WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress returns to a changed Washington as President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump’s</a>&nbsp;hard-right agenda is quickly taking shape, buoyed by eager Republican allies eyeing a full&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/house-senate-trump-election-updates-11-11-24">sweep of power</a>&nbsp;on Capitol Hill while Democrats are sorting out what went wrong.

Even as final election results are still being tallied, the House and Senate leadership is pushing ahead toward a second-term Trump White House and what he's called a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-elections-house-senate-harris-trump-9a38fb935f94ac1e3f5cdcef621a39ca">“mandate”</a>&nbsp;for governing, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-day-1-priorities-deportations-drilling-ukraine-6747c6e64b0440978f59450b928f61d1">mass deportations, industry deregulation and wholesale gutting</a>&nbsp;of the federal government.

Trump is already testing the norms of governance during this presidential transition period — telling the Senate to forgo its advise-and-consent role and simply&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-senate-thune-cornyn-scott-republican-leadership-2a711f260887926676bb5d69866a1981">accept his Cabinet</a>&nbsp;nominees — and he is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-staff-picks-stefanik-wiles-stephen-miller-tom-homan-243d73610b03a3ee18c4d5f68756af7c">staffing his administration</a>&nbsp;and finding lawmakers willing to bend those civic traditions.

“Trump’s going to deliver his deportations, the drilling, the wall — it’s going to take all of us getting together,” said Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., a conservative member of the House Freedom Caucus.

But first, the House and Senate leaders will hold internal party elections this week for their own jobs. Most of the top Republican leaders depend on Trump for their political livelihoods and have worked to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-mike-johnson-majority-trump-election-65d7217e4541cd314849c9a0da2b0081">draw closer to the president-elect</a>&nbsp;to shore up loyalty.

House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">Mike Johnson</a>, who is on the cusp of keeping a slim majority hold of the chamber with several House races still too early to call, will assemble his leadership team early Tuesday on the Capitol steps for a victory lap and agenda-setting.

In the Senate, where Republicans seized power from Democrats on election night, three Republican senators who are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-republicans-leadership-mcconnell-thune-cornyn-scott-d17b341874cb6627f1d75d7051feebe4">vying to become the new GOP leader</a>&nbsp;have rushed to agree with Trump’s plan for quick confirmation of presidential nominees.

“As Congress returns to Washington, we must&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/category/politics/senate">prepare the Senate</a>&nbsp;to advance that agenda legislatively and ensure that the president-elect can hit the ground running with his appointees confirmed as soon as possible,” GOP Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, who is seeking the leadership job, wrote in a Fox News opinion piece.

All told, it’s a fundamental reshaping of not only the power centers in Washington, but the rules of governing, as Trump returns to the White House in January with a potential GOP-led Congress that is far less skeptical or wary of his approach than eight years ago, and much more willing to back him.

“This is going to be a very challenging time,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

She described the “horrific immigration policies” that Trump promised voters and she insisted the progressives in Congress will provide an “effective check” on the new White House, much the way Democrats did during his first term by fighting efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and other policies.

At the same time, Jayapal warned Trump will have “many fewer restrictions."

"Our members are ready to take up the fight again," she said, standing alongside a handful of newly elected progressive lawmakers she called the “bright lights” joining Congress.

First tests will come during the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-spending-judges-lame-duck-3084d5c362474ee9ddd9bf9e1cd7b812">“lame duck”</a>&nbsp;period of the remaining days of this Congress, the eight-week sprint until Jan. 3, 2025, when the new lawmakers are sworn into office.

As lawmakers return this week they will be joined by dozens of new names in the House and Senate who are in town for freshmen orientation weeks and the private leadership elections scheduled for Wednesday.

But Republican senators are protesting that one of their own, newly elected&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pennsylvania-senate-2024-election-david-mccormick-casey-866a8712dea0b52b5d8d6b4844968b53">Dave McCormick</a>&nbsp;of Pennsylvania, is being excluded from orientation week by Senate Democratic Majority Leader Chuck Schumer because there are still uncounted ballots in his race. Schumer's office has said it is custom to wait until all the ballots are counted.

The Senate leadership race to replace outgoing GOP Leader Mitch McConnell is turning into a test of Trump loyalties, with the president-elect's allies — including billionaire Elon Musk and Make America Great Again influencers — pushing the senators to elect Sen. Rick Scott of Florida.

But Scott has not been the most popular candidate for the leadership post, and senators had been rallying around the two “Johns” — Thune, the second-ranking GOP leader, and Sen. John Cornyn of Texas. The outcome of Wednesday's private balloting behind closed doors is highly uncertain.

In the House, some conservative Republicans are quietly suggesting their own leadership elections should be postponed until the final results of the House races are resolved. Democrats will hold their House and Senate leadership elections later.

Johnson wants to retain the speaker's gavel and told colleagues in a letter last week he is ready to “take the field” with them to deliver on Trump's agenda. But he is expected to face detractors behind closed doors.

While Johnson only needs a simple majority during Wednesday's private voting to become the GOP nominee to be speaker, he will need a 218-member majority in January during a floor vote of the whole House.

A low vote total this week will show the leverage Freedom Caucus members and others have to pry concessions from Johnson, much as they forced then-Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-house-of-representatives-kevin-mccarthy-us-republican-party-0938c7358f41c83759246f8949ac7c15">Kevin McCarthy</a>&nbsp;into a prolonged vote for the gavel in 2023.

And while Johnson predicts next year will launch the “most consequential” presidency and Congress in modern times, he has had difficulty this year leading Republicans who refused to go along with plans, forcing the speaker to often partner with Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

Johnson's troubles stem in part from his slim majority, but that could persist if Trump continues to tap House Republicans to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-staff-picks-stefanik-wiles-stephen-miller-tom-homan-243d73610b03a3ee18c4d5f68756af7c">fill his administration</a>. Trump has already asked Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-united-nations-elise-stefanik-ambassador-2b482fb39a8d6f03d389d27cc8820056">Elise Stefanik</a>, R-N.Y., to be ambassador to the United Nations and Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-national-security-adviser-mike-wlatz-0c81d044c9ffe18dfd745202e8351b9c">Mike Waltz</a>, R-Fla., to be his national security adviser.

“We're pretty much maxed out,” said Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Texas. “Everybody understands that.”

In the weeks ahead, Congress faces another deadline, Dec. 20, to fund the federal government or risk a shutdown, and conservatives are redoubling their pressure on Johnson not to cave on their demands to slash spending.

The House and Senate also will consider replenishing the Disaster Relief Fund to help provide aid in the aftermath of Hurricanes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hurricane-helene">Helene</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/milton">Milton.</a>

And with President Joe Biden preparing to exit and Democrats relinquishing their hold on the Senate, there will be pressure to confirm more judicial nominees and to usher out the door any other bills that could possibly become law before Trump takes over.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731417768351.png" alt="Image Associated Press" />
 <figcaption>Image Associated Press</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress returns to a changed Washington as President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump’s</a>&nbsp;hard-right agenda is quickly taking shape, buoyed by eager Republican allies eyeing a full&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/house-senate-trump-election-updates-11-11-24">sweep of power</a>&nbsp;on Capitol Hill while Democrats are sorting out what went wrong.Even as final election results are still being tallied, the House and Senate leadership is pushing ahead toward a second-term Trump White House and what he's called a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-elections-house-senate-harris-trump-9a38fb935f94ac1e3f5cdcef621a39ca">“mandate”</a>&nbsp;for governing, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-day-1-priorities-deportations-drilling-ukraine-6747c6e64b0440978f59450b928f61d1">mass deportations, industry deregulation and wholesale gutting</a>&nbsp;of the federal government.Trump is already testing the norms of governance during this presidential transition period — telling the Senate to forgo its advise-and-consent role and simply&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-senate-thune-cornyn-scott-republican-leadership-2a711f260887926676bb5d69866a1981">accept his Cabinet</a>&nbsp;nominees — and he is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-staff-picks-stefanik-wiles-stephen-miller-tom-homan-243d73610b03a3ee18c4d5f68756af7c">staffing his administration</a>&nbsp;and finding lawmakers willing to bend those civic traditions.“Trump’s going to deliver his deportations, the drilling, the wall — it’s going to take all of us getting together,” said Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., a conservative member of the House Freedom Caucus.But first, the House and Senate leaders will hold internal party elections this week for their own jobs. Most of the top Republican leaders depend on Trump for their political livelihoods and have worked to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-mike-johnson-majority-trump-election-65d7217e4541cd314849c9a0da2b0081">draw closer to the president-elect</a>&nbsp;to shore up loyalty.House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">Mike Johnson</a>, who is on the cusp of keeping a slim majority hold of the chamber with several House races still too early to call, will assemble his leadership team early Tuesday on the Capitol steps for a victory lap and agenda-setting.In the Senate, where Republicans seized power from Democrats on election night, three Republican senators who are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-republicans-leadership-mcconnell-thune-cornyn-scott-d17b341874cb6627f1d75d7051feebe4">vying to become the new GOP leader</a>&nbsp;have rushed to agree with Trump’s plan for quick confirmation of presidential nominees.“As Congress returns to Washington, we must&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/category/politics/senate">prepare the Senate</a>&nbsp;to advance that agenda legislatively and ensure that the president-elect can hit the ground running with his appointees confirmed as soon as possible,” GOP Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, who is seeking the leadership job, wrote in a Fox News opinion piece.All told, it’s a fundamental reshaping of not only the power centers in Washington, but the rules of governing, as Trump returns to the White House in January with a potential GOP-led Congress that is far less skeptical or wary of his approach than eight years ago, and much more willing to back him.“This is going to be a very challenging time,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.She described the “horrific immigration policies” that Trump promised voters and she insisted the progressives in Congress will provide an “effective check” on the new White House, much the way Democrats did during his first term by fighting efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and other policies.At the same time, Jayapal warned Trump will have “many fewer restrictions.""Our members are ready to take up the fight again," she said, standing alongside a handful of newly elected progressive lawmakers she called the “bright lights” joining Congress.First tests will come during the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-spending-judges-lame-duck-3084d5c362474ee9ddd9bf9e1cd7b812">“lame duck”</a>&nbsp;period of the remaining days of this Congress, the eight-week sprint until Jan. 3, 2025, when the new lawmakers are sworn into office.As lawmakers return this week they will be joined by dozens of new names in the House and Senate who are in town for freshmen orientation weeks and the private leadership elections scheduled for Wednesday.But Republican senators are protesting that one of their own, newly elected&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pennsylvania-senate-2024-election-david-mccormick-casey-866a8712dea0b52b5d8d6b4844968b53">Dave McCormick</a>&nbsp;of Pennsylvania, is being excluded from orientation week by Senate Democratic Majority Leader Chuck Schumer because there are still uncounted ballots in his race. Schumer's office has said it is custom to wait until all the ballots are counted.The Senate leadership race to replace outgoing GOP Leader Mitch McConnell is turning into a test of Trump loyalties, with the president-elect's allies — including billionaire Elon Musk and Make America Great Again influencers — pushing the senators to elect Sen. Rick Scott of Florida.But Scott has not been the most popular candidate for the leadership post, and senators had been rallying around the two “Johns” — Thune, the second-ranking GOP leader, and Sen. John Cornyn of Texas. The outcome of Wednesday's private balloting behind closed doors is highly uncertain.In the House, some conservative Republicans are quietly suggesting their own leadership elections should be postponed until the final results of the House races are resolved. Democrats will hold their House and Senate leadership elections later.Johnson wants to retain the speaker's gavel and told colleagues in a letter last week he is ready to “take the field” with them to deliver on Trump's agenda. But he is expected to face detractors behind closed doors.While Johnson only needs a simple majority during Wednesday's private voting to become the GOP nominee to be speaker, he will need a 218-member majority in January during a floor vote of the whole House.A low vote total this week will show the leverage Freedom Caucus members and others have to pry concessions from Johnson, much as they forced then-Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-house-of-representatives-kevin-mccarthy-us-republican-party-0938c7358f41c83759246f8949ac7c15">Kevin McCarthy</a>&nbsp;into a prolonged vote for the gavel in 2023.And while Johnson predicts next year will launch the “most consequential” presidency and Congress in modern times, he has had difficulty this year leading Republicans who refused to go along with plans, forcing the speaker to often partner with Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.Johnson's troubles stem in part from his slim majority, but that could persist if Trump continues to tap House Republicans to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-staff-picks-stefanik-wiles-stephen-miller-tom-homan-243d73610b03a3ee18c4d5f68756af7c">fill his administration</a>. Trump has already asked Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-united-nations-elise-stefanik-ambassador-2b482fb39a8d6f03d389d27cc8820056">Elise Stefanik</a>, R-N.Y., to be ambassador to the United Nations and Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-national-security-adviser-mike-wlatz-0c81d044c9ffe18dfd745202e8351b9c">Mike Waltz</a>, R-Fla., to be his national security adviser.“We're pretty much maxed out,” said Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Texas. “Everybody understands that.”In the weeks ahead, Congress faces another deadline, Dec. 20, to fund the federal government or risk a shutdown, and conservatives are redoubling their pressure on Johnson not to cave on their demands to slash spending.The House and Senate also will consider replenishing the Disaster Relief Fund to help provide aid in the aftermath of Hurricanes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hurricane-helene">Helene</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/milton">Milton.</a>And with President Joe Biden preparing to exit and Democrats relinquishing their hold on the Senate, there will be pressure to confirm more judicial nominees and to usher out the door any other bills that could possibly become law before Trump takes over.

More than a dozen races left to be called to determine control of Congress

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Two people died in an accident just after 4a.m. Monday in Sedgwick County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Chevy SUV driven by Thomas Reller, 78, Zumbrota, Minnesota, was northbound on Interstate 35 just south of Haysville.&nbsp;

The SUV rear-ended a 2025 International semi driven by Tasheba Peavy, 45, Houston, Texas, that had struck a deer and then the barrier wall. The impact pushed the International semi into the rear of another semi driven by Shanna Coleman, 47, The Woodlands, Texas.

Reller and a passenger in the SUV Octavia Reller, 27, Zumbrota, Minnesota, were pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported the two&nbsp; &nbsp;semi drivers to a local hospital. All four were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Two people died in an accident just after 4a.m. Monday in Sedgwick County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Chevy SUV driven by Thomas Reller, 78, Zumbrota, Minnesota, was northbound on Interstate 35 just south of Haysville.&nbsp; The SUV rear-ended a 2025 International semi driven by Tasheba Peavy, 45, Houston, Texas, that had struck a deer and then the barrier wall. The impact pushed the International semi into the rear of another semi driven by Shanna Coleman, 47, The Woodlands, Texas.Reller and a passenger in the SUV Octavia Reller, 27, Zumbrota, Minnesota, were pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported the two&nbsp; &nbsp;semi drivers to a local hospital. All four were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Patrol IDs two who died after 3-vehicle crash on the Kan. Turnpike

DOUGLAS COUNTY —A 34-year-old man is in custody following a fight&nbsp; that left a 40-year-old man unconscious and requiring transport to the hospital. Two other suspects are still a large.

Just after 3:30p.m. Saturday, police were called to the 700 block of Vermont Street in Lawrence, according to a media release.

&nbsp;Witnesses reported an unconscious man on the ground. Officers were on scene quickly and contacted several involved parties. Initially, the information provided indicated the injured man had started an altercation that involved several people physically fighting on the east sidewalk.

 The involved participants were interviewed and released pending further investigation. However, the injured man was later able to provide a statement at the hospital that contradicted the information officers received on scene. 

Additionally, officers were able to locate video and more witnesses that corroborated the injured man's version of events, which showed he was punched and kicked repeatedly, including after being knocked unconscious. 

Officers were able to track down one of the involved suspects and arrested him, but still seek to arrest two others. The arrested man was booked into the Douglas County Correctional Facility on suspicion of Aggravated Battery.

 A 37-year-old man and a 36-year-old man remain at large. The hospitalized man was released after receiving care.

DOUGLAS COUNTY —A 34-year-old man is in custody following a fight&nbsp; that left a 40-year-old man unconscious and requiring transport to the hospital. Two other suspects are still a large.Just after 3:30p.m. Saturday, police were called to the 700 block of Vermont Street in Lawrence, according to a media release.&nbsp;Witnesses reported an unconscious man on the ground. Officers were on scene quickly and contacted several involved parties. Initially, the information provided indicated the injured man had started an altercation that involved several people physically fighting on the east sidewalk. The involved participants were interviewed and released pending further investigation. However, the injured man was later able to provide a statement at the hospital that contradicted the information officers received on scene. Additionally, officers were able to locate video and more witnesses that corroborated the injured man's version of events, which showed he was punched and kicked repeatedly, including after being knocked unconscious. Officers were able to track down one of the involved suspects and arrested him, but still seek to arrest two others. The arrested man was booked into the Douglas County Correctional Facility on suspicion of Aggravated Battery. A 37-year-old man and a 36-year-old man remain at large. The hospitalized man was released after receiving care.

3 accused of assaulting unconscious 40-year-old Kan. man

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. struck nine targets at two locations in Syria Monday to hit Iranian-aligned militias that had launched attacks on U.S. personnel over the last 24 hours, U.S. Central Command said.

No U.S. personnel were injured in the attacks, but as of late Monday the Pentagon did not provide further details on what U.S. sites in Syria had been attacked or what sites the U.S. struck in return.

The U.S. has about 900 personnel in Syria to assist partnered forces in conducting missions against Islamic State militants. In February it launched a massive attack on Iranian-backed militia sites in Syria in response to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iraq-syria-strikes-hamas-militia-iran-us-62be7c7b500de1d0f1287a9b2c6f82dc">drone attack in Jordan</a>&nbsp;that killed three U.S. service members.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731379013172.png" alt="U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles -photo U.S. Central Command&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles -photo U.S. Central Command&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. struck nine targets at two locations in Syria Monday to hit Iranian-aligned militias that had launched attacks on U.S. personnel over the last 24 hours, U.S. Central Command said.No U.S. personnel were injured in the attacks, but as of late Monday the Pentagon did not provide further details on what U.S. sites in Syria had been attacked or what sites the U.S. struck in return.The U.S. has about 900 personnel in Syria to assist partnered forces in conducting missions against Islamic State militants. In February it launched a massive attack on Iranian-backed militia sites in Syria in response to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iraq-syria-strikes-hamas-militia-iran-us-62be7c7b500de1d0f1287a9b2c6f82dc">drone attack in Jordan</a>&nbsp;that killed three U.S. service members.

U.S. forces strike Iranian-backed militia targets in Syria

ELLSWORTH COUNTY —Law enforcement across Kansas continue to see more drivers traveling well above the posted speed limit, despite a statewide campaign to crack down on excessive speeding.

On Sunday Master Trooper Van Buren stopped a driver traveling 118 mph in a 75 mph zone in Ellsworth County, according to a social media report from the KHP. The trooper arrested the driver.&nbsp;

On Saturday, Trooper Mai made a traffic stop in Cloud County, where a driver was cited for speeding at 103 mph in a 70 mph zone, improper lane use, and child restraint violations.

"It’s a crucial reminder that every safety measure counts on the road. Child safety seats are designed to protect our littlest passengers, and at these speeds, every precaution matters."&nbsp; The KHP released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731362806066.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ELLSWORTH COUNTY —Law enforcement across Kansas continue to see more drivers traveling well above the posted speed limit, despite a statewide campaign to crack down on excessive speeding.On Sunday Master Trooper Van Buren stopped a driver traveling 118 mph in a 75 mph zone in Ellsworth County, according to a social media report from the KHP. The trooper arrested the driver.&nbsp;On Saturday, Trooper Mai made a traffic stop in Cloud County, where a driver was cited for speeding at 103 mph in a 70 mph zone, improper lane use, and child restraint violations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731362875068.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"It’s a crucial reminder that every safety measure counts on the road. Child safety seats are designed to protect our littlest passengers, and at these speeds, every precaution matters."&nbsp; The KHP released no additional details.

KHP: Driver jailed for 118mph in 75 mph zone 

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 3p.m. Monday in Leavenworth County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Trevor Duane&nbsp;White, 22, Leavenworth, was southbound on U.S. 73 at Fairlane Street.&nbsp;

The motorcycle struck the passenger side of a northbound 2009 Mercedes C-class driven by George&nbsp;Steger, 89, Leavenworth, was turning westbound onto Fairlane Street.&nbsp;

White was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to&nbsp;Forensic Medical.&nbsp; EMS transported a passenger in the car identified as 73-year-old Karen&nbsp;Ferengel to Providence Hospital. Steger was not injured. White was not wearing a helmet and the occupants of the car were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 3p.m. Monday in Leavenworth County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Trevor Duane&nbsp;White, 22, Leavenworth, was southbound on U.S. 73 at Fairlane Street.&nbsp;The motorcycle struck the passenger side of a northbound 2009 Mercedes C-class driven by George&nbsp;Steger, 89, Leavenworth, was turning westbound onto Fairlane Street.&nbsp;White was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to&nbsp;Forensic Medical.&nbsp; EMS transported a passenger in the car identified as 73-year-old Karen&nbsp;Ferengel to Providence Hospital. Steger was not injured. White was not wearing a helmet and the occupants of the car were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after motorcycle, car accident

PAWNEE COUNTY&nbsp; – A contested Preliminary Hearing was conducted Friday in the Pawnee County District Court against Michael EG Reynolds, 68 of Larned, in connection with the shooting death of Dr. Tomas Garza, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.

Senior District Judge Nancy Parrish of Topeka, Kansas, presided over the hearing. Pawnee County District Judge Bruce Gatterman recused himself from the case due to a possible conflict of interest.

Reynolds is charged with one count of Intentional Murder in the Second Degree, one count of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and one count of Criminal Possession of a Firearm. 

The charges stem from a joint investigation by the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and Coroner Dr. Lyle Noordhoek into the shooting death of Garza on March 30. Reynolds was taken into custody at the scene without incident at the time of the alleged incident.

Prior to the hearing, Reynolds filed a claim for self-defense immunity from prosecution, commonly referred to as a Stand-Your-Ground immunity. Under Kansas law, a use of deadly force to defend oneself or another requires both the subjective belief that deadly force is necessary as well as an objective showing that “a reasonable person in the defendant’s circumstances would have perceived the use of deadly force as necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to the defendant or a third person.”

Following a full day of testimony, Judge Parrish found the State presented sufficient evidence to support all three charges. Additionally, Judge Parrish found that the State met its burden to overcome the immunity claim finding that based on the evidence presented Reynolds could not have subjectively believed he needed to use deadly force against Dr. Garza, nor would any reasonable person in Reynold’s circumstances perceive that the use of deadly force was necessary.

If convicted of the murder charge, under the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines the defendant faces between 147 months and 653 months in the custody of the Department of Corrections depending on his criminal history.

Following the hearing, Judge Parrish denied the request to reduce the bond for Reynolds. He had requested to be released on house arrest. Reynolds is being held in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff with bond set at $250,000, according to McNett.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712009351520.png" alt="Reynolds photo Pawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Reynolds photo Pawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY&nbsp; – A contested Preliminary Hearing was conducted Friday in the Pawnee County District Court against Michael EG Reynolds, 68 of Larned, in connection with the shooting death of Dr. Tomas Garza, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.Senior District Judge Nancy Parrish of Topeka, Kansas, presided over the hearing. Pawnee County District Judge Bruce Gatterman recused himself from the case due to a possible conflict of interest.Reynolds is charged with one count of Intentional Murder in the Second Degree, one count of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and one count of Criminal Possession of a Firearm. The charges stem from a joint investigation by the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and Coroner Dr. Lyle Noordhoek into the shooting death of Garza on March 30. Reynolds was taken into custody at the scene without incident at the time of the alleged incident.Prior to the hearing, Reynolds filed a claim for self-defense immunity from prosecution, commonly referred to as a Stand-Your-Ground immunity. Under Kansas law, a use of deadly force to defend oneself or another requires both the subjective belief that deadly force is necessary as well as an objective showing that “a reasonable person in the defendant’s circumstances would have perceived the use of deadly force as necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to the defendant or a third person.”Following a full day of testimony, Judge Parrish found the State presented sufficient evidence to support all three charges. Additionally, Judge Parrish found that the State met its burden to overcome the immunity claim finding that based on the evidence presented Reynolds could not have subjectively believed he needed to use deadly force against Dr. Garza, nor would any reasonable person in Reynold’s circumstances perceive that the use of deadly force was necessary.If convicted of the murder charge, under the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines the defendant faces between 147 months and 653 months in the custody of the Department of Corrections depending on his criminal history.Following the hearing, Judge Parrish denied the request to reduce the bond for Reynolds. He had requested to be released on house arrest. Reynolds is being held in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff with bond set at $250,000, according to McNett.

Judge rejects self defense claim in murder of Kansas doctor

ATCHISON COUNTY —A Kansas woman injured in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Sunday in Atchison has died of her injuries.

A 2000 Toyota four door passenger car driven by Edwarda Sukow, 87, Atchison, was eastbound on Green Street at 6th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

The car entered the intersection and collided with a southbound 2015 Ford four door passenger car driven by Kimberly Thomas, 50, Atchison.

EMS transported both drivers to Amberwell Hospital for treatment of injuries.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Edwarda Sukow was later transferred to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph and then to KU Medical Center where she died at 10:20p.m. on Sunday, according to&nbsp; Wilson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731282265111.png" alt="Photo Atchison Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Atchison Police</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —A Kansas woman injured in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Sunday in Atchison has died of her injuries.A 2000 Toyota four door passenger car driven by Edwarda Sukow, 87, Atchison, was eastbound on Green Street at 6th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.The car entered the intersection and collided with a southbound 2015 Ford four door passenger car driven by Kimberly Thomas, 50, Atchison.EMS transported both drivers to Amberwell Hospital for treatment of injuries.&nbsp;&nbsp;Edwarda Sukow was later transferred to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph and then to KU Medical Center where she died at 10:20p.m. on Sunday, according to&nbsp; Wilson.

Kansas woman injured in 2-car crash dies of her injuries

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A woman accused in connection with a shooting on Halloween that left a 13-year-old boy dead made her first court appearance on Friday.

Carrice&nbsp; Profit, 19, was charged with 1st&nbsp;degree murder and criminal discharge of a firearm, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. Police arrested her November 6.

&nbsp;Jermall Campbell, 19, identified as Profit’s cousin, has been charged with Felony Murder, Aggravated Battery, and multiple counts of Aggravated Assault in connection to the homicide. Campbell remains at large, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.Campbell is considered armed and dangerous.

Just after 10:30p.m. October 31, police responded to a report of gunfire at the QuikTrip located at Central and Oliver in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

Officers discovered evidence of a shooting and the convenience store. Simultaneously, a walk-in report was received from a local hospital indicating that a private vehicle had transported victims of this incident for treatment.

The victims included a 15-year-old boy from Wichita, who suffered a gunshot wound to the leg, and a 13-year-old boy who sustained a fatal gunshot wound and was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival at the hospital.

Initial investigations reveal that a disturbance occurred in the QuikTrip parking lot, leading to the suspect firing at a crowd, which tragically resulted in injuries to the two victims.

Profit is being held on a bond of $350,000. Her next court appearance is November 25, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730979564649.png" alt="Profit photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Profit photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A woman accused in connection with a shooting on Halloween that left a 13-year-old boy dead made her first court appearance on Friday.Carrice&nbsp; Profit, 19, was charged with 1st&nbsp;degree murder and criminal discharge of a firearm, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. Police arrested her November 6.&nbsp;Jermall Campbell, 19, identified as Profit’s cousin, has been charged with Felony Murder, Aggravated Battery, and multiple counts of Aggravated Assault in connection to the homicide. Campbell remains at large, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.Campbell is considered armed and dangerous.Just after 10:30p.m. October 31, police responded to a report of gunfire at the QuikTrip located at Central and Oliver in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730455429350.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation on Halloween -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation on Halloween -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers discovered evidence of a shooting and the convenience store. Simultaneously, a walk-in report was received from a local hospital indicating that a private vehicle had transported victims of this incident for treatment.The victims included a 15-year-old boy from Wichita, who suffered a gunshot wound to the leg, and a 13-year-old boy who sustained a fatal gunshot wound and was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival at the hospital.Initial investigations reveal that a disturbance occurred in the QuikTrip parking lot, leading to the suspect firing at a crowd, which tragically resulted in injuries to the two victims.Profit is being held on a bond of $350,000. Her next court appearance is November 25, according to the district attorney's office.

Kansas woman charged in Halloween killing of 13-year-old

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement continue investigating after five shooting victims were found at three homes in Wichita.

Just before 6p.m. Sunday, police responded to a death investigation at a residence in the 1700 block of Sante Fe in Wichita, according to Police Spokesman Andrew Ford. First responders found&nbsp;a male victim deceased from an apparent gunshot wound.

Shortly after, officers conducted a follow-up at another residence in the 1900 block of S. Laura, where they discovered three additional victims with apparent gunshot wounds.

During a canvass of the neighborhood on Laura, an officer checked another residence by looking through a window and discovered what appeared to be another victim in the living room. Officers forced entry and found a man deceased from an apparent gunshot wound. On Monday afternoon, police reported the victims include, 67-year man, 68-year-old man a 55-year-old man, a 39-year-old man and a 42-year old man. They were all from Wichita. Police have not released their names.

At this time, we believe all victims are known to each other, and there is no outstanding suspect or ongoing threat to the community. Police suspect that one of the victims may be the possible shooter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731324712086.png" alt="Police a the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police a the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement continue investigating after five shooting victims were found at three homes in Wichita.Just before 6p.m. Sunday, police responded to a death investigation at a residence in the 1700 block of Sante Fe in Wichita, according to Police Spokesman Andrew Ford. First responders found&nbsp;a male victim deceased from an apparent gunshot wound.Shortly after, officers conducted a follow-up at another residence in the 1900 block of S. Laura, where they discovered three additional victims with apparent gunshot wounds.During a canvass of the neighborhood on Laura, an officer checked another residence by looking through a window and discovered what appeared to be another victim in the living room. Officers forced entry and found a man deceased from an apparent gunshot wound. On Monday afternoon, police reported the victims include, 67-year man, 68-year-old man a 55-year-old man, a 39-year-old man and a 42-year old man. They were all from Wichita. Police have not released their names.At this time, we believe all victims are known to each other, and there is no outstanding suspect or ongoing threat to the community. Police suspect that one of the victims may be the possible shooter.

Police update details on 5 found dead at 3 crime scenes in Wichita

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose Monday, led by those seen as benefiting the most from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/election-2024">Donald Trump’s reelection</a>&nbsp;as president, but drops for some high-profile Big Tech stocks kept indexes in check.

The S&amp;P 500 edged up by 0.1%, coming off its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stock-markets-rates-china-af8eff52e0a9c9252b5f654b0bbaa0bf">best week of the year</a>&nbsp;following Trump’s victory and a cut to interest rates by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-election-inflation-trump-economy-prices-e6b837fd85cff5ad71d4e40939b97237">Federal Reserve to bolster the economy</a>. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 304 points, or 0.7%, while the Nasdaq composite gained 0.1%.

Tesla was the strongest force pushing upward on the S&amp;P 500 after rising 9.1%. Its leader, Elon Musk, has become a close ally of Trump’s, and its stock jumped nearly 15% the day after the election and has kept rising.

Several pieces of what’s known as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stock-markets-rates-china-93421462d761eb1402d813cb381fe6e9">“Trump trade”</a>&nbsp;also helped drive the market, as investors try to identify which companies will be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-trump-inflation-prices-election-tariffs-immigrants-e791d15158195a8a15a71ee43c77d749">winners under a second Trump term</a>. JPMorgan Chase rose 1%, and financial stocks again helped lead the market on expectations for stronger economic growth, less regulation from Washington and an increase in mergers and acquisitions.

A White House more friendly to big tie-ups has helped Wall Street speculate about a merger between insurers Cigna Group and Humana, for example. It’s been so feverish that Cigna said Monday it isn’t pursuing a deal with Humana. Cigna’s stock rose 7.3%, and Humana’s sank 2%.

Stocks of companies more focused on the U.S. economy were also rising more than the rest of the market, including a 1.5% rally for the smaller stocks in the Russell 2000 index, because they’re seen as benefiting more from Trump’s America First policies than big multinational companies.

They helped offset a drop of 1.6% for Nvidia, which was the heaviest weight on the market.

Such Big Tech stocks have rocketed higher on excitement about artificial-intelligence technology, and they had been gaining almost regardless of what the economy was doing. Now, though, critics say their prices look too expensive, and investors are finding more interesting buys among companies that could benefit more from Trump’s second term.

A drop for Nvidia packs a particularly heavy punch because its massive value of nearly $3.6 trillion makes it one of the most influential stocks on the S&amp;P 500 and other indexes.

AbbVie, meanwhile, tumbled 12.6% after saying trials investigating its treatment for some adults with schizophrenia failed to show statistically significant improvement compared with a placebo group at week six.

Some of the sharpest swings were in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bitcoin-price-record-trump-election-rally-crypto-9a22f5b5ce24824d7df5a3ab4a58e8a0">crypto market</a>, where bitcoin rose above $87,000 for the first time.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-bitcoin-cryptocurrency-stockpile-6f1314f5e99bbf47cc3ee6fc6178588d">Trump has embraced cryptocurrencies</a>&nbsp;generally and pledged to make his country the crypto capital of the world. Bitcoin hit a record of $87,491, according to CoinDesk.

Another Trump trade has been a rise in Treasury yields, as traders anticipate potentially higher economic growth, U.S. government debt and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-inflation-tariffs-taxes-immigration-federal-reserve-a18de763fcc01557258c7f33cab375ed">inflation because of Trump’s policies</a>. But trading in the bond market was closed Monday in observance of Veterans Day.

Treasury yields been generally climbing since September, in large part because the U.S. economy has remained much more resilient than feared. The hope is that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-hiring-election-economy-inflation-unemployment-presidential-dcf54cd3b40f01ca78bccf86cd8e13d5">it can continue to stay solid</a>&nbsp;as the Federal Reserve continues to cut interest rates in order to keep the job market humming, now that it’s helped get&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-election-federal-reserve-rates-economy-e4ff4b6745ea1c8badd6a0502f372f25">inflation nearly down to its 2% target</a>.

But Trump’s win has scrambled expectations for coming cuts to rates. Traders have already begun paring forecasts for how many the Fed will deliver next year. While lower rates can boost the economy, they can also give inflation more fuel.

Still, many professional investors warn not to get carried away by all the big swings following Trump’s victory. It takes time to see what campaign promises turn into actual policy, and that can lead to snaps back for the market’s initial knee-jerk reactions.

The U.S. stock market is also broadly looking more expensive, as prices continue to run up faster than corporate profits.

“Valuations are increasingly elevated, and the pace of growth isn’t sustainable,” according to Mark Hackett, chief of investment research at Nationwide. “While near-term seasonality will be a strong tailwind for markets, valuations may prove to be a tipping point as we move into 2025.”

All told, the S&amp;P 500 rose 5.81 points Monday to 6,001.35. The Dow gained 304.14 to 44,293.13, and the Nasdaq composite added 11.99 to 19,298.76.

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose Monday, led by those seen as benefiting the most from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/election-2024">Donald Trump’s reelection</a>&nbsp;as president, but drops for some high-profile Big Tech stocks kept indexes in check.The S&amp;P 500 edged up by 0.1%, coming off its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stock-markets-rates-china-af8eff52e0a9c9252b5f654b0bbaa0bf">best week of the year</a>&nbsp;following Trump’s victory and a cut to interest rates by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-election-inflation-trump-economy-prices-e6b837fd85cff5ad71d4e40939b97237">Federal Reserve to bolster the economy</a>. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 304 points, or 0.7%, while the Nasdaq composite gained 0.1%.Tesla was the strongest force pushing upward on the S&amp;P 500 after rising 9.1%. Its leader, Elon Musk, has become a close ally of Trump’s, and its stock jumped nearly 15% the day after the election and has kept rising.Several pieces of what’s known as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stock-markets-rates-china-93421462d761eb1402d813cb381fe6e9">“Trump trade”</a>&nbsp;also helped drive the market, as investors try to identify which companies will be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-trump-inflation-prices-election-tariffs-immigrants-e791d15158195a8a15a71ee43c77d749">winners under a second Trump term</a>. JPMorgan Chase rose 1%, and financial stocks again helped lead the market on expectations for stronger economic growth, less regulation from Washington and an increase in mergers and acquisitions.A White House more friendly to big tie-ups has helped Wall Street speculate about a merger between insurers Cigna Group and Humana, for example. It’s been so feverish that Cigna said Monday it isn’t pursuing a deal with Humana. Cigna’s stock rose 7.3%, and Humana’s sank 2%.Stocks of companies more focused on the U.S. economy were also rising more than the rest of the market, including a 1.5% rally for the smaller stocks in the Russell 2000 index, because they’re seen as benefiting more from Trump’s America First policies than big multinational companies.They helped offset a drop of 1.6% for Nvidia, which was the heaviest weight on the market.Such Big Tech stocks have rocketed higher on excitement about artificial-intelligence technology, and they had been gaining almost regardless of what the economy was doing. Now, though, critics say their prices look too expensive, and investors are finding more interesting buys among companies that could benefit more from Trump’s second term.A drop for Nvidia packs a particularly heavy punch because its massive value of nearly $3.6 trillion makes it one of the most influential stocks on the S&amp;P 500 and other indexes.AbbVie, meanwhile, tumbled 12.6% after saying trials investigating its treatment for some adults with schizophrenia failed to show statistically significant improvement compared with a placebo group at week six.Some of the sharpest swings were in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bitcoin-price-record-trump-election-rally-crypto-9a22f5b5ce24824d7df5a3ab4a58e8a0">crypto market</a>, where bitcoin rose above $87,000 for the first time.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-bitcoin-cryptocurrency-stockpile-6f1314f5e99bbf47cc3ee6fc6178588d">Trump has embraced cryptocurrencies</a>&nbsp;generally and pledged to make his country the crypto capital of the world. Bitcoin hit a record of $87,491, according to CoinDesk.Another Trump trade has been a rise in Treasury yields, as traders anticipate potentially higher economic growth, U.S. government debt and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-inflation-tariffs-taxes-immigration-federal-reserve-a18de763fcc01557258c7f33cab375ed">inflation because of Trump’s policies</a>. But trading in the bond market was closed Monday in observance of Veterans Day.Treasury yields been generally climbing since September, in large part because the U.S. economy has remained much more resilient than feared. The hope is that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-hiring-election-economy-inflation-unemployment-presidential-dcf54cd3b40f01ca78bccf86cd8e13d5">it can continue to stay solid</a>&nbsp;as the Federal Reserve continues to cut interest rates in order to keep the job market humming, now that it’s helped get&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-election-federal-reserve-rates-economy-e4ff4b6745ea1c8badd6a0502f372f25">inflation nearly down to its 2% target</a>.But Trump’s win has scrambled expectations for coming cuts to rates. Traders have already begun paring forecasts for how many the Fed will deliver next year. While lower rates can boost the economy, they can also give inflation more fuel.Still, many professional investors warn not to get carried away by all the big swings following Trump’s victory. It takes time to see what campaign promises turn into actual policy, and that can lead to snaps back for the market’s initial knee-jerk reactions.The U.S. stock market is also broadly looking more expensive, as prices continue to run up faster than corporate profits.“Valuations are increasingly elevated, and the pace of growth isn’t sustainable,” according to Mark Hackett, chief of investment research at Nationwide. “While near-term seasonality will be a strong tailwind for markets, valuations may prove to be a tipping point as we move into 2025.”All told, the S&amp;P 500 rose 5.81 points Monday to 6,001.35. The Dow gained 304.14 to 44,293.13, and the Nasdaq composite added 11.99 to 19,298.76.

Wall Street rolls higher as bitcoin bursts above $87,000

The Amber Alert for a missing mother and her two daughters is canceled, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Law enforcement located them and they are safe. Authorities did not report an arrest or additional details.

LACLEDE COUNTY —The&nbsp;Missouri State Highway Patrol issued an Amber Alert Monday to help locate a Missouri mother identified as&nbsp;22-year-old Yajayra Suleyma Molina-Ya and her two daughters 7-year-old Irma Rubi Mo-Moralis and 7-year-old Rosana Michel Mo-Molina.

According to the Amber Alert, the mother and her two children left their home in O'Fallon, Missouri, on Sunday at 6 p.m. with two unknown men.

At 10:45 p.m., the report says the mother was separated from her children against her will and into a red pickup truck.

The children were last seen in a black sport utility vehicle. The make, model, license plate number and direction of travel are unknown.

The mother's cell phone was last pinged in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Monday morning at 1:30 a.m., according to the alert.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731340145698.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Amber Alert for a missing mother and her two daughters is canceled, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Law enforcement located them and they are safe. Authorities did not report an arrest or additional details.----------------LACLEDE COUNTY —The&nbsp;Missouri State Highway Patrol issued an Amber Alert Monday to help locate a Missouri mother identified as&nbsp;22-year-old Yajayra Suleyma Molina-Ya and her two daughters 7-year-old Irma Rubi Mo-Moralis and 7-year-old Rosana Michel Mo-Molina.According to the Amber Alert, the mother and her two children left their home in O'Fallon, Missouri, on Sunday at 6 p.m. with two unknown men.At 10:45 p.m., the report says the mother was separated from her children against her will and into a red pickup truck.The children were last seen in a black sport utility vehicle. The make, model, license plate number and direction of travel are unknown.The mother's cell phone was last pinged in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Monday morning at 1:30 a.m., according to the alert.

Amber Alert canceled: Mom, daughters located

NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;has chosen Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/elise-stefanik">Elise Stefanik</a>&nbsp;to serve as his ambassador to the United Nations, picking a loyal ally with little foreign policy experience to represent the U.S. at the international organization.

“Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter,” Trump said in a statement Monday announcing his pick for the role — his first selection that will require Senate confirmation.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/elise-stefanik">Stefanik</a>, 40, who serves as House Republican Conference Chair, has long been one of Trump's most loyal allies in the House, and was among those discussed as a potential vice presidential choice.

Born and raised in upstate New York, Stefanik graduated from Harvard and worked in former President George W. Bush’s White House on the domestic policy council and in the chief of staff’s office.

In 2014, at 30, she became the youngest woman ever elected to Congress, representing upstate New York. She later became the youngest woman to serve in House leadership.

Stefanik was known early in her tenure as a more moderate conservative voice. But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ny-state-wire-donald-trump-election-2020-government-and-politics-1d5f980f186ddcf1680fbc720a9fc70a">she soon attached herself to the former president</a>, quietly remaking her image into that of a staunch MAGA ally — and seeing her power ascend.

She became the House Republican Conference Chair in 2021.

Stefanik spent years positioning herself as one of Trump’s most trusted allies and confidants on the Hill. She&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-elise-stefanik-a6db4f53af168be7f8483f29495eaba1">endorsed him in the 2024 race</a>&nbsp;before he had even launched his bid, and aggressively campaigned on his behalf during the GOP primary.

She saw her profile rise after her aggressive questioning of a trio of university presidents over antisemitism on their campuses led to two of their resignations — a performance Trump repeatedly praised.

She also defended him vigorously in both of his impeachment trials and railed against his four criminal indictments, including filing an ethics complaint in New York against the judge who heard his civil fraud case.

Nikki Haley,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nikki-haley-republican-trump-super-tuesday-losses-95ab56b68a8eefbbf04ef90f2f00ef29">who challenged Trump for the GOP nomination</a>, was among those who previously held the U.N. ambassador role in his first term.

Stefanik’s appointment to the job comes despite her minimal experience in foreign policy and national security.

While she is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and serves on the coveted House committee that oversees national intelligence, her pick further solidifies Trump’s preference for unconditional loyalty in his second administration over career experience.

One area of foreign policy that Stefanik has been vocal about is Israel.

Since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, Stefanik has focused much of her attention on the United Nations, accusing the world body and international organizations of antisemitism for their criticism of Israel’s bombardment of Gaza, which has resulted in the death of more than 43,000 Palestinians, according to the group's Health Ministry.

She has gone as far as calling last month for a “complete reassessment” of U.S. funding for the United Nations. while helping push for the blocking of American support for the U.N. agency that provides humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the region.

Her departure for the United Nations will also mean that Republicans, who are on track to have a razor-thin majority in the House, will be down one crucial vote. But Stefanik’s district is located in a deeply red part of upstate New York, where Republicans are likely guaranteed to win the special election that will take place after she leaves office.

“Republicans will hold this safe Republican seat as part of a Republican majority in the House that will help deliver on President Trump’s historic mandate,” Ed Cox, the chair of the New York Republican party, said in a statement Monday.

Trump did not say much about the U.N. during his campaign, but has generally advocated for a less interventionist foreign policy. He has also repeatedly questioned the utility of international alliances, including NATO, and he has threatened allies with higher tariffs and said he will not protect them unless they contribute more to their own defense.

Trump has also talked about how he initially wanted to select his eldest daughter,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ivanka-trump">Ivanka Trump</a>, for the role after he was elected the first time.

“'You would be a great ambassador to the United Nations, United Nations secretary.' There’d be nobody to compete with her, I tell you,” he said at a Moms for Liberty Summit in August. “She may be my daughter, but nobody could have competed with her."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731349710450.png" alt="In 2014, at 30, Stefanik became the youngest woman ever elected to Congress, representing upstate New York. She later became the youngest woman to serve in House leadership.-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>In 2014, at 30, Stefanik became the youngest woman ever elected to Congress, representing upstate New York. She later became the youngest woman to serve in House leadership.-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;has chosen Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/elise-stefanik">Elise Stefanik</a>&nbsp;to serve as his ambassador to the United Nations, picking a loyal ally with little foreign policy experience to represent the U.S. at the international organization.“Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter,” Trump said in a statement Monday announcing his pick for the role — his first selection that will require Senate confirmation.<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/elise-stefanik">Stefanik</a>, 40, who serves as House Republican Conference Chair, has long been one of Trump's most loyal allies in the House, and was among those discussed as a potential vice presidential choice.Born and raised in upstate New York, Stefanik graduated from Harvard and worked in former President George W. Bush’s White House on the domestic policy council and in the chief of staff’s office.In 2014, at 30, she became the youngest woman ever elected to Congress, representing upstate New York. She later became the youngest woman to serve in House leadership.Stefanik was known early in her tenure as a more moderate conservative voice. But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ny-state-wire-donald-trump-election-2020-government-and-politics-1d5f980f186ddcf1680fbc720a9fc70a">she soon attached herself to the former president</a>, quietly remaking her image into that of a staunch MAGA ally — and seeing her power ascend.She became the House Republican Conference Chair in 2021.Stefanik spent years positioning herself as one of Trump’s most trusted allies and confidants on the Hill. She&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-elise-stefanik-a6db4f53af168be7f8483f29495eaba1">endorsed him in the 2024 race</a>&nbsp;before he had even launched his bid, and aggressively campaigned on his behalf during the GOP primary.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">University of Pennsylvania President Elizabeth Magill resigned Saturday after facing backlash from her congressional testimony earlier this week on antisemitism on college campuses. Here&#39;s the exchange. <a href="https://t.co/EVrAMy33qh">pic.twitter.com/EVrAMy33qh</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1733607598803292487?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>She saw her profile rise after her aggressive questioning of a trio of university presidents over antisemitism on their campuses led to two of their resignations — a performance Trump repeatedly praised.She also defended him vigorously in both of his impeachment trials and railed against his four criminal indictments, including filing an ethics complaint in New York against the judge who heard his civil fraud case.Nikki Haley,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nikki-haley-republican-trump-super-tuesday-losses-95ab56b68a8eefbbf04ef90f2f00ef29">who challenged Trump for the GOP nomination</a>, was among those who previously held the U.N. ambassador role in his first term.Stefanik’s appointment to the job comes despite her minimal experience in foreign policy and national security.While she is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and serves on the coveted House committee that oversees national intelligence, her pick further solidifies Trump’s preference for unconditional loyalty in his second administration over career experience.One area of foreign policy that Stefanik has been vocal about is Israel.Since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, Stefanik has focused much of her attention on the United Nations, accusing the world body and international organizations of antisemitism for their criticism of Israel’s bombardment of Gaza, which has resulted in the death of more than 43,000 Palestinians, according to the group's Health Ministry.She has gone as far as calling last month for a “complete reassessment” of U.S. funding for the United Nations. while helping push for the blocking of American support for the U.N. agency that provides humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the region.Her departure for the United Nations will also mean that Republicans, who are on track to have a razor-thin majority in the House, will be down one crucial vote. But Stefanik’s district is located in a deeply red part of upstate New York, where Republicans are likely guaranteed to win the special election that will take place after she leaves office.“Republicans will hold this safe Republican seat as part of a Republican majority in the House that will help deliver on President Trump’s historic mandate,” Ed Cox, the chair of the New York Republican party, said in a statement Monday.Trump did not say much about the U.N. during his campaign, but has generally advocated for a less interventionist foreign policy. He has also repeatedly questioned the utility of international alliances, including NATO, and he has threatened allies with higher tariffs and said he will not protect them unless they contribute more to their own defense.Trump has also talked about how he initially wanted to select his eldest daughter,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ivanka-trump">Ivanka Trump</a>, for the role after he was elected the first time.“'You would be a great ambassador to the United Nations, United Nations secretary.' There’d be nobody to compete with her, I tell you,” he said at a Moms for Liberty Summit in August. “She may be my daughter, but nobody could have competed with her."___ Amiri reported from Washington.

Trump selects another woman for his administration

SEDGWICK COUNTY —The Wichita Police Department continues their investigation of a fatal shooting that took place just before 2a.m. Sunday at a bar located in the 2700 block of N. Broadway in Wichita, according to Police Spokesman Andrew Ford.

Officers arrived shortly after receiving reports of gunfire and found 34-year-old Zachary Miller of Wichita suffering from gunshot wounds to his torso and lower body.

Sedgwick County EMS administered life-saving measures at the scene; however, Miller succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at 2:17 a.m, according to Ford.

Preliminary investigations indicate that a disturbance broke out on the bar's patio, during which the suspect fired several shots at the victim, causing patrons to flee the establishment.

Investigators have identified the shooter, who was taken into custody, interviewed, and released pending the presentment of facts to the District Attorney’s Office, according to Ford.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —The Wichita Police Department continues their investigation of a fatal shooting that took place just before 2a.m. Sunday at a bar located in the 2700 block of N. Broadway in Wichita, according to Police Spokesman Andrew Ford.Officers arrived shortly after receiving reports of gunfire and found 34-year-old Zachary Miller of Wichita suffering from gunshot wounds to his torso and lower body.Sedgwick County EMS administered life-saving measures at the scene; however, Miller succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at 2:17 a.m, according to Ford.Preliminary investigations indicate that a disturbance broke out on the bar's patio, during which the suspect fired several shots at the victim, causing patrons to flee the establishment.Investigators have identified the shooter, who was taken into custody, interviewed, and released pending the presentment of facts to the District Attorney’s Office, according to Ford.

Police ID, release suspect in fatal Kan. bar patio killing

WASHINGTON —&nbsp;President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris&nbsp; honored veterans on Monday with a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.&nbsp;It is the first time the President and Vice President have been seen together since before the election.

Click below to watch President Biden's remarks at Arlington National Cemetery’s amphitheater.

WASHINGTON —&nbsp;President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris&nbsp; honored veterans on Monday with a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.&nbsp;It is the first time the President and Vice President have been seen together since before the election.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden participates in a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at <a href="https://twitter.com/ArlingtonNatl?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArlingtonNatl</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VeteransDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VeteransDay</a>. <a href="https://t.co/Rsfyd4aXLq">pic.twitter.com/Rsfyd4aXLq</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1856009432422822265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Click below to watch President Biden's remarks at Arlington National Cemetery’s amphitheater.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F1802956127113768%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=3222" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>

🎥Harris joins Biden for wreath-laying at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;says that Tom Homan, his former acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement director, will serve as “border czar” in his incoming administration.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?c5124455/tom-homan">Click here to watch </a>Homan's address at the RNC

“I am pleased to announce that the Former ICE Director, and stalwart on Border Control, Tom Homan, will be joining the Trump Administration, in charge of our Nation’s Borders,” he wrote late Sunday on his Truth Social site.

Homan was widely expected to be offered a position related to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/immigration">the border</a>&nbsp;and Trump’s pledge to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-day-1-priorities-deportations-drilling-ukraine-6747c6e64b0440978f59450b928f61d1">launch the largest deportation operation</a>&nbsp;in the country’s history.

In addition to overseeing the southern and northern borders and “maritime, and aviation security,” Trump said Homan “will be in charge of all Deportation of Illegal Aliens back to their Country of Origin,” a central part of his agenda.

He says he had “no doubt” Homan “will do a fantastic, and long awaited for, job.”

Such a role does not require Senate confirmation.

In an interview on Fox News Channel’s “Sunday Morning Futures,” Homan said the military would not be rounding up and arresting immigrants in the country illegally and that ICE would move to implement Trump’s plans in a “humane manner.”

“It’s going to be a well-targeted, planned operation conducted by the men of ICE. The men and women of ICE do this daily. They’re good at it,” he said. “When we go out there, we’re going to know who we’re looking for. We most likely know where they’re going to be, and it’s going to be done in a humane manner.”

Earlier this year at the National Conservatism Conference in Washington, Homan expressed frustration at the news coverage of a mass deportation operation.

“Wait until 2025,” he said, adding that, while he thinks the government needed to prioritize national security threats, “no one’s off the table. If you’re here illegally, you better be looking over your shoulder.”

He also said: “you’ve got my word. Trump comes back in January, I’ll be in his heels coming back, and I will run the biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731330577014.png" alt="Tom Homan during his speech at the Republican National Convention-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Tom Homan during his speech at the Republican National Convention-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;says that Tom Homan, his former acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement director, will serve as “border czar” in his incoming administration.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?c5124455/tom-homan">Click here to watch </a>Homan's address at the RNC<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731330755376.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“I am pleased to announce that the Former ICE Director, and stalwart on Border Control, Tom Homan, will be joining the Trump Administration, in charge of our Nation’s Borders,” he wrote late Sunday on his Truth Social site.Homan was widely expected to be offered a position related to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/immigration">the border</a>&nbsp;and Trump’s pledge to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-day-1-priorities-deportations-drilling-ukraine-6747c6e64b0440978f59450b928f61d1">launch the largest deportation operation</a>&nbsp;in the country’s history.In addition to overseeing the southern and northern borders and “maritime, and aviation security,” Trump said Homan “will be in charge of all Deportation of Illegal Aliens back to their Country of Origin,” a central part of his agenda.He says he had “no doubt” Homan “will do a fantastic, and long awaited for, job.”Such a role does not require Senate confirmation.In an interview on Fox News Channel’s “Sunday Morning Futures,” Homan said the military would not be rounding up and arresting immigrants in the country illegally and that ICE would move to implement Trump’s plans in a “humane manner.”“It’s going to be a well-targeted, planned operation conducted by the men of ICE. The men and women of ICE do this daily. They’re good at it,” he said. “When we go out there, we’re going to know who we’re looking for. We most likely know where they’re going to be, and it’s going to be done in a humane manner.”Earlier this year at the National Conservatism Conference in Washington, Homan expressed frustration at the news coverage of a mass deportation operation.“Wait until 2025,” he said, adding that, while he thinks the government needed to prioritize national security threats, “no one’s off the table. If you’re here illegally, you better be looking over your shoulder.”He also said: “you’ve got my word. Trump comes back in January, I’ll be in his heels coming back, and I will run the biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.”

Deportations ahead: Trump has his new 'Border Czar'

PHOENIX (AP) —Control over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/congress" target="_blank">the U.S. House of Representatives still hangs in the balance</a>, teetering between a Republican or Democratic majority with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/election-results-2024/" target="_blank">less than 20 races left to be called.</a>

On Sunday, the Associated Press reported Republican David Schweikert won an eighth term in an affluent congressional district in the Phoenix area by fending off a challenge from a Democratic former state lawmaker.

Schweikert defeated Amish Shah, an emergency room doctor, Sunday in Arizona’s 1st Congressional District that includes north Phoenix, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills and Paradise Valley.

While Republicans hold a voter registration advantage in the district, it started to trend toward the center after Donald Trump’s 2016 victory as some voters who historically backed Republicans reluctantly voted for Democrats or left their ballots blank.

Redistricting ahead of the 2022 midterms accelerated the trend, fueling hopes among Democrats that Schweikert could be defeated and the district flipped. Schweikert is known for railing against government debt.

The Associated Press left email messages Sunday for the campaigns of Schweikert and Shah seeking comment.

Schweikert has been in close races before. He won reelection in 2022 by just 3,200 votes against a relatively unknown Democrat who received minimal support from national Democrats.

Earlier Sunday, Democratic Rep. Greg Stanton won reelection against Republican Kelly Cooper in the 4th District, which includes the cities of Tempe, Mesa and Chandler outside of Phoenix. Stanton, a former Phoenix mayor, has served in Congress since 2019.

In the 6th Congressional District, Republican Rep. Juan Ciscomani remained locked in a tight race with Democrat Kirsten Engel, whom he narrowly beat two years ago. The district runs from Tucson east to the New Mexico state line and includes a stretch of the Arizona-Mexico border.

The U.S. Senate race between Republican Kari Lake, a well-known former television news anchor and staunch Trump ally, and Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego, an Iraq War veteran, also hasn’t been decided.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731326184460.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>PHOENIX (AP) —Control over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/congress" target="_blank">the U.S. House of Representatives still hangs in the balance</a>, teetering between a Republican or Democratic majority with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/election-results-2024/" target="_blank">less than 20 races left to be called.</a>On Sunday, the Associated Press reported Republican David Schweikert won an eighth term in an affluent congressional district in the Phoenix area by fending off a challenge from a Democratic former state lawmaker.Schweikert defeated Amish Shah, an emergency room doctor, Sunday in Arizona’s 1st Congressional District that includes north Phoenix, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills and Paradise Valley.While Republicans hold a voter registration advantage in the district, it started to trend toward the center after Donald Trump’s 2016 victory as some voters who historically backed Republicans reluctantly voted for Democrats or left their ballots blank.Redistricting ahead of the 2022 midterms accelerated the trend, fueling hopes among Democrats that Schweikert could be defeated and the district flipped. Schweikert is known for railing against government debt.The Associated Press left email messages Sunday for the campaigns of Schweikert and Shah seeking comment.Schweikert has been in close races before. He won reelection in 2022 by just 3,200 votes against a relatively unknown Democrat who received minimal support from national Democrats.Earlier Sunday, Democratic Rep. Greg Stanton won reelection against Republican Kelly Cooper in the 4th District, which includes the cities of Tempe, Mesa and Chandler outside of Phoenix. Stanton, a former Phoenix mayor, has served in Congress since 2019.In the 6th Congressional District, Republican Rep. Juan Ciscomani remained locked in a tight race with Democrat Kirsten Engel, whom he narrowly beat two years ago. The district runs from Tucson east to the New Mexico state line and includes a stretch of the Arizona-Mexico border.The U.S. Senate race between Republican Kari Lake, a well-known former television news anchor and staunch Trump ally, and Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego, an Iraq War veteran, also hasn’t been decided.

Less than 20 races left to be called; control of Congress hangs in the balance

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating after five shooting victims were found in Wichita.

During a canvass of the neighborhood on Laura, an officer checked another residence by looking through a window and discovered what appeared to be another victim in the living room. Officers forced entry and found a man deceased from an apparent gunshot wound.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731324712086.png" alt="Police a the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police a the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating after five shooting victims were found in Wichita.Just before 6p.m. Sunday, police responded to a death investigation at a residence in the 1700 block of Sante Fe in Wichita, according to Police Spokesman Andrew Ford. First responders found&nbsp;a male victim deceased from an apparent gunshot wound.Shortly after, officers conducted a follow-up at another residence in the 1900 block of S. Laura, where they discovered three additional victims with apparent gunshot wounds.During a canvass of the neighborhood on Laura, an officer checked another residence by looking through a window and discovered what appeared to be another victim in the living room. Officers forced entry and found a man deceased from an apparent gunshot wound.At this time, we believe all victims are known to each other, and there is no outstanding suspect or ongoing threat to the community. Police suspect that one of the victims may be the possible shooter.

Police: 5 dead at three crime scenes in Wichita

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement asked the public to be on the alert.

Someone broke in and stole almost $60,000 worth of property from Waldo T-Shirts,&nbsp;1111 E 73rd St, Kansas City, the weekend of Oct. 18, according to a social media report from Kansas City Police.

Gone are valuable Michael Jordan and Wayne Gretzky collector cards, antique comic books, laptops, and autographed sports t-shirts.

Detectives are investigating, and if you have information, contact Metro Property Crimes at 816-413-3406 or visit <a href="https://t.co/gULWXwQkBQ" target="_blank">http://kccrimestoppers.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730483371715.png" alt="images KCPD" />
 <figcaption>images KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement asked the public to be on the alert.Someone broke in and stole almost $60,000 worth of property from Waldo T-Shirts,&nbsp;1111 E 73rd St, Kansas City, the weekend of Oct. 18, according to a social media report from Kansas City Police.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730483350414.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Gone are valuable Michael Jordan and Wayne Gretzky collector cards, antique comic books, laptops, and autographed sports t-shirts.Detectives are investigating, and if you have information, contact Metro Property Crimes at 816-413-3406 or visit <a href="https://t.co/gULWXwQkBQ" target="_blank">http://kccrimestoppers.com</a>.

KCPD: $60,000 in collectibles stolen from Kansas City store

WASHINGTON (AP) — Days before Senate Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-republicans-leadership-mcconnell-thune-cornyn-scott-d17b341874cb6627f1d75d7051feebe4">pick their new leader</a>, President-elect Donald Trump is pressuring the candidates to change the rules and empower him to appoint some nominees without a Senate vote.

Republican Sens. John Thune of South Dakota, John Cornyn of Texas and Rick Scott of Florida are running in a secret ballot election Wednesday to lead the GOP conference and replace longtime GOP leader Mitch McConnell, who is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mitch-mcconnell-senate-republican-leader-stepping-down-ba478d570a4561aa7baf91a204d7e366">stepping aside</a>&nbsp;from the job after almost two decades. All three have courted Trump's support in the race, vying to show who is the closest to the president-elect as they campaign to become majority leader.

Trump has not endorsed in the race, but on Sunday he made clear that he expects the new leader to go around regular Senate order, if necessary, to allow him to fill his Cabinet quickly. In a statement on X and Truth Social, Trump said that the next leader “must agree” to allow him to make appointments when the chamber is on recess, bypassing a confirmation vote.

“Any Republican Senator seeking the coveted LEADERSHIP position in the United States Senate must agree to Recess Appointments (in the Senate!), without which we will not be able to get people confirmed in a timely manner,” Trump posted, adding that positions should be filled “IMMEDIATELY!”

The Senate has not allowed presidents to make so-called recess appointments since a 2014 Supreme Court ruling&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/supreme-court-of-the-united-states-22b9146b48764deb9d07d94ea6fe075b">limited the president’s power to do so</a>. Since then, the Senate has held brief “pro-forma” sessions when it is out of town for more than 10 days so that a president cannot take advantage of the absence and start filling posts that have not been confirmed.

But with Trump’s approval paramount in the race, all three candidates quickly suggested that they might be willing to reconsider the practice. Scott replied to Trump, “100% agree. I will do whatever it takes to get your nominations through as quickly as possible.” And Thune said in a statement that they must “quickly and decisively” act to get nominees in place and that “all options are on the table to make that happen, including recess appointments.”

Cornyn said that “It is unacceptable for Senate Ds to blockade President&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/realDonaldTrump">@realDonaldTrump</a>&nbsp;’s cabinet appointments. If they do, we will stay in session, including weekends, until they relent.” He noted that recess appointments are allowed under the Constitution.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721096414787.png" alt="File photo&nbsp; Courtesy CSPAN&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>File photo&nbsp; Courtesy CSPAN&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Days before Senate Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-republicans-leadership-mcconnell-thune-cornyn-scott-d17b341874cb6627f1d75d7051feebe4">pick their new leader</a>, President-elect Donald Trump is pressuring the candidates to change the rules and empower him to appoint some nominees without a Senate vote.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Any Republican Senator seeking the coveted LEADERSHIP position in the United States Senate must agree to Recess Appointments (in the Senate!), without which we will not be able to get people confirmed in a timely manner. Sometimes the votes can take two years, or more. This is…&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1855692242981155259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Republican Sens. John Thune of South Dakota, John Cornyn of Texas and Rick Scott of Florida are running in a secret ballot election Wednesday to lead the GOP conference and replace longtime GOP leader Mitch McConnell, who is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mitch-mcconnell-senate-republican-leader-stepping-down-ba478d570a4561aa7baf91a204d7e366">stepping aside</a>&nbsp;from the job after almost two decades. All three have courted Trump's support in the race, vying to show who is the closest to the president-elect as they campaign to become majority leader.Trump has not endorsed in the race, but on Sunday he made clear that he expects the new leader to go around regular Senate order, if necessary, to allow him to fill his Cabinet quickly. In a statement on X and Truth Social, Trump said that the next leader “must agree” to allow him to make appointments when the chamber is on recess, bypassing a confirmation vote.“Any Republican Senator seeking the coveted LEADERSHIP position in the United States Senate must agree to Recess Appointments (in the Senate!), without which we will not be able to get people confirmed in a timely manner,” Trump posted, adding that positions should be filled “IMMEDIATELY!”The Senate has not allowed presidents to make so-called recess appointments since a 2014 Supreme Court ruling&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/supreme-court-of-the-united-states-22b9146b48764deb9d07d94ea6fe075b">limited the president’s power to do so</a>. Since then, the Senate has held brief “pro-forma” sessions when it is out of town for more than 10 days so that a president cannot take advantage of the absence and start filling posts that have not been confirmed.But with Trump’s approval paramount in the race, all three candidates quickly suggested that they might be willing to reconsider the practice. Scott replied to Trump, “100% agree. I will do whatever it takes to get your nominations through as quickly as possible.” And Thune said in a statement that they must “quickly and decisively” act to get nominees in place and that “all options are on the table to make that happen, including recess appointments.”Cornyn said that “It is unacceptable for Senate Ds to blockade President&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/realDonaldTrump">@realDonaldTrump</a>&nbsp;’s cabinet appointments. If they do, we will stay in session, including weekends, until they relent.” He noted that recess appointments are allowed under the Constitution.The social media exchange on Sunday became a first test for the three candidates since Trump was decisively elected last week to a second term.Trump’s relationship with Congress — especially the advice and consent role afforded to the Senate when it comes to nominations — was tumultuous in his first term as he chafed at resistance to his selections and sought ways to work around lawmakers. With Trump now entering a second term emboldened by his sweeping election victory, he is already signaling that he expects Senate Republicans, and by extension, their new leader, to fall in line behind his Cabinet selections.Trump also posted on Sunday that the Senate should not approve any judges in the weeks before Republicans take power next year — a more difficult demand to fulfill as Democrats will control the floor, and hold the majority of votes, until the new Congress is sworn in on Jan. 3. Trump posted that “Democrats are looking to ram through their Judges as the Republicans fight over Leadership. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.”With days to go, the race for Senate Republican leader is deeply in flux.Thune and Cornyn are both well-liked, longtime senators who have served as deputies to McConnell and have been seen as the front-runners, despite past statements criticizing Trump. Scott — a longtime friend of Trump’s and fierce ally — has been seen as more of a longshot, but he has mounted an aggressive campaign in recent days on social media and elsewhere with the aim of getting Trump’s endorsement.Senators who are close to Trump, such as Mike Lee of Utah and Marco Rubio of Florida, have endorsed Scott, as have tech mogul Elon Musk and other people who have Trump’s ear.“We have to be the change,” Scott said on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures." “That’s what Donald Trump got elected to do, to be the change.”All three candidates are promising that they will be more open and transparent than McConnell was and that they would give senators more power to get their priorities to the floor. They have also tried to make clear that they would have a much different relationship with Trump than McConnell, who once called the former president a “despicable human being”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mcconnell-trump-biography-election-0a861001d95287e689336504abc2281f">behind closed doors</a>.As the Senate haggles over how to fill Trump’s Cabinet, many of his allies are campaigning for the nominations. Former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy said on ABC’s “This Week” that there are “a couple of great options on the table.” Sen. Bill Hagerty, a Republican from Tennessee who served as U.S. ambassador to Japan between 2017 and 2019, said on CBS’s “Face the Nation” that one of his greatest honors was to represent the Trump administration overseas. He said he would advance “the positions that President Trump has articulated.”“I’ll do that in whatever role necessary,” said Hagerty, who has endorsed Scott in the leadership race.While Trump has made only one personnel move public so far, naming Susie Wiles his chief of staff, he has already ruled out two names for top positions.Trump said Saturday that he would not be inviting Mike Pompeo, his former U.S. Secretary of State and CIA chief, and Nikki Haley, a former South Carolina governor who served as his U.N. ambassador and challenged him for the GOP nomination. Pompeo rallied with Trump on the night before Election Day.“I very much enjoyed and appreciated working with them previously, and would like to thank them for their service to our Country,” Trump posted on his network Truth Social.Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., reposted on X a message by podcaster Dave Smith suggesting to put pressure to “keep all neocons and war hawks out of the Trump administration.”“The ‘stop Pompeo’ movement is great, but it’s not enough,” Smith posted on X. “America First: screw the war machine!”___