.</p><p>Xaviar Babudar, 30, appeared in a Tulsa courtroom and apologized to the court and to the victims of the December 2022 robbery of the Tulsa Teachers Credit Union in Bixby, Oklahoma, said Babudar’s attorney, Jay-Michael Swab.</p><p>“He expressed sincere remorse and took full responsibility for his actions,” Swab said.</p><p>Babudar already was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefsaholic-bank-robbery-42c31469e1c8188d77c80832d75c12f9">serving more than 17 years</a>&nbsp;in federal prison for a string of 11 bank robberies across seven states where he stole nearly $850,000 to finance his social media stardom. Swab said the robberies also were the result of a gambling addiction.</p><p>Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler had sought life in prison for Babudar.</p><p>“He is a serial robber who traumatized these victims and numerous other victims across this country,” Kunzweiler said in a statement.</p><p>Tulsa County District Judge Michelle Keely ordered Babudar’s 32-year sentence to run concurrently to his federal sentence, which means after he is released from federal prison he will be transferred to state custody to serve his remaining 14 years.</p><p>Babudar developed a following on his @ChiefsAholic account on the social platform X after attending games dressed as a wolf in Chiefs gear. His avid support of the Chiefs became well known on social media.</p>

Chiefs superfan ‘ChiefsAholic’ apologized to bank robbery victims

LEXINGTON, Mo. (AP) — Missouri's attorney general sued a natural gas company Monday over the explosion of a home in a small town that killed a 5-year-old boy, accusing the utility of violating a state safety law.

Attorney General Andrew Bailey's lawsuit came less than a week after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/home-explosion-gas-lexington-missouri-d6bb9012e15e31cf45b3c9009c2e9bc0">federal investigators said</a>&nbsp;in a preliminary report that a Liberty Utilities employee failed to mark a section of a gas line before another company drilled into it while installing a fiber optic cable.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/home-explosion-gas-lexington-missouri-8b5aa834fa33a47e69ef91efdbb09c9e">The April 9 explosion</a>&nbsp;destroyed a home in Lexington, a town of about 4,500 people about 55 miles (89 kilometers) east of Kansas City.

The blast killed Alistair Lamb and injured his 10-year-old sister, Cami, and their father, Jacob Cunningham. Bailey's lawsuit, filed in Lafayette County Circuit Court, alleges that a Liberty employee “falsely” told the company installing the fiber optic cable that all gas lines had been marked. The lawsuit called the explosion a “preventable tragedy.”

Bailey said Liberty violated a state law designed to ensure that digging for underground water, sewer and telecommunications lines is safe. Bailey is seeking a $10,000 fine for each day the section of gas line wasn't marked and wants a special monitor appointed to ensure that the company complies with the law.

The company said in a statement that as a party to the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board's ongoing investigation, it cannot comment much about the explosion or the lawsuit. Liberty said it will continue to help families affected by the explosion and “support broader recovery efforts.”

“Nothing is more important to us than the safety of our customers, employees, and communities,” the statement said. “We remain fully committed to working with authorities and regulatory agencies to support the ongoing investigation into the cause of the incident.”

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744302842121.jpeg" alt="View of the destruction after the home explosion -phot courtesy KCTV" />
                        <figcaption>View of the destruction after the home explosion -phot courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>LEXINGTON, Mo. (AP) — Missouri's attorney general sued a natural gas company Monday over the explosion of a home in a small town that killed a 5-year-old boy, accusing the utility of violating a state safety law.</p><p>Attorney General Andrew Bailey's lawsuit came less than a week after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/home-explosion-gas-lexington-missouri-d6bb9012e15e31cf45b3c9009c2e9bc0">federal investigators said</a>&nbsp;in a preliminary report that a Liberty Utilities employee failed to mark a section of a gas line before another company drilled into it while installing a fiber optic cable.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/home-explosion-gas-lexington-missouri-8b5aa834fa33a47e69ef91efdbb09c9e">The April 9 explosion</a>&nbsp;destroyed a home in Lexington, a town of about 4,500 people about 55 miles (89 kilometers) east of Kansas City.</p><p>The blast killed Alistair Lamb and injured his 10-year-old sister, Cami, and their father, Jacob Cunningham. Bailey's lawsuit, filed in Lafayette County Circuit Court, alleges that a Liberty employee “falsely” told the company installing the fiber optic cable that all gas lines had been marked. The lawsuit called the explosion a “preventable tragedy.”</p><p>Bailey said Liberty violated a state law designed to ensure that digging for underground water, sewer and telecommunications lines is safe. Bailey is seeking a $10,000 fine for each day the section of gas line wasn't marked and wants a special monitor appointed to ensure that the company complies with the law.</p><p>The company said in a statement that as a party to the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board's ongoing investigation, it cannot comment much about the explosion or the lawsuit. Liberty said it will continue to help families affected by the explosion and “support broader recovery efforts.”</p><p>“Nothing is more important to us than the safety of our customers, employees, and communities,” the statement said. “We remain fully committed to working with authorities and regulatory agencies to support the ongoing investigation into the cause of the incident.”</p>

Missouri's AG sued utility over deadly KC suburb home explosion 

In a transformative move within the Kansas real estate landscape, J.P. Weigand &amp; Sons, a long-standing leader in the Wichita market, has announced plans to sell its residential real estate division to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty, according to a media release.

The strategic divestment marks a significant evolution in Weigand’s business strategy as the company shifts its focus solely to commercial and auction services.

The transaction brings together two highly respected names in real estate, with the aim of strengthening their respective positions and enhancing opportunities for growth. Under the agreement, Weigand’s residential operations will be absorbed into the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty brand, providing agents and clients access to expanded resources and a broader network.

“This decision to evolve and focus our resources on the commercial market services did not come lightly,” said Kevin Dreiling, President of J.P. Weigand &amp; Sons. “After careful consideration, we felt that we could best serve our employees and associates with a refocused attention on the commercial markets moving forward. Weigand’s attention will continue to be on providing highly professional brokerage solutions to our clients.”

Dreiling emphasized the company’s renewed commitment to its commercial divisions, citing areas of planned growth including leasing, tenant representation, site selection, investment sales, auctions, consulting, and development services. “Our objective is to be the market leader in those sectors with continued guidance from the J.P. Weigand principles of integrity and excellence,” he added.

The decision also reflects Weigand’s desire to create long-term value for both its clients and associates. The transition is expected to offer Weigand’s residential agents new avenues for professional development and greater access to technological and operational support from Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty.

“For generations, J.P. Weigand &amp; Sons has been integral to the Wichita community,” said Nes Weigand, Chairman of the Board. “Our unwavering commitment to the Central Kansas real estate market continues with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty. The alignment of our values and business philosophies makes this partnership a natural fit, and I am confident in the opportunities it will create for our agents and staff.”

J.P. Weigand &amp; Sons will continue to operate independently in the commercial sector, reinforcing its legacy as a cornerstone in Kansas real estate since its founding. The company remains committed to delivering exceptional service and expertise to clients across the region.

The transition is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, ushering in a new chapter for both companies in the ever-evolving real estate industry

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747146243468.jpeg" alt="J.P Weigand office, 1716 East 30th Avenue in Hutchinson - Hutch Post photo&nbsp;" />
                        <figcaption>J.P Weigand office, 1716 East 30th Avenue in Hutchinson - Hutch Post photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>In a transformative move within the Kansas real estate landscape, J.P. Weigand &amp; Sons, a long-standing leader in the Wichita market, has announced plans to sell its residential real estate division to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty, according to a media release.</p><p>The strategic divestment marks a significant evolution in Weigand’s business strategy as the company shifts its focus solely to commercial and auction services.</p><p>The transaction brings together two highly respected names in real estate, with the aim of strengthening their respective positions and enhancing opportunities for growth. Under the agreement, Weigand’s residential operations will be absorbed into the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty brand, providing agents and clients access to expanded resources and a broader network.</p><p>“This decision to evolve and focus our resources on the commercial market services did not come lightly,” said Kevin Dreiling, President of J.P. Weigand &amp; Sons. “After careful consideration, we felt that we could best serve our employees and associates with a refocused attention on the commercial markets moving forward. Weigand’s attention will continue to be on providing highly professional brokerage solutions to our clients.”</p><p>Dreiling emphasized the company’s renewed commitment to its commercial divisions, citing areas of planned growth including leasing, tenant representation, site selection, investment sales, auctions, consulting, and development services. “Our objective is to be the market leader in those sectors with continued guidance from the J.P. Weigand principles of integrity and excellence,” he added.</p><p>The decision also reflects Weigand’s desire to create long-term value for both its clients and associates. The transition is expected to offer Weigand’s residential agents new avenues for professional development and greater access to technological and operational support from Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty.</p><p>“For generations, J.P. Weigand &amp; Sons has been integral to the Wichita community,” said Nes Weigand, Chairman of the Board. “Our unwavering commitment to the Central Kansas real estate market continues with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty. The alignment of our values and business philosophies makes this partnership a natural fit, and I am confident in the opportunities it will create for our agents and staff.”</p><p>J.P. Weigand &amp; Sons will continue to operate independently in the commercial sector, reinforcing its legacy as a cornerstone in Kansas real estate since its founding. The company remains committed to delivering exceptional service and expertise to clients across the region.</p><p>The transition is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, ushering in a new chapter for both companies in the ever-evolving real estate industry</p>

J.P. Weigand & Sons sells residential real estate division

BARTON COUNTY —A suspect is under investigation for violent sex crimes.

Just before 10p.m. May 10, police&nbsp;were notified of a possible kidnapping of a juvenile, according to a media release from Great Bend Police.&nbsp; Officers and Barton County Sheriff’s Office Deputies began to search for the suspect vehicle. During the search it was reported that the victim was located. 

After officers completed an investigation, police located 21-year-old Alejandro Castaneda-Cruz and arrested on requested charges of Kidnapping and Rape. He is being held ona $1,000,000.00 bond.&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747141756547.png" alt="CASTANEDA-CRUZ photo Barton County" />
                        <figcaption>CASTANEDA-CRUZ photo Barton County</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>BARTON COUNTY —A suspect is under investigation for violent sex crimes.</p><p>Just before 10p.m. May 10, police&nbsp;were notified of a possible kidnapping of a juvenile, according to a media release from Great Bend Police.&nbsp; Officers and Barton County Sheriff’s Office Deputies began to search for the suspect vehicle. During the search it was reported that the victim was located. </p><p>After officers completed an investigation, police located 21-year-old Alejandro Castaneda-Cruz and arrested on requested charges of Kidnapping and Rape. He is being held ona $1,000,000.00 bond.&nbsp;</p>

Kan. suspect accused of kidnapping, rape of juvenile

<b>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a><br></b><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/"><i>Kansas Reflector</i></a>

TOPEKA — Former Gov. Jeff Colyer’s campaign for governor accelerated with appointment of a treasurer in advance of filing for the Republican Party’s nomination in 2026.

Colyer, 64, served as Kansas chairman of last year’s campaign by President Donald Trump. He is a former Johnson County member of the Kansas House and Senate who was lieutenant governor on the ticket with GOP Gov. Sam Brownback. Upon Brownback’s resignation to serve in the first Trump administration, Colyer was sworn in as governor in 2018.

Colyer sought a full term as governor but narrowly lost the 2018 primary to Republican Kris Kobach, who was defeated in the general election by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. In terms of the 2026 race, Colyer has yet to formally register as a candidate with the secretary of state.

Colyer did announce selection of state Rep. Kyle Hoffman, a Coldwater Republican, as treasurer for his gubernational campaign.

“Kyle is a leading voice for rural Kansas and a great advocate for fiscal responsibility and conservative values,” Colyer said. “He’s going to be a huge asset as we carry our winning message to every county in Kansas.”

Kelly, who followed her defeat of Kobach with a victory over former GOP Attorney General Derek Schmidt in 2022, cannot seek reelection. Colyer was poised to seek the Republican nomination for governor in 2022, but withdrew following a diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Democratic Governors Association spokesman Sam Newton said in a statement Colyer was the “failed right-hand man” to Brownback.

“Besides reminding Kansans of the broken budgets and underfunded public schools of the Brownback era, Colyer’s announcement confirms that the GOP primary field is going to be crowded, chaotic and focused on extreme partisan policies,” Newton said.

Newton said Kansas would be better off with a governor like Kelly who took a middle-of-the-road approach to leadership, balanced the state budget, promoted business investment and ended the state’s sales tax on groceries.

Hoffman, treasurer of Colyer’s campaign, said Colyer was “more than a politician, he is a humanitarian – selflessly serving those in need around the world. He’ll make a great governor.”

Colyer, a surgeon in the Kansas City area who served international medical missions, was the state’s 47th governor from January 2018 to January 2019.

He was lieutenant governor under Brownback from 2011-2018. He was in the Senate from 2009-2011 and the Kansas House from 2007-2009. In 2002, he unsuccessful sought the GOP nomination for U.S. House.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623028329898.png" alt="Jeff Colyer -courtery photo" />
                        <figcaption>Jeff Colyer -courtery photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a><br></b><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/"><i>Kansas Reflector</i></a></p><p>TOPEKA — Former Gov. Jeff Colyer’s campaign for governor accelerated with appointment of a treasurer in advance of filing for the Republican Party’s nomination in 2026.</p><p>Colyer, 64, served as Kansas chairman of last year’s campaign by President Donald Trump. He is a former Johnson County member of the Kansas House and Senate who was lieutenant governor on the ticket with GOP Gov. Sam Brownback. Upon Brownback’s resignation to serve in the first Trump administration, Colyer was sworn in as governor in 2018.</p><p>Colyer sought a full term as governor but narrowly lost the 2018 primary to Republican Kris Kobach, who was defeated in the general election by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. In terms of the 2026 race, Colyer has yet to formally register as a candidate with the secretary of state.</p><p>Colyer did announce selection of state Rep. Kyle Hoffman, a Coldwater Republican, as treasurer for his gubernational campaign.</p><p>“Kyle is a leading voice for rural Kansas and a great advocate for fiscal responsibility and conservative values,” Colyer said. “He’s going to be a huge asset as we carry our winning message to every county in Kansas.”</p><p>Kelly, who followed her defeat of Kobach with a victory over former GOP Attorney General Derek Schmidt in 2022, cannot seek reelection. Colyer was poised to seek the Republican nomination for governor in 2022, but withdrew following a diagnosis of prostate cancer.</p><p>Democratic Governors Association spokesman Sam Newton said in a statement Colyer was the “failed right-hand man” to Brownback.</p><p>“Besides reminding Kansans of the broken budgets and underfunded public schools of the Brownback era, Colyer’s announcement confirms that the GOP primary field is going to be crowded, chaotic and focused on extreme partisan policies,” Newton said.</p><p>Newton said Kansas would be better off with a governor like Kelly who took a middle-of-the-road approach to leadership, balanced the state budget, promoted business investment and ended the state’s sales tax on groceries.</p><p>Hoffman, treasurer of Colyer’s campaign, said Colyer was “more than a politician, he is a humanitarian – selflessly serving those in need around the world. He’ll make a great governor.”</p><p>Colyer, a surgeon in the Kansas City area who served international medical missions, was the state’s 47th governor from January 2018 to January 2019.</p><p>He was lieutenant governor under Brownback from 2011-2018. He was in the Senate from 2009-2011 and the Kansas House from 2007-2009. In 2002, he unsuccessful sought the GOP nomination for U.S. House.</p>

Former Gov. Jeff Colyer maneuvers closer to 2026 GOP campaign for Kansas governor

RENO COUNTY —Firefighters responded to a large outside fire early Tuesday morning at the Hutchinson landfill, where burning debris in a designated disposal pit prompted an hours-long operation involving both fire crews and landfill personnel, according to a media release.

Just after 2:30a.m., crews were dispatched to the landfill area for a report of a possible fire in what is known as the “Pit,” an area used for dumping waste. The initial fire covered an estimated area of 200 feet by 300 feet.

Firefighters coordinated efforts with landfill staff, using multiple bulldozers and front-end loaders to scrape away burning materials. The debris was separated to allow it to be smothered and fully extinguished. Crews remained on scene throughout the morning to continue removing hot spots and ensure the fire was completely out.

No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The Hutchinson Fire Department also issued a reminder to residents about the dangers of improperly disposing of lithium-ion batteries, which are increasingly common in household electronics.

“With the increase in lithium-ion batteries in our households, they need to be disposed of properly,” the department said in a statement. “Please locate your closest lithium-ion battery recycling drop-off location and dispose of them there instead of in your household waste containers.”

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747131580636.jpeg" alt="Landfill Fire - photo Hutchinson Fire Department " />
                        <figcaption>Landfill Fire - photo Hutchinson Fire Department </figcaption>
                    </figure><p>RENO COUNTY —Firefighters responded to a large outside fire early Tuesday morning at the Hutchinson landfill, where burning debris in a designated disposal pit prompted an hours-long operation involving both fire crews and landfill personnel, according to a media release.</p><p>Just after 2:30a.m., crews were dispatched to the landfill area for a report of a possible fire in what is known as the “Pit,” an area used for dumping waste. The initial fire covered an estimated area of 200 feet by 300 feet.</p><p>Firefighters coordinated efforts with landfill staff, using multiple bulldozers and front-end loaders to scrape away burning materials. The debris was separated to allow it to be smothered and fully extinguished. Crews remained on scene throughout the morning to continue removing hot spots and ensure the fire was completely out.</p><p>No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.</p><p>The Hutchinson Fire Department also issued a reminder to residents about the dangers of improperly disposing of lithium-ion batteries, which are increasingly common in household electronics.</p><p>“With the increase in lithium-ion batteries in our households, they need to be disposed of properly,” the department said in a statement. “Please locate your closest lithium-ion battery recycling drop-off location and dispose of them there instead of in your household waste containers.”</p>

Officials issue reminder after Kansas landfill fire 

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating a fourth homicide in Kansas City in four days.

Just after 12:30p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 1600 block of Topping in Kansas City, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

First responding officers were led to an alleyway next to a residence, where they located an adult female shooting victim later identified as 29-year-old Carissa Perryman unresponsive.

Officers rendered aid and called for EMS. EMS transported Perryman to the hospital for treatment of life threatening injuries. She was pronounced&nbsp;deceased at the hospital a short time later.

Responding officers detained one subject of interest, an adult female, for further investigation. Detectives were talking to people who were at the scene when officers arrived and are looking for witnesses. 

Preliminary investigation indicates that the victim and the subject of interest had an interaction next to the house that escalated and shots were fired that struck the victim.&nbsp; Police have released no additional detials.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747082674164.png" alt="Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
                        <figcaption>Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating a fourth homicide in Kansas City in four days.</p><p>Just after 12:30p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 1600 block of Topping in Kansas City, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747082657430.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>First responding officers were led to an alleyway next to a residence, where they located an adult female shooting victim later identified as 29-year-old Carissa Perryman unresponsive.</p><p>Officers rendered aid and called for EMS. EMS transported Perryman to the hospital for treatment of life threatening injuries. She was pronounced&nbsp;deceased at the hospital a short time later.</p><p>Responding officers detained one subject of interest, an adult female, for further investigation. Detectives were talking to people who were at the scene when officers arrived and are looking for witnesses. </p><p>Preliminary investigation indicates that the victim and the subject of interest had an interaction next to the house that escalated and shots were fired that struck the victim.&nbsp; Police have released no additional detials.</p>

KCPD: Woman shot, killed in alleyway near home

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-israel-middle-east-saudi-arabia-83c27ca7357e41efedaa2318da59d0ab">The fist bump</a>&nbsp;seems so long ago.

Three years after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden’s</a>&nbsp;cursory greeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;luxuriated in an extravagant royal welcome as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-mideast-saudi-arabia-mbs-qatar-uae-b782fe922d09afced2e1074b65016e80">he arrived in Saudi Arabia</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday.

Concerns about human rights and fossil fuels in the oil-rich autocracy were nowhere on the agenda. Instead the day was all about cutting deals and celebrating a personal relationship that has endured through scandal and political turmoil.

“I really believe we like each other a lot,” Trump said as they sat on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-mideast-saudi-arabia-mbs-qatar-uae-photos-cc507c76b19d30a59f69d15f86008511">golden chairs under elaborate chandeliers</a>&nbsp;in the royal palace. During a speech later in the day, the president described Prince Mohammed as an “incredible man” and “my friend.”

The feeling was clearly mutual. The crown prince addressed his guest as “my dear President Trump,” and the Saudis played his campaign anthems — “God Bless the U.S.A.” and “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ymca-dance-rallies-05da758dfeb2dd9c2ed22ebb88610b24">YMCA</a>&nbsp;” — during his appearance at an investment forum.

For the U.S. Republican president, the visit was a return to the international stage after his comeback victory in last year’s election. Although he recently attended&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-pope-francis-funeral-vatican-rome-italy-9895e156b90aea1dde7f7ea19bf7b3e1">the funeral of Pope Francis</a>&nbsp;in Rome, Saudi Arabia was originally intended to be his initial overseas destination, just like in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c602a848be074032a024e2a1e6f8926d">his first term</a>. It served as a gilded debut for a foreign policy focused on securing cash infusions for American businesses.

Trump pumped his fist as he stepped out of Air Force One, then descended the stairs to shake hands with Prince Mohammed, who greeted his guest on the tarmac in a rare display of respect.

The guest list for an elaborate luncheon was stuffed with corporate executives, including Ruth Porat of Google, Stephen Schwarzman of the Blackstone Group, Jane Fraser of Citicorp, Alex Karp of Palantir and Jensen Huang of NVIDIA. Also attending was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/musk-trump-doge-tesla-d1206a96983b30b9cef7b18eaa8c48a7">Elon Musk</a>, the world’s richest person and a top adviser to Trump.

As Air Force One approached Riyadh, Saudi pilots in six American-made F-15 fighter jets escorted the plane. After a traditional coffee ceremony inside the royal terminal at the airport, Trump’s limousine was flanked by riders on white Arabian horses carrying American and Saudi flags. A honor guard was lined up with golden swords.

(Missing from the visit was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0U1MG6hm2o" target="_blank">the orb</a>, a glowing sphere a little bigger than a bowling ball that Trump memorably posed for photos with during his trip to Riyadh in his first term.)

Trump has downplayed traditional American alliances in Europe, and often expressed exasperation with the country’s trading and defense partners. But there was no such hesitation in Riyadh, and he said the relationship between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia “has been a bedrock of security and prosperity,”

Biden received little of the same pomp when he visited three years ago. He had previously criticized Saudi Arabia as a “pariah” but decided to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-israel-saudi-arabia-jamal-khashoggi-edba0435dedc08db952c406536d67713">travel to the kingdom</a>&nbsp;anyway in an implicit acknowledgement that it was too influential of a global player to ignore.

The crown prince greeted the Democratic president at the palace, which is where the two leaders exchanged their fist bump. Their only other joint public appearance was all business, as they sat across from each other at a large conference table, flanked by top advisers.

Later that year, OPEC+ announced it would reduce oil production in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-2022-midterm-elections-biden-inflation-business-fa45f3023af51b1b7201f0c06d86f72d">a blow to Biden,</a>&nbsp;whose political fortunes were being battered by inflation. The Democratic president acknowledged that it was “a disappointment, and it says that there are problems” in the U.S.-Saudi relationship.

But there was no such friction during Trump’s visit, a shift that was clearly appreciated by Trump’s hosts.

“We don’t want people to lecture us, as it has happened in the past – what’s wrong and what’s right,” said Mohammad A. Abunayyan, the founder and chairman of ACWA Power.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (AP)—President Donald Trump arrived in Saudi Arabia, the first leg of his three-nation visit to the Middle East this week meant to tackle multiple crises and conflicts across the region. He was welcomed by Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, after Air Force One landed in Riyadh on Tuesday.

Trump and the crown prince are to hold talks on U.S. efforts to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program, end the war in Gaza, hold down oil prices and more. The prince is also expected to fete Trump with a formal dinner. American and Saudi flags lined the streets of the Saudi capital, along with a noticeable security presence of all American-made police cars.

Saudi crown prince’s airport greeting for Trump underscores the close relationship the de facto ruler of the kingdom wants to have with the American leader.

Typically, a provincial governor or another official will greet a foreign leader on arrival. King Salman once greeted President Barack Obama at the airport on a trip to the kingdom, but then lower-ranking officials did as the kingdom grew angry over his stance on the 2011 Arab Spring and the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.

President Joe Biden also was greeted by a provincial governor on his 2022 trip to the kingdom, before having an awkward fist-bump with Prince Mohammed, who he derided as a “pariah” during his election campaign after the killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi.

Trump gets a horse escort to the Saudi palace

Trump’s armored limo, known as The Beast, was flanked by Saudi horsemen carrying American and Saudi flags as it pulled into Al Yamamah Palace.

Before going in, the Saudi crown prince walked Trump over to observe an honor guard.

The two leaders then received officials from their delegations ahead of a lunch.

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

Trump and Prince Mohammed also took part in a lunch at the Royal Court, gathering with guests and aides in an ornate room with blue accents and massive crystal chandeliers.

As he greeted business titans with Trump by his side, Prince Mohammed was animated and smiling.

It was a stark contrast to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-israel-saudi-arabia-jamal-khashoggi-edba0435dedc08db952c406536d67713">his awkward fist bump</a>&nbsp;with then-President Joe Biden, who looked to avoid being seen on camera shaking hands with the prince during a 2022 visit to the kingdom.

Biden had decided to pay a visit to Saudi Arabia as he looked to alleviate soaring prices at the pump for motorists at home and around the globe.

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

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

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747131535832.png" alt="Image from White House video" />
                        <figcaption>Image from White House video</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-israel-middle-east-saudi-arabia-83c27ca7357e41efedaa2318da59d0ab">The fist bump</a>&nbsp;seems so long ago.</p><p>Three years after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden’s</a>&nbsp;cursory greeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;luxuriated in an extravagant royal welcome as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-mideast-saudi-arabia-mbs-qatar-uae-b782fe922d09afced2e1074b65016e80">he arrived in Saudi Arabia</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday.</p><p>Concerns about human rights and fossil fuels in the oil-rich autocracy were nowhere on the agenda. Instead the day was all about cutting deals and celebrating a personal relationship that has endured through scandal and political turmoil.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Beast pulls up to the Saudi Royal Court in Riyadh 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/NSxhzaFk5o">pic.twitter.com/NSxhzaFk5o</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1922220554259403074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> is greeted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 🇺🇸🇸🇦 <a href="https://t.co/81qUv6hi7D">pic.twitter.com/81qUv6hi7D</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1922190356692557858?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>“I really believe we like each other a lot,” Trump said as they sat on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-mideast-saudi-arabia-mbs-qatar-uae-photos-cc507c76b19d30a59f69d15f86008511">golden chairs under elaborate chandeliers</a>&nbsp;in the royal palace. During a speech later in the day, the president described Prince Mohammed as an “incredible man” and “my friend.”</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>&#39;s first event is a quick welcome inside the Royal Terminal at King Khalid International Airport, where he is joined by <a href="https://twitter.com/SecRubio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecRubio</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDef?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecDef</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/howardlutnick?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@howardlutnick</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/SecretaryWright?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecretaryWright</a>. <a href="https://t.co/3tkQbhNGFp">pic.twitter.com/3tkQbhNGFp</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1922192018417004730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>The feeling was clearly mutual. The crown prince addressed his guest as “my dear President Trump,” and the Saudis played his campaign anthems — “God Bless the U.S.A.” and “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ymca-dance-rallies-05da758dfeb2dd9c2ed22ebb88610b24">YMCA</a>&nbsp;” — during his appearance at an investment forum.</p><p>For the U.S. Republican president, the visit was a return to the international stage after his comeback victory in last year’s election. Although he recently attended&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-pope-francis-funeral-vatican-rome-italy-9895e156b90aea1dde7f7ea19bf7b3e1">the funeral of Pope Francis</a>&nbsp;in Rome, Saudi Arabia was originally intended to be his initial overseas destination, just like in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c602a848be074032a024e2a1e6f8926d">his first term</a>. It served as a gilded debut for a foreign policy focused on securing cash infusions for American businesses.</p><p>Trump pumped his fist as he stepped out of Air Force One, then descended the stairs to shake hands with Prince Mohammed, who greeted his guest on the tarmac in a rare display of respect.</p><p>Trump pumped his fist as he stepped out of Air Force One, then descended the stairs to shake hands with Prince Mohammed, who greeted his guest on the tarmac in a rare display of respect.</p><p>The guest list for an elaborate luncheon was stuffed with corporate executives, including Ruth Porat of Google, Stephen Schwarzman of the Blackstone Group, Jane Fraser of Citicorp, Alex Karp of Palantir and Jensen Huang of NVIDIA. Also attending was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/musk-trump-doge-tesla-d1206a96983b30b9cef7b18eaa8c48a7">Elon Musk</a>, the world’s richest person and a top adviser to Trump.</p><p>As Air Force One approached Riyadh, Saudi pilots in six American-made F-15 fighter jets escorted the plane. After a traditional coffee ceremony inside the royal terminal at the airport, Trump’s limousine was flanked by riders on white Arabian horses carrying American and Saudi flags. A honor guard was lined up with golden swords.</p><p>(Missing from the visit was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0U1MG6hm2o" target="_blank">the orb</a>, a glowing sphere a little bigger than a bowling ball that Trump memorably posed for photos with during his trip to Riyadh in his first term.)</p><p>Trump has downplayed traditional American alliances in Europe, and often expressed exasperation with the country’s trading and defense partners. But there was no such hesitation in Riyadh, and he said the relationship between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia “has been a bedrock of security and prosperity,”</p><p>Biden received little of the same pomp when he visited three years ago. He had previously criticized Saudi Arabia as a “pariah” but decided to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-israel-saudi-arabia-jamal-khashoggi-edba0435dedc08db952c406536d67713">travel to the kingdom</a>&nbsp;anyway in an implicit acknowledgement that it was too influential of a global player to ignore.</p><p>The crown prince greeted the Democratic president at the palace, which is where the two leaders exchanged their fist bump. Their only other joint public appearance was all business, as they sat across from each other at a large conference table, flanked by top advisers.</p><p>Later that year, OPEC+ announced it would reduce oil production in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-2022-midterm-elections-biden-inflation-business-fa45f3023af51b1b7201f0c06d86f72d">a blow to Biden,</a>&nbsp;whose political fortunes were being battered by inflation. The Democratic president acknowledged that it was “a disappointment, and it says that there are problems” in the U.S.-Saudi relationship.</p><p>But there was no such friction during Trump’s visit, a shift that was clearly appreciated by Trump’s hosts.</p><p>“We don’t want people to lecture us, as it has happened in the past – what’s wrong and what’s right,” said Mohammad A. Abunayyan, the founder and chairman of ACWA Power.</p><p>-------</p><p>Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (AP)—President Donald Trump arrived in Saudi Arabia, the first leg of his three-nation visit to the Middle East this week meant to tackle multiple crises and conflicts across the region. He was welcomed by Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, after Air Force One landed in Riyadh on Tuesday.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman greets President Trump upon landing in Saudi Arabia… <a href="https://t.co/hSh2EuUBjc">https://t.co/hSh2EuUBjc</a> <a href="https://t.co/qYykjYArMX">pic.twitter.com/qYykjYArMX</a></p>&mdash; Dan Scavino (@Scavino47) <a href="https://twitter.com/Scavino47/status/1922197447650013676?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Trump and the crown prince are to hold talks on U.S. efforts to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program, end the war in Gaza, hold down oil prices and more. The prince is also expected to fete Trump with a formal dinner. American and Saudi flags lined the streets of the Saudi capital, along with a noticeable security presence of all American-made police cars.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> arrives in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 🇺🇸🇸🇦 <a href="https://t.co/ryoyj6Khja">pic.twitter.com/ryoyj6Khja</a></p>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1922194797533491354?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Saudi crown prince’s airport greeting for Trump underscores the close relationship the de facto ruler of the kingdom wants to have with the American leader.</p><p>Typically, a provincial governor or another official will greet a foreign leader on arrival. King Salman once greeted President Barack Obama at the airport on a trip to the kingdom, but then lower-ranking officials did as the kingdom grew angry over his stance on the 2011 Arab Spring and the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.</p><p>President Joe Biden also was greeted by a provincial governor on his 2022 trip to the kingdom, before having an awkward fist-bump with Prince Mohammed, who he derided as a “pariah” during his election campaign after the killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi.</p><h2>Trump gets a horse escort to the Saudi palace</h2><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Beast pulls up to the Saudi Royal Court in Riyadh 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/NSxhzaFk5o">pic.twitter.com/NSxhzaFk5o</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1922220554259403074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Trump’s armored limo, known as The Beast, was flanked by Saudi horsemen carrying American and Saudi flags as it pulled into Al Yamamah Palace.</p><p>Before going in, the Saudi crown prince walked Trump over to observe an honor guard.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> greets Saudi officials at the Royal Court in Riyadh <a href="https://t.co/YPwnqEHHrU">pic.twitter.com/YPwnqEHHrU</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1922226035585687689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>The two leaders then received officials from their delegations ahead of a lunch.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> salutes as The Star-Spangled Banner is played outside the Saudi Royal Court in Riyadh <a href="https://t.co/FoiFVrHnZH">pic.twitter.com/FoiFVrHnZH</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1922221133815824432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>&#39;s first event is a quick welcome inside the Royal Terminal at King Khalid International Airport, where he is joined by <a href="https://twitter.com/SecRubio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecRubio</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDef?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecDef</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/howardlutnick?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@howardlutnick</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/SecretaryWright?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecretaryWright</a>. <a href="https://t.co/3tkQbhNGFp">pic.twitter.com/3tkQbhNGFp</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1922192018417004730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elonmusk</a> greets <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman inside the Saudi Royal Court 🇺🇸 🇸🇦 <a href="https://t.co/793zuBcocJ">pic.twitter.com/793zuBcocJ</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1922227021683261791?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><h2>Fighter jet escort</h2><p>The pomp began before Trump even landed. Royal Saudi Air Force F-15s provided an honorary escort for Air Force One as it approached the kingdom’s capital.</p><p>Trump and Prince Mohammed also took part in a lunch at the Royal Court, gathering with guests and aides in an ornate room with blue accents and massive crystal chandeliers.</p><p>As he greeted business titans with Trump by his side, Prince Mohammed was animated and smiling.</p><p>It was a stark contrast to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-israel-saudi-arabia-jamal-khashoggi-edba0435dedc08db952c406536d67713">his awkward fist bump</a>&nbsp;with then-President Joe Biden, who looked to avoid being seen on camera shaking hands with the prince during a 2022 visit to the kingdom.</p><p>Biden had decided to pay a visit to Saudi Arabia as he looked to alleviate soaring prices at the pump for motorists at home and around the globe.</p><p>At the time, Prince Mohammed's reputation had been badly damaged by a U.S. intelligence determination that found he had ordered the 2018 killing of journalist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jamal-khashoggi">Jamal Khashoggi</a>.</p><p>But that dark moment appeared to be distant memory for the prince as he rubbed elbows with high-profile business executives — including Blackstone Group CEO Stephen Schwarzman, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink and Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk — in front of the cameras and with Trump by his side.</p><p>Later,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saudi-arabia-us-russia-talks-analysis-mohammed-bin-salman-9a42a3f1e09599f423a693262caa179c">the crown prince</a>&nbsp;will fete Trump with a formal dinner. Trump is also slated to take part Tuesday in a U.S.-Saudi investment conference.</p><h2>Trump's trip to Saudi Arabia comes as oil trades around $64 a barrel</h2><p>Trump’s trip to Saudi Arabia comes as the president can already point to one thing for American voters — oil prices are down.</p><p>It’s not Trump’s doing, though he’s repeatedly criticized Saudi Arabia and the OPEC+ oil cartel over higher oil prices in the past. Those prices translate directly back into gasoline prices in the United States, which can become a major pain point for the U.S. public. The average price for a gallon of gasoline in the U.S. is $3.13, according to AAA, down from $3.61 a year ago.</p><p>Right now, benchmark Brent crude trades around $64 a barrel. That’s higher than when the around $50 a barrel it traded on his first trip to the kingdom as president in 2017. However, it’s nowhere near the spikes seen after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Then, the average gallon of gas in the U.S. was $5.01 at its height.</p>