SEDGWICK COUNTY —A child is recovering from injuries after an accident in&nbsp; Wichita.

On Tuesday morning, police responded to the report of a child being struck by a vehicle on private property, according to Wichita Police Department Captain Aaron Moses.

EMS transported the 4-year-old boy to an area hospital with critical injuries.&nbsp;

Investigators responded and it appears this was an accident caused by the child running out from behind a shed in an alley in the 900 Block of S. Mission where the 23-year-old driver of the SUV could not see him.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763501299236.png" alt="Photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A child is recovering from injuries after an accident in&nbsp; Wichita.On Tuesday morning, police responded to the report of a child being struck by a vehicle on private property, according to Wichita Police Department Captain Aaron Moses.EMS transported the 4-year-old boy to an area hospital with critical injuries.&nbsp;Investigators responded and it appears this was an accident caused by the child running out from behind a shed in an alley in the 900 Block of S. Mission where the 23-year-old driver of the SUV could not see him.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

4-year-old Kansas boy recovering after struck by SUV

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The federal government shutdown threatened food program benefits for 180,000 Kansans, and near daily guidance from courts left state leaders unsure about November payments.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Nov. 7, the state of Kansas paid out November benefits in full to all Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients, after days of back-and-forth filings in lawsuits that&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/11/03/kansas-food-assistance-recipients-set-to-receive-partial-payment-but-no-one-knows-when/">first indicated 50% of November benefits&nbsp;</a>should be paid and then a miscalculation increases that amount&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/usdas-food-assistance-miscalculation-means-more-money-to-kansas-recipients/">to 66% of benefits</a>.&nbsp;

Based on a court order and guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Kansas made the full November SNAP payments “with the expectation the USDA would fully fund SNAP with federal funding,” said Erin La Row, spokeswoman for the Kansas Department for Children and Families in an email.&nbsp;

But on Nov. 8, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/benefit-issuance-nov8" target="_blank">USDA issued guidance</a>&nbsp;that states were to pay partial benefits and said, “To the extent states sent full SNAP payment files for November 2025, this was unauthorized. Accordingly, states must immediately undo any steps taken to issue full SNAP benefits for November 2025. Please advise the appropriate FNS regional office representative of steps taken to correct any actions taken that do not comply with this memorandum.”

Kansas was one of at least four states that paid out benefits Nov. 7, including New York, Wisconsin and Oregon.&nbsp;

The memo said that if states didn’t comply, the USDA could possibly take action, including cancelling the federal share of state administrative costs and&nbsp;holding states liable for any overissuances from the noncompliance.

However, La Row said Tuesday that Kansas doesnt expect any problems after paying out benefits on Nov. 7, the day before the USDA ordered states to “undo” paying the benefits.&nbsp;

She referred to a USDA memo on Nov. 13 that ordered states to transmit full November payments after the government shutdown ended.&nbsp;

“FNS (Food and Nutrition Services) shall not pursue any additional penalties against State agencies, pursuant to 7 CFR 271.7(h), due to extraordinary circumstances,” the memo said.

Even before SNAP payments were delayed,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/10/29/hope-for-the-best-government-shutdown-strains-kansas-food-resources-local-businesses/">Kansas food pantries</a>&nbsp;were stretched to meet the needs of families as costs rose and the governtment shutdown took its toll. Communities across the state stepped up to provide resources, including four Kansas health philanthropies.

The United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, Kansas Health Foundation, Sunflower Foundation and REACH Healthcare Foundation contributed more than $381,000 to support food banks and community pantries, the groups said in a news release. The money will be distributed before year’s end.

“Kansans are struggling to put food on their tables right now, and it’s important we help where we can in the short term,” said David Jordan, Health Fund president and CEO.&nbsp;

SNAP funding is still under the gun with changes to the program included in the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/obbb-implementation#:~:text=This%20provision%20also%20changes%20how,towards%20the%20excess%20shelter%20deduction." target="_blank">In a September memo</a>, the USDA outlined upcoming SNAP changes, including tying state administrative cost reimbursement&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/08/26/kansas-official-defends-refusal-to-turn-over-private-food-program-data-in-face-of-political-attacks/">to the state’s error rate</a>&nbsp;and changing work requirements for some adults.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739672428485.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The federal government shutdown threatened food program benefits for 180,000 Kansans, and near daily guidance from courts left state leaders unsure about November payments.&nbsp;&nbsp;On Nov. 7, the state of Kansas paid out November benefits in full to all Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients, after days of back-and-forth filings in lawsuits that&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/11/03/kansas-food-assistance-recipients-set-to-receive-partial-payment-but-no-one-knows-when/">first indicated 50% of November benefits&nbsp;</a>should be paid and then a miscalculation increases that amount&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/usdas-food-assistance-miscalculation-means-more-money-to-kansas-recipients/">to 66% of benefits</a>.&nbsp;Based on a court order and guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Kansas made the full November SNAP payments “with the expectation the USDA would fully fund SNAP with federal funding,” said Erin La Row, spokeswoman for the Kansas Department for Children and Families in an email.&nbsp;But on Nov. 8, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/benefit-issuance-nov8" target="_blank">USDA issued guidance</a>&nbsp;that states were to pay partial benefits and said, “To the extent states sent full SNAP payment files for November 2025, this was unauthorized. Accordingly, states must immediately undo any steps taken to issue full SNAP benefits for November 2025. Please advise the appropriate FNS regional office representative of steps taken to correct any actions taken that do not comply with this memorandum.”Kansas was one of at least four states that paid out benefits Nov. 7, including New York, Wisconsin and Oregon.&nbsp;The memo said that if states didn’t comply, the USDA could possibly take action, including cancelling the federal share of state administrative costs and&nbsp;holding states liable for any overissuances from the noncompliance.However, La Row said Tuesday that Kansas doesnt expect any problems after paying out benefits on Nov. 7, the day before the USDA ordered states to “undo” paying the benefits.&nbsp;She referred to a USDA memo on Nov. 13 that ordered states to transmit full November payments after the government shutdown ended.&nbsp;“FNS (Food and Nutrition Services) shall not pursue any additional penalties against State agencies, pursuant to 7 CFR 271.7(h), due to extraordinary circumstances,” the memo said.Even before SNAP payments were delayed,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/10/29/hope-for-the-best-government-shutdown-strains-kansas-food-resources-local-businesses/">Kansas food pantries</a>&nbsp;were stretched to meet the needs of families as costs rose and the governtment shutdown took its toll. Communities across the state stepped up to provide resources, including four Kansas health philanthropies.The United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, Kansas Health Foundation, Sunflower Foundation and REACH Healthcare Foundation contributed more than $381,000 to support food banks and community pantries, the groups said in a news release. The money will be distributed before year’s end.“Kansans are struggling to put food on their tables right now, and it’s important we help where we can in the short term,” said David Jordan, Health Fund president and CEO.&nbsp;SNAP funding is still under the gun with changes to the program included in the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/obbb-implementation#:~:text=This%20provision%20also%20changes%20how,towards%20the%20excess%20shelter%20deduction." target="_blank">In a September memo</a>, the USDA outlined upcoming SNAP changes, including tying state administrative cost reimbursement&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/08/26/kansas-official-defends-refusal-to-turn-over-private-food-program-data-in-face-of-political-attacks/">to the state’s error rate</a>&nbsp;and changing work requirements for some adults.&nbsp;

Kansas doesn’t expect penalties over November payout of food program benefits

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.

Just after 8:30p.m. Tuesday, police officers were dispatched to a shooting at a convenience store in the 7000 Block of Prospect, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

Officers were led inside the store where they located a shooting victim, unresponsive on the ground. Officers rendered aid and called for EMS to come to the scene. EMS pronounced the victim deceased at the scene.

&nbsp;Preliminary information indicates that there were numerous people inside the store when the victim and a suspect or suspects had an interaction that escalated, eventually to gunfire, which struck the victim.

There are no suspects identified or in custody at this time.&nbsp; Police did not release the name of the victim.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763552289360.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation Tuesday evening&nbsp; -photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation Tuesday evening&nbsp; -photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.Just after 8:30p.m. Tuesday, police officers were dispatched to a shooting at a convenience store in the 7000 Block of Prospect, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.Officers were led inside the store where they located a shooting victim, unresponsive on the ground. Officers rendered aid and called for EMS to come to the scene. EMS pronounced the victim deceased at the scene.&nbsp;Preliminary information indicates that there were numerous people inside the store when the victim and a suspect or suspects had an interaction that escalated, eventually to gunfire, which struck the victim.There are no suspects identified or in custody at this time.&nbsp; Police did not release the name of the victim.

KCPD: Man killed in shooting inside convenience store

WASHINGTON —Both the House and Senate acted decisively Tuesday to pass a bill to force the Justice Department to publicly release its files on the convicted sex offender&nbsp;Jeffrey Epstein.

Kansas members of the House were forced to go on the record on whether to release the files. Kansas U.S. Senators did not face a roll call vote on the bill.

The House voted overwhelmingly 427-1 in favor of the bill Tuesday afternoon. Kansas members of the House of Representatives Ron Estes, Tracey Mann, Sharice Davids and Derek Schmidt voted in favor of the bill. Kansas U.S. Senators did not have to go on the record on whether to release the files.&nbsp; The U.S. Senate agreed by unanimous consent to approve the House-passed bill.

Unanimous consent in the U.S. Senate is a procedure where a measure is passed, or action is taken, as long as no senator objects. This allows for the swift passage of legislation without the need for a formal roll call vote

The only no vote in Congress against releasing the files came from Rep. Clay Higgins, a Louisiana Republican who is a fervent supporter of Trump.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The bill now goes to President Trump’s desk for his signature compelling the Justice Department to release the files.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763502796963.png" alt="Robin Galbraith, 61, of Maryland, and Donna Powell, 67, of Washington, D.C., held signs outside the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, ahead of a U.S. House vote on releasing the Epstein files. (Photo by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)" />
 <figcaption>Robin Galbraith, 61, of Maryland, and Donna Powell, 67, of Washington, D.C., held signs outside the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, ahead of a U.S. House vote on releasing the Epstein files. (Photo by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —Both the House and Senate acted decisively Tuesday to pass a bill to force the Justice Department to publicly release its files on the convicted sex offender&nbsp;Jeffrey Epstein.Kansas members of the House were forced to go on the record on whether to release the files. Kansas U.S. Senators did not face a roll call vote on the bill.The House voted overwhelmingly 427-1 in favor of the bill Tuesday afternoon. Kansas members of the House of Representatives Ron Estes, Tracey Mann, Sharice Davids and Derek Schmidt voted in favor of the bill. Kansas U.S. Senators did not have to go on the record on whether to release the files.&nbsp; The U.S. Senate agreed by unanimous consent to approve the House-passed bill.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Senate just officially passed the Epstein files release bill by unanimous consent after receiving it from the House. <a href="https://t.co/jGUSxiF9Hd">pic.twitter.com/jGUSxiF9Hd</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1991162573190996436?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Senate agrees by unanimous consent to approve the House-passed bill requiring the Justice Department to release the Epstein files. <a href="https://t.co/LqfA3TfDgB">pic.twitter.com/LqfA3TfDgB</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1990918894240809216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Unanimous consent in the U.S. Senate is a procedure where a measure is passed, or action is taken, as long as no senator objects. This allows for the swift passage of legislation without the need for a formal roll call voteThe only no vote in Congress against releasing the files came from Rep. Clay Higgins, a Louisiana Republican who is a fervent supporter of Trump.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763495349874.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;The bill now goes to President Trump’s desk for his signature compelling the Justice Department to release the files.

Moran and Marshall avoid roll call vote on release of Epstein files

SEDGWICK COUNTY—&nbsp;The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash near K-15 Highway and 55th Street South.

Just after 9:15 a.m. Tuesday, a Kansas Department of Transportation worker found a Ford F-250 pickup that had crashed into a bridge just north of the intersection of K-15 Highway and 55th Street South.

The KDOT worker reported an apparent ejection. Deputies, Sedgwick County EMS, and Sedgwick County Fire District 1 responded. The driver and pickup’s sole occupant, a 39-year-old Wichita man, was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to the preliminary investigation by the Major Crash Team, the pickup was traveling south in the 5400 block of South K-15 when, for an unknown reason, it left the roadway and struck the bridge railing. The impact caused the driver to be ejected from the vehicle.

An autopsy and toxicology testing will help determine whether impairment was a factor in the crash.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—&nbsp;The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash near K-15 Highway and 55th Street South.Just after 9:15 a.m. Tuesday, a Kansas Department of Transportation worker found a Ford F-250 pickup that had crashed into a bridge just north of the intersection of K-15 Highway and 55th Street South.The KDOT worker reported an apparent ejection. Deputies, Sedgwick County EMS, and Sedgwick County Fire District 1 responded. The driver and pickup’s sole occupant, a 39-year-old Wichita man, was pronounced dead at the scene.According to the preliminary investigation by the Major Crash Team, the pickup was traveling south in the 5400 block of South K-15 when, for an unknown reason, it left the roadway and struck the bridge railing. The impact caused the driver to be ejected from the vehicle.An autopsy and toxicology testing will help determine whether impairment was a factor in the crash.

Kansas man killed after pickup crash into bridge

President Trump and first lady Melania Trump greeted Prince Mohammed on a red carpet and under a white tent ahead of a special dinner at the White House Tuesday.&nbsp;A military band was playing as they walked inside to the East Room.

List of people attending the official dinner of the Saudi Crown Prince at the White House : 

The President of the United States and Mrs. Melania Trump

His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

His Highness Prince Badr Bin Abdullah M. N. S. Alfarhan Al Saud

His Highness Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud

His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

Her Royal Highness Princess Reema Bandar Al Saud

His Excellency Mosaad bin Mohammad Alaiban

His Excellency Salman Bin Yousef Al-Dossary

His Excellency Khalid Bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih

His Excellency Mohammed Abdullah A Aljadaan

His Excellency Majid Abdullah O. Alkasabi

His Excellency Yasir Othman H. AlRumayyan

Her Highness Princess Haifa Mohammed Al-Saud

His Excellency Mohammad Bin Abdulmalik Bin Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh

His Excellency Abdullah Bin Amer Al-Swaha

His Excellency Mohammad Bin Mazyad Al-Tuwaijri

Mr. Cristiano Amon and Mrs. Adriana Gamba Amon

The Honorable Scott Bessent, Secretary of the Treasury

The Honorable Pam Bondi, Attorney General and Mr. John Wakefield

Mr. Stefan Brodie and Mrs. Elizabeth Brodie

The Honorable Doug Burgum, Secretary of the Interior

Mr. William Clay Ford Jr. and Mrs. Lisa Ford

The Honorable Jamieson Greer, United States Trade Representative and Mrs. Marlo Greer

The Honorable Pete Hegseth, Secretary of War and Mrs. Jennifer Hegseth

The Honorable Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House of Representatives and Mrs. Kelly Johnson

The Honorable Christopher Landau, Deputy Secretary of State 

The Honorable Howard Lutnick, Secretary of Commerce and Mrs. Allison Lutnick

The Honorable Brian Mast, United States Representative from Florida

The Honorable Dave McCormick, United States Senator from Pennsylvania and Ms. Dina Powell

Mr. Kelly Ortberg and Mrs. Valerie Ortberg

The Honorable James Risch, United States Senator from Idaho and Mrs. Vicki Risch

The Honorable John F.W. Rogers and Ms. Deborah Lehr

The Honorable Brooke Rollins, Secretary of Agriculture and Mr. Mark Rollins

Mr. Cristiano Ronaldo and Ms. Georgina Rodríguez

The Honorable Marco Rubio, Secretary of State and Mrs. Jeanette Rubio

Mr. Stephen Schwarzman and Mrs. Christine Schwarzman

Mr. Jeffrey Sprecher and the Honorable Kelly Loeffler, Administrator of the Small Business Administration

President Trump and first lady Melania Trump greeted Prince Mohammed on a red carpet and under a white tent ahead of a special dinner at the White House Tuesday.&nbsp;A military band was playing as they walked inside to the East Room.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump welcomes Saudi Crown Prince back to White House for dinner. <a href="https://t.co/6aGcLbiCJa">pic.twitter.com/6aGcLbiCJa</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1990941062790074400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/Cristiano?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cristiano</a> arrives for dinner at the White House 👀 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/seMABdhfWY">pic.twitter.com/seMABdhfWY</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1990944982510006712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">OH, WHAT A NIGHT! Thank you, <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FLOTUS</a>, for hosting the most lovely dinner — pure class from start to finish. So proud of our peacemaking, world-changing President Trump. 🇺🇸 (…and sitting with the incredible <a href="https://twitter.com/Cristiano?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cristiano</a> and his amazing wife Gio was pretty special!!!) <a href="https://t.co/3blgStm3qY">pic.twitter.com/3blgStm3qY</a>&mdash; Secretary Brooke Rollins (@SecRollins) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecRollins/status/1991132252109950977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump: &quot;Tonight, I&#39;m pleased to announce that we&#39;re taking our military cooperation to even greater heights by formally designating Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/vDJs2XOMHJ">pic.twitter.com/vDJs2XOMHJ</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1990970655223824479?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;This opening up of the new avenues of cooperation between the United States and Saudi Arabia is really unprecedented. On that trip, Saudi Arabia announced that it will invest an incredible $600 billion... he said, &#39;I am going to up that to $1 TRILLION.&#39;&quot; <a href="https://t.co/FB6qHuqjDJ">pic.twitter.com/FB6qHuqjDJ</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1990948338641088858?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;It&#39;s a special privilege to welcome His Royal Highness to Washington this year as we mark the 80th anniversary of the first meeting between a U.S. President and a Saudi King... right now, you have the best friend you&#39;ve ever had.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/5Leq7t55ob">pic.twitter.com/5Leq7t55ob</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1990947419417420105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;My son is a big fan of <a href="https://twitter.com/Cristiano?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cristiano</a>... Barron got to meet him and I think he respects his father a little bit more now.&quot; 🤣 <a href="https://t.co/uLPY84DHcu">https://t.co/uLPY84DHcu</a> <a href="https://t.co/nmOQotP9I9">pic.twitter.com/nmOQotP9I9</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1990946183859032382?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump welcomes Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House 🇺🇸🇸🇦 <a href="https://t.co/dHLj9Gep86">pic.twitter.com/dHLj9Gep86</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1990820614974636113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>List of people attending the official dinner of the Saudi Crown Prince at the White House : The President of the United States and Mrs. Melania TrumpHis Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi ArabiaMr. Mohammad AbunayyanMr. Bill Ackman and Ms. Neri OxmanHis Highness Prince Badr Bin Abdullah M. N. S. Alfarhan Al SaudHis Highness Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al SaudHis Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al SaudHer Royal Highness Princess Reema Bandar Al SaudHis Excellency Mosaad bin Mohammad AlaibanMs. Adwa AlArifiHis Excellency Salman Bin Yousef Al-DossaryHis Excellency Khalid Bin Abdulaziz Al-FalihHis Excellency Mohammed Abdullah A AljadaanHis Excellency Majid Abdullah O. AlkasabiMr. Jeremy AllaireMs. Lubna AlOlayanMr. Abdulrahman Rashed AlRashedMr. Abdulrahman Hamad AlRashedHis Excellency Yasir Othman H. AlRumayyanHer Highness Princess Haifa Mohammed Al-SaudHis Excellency Mohammad Bin Abdulmalik Bin Abdullah Al Al-SheikhMs. Sarah AlSuhaimiHis Excellency Abdullah Bin Amer Al-SwahaHis Excellency Mohammad Bin Mazyad Al-TuwaijriMr. Tareq AminMr. Cristiano Amon and Mrs. Adriana Gamba AmonMr. Brian ArmstrongMr. Bret Baier and Mrs. Amy BaierMrs. Mary Barra and Mr. Tony BarraMs. Maria BartiromoMr. Brendan BechtelMr. Marc BeckmanMr. Marc BenioffThe Honorable Scott Bessent, Secretary of the TreasuryThe Honorable Pam Bondi, Attorney General and Mr. John WakefieldMr. Albert BourlaMr. Greg Brockman and Mrs. Anna BrockmanMr. Stefan Brodie and Mrs. Elizabeth BrodieThe Honorable Doug Burgum, Secretary of the InteriorGeneral Dan CaineMr. Charles CascarillaMr. Derek ChangMr. Tim CookMr. Larry Culp and Mrs. Wendy CulpMr. Bryson DeChambeauMr. Michael Dell and Mrs. Susan DellDr. Hala AltuwaigriMr. David EllisonMr. William Clay Ford Jr. and Mrs. Lisa FordMs. Jane FraserThe Honorable Jamieson Greer, United States Trade Representative and Mrs. Marlo GreerMr. Charles HallabMr. Josh Harris and Mrs. Marjorie HarrisThe Honorable Pete Hegseth, Secretary of War and Mrs. Jennifer HegsethMr. Jensen Huang and Mrs. Lori HuangMr. Gianni InfantinoThe Honorable Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House of Representatives and Mrs. Kelly JohnsonMr. Khaled JuffaliMr. Abdullah bin Saleh KamelMr. Vimal KapurDr. Alexander KarpMr. Arvind KrishnaThe Honorable Christopher Landau, Deputy Secretary of State The Honorable Howard Lutnick, Secretary of Commerce and Mrs. Allison LutnickMr. Kris MarszalekThe Honorable Brian Mast, United States Representative from FloridaThe Honorable Dave McCormick, United States Senator from Pennsylvania and Ms. Dina PowellMr. Bill McDermottMr. Sanjay MehrotraThe Honorable Stephen MillerMr. Elon MuskMr. Amin NasserMs. Phebe NovakovicMr. Scott O'Neil and Mrs. Lisa O'NeilMrs. Meredith O'RourkeMr. Kelly Ortberg and Mrs. Valerie OrtbergMr. Ross Perot Jr. and Mrs. Sarah PerotThe Honorable James Risch, United States Senator from Idaho and Mrs. Vicki RischMr. Chuck RobbinsThe Honorable John F.W. Rogers and Ms. Deborah LehrThe Honorable Brooke Rollins, Secretary of Agriculture and Mr. Mark RollinsMr. Cristiano Ronaldo and Ms. Georgina RodríguezThe Honorable Marco Rubio, Secretary of State and Mrs. Jeanette RubioMr. David SacksMr. Charles Schwab and Mrs. Helen SchwabMr. Stephen Schwarzman and Mrs. Christine SchwarzmanMr. Jeffrey Sprecher and the Honorable Kelly Loeffler, Administrator of the Small Business AdministrationMr. Scott StrazikDr. Lisa Su and Mr. Daniel LinMr. James Taiclet and Mrs. Carol TaicletMr. Vlad TenevMr. Donald Trump Jr. and Mrs. Bettina AndersonMs. Tiffany Trump and Mr. BoulosMr. Jim UmplebyThe Vice President of the United States and Mrs. Usha VanceMrs. Kathy Warden and Mr. Charles WardenMr. Mike WirthThe Honorable Chris Wright, Secretary of EnergyMr. Stephen Wynn and Mrs. Andrea WynnMr. Eric Yuan

🎥Highlights of White House dinner for Saudi Crown Prince

WASHINGTON (AP) —China is buying more U.S. Soybeans. The additional haul of 792,000 metric tons this week pushes Beijing’s total purchase to about 1 million metric tons following a leaders’ summit in late October. The purchase figures were released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Trump said Tuesday that China was “pretty much on schedule” in buying U.S. farm products but also told Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to call Beijing and “speed it up.”

The purchases since late October have broken China’s boycott of U.S. soybeans, which were hurting farmers. But they’re still a far cry from the 12 million metric tons of beans that Agricultural Secretary Brooke Rollins says Chinahas agreed to buy this harvest season.

Beijing has never confirmed a purchase deal with detailed quantities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759021668596.jpg" alt="Image courtesy Pixaby" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Pixaby</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —China is buying more U.S. Soybeans. The additional haul of 792,000 metric tons this week pushes Beijing’s total purchase to about 1 million metric tons following a leaders’ summit in late October. The purchase figures were released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.Trump said Tuesday that China was “pretty much on schedule” in buying U.S. farm products but also told Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to call Beijing and “speed it up.”The purchases since late October have broken China’s boycott of U.S. soybeans, which were hurting farmers. But they’re still a far cry from the 12 million metric tons of beans that Agricultural Secretary Brooke Rollins says Chinahas agreed to buy this harvest season.Beijing has never confirmed a purchase deal with detailed quantities.

Good news for farmers: China buys more US soybeans

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 31-year-old&nbsp; &nbsp;a criminal illegal alien from Uzbekistan wanted in his origin country for belonging to a&nbsp;terrorist&nbsp;organization, according to a statement from the agency.

Uzbekistan authorities issued an arrest warrant for Bozorov in 2022 for being a member of a terrorist organization. He is accused of distributing terrorist propaganda calling for jihad online and recruiting terrorists to join the jihad movement.

ICE arrested him in Kansas on November 9, while he was working as a commercial truck driver. Governor Josh Shapiro’s Pennsylvania issued him a commercial driver's license (CDL). The Biden administration granted him work authorization in January 2024.

“Not only was Akhror Bozorov—a wanted&nbsp;terrorist—RELEASED into the country by the Biden administration, but he was he was also given a commercial driver’s license by Governor Shapiro’s Pennsylvania. This should go without saying, but terrorist illegal aliens should not be operating 18-wheelers on America’s highways,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.&nbsp;“Biden and Mayorkas allowed countless terrorists to come into our country. President Trump and Secretary Noem unleashed ICE to target these national security threats.”

Bozorov illegally entered the United States in February 2023. He was then arrested by U.S. Border Patrol and released into American communities by the Biden administration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763486944726.png" alt="Bozorov photo DHS" />
 <figcaption>Bozorov photo DHS</figcaption>
 </figure>U.S. Department of Homeland SecurityWASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 31-year-old&nbsp; &nbsp;a criminal illegal alien from Uzbekistan wanted in his origin country for belonging to a&nbsp;terrorist&nbsp;organization, according to a statement from the agency.Uzbekistan authorities issued an arrest warrant for Bozorov in 2022 for being a member of a terrorist organization. He is accused of distributing terrorist propaganda calling for jihad online and recruiting terrorists to join the jihad movement.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763486969342.png" alt="Bozorov photo DHS" />
 <figcaption>Bozorov photo DHS</figcaption>
 </figure>ICE arrested him in Kansas on November 9, while he was working as a commercial truck driver. Governor Josh Shapiro’s Pennsylvania issued him a commercial driver's license (CDL). The Biden administration granted him work authorization in January 2024.“Not only was Akhror Bozorov—a wanted&nbsp;terrorist—RELEASED into the country by the Biden administration, but he was he was also given a commercial driver’s license by Governor Shapiro’s Pennsylvania. This should go without saying, but terrorist illegal aliens should not be operating 18-wheelers on America’s highways,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.&nbsp;“Biden and Mayorkas allowed countless terrorists to come into our country. President Trump and Secretary Noem unleashed ICE to target these national security threats.”Bozorov illegally entered the United States in February 2023. He was then arrested by U.S. Border Patrol and released into American communities by the Biden administration.

ICE arrests truck driver in Kansas, wanted on international terrorism warrant

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just after 5a.m. Tuesday at Kansas City International Airport.

A Honda Fit was traveling the wrong way on International Circle, just south of 1 KC Boulevard, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina. The car&nbsp; collided head-on with a Subaru. 

The driver of the Honda was pronounced dead from the medical staff at a local hospital. The driver and passenger of the Subaru were transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.

 This is Fatality #59 vs #82 last year in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Becchina.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763514409391.png" alt="KCI image courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>KCI image courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just after 5a.m. Tuesday at Kansas City International Airport.A Honda Fit was traveling the wrong way on International Circle, just south of 1 KC Boulevard, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina. The car&nbsp; collided head-on with a Subaru. The driver of the Honda was pronounced dead from the medical staff at a local hospital. The driver and passenger of the Subaru were transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. This is Fatality #59 vs #82 last year in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Becchina.

Driver killed in head-on crash at Kansas City International Airport

At the Great Bend City Council meeting on Nov. 17, School Resource Officer Paul Millard was awarded the Bronze Wreath of Valor by the Wichita Police Department for his heroic off-duty action during the Towne East Mall shooting on August 8.

"Due to your actions that day, not only were we able to get all three people into custody, but both juveniles who were shot survived, and all three juvenile suspects were all charged in district court, which is still pending," said WPD Detective Rogers. "It was your quick actions that day that helped us come in and get everybody medical attention and get people in custody as fast as we could. So I thank you for that."

Wichita Mayor Lily Wu also provided a letter of gratitude that was presented to Millard as well.

"Please accept my warmest congratulations on receiving the Wichita Police Department's Bronze Wreath of Valor," Wu wrote. "There's a recognition that is most deserved and one that symbolizes our collective appreciation and admiration for your valor."

The Bronze Wreath of Valor is the third-highest award given by the WPD for officers who demonstrate, “bravery, intelligence, or devotion to duty, and who, in the performance of such acts or acts, shall be motivated solely by the desire to serve the city without thought of personal gain or advantage,” as outlined in WPD Policy 201.

Around 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 8, Millard and his wife were leaving Towne East Mall after a day of shopping when they heard gunshots in the parking lot. Taking immediate action, Millard rushed over to the scene, restrained a suspect and stopped the threat until the Wichita Police arrived.

With 27 years of service at the Great Bend Police Department, Millard has spent the past decade as the SRO for the USD 428 School System. He also leads the department’s Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E) program and has been member of the bike patrol unit and SWAT team, as well as a supervisor throughout his extensive career.

In addition to this honor, Millard received national recognition as SRO of the Month by the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) on Aug. 18.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763431180878.jpeg" alt="-From left: Wichita Police Dept. Det. Richard Rogers, Great Bend Police Dept. School Resource Officer Paul Millard, and Wichita Police Dept. Lt. Donald Moore during Monday's Great Bend City Council meeting. Rogers and Moore recognized Millard for his auctions as an off-duty officer during a August shooting in Wichita." />
 <figcaption>-From left: Wichita Police Dept. Det. Richard Rogers, Great Bend Police Dept. School Resource Officer Paul Millard, and Wichita Police Dept. Lt. Donald Moore during Monday's Great Bend City Council meeting. Rogers and Moore recognized Millard for his auctions as an off-duty officer during a August shooting in Wichita.</figcaption>
 </figure>From the city of Great BendAt the Great Bend City Council meeting on Nov. 17, School Resource Officer Paul Millard was awarded the Bronze Wreath of Valor by the Wichita Police Department for his heroic off-duty action during the Towne East Mall shooting on August 8."Due to your actions that day, not only were we able to get all three people into custody, but both juveniles who were shot survived, and all three juvenile suspects were all charged in district court, which is still pending," said WPD Detective Rogers. "It was your quick actions that day that helped us come in and get everybody medical attention and get people in custody as fast as we could. So I thank you for that."Wichita Mayor Lily Wu also provided a letter of gratitude that was presented to Millard as well."Please accept my warmest congratulations on receiving the Wichita Police Department's Bronze Wreath of Valor," Wu wrote. "There's a recognition that is most deserved and one that symbolizes our collective appreciation and admiration for your valor."The Bronze Wreath of Valor is the third-highest award given by the WPD for officers who demonstrate, “bravery, intelligence, or devotion to duty, and who, in the performance of such acts or acts, shall be motivated solely by the desire to serve the city without thought of personal gain or advantage,” as outlined in WPD Policy 201.Around 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 8, Millard and his wife were leaving Towne East Mall after a day of shopping when they heard gunshots in the parking lot. Taking immediate action, Millard rushed over to the scene, restrained a suspect and stopped the threat until the Wichita Police arrived.With 27 years of service at the Great Bend Police Department, Millard has spent the past decade as the SRO for the USD 428 School System. He also leads the department’s Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E) program and has been member of the bike patrol unit and SWAT team, as well as a supervisor throughout his extensive career.In addition to this honor, Millard received national recognition as SRO of the Month by the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) on Aug. 18.

Great Bend officer honored for response to mall shooting

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Education Department is handing off some of its biggest grant programs to other federal agencies as the Trump administration accelerates its plan to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-education-department-shutdown-b1d25a2e1bdcd24cfde8ad8b655b9843">shut down the department</a>.

It represents a major step forward for the administration’s dismantling of the department, which has mainly involved cutting jobs since President Donald Trump called for its elimination with an executive action in March.

Six new agreements signed by the Education Department will effectively move billions of dollars in grant programs to other agencies. Most notable is one that will put the Department of Labor over some of the largest federal funding streams for K-12 schools, including Title I money for schools serving low-income communities.

Opponents have urged against such a shake-up, saying it could disrupt programs that support some of the nation’s most&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-education-department-layoffs-closure-c7cddd1dbf310dadcd70e003d62a6df0">vulnerable student populations</a>. Some argue that other agencies don’t have the expertise that schools and families rely on at the Education Department.

A union representing department workers said students, educators and families depend on the agency's support for schools.

“That national mission is weakened when its core functions are scattered across other federal or state agencies that are not equipped or positioned to provide the same support and services as ED staff,” AFGE Local 252 President Rachel Gittleman said.

Department officials said the programs will continue to be funded at levels set by Congress. They did not say whether the changes would bring further job cuts at the department, which has been thinned by waves of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-education-department-layoffs-civil-rights-8cbf463cce765f497c10d688ab4d51e1">mass layoffs</a>&nbsp;and voluntary retirement offers.

“The Trump Administration is taking bold action to break up the federal education bureaucracy and return education to the states,” Education Secretary Linda McMahon said in a statement. “Cutting through layers of red tape in Washington is one essential piece of our final mission.”

The action leaves in place the Education Department’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-dismantling-education-department-8b5d0961700f0fe69d18ea80b437c8b8">$1.6 trillion student loan portfolio</a>&nbsp;and its funding for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-department-iep-disability-civil-rights-trump-85a6687d9ef1f5236f2637924d66a560">students with disabilities</a>, though McMahon has suggested both would be better managed by other federal departments. Also unaffected is the department's Office for Civil Rights, which works with students and families who bring allegations of discrimination.

McMahon and her staff have spent months hammering out the deals, which allow the department to lop off large parts of its footprint without action from Congress. It’s being done through formal agreements that agencies often make with one another when their work overlaps.

The Education Department tested the idea in June with a deal that moved adult education programs to Labor. The new agreements take it a step further and lay the groundwork for more.

Under the new plan, Labor will oversee almost all grant programs that are now managed by the Education Department’s offices for K-12 and higher education. Along with the $18 billion Title I program, that includes smaller funding pools for teacher training, English instruction and TRIO, a program that helps steer low-income students to college degrees.

It will effectively outsource the department’s Office of Elementary and Secondary Education and Office of Postsecondary Education, two of the agency’s largest units. Two major roles of the postsecondary office will remain with the Education Department: oversight of student loan policy and the accreditation of colleges for eligibility to receive students’ federal financial aid.

States and schools should not expect any disruptions in their funding, the department said, but their federal money will now come from the Department of Labor.

Another deal will put Health and Human Services in charge of a grant program for parents who are attending college, along with management of foreign medical school accreditation. The State Department will take on foreign language programs. Interior will oversee programs for Native American education.

McMahon has increasingly pointed to what she sees as failures of the department as she argues for its demise. In its 45 years, she says it has become a bloated bureaucracy while student outcomes continue to lag behind. She points to math and reading scores for the country’s K-12 students, which plummeted in the wake of pandemic restrictions.

Her vision would abolish the Education Department and give states wider flexibility in how they spend money that’s now earmarked for specific purposes, including literacy and education for homeless students. That, however, would require approval from Congress. The task is complicated by the fact that some of the department’s core work has long had bipartisan support.

The new deals are part of a broader plan to prove that America’s schools and colleges can operate without the department. As part of the plan, officials say McMahon will continue touring the country to highlight the successes of local schools — and she will also spend more time making her pitch to lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/news-values-and-principles/">standards</a>&nbsp;for working with philanthropies, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/supporting-ap/">list</a>&nbsp;of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763503089482.png" alt="U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Education Department is handing off some of its biggest grant programs to other federal agencies as the Trump administration accelerates its plan to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-education-department-shutdown-b1d25a2e1bdcd24cfde8ad8b655b9843">shut down the department</a>.It represents a major step forward for the administration’s dismantling of the department, which has mainly involved cutting jobs since President Donald Trump called for its elimination with an executive action in March.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763503151749.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Six new agreements signed by the Education Department will effectively move billions of dollars in grant programs to other agencies. Most notable is one that will put the Department of Labor over some of the largest federal funding streams for K-12 schools, including Title I money for schools serving low-income communities.Opponents have urged against such a shake-up, saying it could disrupt programs that support some of the nation’s most&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-education-department-layoffs-closure-c7cddd1dbf310dadcd70e003d62a6df0">vulnerable student populations</a>. Some argue that other agencies don’t have the expertise that schools and families rely on at the Education Department.A union representing department workers said students, educators and families depend on the agency's support for schools.“That national mission is weakened when its core functions are scattered across other federal or state agencies that are not equipped or positioned to provide the same support and services as ED staff,” AFGE Local 252 President Rachel Gittleman said.Department officials said the programs will continue to be funded at levels set by Congress. They did not say whether the changes would bring further job cuts at the department, which has been thinned by waves of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-education-department-layoffs-civil-rights-8cbf463cce765f497c10d688ab4d51e1">mass layoffs</a>&nbsp;and voluntary retirement offers.“The Trump Administration is taking bold action to break up the federal education bureaucracy and return education to the states,” Education Secretary Linda McMahon said in a statement. “Cutting through layers of red tape in Washington is one essential piece of our final mission.”The action leaves in place the Education Department’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-dismantling-education-department-8b5d0961700f0fe69d18ea80b437c8b8">$1.6 trillion student loan portfolio</a>&nbsp;and its funding for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-department-iep-disability-civil-rights-trump-85a6687d9ef1f5236f2637924d66a560">students with disabilities</a>, though McMahon has suggested both would be better managed by other federal departments. Also unaffected is the department's Office for Civil Rights, which works with students and families who bring allegations of discrimination.McMahon and her staff have spent months hammering out the deals, which allow the department to lop off large parts of its footprint without action from Congress. It’s being done through formal agreements that agencies often make with one another when their work overlaps.The Education Department tested the idea in June with a deal that moved adult education programs to Labor. The new agreements take it a step further and lay the groundwork for more.Under the new plan, Labor will oversee almost all grant programs that are now managed by the Education Department’s offices for K-12 and higher education. Along with the $18 billion Title I program, that includes smaller funding pools for teacher training, English instruction and TRIO, a program that helps steer low-income students to college degrees.It will effectively outsource the department’s Office of Elementary and Secondary Education and Office of Postsecondary Education, two of the agency’s largest units. Two major roles of the postsecondary office will remain with the Education Department: oversight of student loan policy and the accreditation of colleges for eligibility to receive students’ federal financial aid.States and schools should not expect any disruptions in their funding, the department said, but their federal money will now come from the Department of Labor.Another deal will put Health and Human Services in charge of a grant program for parents who are attending college, along with management of foreign medical school accreditation. The State Department will take on foreign language programs. Interior will oversee programs for Native American education.McMahon has increasingly pointed to what she sees as failures of the department as she argues for its demise. In its 45 years, she says it has become a bloated bureaucracy while student outcomes continue to lag behind. She points to math and reading scores for the country’s K-12 students, which plummeted in the wake of pandemic restrictions.Her vision would abolish the Education Department and give states wider flexibility in how they spend money that’s now earmarked for specific purposes, including literacy and education for homeless students. That, however, would require approval from Congress. The task is complicated by the fact that some of the department’s core work has long had bipartisan support.The new deals are part of a broader plan to prove that America’s schools and colleges can operate without the department. As part of the plan, officials say McMahon will continue touring the country to highlight the successes of local schools — and she will also spend more time making her pitch to lawmakers on Capitol Hill.___The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/news-values-and-principles/">standards</a>&nbsp;for working with philanthropies, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/supporting-ap/">list</a>&nbsp;of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

Kan. U.S. Senator applauds new steps to dismantle U.S. Dept. of Education

WASHINGTON (AP) —Both the House and Senate acted decisively Tuesday to pass a bill to force the Justice Department to publicly release its files on the convicted sex offender&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>, a remarkable display of approval for an effort that had struggled for months to overcome opposition from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Trump</a>&nbsp;and Republican leadership.

When a small, bipartisan group of House lawmakers introduced a petition in July to maneuver around Speaker Mike Johnson’s control of which bills reach the floor, it appeared a long-shot effort — especially as the president urged supporters to dismiss the matter as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/wh-backs-handwriting-review-of-epstein-birthday-book-signature-insists-trump-ties-a-democrat-hoax-0b360963ee534211b469e7dbb0323b81">“hoax.”</a>

But both Trump and Johnson failed in their efforts to prevent the vote. Now the president has bowed to the growing momentum behind the bill and even said he will sign it. Just hours after the House passed the bill, the Senate agreed to pass it with unanimous consent once it is sent to the body.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House voted overwhelmingly in favor of a bill Tuesday to force the Justice Department to publicly release its files on the convicted sex offender&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>, a remarkable display of approval for an effort that had struggled for months to overcome opposition from President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;and Republican leadership.

When a small bipartisan group of House lawmakers introduced a petition in July to maneuver around House Speaker Mike Johnson’s control of which bills reach the House floor, it appeared a longshot effort — especially as Trump urged his supporters to dismiss the matter as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/wh-backs-handwriting-review-of-epstein-birthday-book-signature-insists-trump-ties-a-democrat-hoax-0b360963ee534211b469e7dbb0323b81">“hoax.”</a>

But both Trump and Johnson failed in their efforts to prevent the vote. Now the president has bowed to the growing momentum behind the bill and even said he will sign it if it also passes the Senate.

The bill passed 427-1, with the only no vote coming from Rep. Clay Higgins, a Louisiana Republican who is a fervent supporter of Trump. He also chairs a subcommittee that initiated a subpoena on the Justice Department for the Epstein files.&nbsp; Kansas Representatives Ron Estes, Tracey Mann, Sharice Davids and Derek Schmidt voted in favor of the bill.

Tuesday’s vote further showed the pressure mounting on lawmakers and the Trump administration to meet long-held demands that the Justice Department release its case files on Epstein, a well-connected financier who killed himself in a Manhattan jail while awaiting trial in 2019 on charges he sexually abused and trafficked underage girls.

“These women have fought the most horrific fight that no woman should have to fight. And they did it by banding together and never giving up," said Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene as she stood with some of the abuse survivors outside the Capitol Tuesday morning.

“That’s what we did by fighting so hard against the most powerful people in the world, even the president of the United States, in order to make this vote happen today,” added Greene, a Georgia Republican and longtime Trump loyalist.

A separate investigation conducted by the House Oversight Committee has released thousands of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-emails-trump-house-democrats-db7df1042a73e610fb5deddf2f90bd3a">pages of emails</a>&nbsp;and other documents from Epstein's estate, showing his connections to global leaders, Wall Street powerbrokers, influential political figures and Trump himself. In the United Kingdom, King Charles III stripped his disgraced brother Prince Andrew of his remaining titles and evicted him from his royal residence after pressure to act over his relationship with Epstein.

Pushing for more accountability, the survivors of Epstein's abuse cast the current effort in Congress as a step towards accountability for Epstein's crimes after years of government failure under multiple presidential administrations.

Trump has said he cut ties with Epstein years ago, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-midterms-affordability-economy-c908847c586e635e26ecd5ee203df474">tried for months to move past the demands</a>&nbsp;for disclosure. On Monday, he told reporters that Epstein was connected to more Democrats and that he didn't want the Epstein files to “detract from the great success of the Republican Party.”

Still, many in the Republican base have continued to demand the release of the files. Adding to that pressure, several survivors of Epstein's abuse rallied outside the Capitol Tuesday morning. Bundled in jackets against the November chill and holding photos of themselves as teenagers, they recounted their stories of abuse.

“We are exhausted from surviving the trauma and then surviving the political conflicts that surround it,” said Jena-Lisa Jones, one of the survivors.

She added that she had voted for Trump, but had a message for the president: “I beg you Donald Trump, please stop making this political.”

The group of women also met with Johnson and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-survivors-congress-trump-5d980740245f935c994a90b8ce824642">rallied outside the Capitol in September</a>, but have had to wait months for the vote.

That's because Johnson kept the House closed for legislative business for nearly two months and also refused to swear-in Democratic Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/adelita-grijalva-arizona-house-epstein-files-johnson-da75c9f0e362291f3d0edb1da99e019d">Adelita Grijalva</a>&nbsp;of Arizona during the government shutdown. After winning a special election on Sept. 23, Grijalva had pledged to provide the crucial 218th vote to the petition for the Epstein files bill. But only after she was sworn into office last week could she sign her name to the discharge petition to give it majority support in the 435-member House.

It quickly became apparent the bill would pass, and both Johnson and Trump began to fold. Trump on Sunday said Republicans should vote for the bill.

Yet Greene told reporters that Trump's decision to fight the bill had betrayed his Make America Great Again political movement.

"Watching this turn into a fight has ripped MAGA apart,” she said.

Rather than waiting until next week for the discharge position to officially take effect, Johnson is moving to hold the vote under a procedure that requires a two-thirds majority.

But Johnson also spent a morning news conference listing off problems that he sees with the legislation. He argued that the bill could have unintended consequences by disclosing parts of federal investigations that are usually kept private, including information on victims.

“This is a raw and obvious political exercise," Johnson said.

Still, he planned to vote for the bill. “None of us want to go on record and in any way be accused of not being for maximum transparency,” he added.

Meanwhile, House Democrats celebrated the vote as a rare win for the minority.

“It’s a complete and total surrender, because as Democrats we made clear from the very beginning, the survivors and the American people deserve full and complete transparency as it relates to the lives that were ruined by Jeffrey Epstein,” said House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries.

It's not clear how the Senate will handle the bill.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has previously been circumspect when asked about the legislation and instead said he trusted the Justice Department to release information on the Epstein investigation.

But what the Justice Department has released so far under Trump was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-maxwell-congress-justice-department-trump-3e0d2146ce0cd0f6cecaab0198402ac7">mostly already public</a>. The bill would go further, forcing the release within 30 days of all files and communications related to Epstein, as well as any information about the investigation into his death in federal prison. Information about Epstein’s victims or continuing federal investigations would be allowed to be redacted, but not information due to “embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity, including to any government official, public figure, or foreign dignitary.”

Johnson also said he wants to see the Senate amend the bill to protect the information of “victims and whistleblowers.”

But the bipartisan pair who sponsored the bill, Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Ro Khanna, D-Calif., warned senators against doing anything that would “muck it up" and said they would face the same public uproar that forced both Trump and Johnson to back down.

“We've needlessly dragged this out for four months,” Massie said, adding that those raising problems with the bill “are afraid that people will be embarrassed. Well, that's the whole point here."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763495156325.jpeg" alt="View of the House floor at the end of the vote count Tuesday -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>View of the House floor at the end of the vote count Tuesday -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —Both the House and Senate acted decisively Tuesday to pass a bill to force the Justice Department to publicly release its files on the convicted sex offender&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>, a remarkable display of approval for an effort that had struggled for months to overcome opposition from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Trump</a>&nbsp;and Republican leadership.When a small, bipartisan group of House lawmakers introduced a petition in July to maneuver around Speaker Mike Johnson’s control of which bills reach the floor, it appeared a long-shot effort — especially as the president urged supporters to dismiss the matter as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/wh-backs-handwriting-review-of-epstein-birthday-book-signature-insists-trump-ties-a-democrat-hoax-0b360963ee534211b469e7dbb0323b81">“hoax.”</a>But both Trump and Johnson failed in their efforts to prevent the vote. Now the president has bowed to the growing momentum behind the bill and even said he will sign it. Just hours after the House passed the bill, the Senate agreed to pass it with unanimous consent once it is sent to the body.--------WASHINGTON (AP) — The House voted overwhelmingly in favor of a bill Tuesday to force the Justice Department to publicly release its files on the convicted sex offender&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>, a remarkable display of approval for an effort that had struggled for months to overcome opposition from President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;and Republican leadership.When a small bipartisan group of House lawmakers introduced a petition in July to maneuver around House Speaker Mike Johnson’s control of which bills reach the House floor, it appeared a longshot effort — especially as Trump urged his supporters to dismiss the matter as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/wh-backs-handwriting-review-of-epstein-birthday-book-signature-insists-trump-ties-a-democrat-hoax-0b360963ee534211b469e7dbb0323b81">“hoax.”</a>But both Trump and Johnson failed in their efforts to prevent the vote. Now the president has bowed to the growing momentum behind the bill and even said he will sign it if it also passes the Senate.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763496001923.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>The bill passed 427-1, with the only no vote coming from Rep. Clay Higgins, a Louisiana Republican who is a fervent supporter of Trump. He also chairs a subcommittee that initiated a subpoena on the Justice Department for the Epstein files.&nbsp; Kansas Representatives Ron Estes, Tracey Mann, Sharice Davids and Derek Schmidt voted in favor of the bill.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763495349874.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Tuesday’s vote further showed the pressure mounting on lawmakers and the Trump administration to meet long-held demands that the Justice Department release its case files on Epstein, a well-connected financier who killed himself in a Manhattan jail while awaiting trial in 2019 on charges he sexually abused and trafficked underage girls.“These women have fought the most horrific fight that no woman should have to fight. And they did it by banding together and never giving up," said Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene as she stood with some of the abuse survivors outside the Capitol Tuesday morning.“That’s what we did by fighting so hard against the most powerful people in the world, even the president of the United States, in order to make this vote happen today,” added Greene, a Georgia Republican and longtime Trump loyalist.A separate investigation conducted by the House Oversight Committee has released thousands of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-emails-trump-house-democrats-db7df1042a73e610fb5deddf2f90bd3a">pages of emails</a>&nbsp;and other documents from Epstein's estate, showing his connections to global leaders, Wall Street powerbrokers, influential political figures and Trump himself. In the United Kingdom, King Charles III stripped his disgraced brother Prince Andrew of his remaining titles and evicted him from his royal residence after pressure to act over his relationship with Epstein.Pushing for more accountability, the survivors of Epstein's abuse cast the current effort in Congress as a step towards accountability for Epstein's crimes after years of government failure under multiple presidential administrations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704330351229.png" alt="Epstein photo New York Sex Offender registry" />
 <figcaption>Epstein photo New York Sex Offender registry</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Trump's reversal on the Epstein files</h2>Trump has said he cut ties with Epstein years ago, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-midterms-affordability-economy-c908847c586e635e26ecd5ee203df474">tried for months to move past the demands</a>&nbsp;for disclosure. On Monday, he told reporters that Epstein was connected to more Democrats and that he didn't want the Epstein files to “detract from the great success of the Republican Party.”Still, many in the Republican base have continued to demand the release of the files. Adding to that pressure, several survivors of Epstein's abuse rallied outside the Capitol Tuesday morning. Bundled in jackets against the November chill and holding photos of themselves as teenagers, they recounted their stories of abuse.“We are exhausted from surviving the trauma and then surviving the political conflicts that surround it,” said Jena-Lisa Jones, one of the survivors.She added that she had voted for Trump, but had a message for the president: “I beg you Donald Trump, please stop making this political.”The group of women also met with Johnson and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-survivors-congress-trump-5d980740245f935c994a90b8ce824642">rallied outside the Capitol in September</a>, but have had to wait months for the vote.That's because Johnson kept the House closed for legislative business for nearly two months and also refused to swear-in Democratic Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/adelita-grijalva-arizona-house-epstein-files-johnson-da75c9f0e362291f3d0edb1da99e019d">Adelita Grijalva</a>&nbsp;of Arizona during the government shutdown. After winning a special election on Sept. 23, Grijalva had pledged to provide the crucial 218th vote to the petition for the Epstein files bill. But only after she was sworn into office last week could she sign her name to the discharge petition to give it majority support in the 435-member House.It quickly became apparent the bill would pass, and both Johnson and Trump began to fold. Trump on Sunday said Republicans should vote for the bill.Yet Greene told reporters that Trump's decision to fight the bill had betrayed his Make America Great Again political movement."Watching this turn into a fight has ripped MAGA apart,” she said.<h2>How Johnson is handling the bill</h2>Rather than waiting until next week for the discharge position to officially take effect, Johnson is moving to hold the vote under a procedure that requires a two-thirds majority.But Johnson also spent a morning news conference listing off problems that he sees with the legislation. He argued that the bill could have unintended consequences by disclosing parts of federal investigations that are usually kept private, including information on victims.“This is a raw and obvious political exercise," Johnson said.Still, he planned to vote for the bill. “None of us want to go on record and in any way be accused of not being for maximum transparency,” he added.Meanwhile, House Democrats celebrated the vote as a rare win for the minority.“It’s a complete and total surrender, because as Democrats we made clear from the very beginning, the survivors and the American people deserve full and complete transparency as it relates to the lives that were ruined by Jeffrey Epstein,” said House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries.<h2>What will the Senate do?</h2>It's not clear how the Senate will handle the bill.Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has previously been circumspect when asked about the legislation and instead said he trusted the Justice Department to release information on the Epstein investigation.But what the Justice Department has released so far under Trump was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-maxwell-congress-justice-department-trump-3e0d2146ce0cd0f6cecaab0198402ac7">mostly already public</a>. The bill would go further, forcing the release within 30 days of all files and communications related to Epstein, as well as any information about the investigation into his death in federal prison. Information about Epstein’s victims or continuing federal investigations would be allowed to be redacted, but not information due to “embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity, including to any government official, public figure, or foreign dignitary.”Johnson also said he wants to see the Senate amend the bill to protect the information of “victims and whistleblowers.”But the bipartisan pair who sponsored the bill, Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Ro Khanna, D-Calif., warned senators against doing anything that would “muck it up" and said they would face the same public uproar that forced both Trump and Johnson to back down.“We've needlessly dragged this out for four months,” Massie said, adding that those raising problems with the bill “are afraid that people will be embarrassed. Well, that's the whole point here."

427-1: Kansas lawmakers vote to force release of Epstein files

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;welcomed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-saudi-arabia-israel-abraham-accords-mbs-24efae2972c9c4a488fcda5ff8c5ad1f">Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman</a>&nbsp;to Washington on Tuesday as the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia makes his first White House visit since the 2018 killing of Washington Post journalist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jamal-khashoggi">Jamal Khashoggi</a>&nbsp;by Saudi agents.

Trump warmly received Prince Mohammed when he arrived at the White House Tuesday morning for a pomp-filled arrival ceremony that included a military flyover and a thundering greeting from the U.S. Marine band.

The U.S.-Saudi relationship had been sent into a tailspin by the operation targeting Khashoggi, a fierce critic of the kingdom, that U.S. intelligence agencies later determined Prince Mohammed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-saudi-crown-prince-khashoggi-killing-26c37f6d603737de7509f5ee09ae7f9d">likely directed the agents</a>&nbsp;to carry out.

But seven years later, the dark clouds over the relationship have been cleared away. And Trump has tightened his embrace of the 40-year-old crown prince he views as an indispensable player in shaping the Middle East in the decades to come. Prince Mohammed, for his part, denies involvement in the killing of Khashoggi, a Saudi citizen and Virginia resident.

Khashoggi was an afterthought as the two leaders unveil billions of dollars in deals and huddle with aides to discuss the tricky path ahead in a volatile Middle East. They'll end their day with an evening White House soiree, organized by first lady Melania Trump, to honor the prince.

The president dismissed questions to the crown prince about the journalist's killing.

“Whether you like him or didn’t like him, things happen,” Trump said of the international incident.

Trump, during an Oval Office meeting with the prince by his side, commended the Saudi leader for strides made by the kingdom on human rights without providing any specific detail.

“I’m very proud of the job he’s done,” Trump said. “What’s he done is incredible in terms of human rights and everything else.”

The crown prince for his part announced Saudi Arabia was increasing its planned investments in the U.S. to $1 trillion, up from $600 billion that the Saudis said they planned to invest in the United States when Trump visited the kingdom in May.

Trump's family has a strong personal interest in the kingdom. In September, London real estate developer Dar Global announced that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saudi-arabia-trump-organization-jeddah-dar-global-539989a563d8f7eb949be2e10ee18d0a">it plans to launch Trump Plaza</a>&nbsp;in the Red Sea city of Jeddah.

It's Dar Global's second collaboration with the Trump Organization, the collection of companies controlled by the U.S. president's children, in Saudi Arabia. Last year, the two companies announced the launch of Trump Tower Jeddah.

Trump pushed back on the notion Tuesday that there was a conflict of interest.

“I have nothing to do with the family business,” said Trump on Tuesday, adding that his family has relatively little interest in the kingdom.

Technically, it's not a state visit, because the crown prince is not the head of state. But Prince Mohammed has taken charge of the day-to-day governing for his father, King Salman, 89, who has endured health problems in recent years.

Most foreign leaders who come to meet with Trump are driven up to the doors of the West Wing, where the president often greets them. But Prince Mohammed, accompanied by the Saudi prime minister, was welcomed with a formal arrival ceremony on the South Lawn.

Trump then showed the prince the newly-installed Presidential Walk of Fame that features gold-framed images of past presidents along the West Wing colonnade and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-presidential-portraits-biden-autopen-white-house-e8624154e72631e723930ea549bb8910">a photo of an autopen signing the name of former President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;in place of the Democrat’s official portrait.

An Oval Office meeting and luncheon in the Cabinet Room will follow.

Trump will then see the crown prince off in the afternoon but he’s expected to return to the South Lawn, with the first lady, to welcome the crown prince when he returns for the evening East Room dinner.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese soccer great who is playing in the Saudi Pro League, is also expected to be at the White House on Tuesday during the crown prince's visit, according to a White House official who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

In addition to White House pomp, the two nations are also planning an investment summit at the Kennedy Center on Wednesday that will include the heads of Salesforce, Qualcomm, Pfizer, the Cleveland Clinic, Chevron and Aramco, Saudi Arabia’s national oil and natural gas company, where even more deals with the Saudis could be announced.

Ahead of Prince Mohammed's arrival, Trump announced he has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-saudi-arabia-crown-prince-f35-77edbfa2f257805d43a501cd4808648a">agreed to sell the Saudis F-35 fighter jets</a>&nbsp;despite some concerns within the administration that the sale could lead to China gaining access to the U.S. technology behind the advanced weapon system.

Trump's announcement is also surprising because some in the Republican administration have been wary about upsetting Israel’s qualitative military edge over its neighbors, especially at a time when Trump is depending on Israeli support for the success of his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-netanyahu-israel-hamas-war-gaza-708a08671b8842d7a7a5e250ec51351c">Gaza peace plan</a>.

But the unexpected move comes at a moment when Trump is trying to nudge the Saudis toward normalizing relations with Israel.

The president in his first term had helped forge commercial and diplomatic ties between Israel and Bahrain, Morocco and the United Arab Emirates through an effort dubbed the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bahrain-israel-united-arab-emirates-middle-east-elections-7544b322a254ebea1693e387d83d9d8b">Abraham Accords</a>.

Trump sees expansion of the accords as essential to his broader efforts to build stability in the Middle East after the two-year Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

And getting Saudi Arabia — the largest Arab economy and the birthplace of Islam — to sign on would spur a domino effect, he argues. The president in recent weeks has even predicted that once Saudi Arabia signs on to the accords, “everybody” in the Arab world “goes in.”

But the Saudis have maintained that a clear path toward Palestinian statehood must first be established before normalizing relations with Israel can be considered. The Israelis, meanwhile, remain steadfastly opposed to the creation of a Palestinian state.

The U.N. Security Council on Monday approved a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-netanyahu-israel-hamas-war-gaza-708a08671b8842d7a7a5e250ec51351c">U.S. plan for Gaza</a>&nbsp;that authorizes an international stabilization force to provide security in the devastated territory and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-ceasefire-un-trump-russia-e701750e61968110b873e90372b9f2e7">envisions a possible future path</a>&nbsp;to an independent Palestinian state.

The leaders certainly will have plenty to talk about including maintaining the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, mutual concerns about Iran’s malign behavior, and a brutal civil war in Sudan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763483740130.png" alt="Image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;welcomed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-saudi-arabia-israel-abraham-accords-mbs-24efae2972c9c4a488fcda5ff8c5ad1f">Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman</a>&nbsp;to Washington on Tuesday as the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia makes his first White House visit since the 2018 killing of Washington Post journalist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jamal-khashoggi">Jamal Khashoggi</a>&nbsp;by Saudi agents.Trump warmly received Prince Mohammed when he arrived at the White House Tuesday morning for a pomp-filled arrival ceremony that included a military flyover and a thundering greeting from the U.S. Marine band.The U.S.-Saudi relationship had been sent into a tailspin by the operation targeting Khashoggi, a fierce critic of the kingdom, that U.S. intelligence agencies later determined Prince Mohammed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-saudi-crown-prince-khashoggi-killing-26c37f6d603737de7509f5ee09ae7f9d">likely directed the agents</a>&nbsp;to carry out.But seven years later, the dark clouds over the relationship have been cleared away. And Trump has tightened his embrace of the 40-year-old crown prince he views as an indispensable player in shaping the Middle East in the decades to come. Prince Mohammed, for his part, denies involvement in the killing of Khashoggi, a Saudi citizen and Virginia resident.Khashoggi was an afterthought as the two leaders unveil billions of dollars in deals and huddle with aides to discuss the tricky path ahead in a volatile Middle East. They'll end their day with an evening White House soiree, organized by first lady Melania Trump, to honor the prince.The president dismissed questions to the crown prince about the journalist's killing.“Whether you like him or didn’t like him, things happen,” Trump said of the international incident.Trump, during an Oval Office meeting with the prince by his side, commended the Saudi leader for strides made by the kingdom on human rights without providing any specific detail.“I’m very proud of the job he’s done,” Trump said. “What’s he done is incredible in terms of human rights and everything else.”The crown prince for his part announced Saudi Arabia was increasing its planned investments in the U.S. to $1 trillion, up from $600 billion that the Saudis said they planned to invest in the United States when Trump visited the kingdom in May.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F2120188255181378%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" 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>Trump's family has a strong personal interest in the kingdom. In September, London real estate developer Dar Global announced that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saudi-arabia-trump-organization-jeddah-dar-global-539989a563d8f7eb949be2e10ee18d0a">it plans to launch Trump Plaza</a>&nbsp;in the Red Sea city of Jeddah.It's Dar Global's second collaboration with the Trump Organization, the collection of companies controlled by the U.S. president's children, in Saudi Arabia. Last year, the two companies announced the launch of Trump Tower Jeddah.Trump pushed back on the notion Tuesday that there was a conflict of interest.“I have nothing to do with the family business,” said Trump on Tuesday, adding that his family has relatively little interest in the kingdom.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fposts%2Fpfbid04vPUmgRubgxStMjDuRJoQapW8mff6mEH2AZ2bb5nD375i1vGETN4sy8VkGK7m1TJl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="684" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div><h2>Rolling out the red carpet</h2>Technically, it's not a state visit, because the crown prince is not the head of state. But Prince Mohammed has taken charge of the day-to-day governing for his father, King Salman, 89, who has endured health problems in recent years.Most foreign leaders who come to meet with Trump are driven up to the doors of the West Wing, where the president often greets them. But Prince Mohammed, accompanied by the Saudi prime minister, was welcomed with a formal arrival ceremony on the South Lawn.Trump then showed the prince the newly-installed Presidential Walk of Fame that features gold-framed images of past presidents along the West Wing colonnade and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-presidential-portraits-biden-autopen-white-house-e8624154e72631e723930ea549bb8910">a photo of an autopen signing the name of former President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;in place of the Democrat’s official portrait.An Oval Office meeting and luncheon in the Cabinet Room will follow.Trump will then see the crown prince off in the afternoon but he’s expected to return to the South Lawn, with the first lady, to welcome the crown prince when he returns for the evening East Room dinner.Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese soccer great who is playing in the Saudi Pro League, is also expected to be at the White House on Tuesday during the crown prince's visit, according to a White House official who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.In addition to White House pomp, the two nations are also planning an investment summit at the Kennedy Center on Wednesday that will include the heads of Salesforce, Qualcomm, Pfizer, the Cleveland Clinic, Chevron and Aramco, Saudi Arabia’s national oil and natural gas company, where even more deals with the Saudis could be announced.<h2>Fighter jets and business deals</h2>Ahead of Prince Mohammed's arrival, Trump announced he has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-saudi-arabia-crown-prince-f35-77edbfa2f257805d43a501cd4808648a">agreed to sell the Saudis F-35 fighter jets</a>&nbsp;despite some concerns within the administration that the sale could lead to China gaining access to the U.S. technology behind the advanced weapon system.Trump's announcement is also surprising because some in the Republican administration have been wary about upsetting Israel’s qualitative military edge over its neighbors, especially at a time when Trump is depending on Israeli support for the success of his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-netanyahu-israel-hamas-war-gaza-708a08671b8842d7a7a5e250ec51351c">Gaza peace plan</a>.But the unexpected move comes at a moment when Trump is trying to nudge the Saudis toward normalizing relations with Israel.The president in his first term had helped forge commercial and diplomatic ties between Israel and Bahrain, Morocco and the United Arab Emirates through an effort dubbed the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bahrain-israel-united-arab-emirates-middle-east-elections-7544b322a254ebea1693e387d83d9d8b">Abraham Accords</a>.Trump sees expansion of the accords as essential to his broader efforts to build stability in the Middle East after the two-year Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.And getting Saudi Arabia — the largest Arab economy and the birthplace of Islam — to sign on would spur a domino effect, he argues. The president in recent weeks has even predicted that once Saudi Arabia signs on to the accords, “everybody” in the Arab world “goes in.”But the Saudis have maintained that a clear path toward Palestinian statehood must first be established before normalizing relations with Israel can be considered. The Israelis, meanwhile, remain steadfastly opposed to the creation of a Palestinian state.The U.N. Security Council on Monday approved a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-netanyahu-israel-hamas-war-gaza-708a08671b8842d7a7a5e250ec51351c">U.S. plan for Gaza</a>&nbsp;that authorizes an international stabilization force to provide security in the devastated territory and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-ceasefire-un-trump-russia-e701750e61968110b873e90372b9f2e7">envisions a possible future path</a>&nbsp;to an independent Palestinian state.<h2>Assurances on US military support</h2>The leaders certainly will have plenty to talk about including maintaining the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, mutual concerns about Iran’s malign behavior, and a brutal civil war in Sudan.And the Saudis are looking to receive formal assurances from Trump defining the scope of U.S. military protection for the kingdom, even though anything not ratified by Congress can be undone by the next president.Prince Mohammed, 40, who has stayed away from the West after the Khashoggi killing, is also looking to reestablish his position as a global player and a leader determined to diversify the Saudi economy away from oil by investing in sectors like mining, technology and tourism.To that end, Saudi Arabia is expected to announce a multi-billion dollar investment in U.S. artificial intelligence infrastructure, and the two countries will lay out details about new cooperation in the civil nuclear energy sector, according to a senior Trump administration official who was not authorized to comment publicly ahead of the formal announcement.A coalition of 11 human rights groups ahead of the crown prince’s visit called on the Trump administration to use its leverage to press Saudi authorities, who badly want to broaden its business and defense connections with the U.S., to make concrete commitments on human rights and press freedom during the visit.The activists say Saudi authorities continue to harshly repress dissent, including by arresting human rights defenders, journalists, and political dissidents for criticism against the kingdom. Human rights organizations have also documented a surge in executions in Saudi Arabia that they connect to an effort to suppress internal dissent.“Saudi Arabia’s crown prince is trying to rebrand himself as a global statesman, but the reality at home is mass repression, record numbers of executions, and zero tolerance for dissent," Sarah Yager, Washington director at the group Human Rights Watch, said in a statement. "U.S. officials should be pressing for change, not posing for photos.”___AP writers Josh Boak, Seung Min Kim, Michelle Price and Darlene Superville contributed to this report.