WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday demanded an apology from the Episcopal bishop of Washington after she made a direct appeal to him during a prayer service marking&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-inauguration-biden-democracy-power-00d5651a0ac611c2c6e3b555c4a8ad11">his inauguration</a>&nbsp;to have mercy on the LGBTQ+ community and migrant workers who are in the United States illegally.

Referencing Trump’s belief that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dac_uOOKL-Q">he was saved by God</a>&nbsp;from assassination, the Right Rev. Mariann Budde said, “You have felt the providential hand of a loving God. In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now.”

After he returned to the White House, Trump said, “I didn't think it was a good service” and “they could do much better.” But later, in an overnight post on his social media site, he sharply criticized the “so-called Bishop” as a “Radical Left hard line Trump hater.”

“She brought her church into the World of politics in a very ungracious way. She was nasty in tone, and not compelling or smart,” said Trump, a Republican, adding that Budde didn't mention that some migrants have come to the United States and killed people.

“Apart from her inappropriate statements, the service was a very boring and uninspiring one. She is not very good at her job!” Trump said. “She and her church owe the public an apology!”

A cathedral spokesperson did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment on Wednesday.

The Trump administration has already issued executive orders rolling back&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-sex-gender-transgender-dei-order-245350b97e0c4dcc221fefc49ef44699">transgender rights</a>&nbsp;and toughening&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-deportation-immigration-homan-asylum-inauguration-ac10480dc636b758ab3c435b974aeb19">immigration policies</a>.

The Washington National Cathedral service was largely focused on national unity. Trump and Vice President JD Vance and their families attended, along with House Speaker Mike Johnson and Trump's defense secretary nominee, Pete Hegseth.

In her sermon, Budde said they gathered “to pray for unity as a people and a nation — not for agreement, political or otherwise — but for the kind of unity that fosters community across diversity and division.”

Evangelicals were at the service but not on the program

More than a dozen religious leaders spoke during the interfaith service, including those from Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu traditions.

Notably absent from the invited clergy with speaking roles were conservative evangelicals, who are among Trump’s strongest supporters.

Nonetheless, some of those evangelical supporters were in the pews.

In attendance were Robert Jeffress, a longtime Trump supporter and pastor of Dallas’ First Baptist Church; Paula White-Cain, a televangelist and key spiritual adviser during Trump’s first term; and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-sewell-benediction-king-dream-a9550188ef39184a2d5fd14b67843a28">Lorenzo Sewell</a>, the pastor of Detroit’s 180 Church, who gave a spirited benediction at Monday’s inauguration.

The Washington National Cathedral has hosted 10 official inaugural prayer services for presidents of both major political parties. The tradition dates back to 1933.

The latest service had a different emphasis than previous ones. Its focus was on the nation instead of the new administration — a plan made before Election Day.

“We are in a unique moment in our country’s history, and it is time to approach this differently,” said the Very Rev. Randy Hollerith, dean of the Episcopal cathedral, in an October statement. “This will be a service for all Americans, for the well-being of our nation, for our democracy.”

The texts and songs revolved around themes of compassion and togetherness, including a reading from Deuteronomy 10:17-21, which speaks of taking care of orphans and widows and all who are in need.

Sermons at inaugural services have often been given by ministers aligned with the incoming administration. In 2021, the Rev. William Barber, a progressive civil rights leader, preached before President Joe Biden, a Democrat, at the cathedral.

Budde, who gave this year’s sermon, has joined other cathedral leaders in criticizing Trump previously,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2d1c74038bbe48a4af2e0807a5b49e52">rebuking</a>&nbsp;his “racialized rhetoric” and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/faith-leaders-including-trump-allies-condemn-capitol-riot-958fbf612ab94cd9fa1f0f3738eb90dc">blaming</a>&nbsp;him for inciting violence on Jan. 6, 2021, when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-confirm-joe-biden-78104aea082995bbd7412a6e6cd13818">a mob of his supporters</a>&nbsp;attacked the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to keep him in power.

Budde was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-us-news-ap-top-news-mn-state-wire-politics-09f54acd0aadf861ea3aadc5b79c0fd8">“outraged”</a>&nbsp;in 2020 after Trump staged an appearance in front of St. John’s Episcopal Church, which is near the White House. He held up a Bible after the area had been cleared of peaceful protesters.

Her sermon directed at Trump on Tuesday provoked a lively reaction on social media. Austen Ivereigh, a biographer of Pope Francis, wrote on X that the bishop “named the truth” when she spoke to Trump and Vance. “Their expressions of fury and discomfort suggest she nailed it,” Ivereigh said.

Jeffress, in contrast, posted on X that Budde “insulted rather than encouraged our great president” and that “there was palpable disgust in the audience with her words.”

The one part of Tuesday's service that seemed tailor-made for Trump was the inclusion of opera singer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/christopher-macchio-inauguration-national-anthem-trump-9ba855e4802789e18d3fc86b321b5e86">Christopher Macchio</a>, who also sang the national anthem at the inauguration.

The tenor sang “Ave Maria,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-town-hall-concern-dancing-24290775c8e11223fde1d440a7a5cf7c">a favorite song</a>&nbsp;of Trump and one that Macchio sang at a Trump rally and the Republican National Convention.

Before the service began, Macchio performed hymns like “How Great Thou Art” and another Trump favorite, “Hallelujah,” written by Leonard Cohen.

As the prayer service neared its end, Trump joined others in singing “America the Beautiful.”

Trump also thanked many of the clergy members who participated as they processed past him — except for Budde, whom he did not acknowledge.

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/ap-twir">collaboration</a>&nbsp;with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737558352400.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday demanded an apology from the Episcopal bishop of Washington after she made a direct appeal to him during a prayer service marking&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-inauguration-biden-democracy-power-00d5651a0ac611c2c6e3b555c4a8ad11">his inauguration</a>&nbsp;to have mercy on the LGBTQ+ community and migrant workers who are in the United States illegally.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/RepLisaMcClain?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepLisaMcClain</a> on Mariann Edgar Budde&#39;s remarks at the National Prayer Service: &quot;The Bishop was extreme in her views, extremely out of line and out of touch. What she did was uncalled for. Perhaps we should pray for her.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/lxXiOHFVYR">pic.twitter.com/lxXiOHFVYR</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1882086652748898555?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Referencing Trump’s belief that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dac_uOOKL-Q">he was saved by God</a>&nbsp;from assassination, the Right Rev. Mariann Budde said, “You have felt the providential hand of a loving God. In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde: &quot;The vast majority of immigrants are not criminals. They pay taxes and are good neighbors...may I ask you to have mercy Mr. President on those in our communities whose children fear that their parents will be taken away.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/iXaHJrPsof">pic.twitter.com/iXaHJrPsof</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881761682944397728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>After he returned to the White House, Trump said, “I didn't think it was a good service” and “they could do much better.” But later, in an overnight post on his social media site, he sharply criticized the “so-called Bishop” as a “Radical Left hard line Trump hater.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737573998569.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“She brought her church into the World of politics in a very ungracious way. She was nasty in tone, and not compelling or smart,” said Trump, a Republican, adding that Budde didn't mention that some migrants have come to the United States and killed people.“Apart from her inappropriate statements, the service was a very boring and uninspiring one. She is not very good at her job!” Trump said. “She and her church owe the public an apology!”A cathedral spokesperson did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment on Wednesday.The Trump administration has already issued executive orders rolling back&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-sex-gender-transgender-dei-order-245350b97e0c4dcc221fefc49ef44699">transgender rights</a>&nbsp;and toughening&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-deportation-immigration-homan-asylum-inauguration-ac10480dc636b758ab3c435b974aeb19">immigration policies</a>.The Washington National Cathedral service was largely focused on national unity. Trump and Vice President JD Vance and their families attended, along with House Speaker Mike Johnson and Trump's defense secretary nominee, Pete Hegseth.In her sermon, Budde said they gathered “to pray for unity as a people and a nation — not for agreement, political or otherwise — but for the kind of unity that fosters community across diversity and division.”She added, “Unity is not partisan.”<h2>Evangelicals were at the service but not on the program</h2>More than a dozen religious leaders spoke during the interfaith service, including those from Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu traditions.Notably absent from the invited clergy with speaking roles were conservative evangelicals, who are among Trump’s strongest supporters.Nonetheless, some of those evangelical supporters were in the pews.In attendance were Robert Jeffress, a longtime Trump supporter and pastor of Dallas’ First Baptist Church; Paula White-Cain, a televangelist and key spiritual adviser during Trump’s first term; and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-sewell-benediction-king-dream-a9550188ef39184a2d5fd14b67843a28">Lorenzo Sewell</a>, the pastor of Detroit’s 180 Church, who gave a spirited benediction at Monday’s inauguration.<h2>A new kind of inaugural prayer service</h2>The Washington National Cathedral has hosted 10 official inaugural prayer services for presidents of both major political parties. The tradition dates back to 1933.The latest service had a different emphasis than previous ones. Its focus was on the nation instead of the new administration — a plan made before Election Day.“We are in a unique moment in our country’s history, and it is time to approach this differently,” said the Very Rev. Randy Hollerith, dean of the Episcopal cathedral, in an October statement. “This will be a service for all Americans, for the well-being of our nation, for our democracy.”The texts and songs revolved around themes of compassion and togetherness, including a reading from Deuteronomy 10:17-21, which speaks of taking care of orphans and widows and all who are in need.Sermons at inaugural services have often been given by ministers aligned with the incoming administration. In 2021, the Rev. William Barber, a progressive civil rights leader, preached before President Joe Biden, a Democrat, at the cathedral.Budde, who gave this year’s sermon, has joined other cathedral leaders in criticizing Trump previously,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2d1c74038bbe48a4af2e0807a5b49e52">rebuking</a>&nbsp;his “racialized rhetoric” and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/faith-leaders-including-trump-allies-condemn-capitol-riot-958fbf612ab94cd9fa1f0f3738eb90dc">blaming</a>&nbsp;him for inciting violence on Jan. 6, 2021, when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-confirm-joe-biden-78104aea082995bbd7412a6e6cd13818">a mob of his supporters</a>&nbsp;attacked the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to keep him in power.Budde was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-us-news-ap-top-news-mn-state-wire-politics-09f54acd0aadf861ea3aadc5b79c0fd8">“outraged”</a>&nbsp;in 2020 after Trump staged an appearance in front of St. John’s Episcopal Church, which is near the White House. He held up a Bible after the area had been cleared of peaceful protesters.Her sermon directed at Trump on Tuesday provoked a lively reaction on social media. Austen Ivereigh, a biographer of Pope Francis, wrote on X that the bishop “named the truth” when she spoke to Trump and Vance. “Their expressions of fury and discomfort suggest she nailed it,” Ivereigh said.Jeffress, in contrast, posted on X that Budde “insulted rather than encouraged our great president” and that “there was palpable disgust in the audience with her words.”<h2>Music made for Trump</h2>The one part of Tuesday's service that seemed tailor-made for Trump was the inclusion of opera singer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/christopher-macchio-inauguration-national-anthem-trump-9ba855e4802789e18d3fc86b321b5e86">Christopher Macchio</a>, who also sang the national anthem at the inauguration.The tenor sang “Ave Maria,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-town-hall-concern-dancing-24290775c8e11223fde1d440a7a5cf7c">a favorite song</a>&nbsp;of Trump and one that Macchio sang at a Trump rally and the Republican National Convention.Before the service began, Macchio performed hymns like “How Great Thou Art” and another Trump favorite, “Hallelujah,” written by Leonard Cohen.As the prayer service neared its end, Trump joined others in singing “America the Beautiful.”Trump also thanked many of the clergy members who participated as they processed past him — except for Budde, whom he did not acknowledge.___Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/ap-twir">collaboration</a>&nbsp;with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

Trump wants apology from bishop after lecture at church service

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A female student was killed and another student was wounded Wednesday in a shooting in a Nashville high school cafeteria, nearly two years after another deadly school shooting in the city that ignited an emotional debate about gun control in Tennessee.

The 17-year-old shooter, who was also a student at Antioch High School, later shot and killed himself with a handgun, Metro Nashville Police spokesperson Don Aaron said during a news conference. Police identified him as Solomon Henderson.

Police Chief John Drake said the shooter “confronted” a 16-year-old female student in the cafeteria and opened fire, killing her. Police identified her as Josselin Corea Escalante. Drake said police are looking into a motive and whether he targeted the specific students he shot.

The male student who was wounded suffered a graze and was treated and released from the hospital, Drake said. Another student was taken to a hospital for treatment of a facial injury that happened during a fall, Aaron said.

There were two school resource officers in the building when the shooting happened around 11 a.m. CDT, Aaron said. They were not in the immediate vicinity of the cafeteria and by the time they got down there the shooting was over and the gunman had killed himself, Aaron said.

The school has about 2,000 students and is located in Antioch, a neighborhood about 10 miles (16 kilometers) southeast of downtown Nashville.

At a family safety center close to a hospital, officials were helping shocked parents to reunite with their children.

Dajuan Bernard was waiting at a Mapco service station to reunite with his son, a 10th grader, who was being held in the auditorium with other students on Wednesday afternoon. He first heard of the shooting from his son who “was a little startled,” Bernard said. His son was upstairs from the cafeteria but said he heard the gunfire.

“He was OK and let me know that everything was OK,” Bernard said.

“This world is so crazy, it could happen anywhere," he said. "We’ve just got to protect the kids, and raise the kids right to prevent them from even doing this. That’s the hardest part.”

Fonda Abner, whose granddaughter is a student at the school, said Antioch High does not have metal detectors that would alert officials to the presence of a gun. She said her granddaughter had called her a couple of times but that she only heard commotion and thought it was a pocket dial. They spoke briefly before being cut off.

“It’s nerve-wracking waiting out here,” Abner said.

Adrienne Battle, superintendent of Nashville schools, said public schools have implemented a “range of safety measures," including partnerships with police for school resource officers, security cameras with weapon-detection software, shatter-resistant film for glass, and security vestibules that are a barrier between outside visitors and the main entrance.

“Unfortunately, these measures were not enough to stop this tragedy,” Battle said.

She noted that there are questions about whether stationary metal detectors should be considered.

“While past research has shown they have had limitations and unintended consequences, we will continue to explore emerging technologies and strategies to strengthen school safety,” Battle said.

In October, a 16-year-old Antioch High School student was arrested after school resource officers and school officials discovered through social media that he had taken a gun to school the prior day. When he was stopped the following morning, officials found a loaded gun in his pants, police said.

Wednesday’s school shooting comes nearly two years after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nashville-school-shooting-covenant-school-03aa394109a5e682877403c0c3e52aa7">a shooter opened fire at a separate Nashville private elementary school</a>&nbsp;and killed six people, including three children.

The tragedy prompted a monthslong effort among hundreds of community organizers, families, protesters and many more pleading with lawmakers to consider passing gun control measures in response to the shooting.

However, in a Republican-dominant state, GOP lawmakers refused to do so. With the Republican supermajority intact after November’s election, it’s unlikely attitudes have changed enough to consider any meaningful bills that would address gun control.

Instead, lawmakers have been more open to adding more security to schools — including passing a bill last year that would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tennessee-arming-teachers-guns-2d7d80fa1f54f8f9585a6d2e98fec9fd">allow some teachers and staff to carry concealed handguns on public school grounds</a>, and bar parents and other teachers from knowing who was armed.

Antioch, a growing and diverse area of Nashville, has endured other prominent shootings in recent years. A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f56b445a4e54468caff28c1844c55aa4">2017 fatal shooting</a>&nbsp;at Burnette Chapel Church of Christ killed one woman and wounded seven people. And in 2018, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/b0da52acd5374c28a2495291b0819387">shooter killed four people at a Waffle House</a>.

State Rep. Shaundelle Brooks ran for office in large part due to her son’s death in the Waffle House shooting and was elected last year after the Covenant shooting. She said the Antioch High shooting reinforces the need for gun control reforms. “We must do better,” she said.

“Ever since I lost my son, Akilah, in a mass shooting in 2018, I have been fighting to ensure this never happens again,” the Nashville Democrat said in a statement. “Here we are almost 7 years later, and our communities are still being impacted by gun violence.”

Samantha Dickerson had taken her 14-year-old son’s phone away as a punishment, so when she got a message from his school about the shooting, she had no way to reach him.

“I was nervous,” she said. “I really was about to break down.”

After about three hours of waiting, she finally got a call from his English teacher and spoke with her son.

“When I heard his voice, I just broke down and started crying,” she said.

Associated Press writers Kimberlee Kruesi in Nashville and Adrian Sainz in Memphis, Tennessee, contributed.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A female student was killed and another student was wounded Wednesday in shooting in a Nashville high school cafeteria, police said.

The 17-year-old shooter, who was also a student at Antioch High School, later shot and killed himself, Metro Nashville Police spokesperson Don Aaron said during a news conference.

The student who was wounded in the shooting suffered a graze, Aaron said.

A spokesperson for Vanderbilt University Medical Center told TV station News 2 that another student was taken to Vanderbilt Pediatrics for treatment of an eye injury that happened after the shooting.

Aaron said there were two school resource officers in the building when the shooting happened. They were not in the immediate vicinity of the cafeteria where the shooting took place, and by the time they got down there, the shooting had stopped and the shooter had used a handgun to kill himself, Aaron said.

School officials asked parents not to go to the high school to pick up their children but to go to a nearby hospital instead. Students were being bused there as they were released from the school by police.

At the hospital being used as a reunification center, officials were helping shocked parents to get back with their children.

Dajuan Bernard was waiting at a Mapco service station to reunite with his son, a 10th grader, who was being held in the auditorium with other students on Wednesday afternoon. He first heard of the shooting from his son who “was a little startled,” Bernard said. His son was upstairs from where it took place but said he heard the gunfire.

“His mom wants to homeschool anyway, so I don’t know. We might consider it,” he said. “This world is so crazy, it could happen anywhere. We’ve just got to protect the kids, and raise the kids right to prevent them from even doing this. That’s the hardest part.”

Antioch has endured other prominent shootings in recent years. A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f56b445a4e54468caff28c1844c55aa4">2017 fatal shooting</a>&nbsp;at Burnette Chapel Church of Christ killed one woman and wounded seven people. And in 2018, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/b0da52acd5374c28a2495291b0819387">shooter killed four people at a Waffle House</a>.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Authorities say one person is dead and two others have been wounded by gunfire at a Nashville high school.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center spokesperson John Howser says one person is dead after the shooting at Antioch High School on Wednesday. Howser says two others were taken to the hospital with injuries.

The school has about 2,000 students and is located in a neighborhood of Nashville about 10 miles (16 kilometers) southeast of downtown.

The shooter is believed to have shot two students before shooting themself, according to spolice spokesperson April Weatherly, who could not immediately say if the shooter was a student.

School officials are asking parents not to go to the high school to pick up their children. They were asked to go to a nearby hospital instead. Students will be bused there as they are released from the school by police.

The FBI in Nashville referred questions to the Metro Nashville Police Department, which is leading the investigation, spokesperson Elizabeth Clement-Webb said in an email. She said Nashville police had not asked for the FBI's help in the investigation as of early Wednesday afternoon.

School shootings have been top of mind in Nashville. In March 2023, a shooter&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nashville-covenant-school-shooting-children-killed-75c11745c54edb9691f3d41455de11c5">killed three 9-year-olds and three adults</a>&nbsp;at a private Christian elementary school in the city, The Covenant School.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — At least two students were wounded by gunfire at a Nashville high school Wednesday but the situation has been contained, police said.&nbsp;

Metro Nashville Police spokesperson April Weatherly could not immediately provide details of the conditions of those who were shot at Antioch High School.

The shooter is believed to have shot two students before shooting themself, according to Weatherly, who could not immediately say if the shooter was a student.

The FBI in Nashville referred questions to the Metro Nashville Police Department, which is leading the investigation, spokesperson Elizabeth Clement-Webb said in an email. She did not immediately confirm if the FBI has been asked to help with the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737571069866.jpeg" alt="Photo Metro Nashville Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Metro Nashville Police</figcaption>
 </figure>NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A female student was killed and another student was wounded Wednesday in a shooting in a Nashville high school cafeteria, nearly two years after another deadly school shooting in the city that ignited an emotional debate about gun control in Tennessee.The 17-year-old shooter, who was also a student at Antioch High School, later shot and killed himself with a handgun, Metro Nashville Police spokesperson Don Aaron said during a news conference. Police identified him as Solomon Henderson.Police Chief John Drake said the shooter “confronted” a 16-year-old female student in the cafeteria and opened fire, killing her. Police identified her as Josselin Corea Escalante. Drake said police are looking into a motive and whether he targeted the specific students he shot.The male student who was wounded suffered a graze and was treated and released from the hospital, Drake said. Another student was taken to a hospital for treatment of a facial injury that happened during a fall, Aaron said.There were two school resource officers in the building when the shooting happened around 11 a.m. CDT, Aaron said. They were not in the immediate vicinity of the cafeteria and by the time they got down there the shooting was over and the gunman had killed himself, Aaron said.The school has about 2,000 students and is located in Antioch, a neighborhood about 10 miles (16 kilometers) southeast of downtown Nashville.At a family safety center close to a hospital, officials were helping shocked parents to reunite with their children.Dajuan Bernard was waiting at a Mapco service station to reunite with his son, a 10th grader, who was being held in the auditorium with other students on Wednesday afternoon. He first heard of the shooting from his son who “was a little startled,” Bernard said. His son was upstairs from the cafeteria but said he heard the gunfire.“He was OK and let me know that everything was OK,” Bernard said.“This world is so crazy, it could happen anywhere," he said. "We’ve just got to protect the kids, and raise the kids right to prevent them from even doing this. That’s the hardest part.”Fonda Abner, whose granddaughter is a student at the school, said Antioch High does not have metal detectors that would alert officials to the presence of a gun. She said her granddaughter had called her a couple of times but that she only heard commotion and thought it was a pocket dial. They spoke briefly before being cut off.“It’s nerve-wracking waiting out here,” Abner said.Adrienne Battle, superintendent of Nashville schools, said public schools have implemented a “range of safety measures," including partnerships with police for school resource officers, security cameras with weapon-detection software, shatter-resistant film for glass, and security vestibules that are a barrier between outside visitors and the main entrance.“Unfortunately, these measures were not enough to stop this tragedy,” Battle said.She noted that there are questions about whether stationary metal detectors should be considered.“While past research has shown they have had limitations and unintended consequences, we will continue to explore emerging technologies and strategies to strengthen school safety,” Battle said.In October, a 16-year-old Antioch High School student was arrested after school resource officers and school officials discovered through social media that he had taken a gun to school the prior day. When he was stopped the following morning, officials found a loaded gun in his pants, police said.Wednesday’s school shooting comes nearly two years after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nashville-school-shooting-covenant-school-03aa394109a5e682877403c0c3e52aa7">a shooter opened fire at a separate Nashville private elementary school</a>&nbsp;and killed six people, including three children.The tragedy prompted a monthslong effort among hundreds of community organizers, families, protesters and many more pleading with lawmakers to consider passing gun control measures in response to the shooting.However, in a Republican-dominant state, GOP lawmakers refused to do so. With the Republican supermajority intact after November’s election, it’s unlikely attitudes have changed enough to consider any meaningful bills that would address gun control.Instead, lawmakers have been more open to adding more security to schools — including passing a bill last year that would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tennessee-arming-teachers-guns-2d7d80fa1f54f8f9585a6d2e98fec9fd">allow some teachers and staff to carry concealed handguns on public school grounds</a>, and bar parents and other teachers from knowing who was armed.Antioch, a growing and diverse area of Nashville, has endured other prominent shootings in recent years. A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f56b445a4e54468caff28c1844c55aa4">2017 fatal shooting</a>&nbsp;at Burnette Chapel Church of Christ killed one woman and wounded seven people. And in 2018, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/b0da52acd5374c28a2495291b0819387">shooter killed four people at a Waffle House</a>.State Rep. Shaundelle Brooks ran for office in large part due to her son’s death in the Waffle House shooting and was elected last year after the Covenant shooting. She said the Antioch High shooting reinforces the need for gun control reforms. “We must do better,” she said.“Ever since I lost my son, Akilah, in a mass shooting in 2018, I have been fighting to ensure this never happens again,” the Nashville Democrat said in a statement. “Here we are almost 7 years later, and our communities are still being impacted by gun violence.”Samantha Dickerson had taken her 14-year-old son’s phone away as a punishment, so when she got a message from his school about the shooting, she had no way to reach him.“I was nervous,” she said. “I really was about to break down.”After about three hours of waiting, she finally got a call from his English teacher and spoke with her son.“When I heard his voice, I just broke down and started crying,” she said.___Associated Press writers Kimberlee Kruesi in Nashville and Adrian Sainz in Memphis, Tennessee, contributed.------------NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A female student was killed and another student was wounded Wednesday in shooting in a Nashville high school cafeteria, police said.The 17-year-old shooter, who was also a student at Antioch High School, later shot and killed himself, Metro Nashville Police spokesperson Don Aaron said during a news conference.The student who was wounded in the shooting suffered a graze, Aaron said.A spokesperson for Vanderbilt University Medical Center told TV station News 2 that another student was taken to Vanderbilt Pediatrics for treatment of an eye injury that happened after the shooting.Aaron said there were two school resource officers in the building when the shooting happened. They were not in the immediate vicinity of the cafeteria where the shooting took place, and by the time they got down there, the shooting had stopped and the shooter had used a handgun to kill himself, Aaron said.The school has about 2,000 students and is located in Antioch, a neighborhood about 10 miles (16 kilometers) southeast of downtown Nashville.School officials asked parents not to go to the high school to pick up their children but to go to a nearby hospital instead. Students were being bused there as they were released from the school by police.At the hospital being used as a reunification center, officials were helping shocked parents to get back with their children.Dajuan Bernard was waiting at a Mapco service station to reunite with his son, a 10th grader, who was being held in the auditorium with other students on Wednesday afternoon. He first heard of the shooting from his son who “was a little startled,” Bernard said. His son was upstairs from where it took place but said he heard the gunfire.“He was OK and let me know that everything was OK,” Bernard said.“His mom wants to homeschool anyway, so I don’t know. We might consider it,” he said. “This world is so crazy, it could happen anywhere. We’ve just got to protect the kids, and raise the kids right to prevent them from even doing this. That’s the hardest part.”Wednesday’s school shooting comes nearly two years after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nashville-school-shooting-covenant-school-03aa394109a5e682877403c0c3e52aa7">a shooter opened fire at a separate Nashville private elementary school</a>&nbsp;and killed six people, including three children.The tragedy prompted a monthslong effort among hundreds of community organizers, families, protesters and many more pleading with lawmakers to consider passing gun control measures in response to the shooting.However, in a Republican-dominant state, GOP lawmakers refused to do so. With the Republican supermajority intact after November’s election, it’s unlikely attitudes have changed enough to consider any meaningful bills that would address gun control.Instead, lawmakers have been more open to adding more security to schools — including passing a bill last year that would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tennessee-arming-teachers-guns-2d7d80fa1f54f8f9585a6d2e98fec9fd">allow some teachers and staff to carry concealed handguns on public school grounds</a>, and bar parents and other teachers from knowing who was armed.Antioch has endured other prominent shootings in recent years. A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f56b445a4e54468caff28c1844c55aa4">2017 fatal shooting</a>&nbsp;at Burnette Chapel Church of Christ killed one woman and wounded seven people. And in 2018, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/b0da52acd5374c28a2495291b0819387">shooter killed four people at a Waffle House</a>.-----------NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Authorities say one person is dead and two others have been wounded by gunfire at a Nashville high school.Vanderbilt University Medical Center spokesperson John Howser says one person is dead after the shooting at Antioch High School on Wednesday. Howser says two others were taken to the hospital with injuries.The school has about 2,000 students and is located in a neighborhood of Nashville about 10 miles (16 kilometers) southeast of downtown.The shooter is believed to have shot two students before shooting themself, according to spolice spokesperson April Weatherly, who could not immediately say if the shooter was a student.School officials are asking parents not to go to the high school to pick up their children. They were asked to go to a nearby hospital instead. Students will be bused there as they are released from the school by police.The FBI in Nashville referred questions to the Metro Nashville Police Department, which is leading the investigation, spokesperson Elizabeth Clement-Webb said in an email. She said Nashville police had not asked for the FBI's help in the investigation as of early Wednesday afternoon.School shootings have been top of mind in Nashville. In March 2023, a shooter&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nashville-covenant-school-shooting-children-killed-75c11745c54edb9691f3d41455de11c5">killed three 9-year-olds and three adults</a>&nbsp;at a private Christian elementary school in the city, The Covenant School.-----------NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — At least two students were wounded by gunfire at a Nashville high school Wednesday but the situation has been contained, police said.&nbsp;Metro Nashville Police spokesperson April Weatherly could not immediately provide details of the conditions of those who were shot at Antioch High School.The shooter is believed to have shot two students before shooting themself, according to Weatherly, who could not immediately say if the shooter was a student.School officials are asking parents not to go to the high school to pick up their children. They were asked to go to a nearby hospital instead. Students will be bused there as they are released from the school by police.The FBI in Nashville referred questions to the Metro Nashville Police Department, which is leading the investigation, spokesperson Elizabeth Clement-Webb said in an email. She did not immediately confirm if the FBI has been asked to help with the investigation.

Police: Student killed in shooting at Tennessee high school 

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday talked up a joint venture investing up to $500 billion for infrastructure tied to artificial intelligence by a new partnership formed by OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank.

The new entity, Stargate, will start building out data centers and the electricity generation needed for the further development of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/artificial-intelligence">fast-evolving AI</a>&nbsp;in Texas, according to the White House. The initial investment is expected to be $100 billion and could reach five times that sum.

“It’s big money and high quality people,” said Trump, adding that it’s “a resounding declaration of confidence in America’s potential” under his new administration.

Joining Trump fresh off his inauguration at the White House were Masayoshi Son of SoftBank, Sam Altman of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/openai-inc">OpenAI</a>&nbsp;and Larry Ellison of Oracle. All three credited Trump for helping to make the project possible, even though building has already started and the project goes back to 2024.

“This will be the most important project of this era,” said Altman, CEO of OpenAI.

Ellison noted that the data centers are already under construction with 10 being built so far. The chairman of Oracle suggested that the project was also tied to digital health records and would make it easier to treat diseases such as cancer by possibly developing a customized vaccine.

“This is the beginning of golden age,” said Son, referencing Trump’s statement that the U.S. would be in a “golden age” with him back in the White House.

Son, a billionaire based in Japan, already committed in December to invest&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-softbank-investment-us-8df47668f894b5d922839d98887bbb0e">$100 billion in U.S. projects</a>&nbsp;over the next four years. He previously committed to $50 billion in new investments ahead of Trump’s first term, which included a large stake in the troubled office-sharing company WeWork.

While Trump has seized on similar announcements to show that his presidency is boosting the economy, there were already expectations of a massive buildout in data centers and electricity plants needed for the development of AI, which holds the promise of increasing productivity by automating work but also the risk of displacing jobs if poorly implemented.

The initial plans for Stargate go back to the Biden administration. Tech news outlet The Information first reported on the project in March 2024. OpenAI has long relied on Microsoft data centers to build its AI systems, but it has increasingly signaled an interest in building its own data centers.

OpenAI wrote in a letter to the Biden administration’s Commerce Department last fall that planning and permitting for such projects “can be lengthy and complex, particularly for energy infrastructure.”

Other partners in the project include Microsoft, investor MGX and the chipmakers Arm and NVIDIA, according to separate statements by Oracle and OpenAI.

The push to build data centers predates Trump’s presidency. Last October, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.blackstone.com/insights/article/the-convergence-of-data-centers-and-power-a-generational-investment-opportunity-the-connection/" target="_blank">financial company Blackstone</a>&nbsp;estimated that the U.S. would see $1 trillion invested in data centers over five years, with another $1 trillion being committed internationally.

Those estimates for investments suggest that much of the new capital will go through Stargate as OpenAI has established itself as a sector leader with the 2022 launch of its ChatGPT, a chatbot that captivated the public imagination with its ability to answer complex questions and perform basic business tasks.

The White House has put an emphasis on making it easier to build out new electricity generation in anticipation of AI’s expansion, knowing that the United States is in a competitive race against China to develop a technology increasingly being adopted by businesses.

Still, the regulatory outlook for AI remains somewhat uncertain as Trump on Monday overturned&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-ai-artificial-intelligence-executive-order-cb86162000d894f238f28ac029005059">the 2023 order</a>&nbsp;signed by then-President Joe Biden to create safety standards and watermarking of AI-generated content, among other goals, in hopes of putting guardrails on the technology’s possible risks to national security and economic well-being.

CBS News first reported that Trump would be announcing the AI investment.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-openai-lawsuit-sam-altman-chatgpt-36bc55dbb8b4f9e1e5675ff7564e5fa0">Trump supporter Elon Musk,</a>&nbsp;worth more than $400 billion, was an early investor in OpenAI but has since challenged its move to for-profit status and has started his own AI company, xAI. Musk is also in charge of the “Department of Government Efficiency” created formally on Monday by Trump with the goal of reducing government spending.

Trump previously in January announced a $20 billion investment by DAMAC Properties in the United Arab Emirates to build data centers tied to AI.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737498403621.png" alt="Joining President Trump at the White House were&nbsp; Larry Ellison of Oracle,&nbsp;Masayoshi Son of SoftBank and Sam Altman of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/openai-inc">OpenAI</a>-image from CSPAN video" />
 <figcaption>Joining President Trump at the White House were&nbsp; Larry Ellison of Oracle,&nbsp;Masayoshi Son of SoftBank and Sam Altman of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/openai-inc">OpenAI</a>-image from CSPAN video</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday talked up a joint venture investing up to $500 billion for infrastructure tied to artificial intelligence by a new partnership formed by OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump: &quot;Together these world leading technology giants are announcing the formation of Stargate...a new American company that will invest $500 billion at least in AI infrastructure in the United States...creating over 100,000 American jobs.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/tZiFZFtXjP">pic.twitter.com/tZiFZFtXjP</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881832275689509125?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The new entity, Stargate, will start building out data centers and the electricity generation needed for the further development of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/artificial-intelligence">fast-evolving AI</a>&nbsp;in Texas, according to the White House. The initial investment is expected to be $100 billion and could reach five times that sum.“It’s big money and high quality people,” said Trump, adding that it’s “a resounding declaration of confidence in America’s potential” under his new administration.Joining Trump fresh off his inauguration at the White House were Masayoshi Son of SoftBank, Sam Altman of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/openai-inc">OpenAI</a>&nbsp;and Larry Ellison of Oracle. All three credited Trump for helping to make the project possible, even though building has already started and the project goes back to 2024.“This will be the most important project of this era,” said Altman, CEO of OpenAI.Ellison noted that the data centers are already under construction with 10 being built so far. The chairman of Oracle suggested that the project was also tied to digital health records and would make it easier to treat diseases such as cancer by possibly developing a customized vaccine.“This is the beginning of golden age,” said Son, referencing Trump’s statement that the U.S. would be in a “golden age” with him back in the White House.Son, a billionaire based in Japan, already committed in December to invest&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-softbank-investment-us-8df47668f894b5d922839d98887bbb0e">$100 billion in U.S. projects</a>&nbsp;over the next four years. He previously committed to $50 billion in new investments ahead of Trump’s first term, which included a large stake in the troubled office-sharing company WeWork.While Trump has seized on similar announcements to show that his presidency is boosting the economy, there were already expectations of a massive buildout in data centers and electricity plants needed for the development of AI, which holds the promise of increasing productivity by automating work but also the risk of displacing jobs if poorly implemented.The initial plans for Stargate go back to the Biden administration. Tech news outlet The Information first reported on the project in March 2024. OpenAI has long relied on Microsoft data centers to build its AI systems, but it has increasingly signaled an interest in building its own data centers.OpenAI wrote in a letter to the Biden administration’s Commerce Department last fall that planning and permitting for such projects “can be lengthy and complex, particularly for energy infrastructure.”Other partners in the project include Microsoft, investor MGX and the chipmakers Arm and NVIDIA, according to separate statements by Oracle and OpenAI.The push to build data centers predates Trump’s presidency. Last October, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.blackstone.com/insights/article/the-convergence-of-data-centers-and-power-a-generational-investment-opportunity-the-connection/" target="_blank">financial company Blackstone</a>&nbsp;estimated that the U.S. would see $1 trillion invested in data centers over five years, with another $1 trillion being committed internationally.Those estimates for investments suggest that much of the new capital will go through Stargate as OpenAI has established itself as a sector leader with the 2022 launch of its ChatGPT, a chatbot that captivated the public imagination with its ability to answer complex questions and perform basic business tasks.The White House has put an emphasis on making it easier to build out new electricity generation in anticipation of AI’s expansion, knowing that the United States is in a competitive race against China to develop a technology increasingly being adopted by businesses.Still, the regulatory outlook for AI remains somewhat uncertain as Trump on Monday overturned&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-ai-artificial-intelligence-executive-order-cb86162000d894f238f28ac029005059">the 2023 order</a>&nbsp;signed by then-President Joe Biden to create safety standards and watermarking of AI-generated content, among other goals, in hopes of putting guardrails on the technology’s possible risks to national security and economic well-being.CBS News first reported that Trump would be announcing the AI investment.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-openai-lawsuit-sam-altman-chatgpt-36bc55dbb8b4f9e1e5675ff7564e5fa0">Trump supporter Elon Musk,</a>&nbsp;worth more than $400 billion, was an early investor in OpenAI but has since challenged its move to for-profit status and has started his own AI company, xAI. Musk is also in charge of the “Department of Government Efficiency” created formally on Monday by Trump with the goal of reducing government spending.Trump previously in January announced a $20 billion investment by DAMAC Properties in the United Arab Emirates to build data centers tied to AI.

Stargate: $500 billion AI infrastructure investment in the US

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man has been charged with two felonies in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred near East 17th Street and Cambridge Avenue on October 23, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

Mikael Hickman-Perry, 19,&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2483/Afterhours-Complaint-Packet-Hickman-Perry">faces Murder in the 2nd Degree and Armed Criminal Action</a>.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2482/Hickman-PerryMikael-PC-Statement_Redacted">According to court records</a>, officers located a teen victim suffering from trauma to his head on East 17th Street and Cambridge Avenue. Witnesses on the scene described hearing an argument and then multiple gunshots.

Family of the victim said he was last seen leaving the residence with the Hickman-Perry who is known to drive a red/orange Jeep Renegade. Security cameras pointed toward the crime scene showed a red/orange Jeep Renegade arrive on scene and then it’s seen fleeing the scene.&nbsp;

When detectives located the vehicle, they observed what appeared to be blood spatter on the ceiling of the Renegade. Detectives later obtained a search warrant for the vehicle and found large amounts of blood on the inside of the vehicle and signs that someone was attempting to clean it.&nbsp;

A friend of the defendant provided a statement to detectives and said on the day of the fatal shooting, the defendant returned home and said he was out with friends smoking and asked to see a gun. He said the person they were with started acting crazy and then he said everything went left, but he would not elaborate on what that meant.&nbsp;

Another individual received a video from the victim recording himself in the passenger seat of the Renegade and a Black male in the driver’s seat, close to the time witnesses say they heard the argument and shooting.&nbsp;

The Jackson County Medical Examiner found lacerations and gun muzzle strike marks on the left side of the victim’s scalp during the body exam. The victim also suffered two apparent gunshot wounds, one to the center of the back and one grazing the left shoulder.&nbsp;

Hickman-Perry is in custody on a $100,000 bond.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737147184195.png" alt="Hickman-Perry -photo Jackson&nbsp; County" />
 <figcaption>Hickman-Perry -photo Jackson&nbsp; County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man has been charged with two felonies in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred near East 17th Street and Cambridge Avenue on October 23, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.Mikael Hickman-Perry, 19,&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2483/Afterhours-Complaint-Packet-Hickman-Perry">faces Murder in the 2nd Degree and Armed Criminal Action</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2482/Hickman-PerryMikael-PC-Statement_Redacted">According to court records</a>, officers located a teen victim suffering from trauma to his head on East 17th Street and Cambridge Avenue. Witnesses on the scene described hearing an argument and then multiple gunshots.Family of the victim said he was last seen leaving the residence with the Hickman-Perry who is known to drive a red/orange Jeep Renegade. Security cameras pointed toward the crime scene showed a red/orange Jeep Renegade arrive on scene and then it’s seen fleeing the scene.&nbsp;When detectives located the vehicle, they observed what appeared to be blood spatter on the ceiling of the Renegade. Detectives later obtained a search warrant for the vehicle and found large amounts of blood on the inside of the vehicle and signs that someone was attempting to clean it.&nbsp;A friend of the defendant provided a statement to detectives and said on the day of the fatal shooting, the defendant returned home and said he was out with friends smoking and asked to see a gun. He said the person they were with started acting crazy and then he said everything went left, but he would not elaborate on what that meant.&nbsp;Another individual received a video from the victim recording himself in the passenger seat of the Renegade and a Black male in the driver’s seat, close to the time witnesses say they heard the argument and shooting.&nbsp;The Jackson County Medical Examiner found lacerations and gun muzzle strike marks on the left side of the victim’s scalp during the body exam. The victim also suffered two apparent gunshot wounds, one to the center of the back and one grazing the left shoulder.&nbsp;Hickman-Perry is in custody on a $100,000 bond.&nbsp;

Court records: Suspect tried to clean vehicle after killing KC teen

WASHINGTON (AP) — At the inaugural prayer service, the Right Rev. Mariann Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington, made a direct appeal to President Donald Trump to have mercy on the LGBTQ+ community and undocumented migrant workers.

Referencing Trump’s belief that he was saved by God from assassination, Budde said, “You have felt the providential hand of a loving God. In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now.”

When he returned to the White House, Trump was asked about the sermon.

“Not too exciting, was it?” the president said as he walked with staff toward the Oval Office. “I didn’t think it was a good service. They could do much better."

The Washington National Cathedral service was largely focused on national unity. Trump and Vice President JD Vance were in attendance with their families, along with House Speaker Mike Johnson and Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth.

Notably absent from the invited clergy with speaking roles were conservative evangelicals, who are among President Trump’s strongest supporters.

In attendance were Robert Jeffress, a longtime Trump supporter and pastor of Dallas’ First Baptist Church; Paula White-Cain, a televangelist and key spiritual adviser during Trump’s first term; and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-sewell-benediction-king-dream-a9550188ef39184a2d5fd14b67843a28">Lorenzo Sewell</a>, the pastor of Detroit’s 180 Church who gave a spirited benediction at Monday’s inauguration.

The Washington National Cathedral has hosted 10 official inaugural prayer services for presidents of both parties. The tradition dates back to 1933.

“We are in a unique moment in our country’s history, and it is time to approach this differently,” said the Very Rev. Randy Hollerith, dean of the Episcopal cathedral, in an October statement.

“This will be a service for all Americans, for the well-being of our nation, for our democracy.”

Sermons at inaugural services have often been given by ministers aligned with the incoming administration. In 2021, the Rev. William Barber, a progressive civil rights leader, preached before President Joe Biden at the cathedral.

Budde, who gave this year’s sermon, has joined other cathedral leaders in criticizing Trump previously,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2d1c74038bbe48a4af2e0807a5b49e52">rebuking</a>&nbsp;his “racialized rhetoric” and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/faith-leaders-including-trump-allies-condemn-capitol-riot-958fbf612ab94cd9fa1f0f3738eb90dc">blaming</a>&nbsp;him for inciting violence on Jan. 6, 2021.

Budde was “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-us-news-ap-top-news-mn-state-wire-politics-09f54acd0aadf861ea3aadc5b79c0fd8">outraged</a>&nbsp;” in 2020 after Trump staged an appearance in front of St. John’s Episcopal Church, which is near the White House. He held up a Bible after the area had been cleared of peaceful protesters.

The tenor sang “Ave Maria,” a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-town-hall-concern-dancing-24290775c8e11223fde1d440a7a5cf7c">favorite song</a>&nbsp;of Trump and one that Macchio sang at a Trump rally and the Republican National Convention.

Trump also thanked many of the clergy who participated as they processed past him — except for Budde, whom he did not acknowledge.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737484844419.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — At the inaugural prayer service, the Right Rev. Mariann Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington, made a direct appeal to President Donald Trump to have mercy on the LGBTQ+ community and undocumented migrant workers.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde: &quot;The vast majority of immigrants are not criminals. They pay taxes and are good neighbors...may I ask you to have mercy Mr. President on those in our communities whose children fear that their parents will be taken away.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/iXaHJrPsof">pic.twitter.com/iXaHJrPsof</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881761682944397728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Referencing Trump’s belief that he was saved by God from assassination, Budde said, “You have felt the providential hand of a loving God. In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now.”The Trump administration has already issued executive orders rolling back&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-sex-gender-transgender-dei-order-245350b97e0c4dcc221fefc49ef44699">transgender rights</a>&nbsp;and toughening&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-deportation-immigration-homan-asylum-inauguration-ac10480dc636b758ab3c435b974aeb19">immigration policies</a>.When he returned to the White House, Trump was asked about the sermon.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump following National Prayer Service: &quot;Not too exciting, was it. I didn&#39;t think it was a good service. No...They can do much better.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/iNpWGKaXhN">pic.twitter.com/iNpWGKaXhN</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881789668427006443?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Not too exciting, was it?” the president said as he walked with staff toward the Oval Office. “I didn’t think it was a good service. They could do much better."The Washington National Cathedral service was largely focused on national unity. Trump and Vice President JD Vance were in attendance with their families, along with House Speaker Mike Johnson and Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth.In her sermon, Budde said they gathered “to pray for unity as a people and a nation — not for agreement, political or otherwise — but for the kind of unity that fosters community across diversity and division.”She added, “Unity is not partisan.”<h2>Evangelicals were at the service but not on the program</h2>More than a dozen religious leaders spoke during the interfaith service, including those from Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu traditions.Notably absent from the invited clergy with speaking roles were conservative evangelicals, who are among President Trump’s strongest supporters.Nonetheless, some of those evangelical supporters were in the pews.In attendance were Robert Jeffress, a longtime Trump supporter and pastor of Dallas’ First Baptist Church; Paula White-Cain, a televangelist and key spiritual adviser during Trump’s first term; and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-sewell-benediction-king-dream-a9550188ef39184a2d5fd14b67843a28">Lorenzo Sewell</a>, the pastor of Detroit’s 180 Church who gave a spirited benediction at Monday’s inauguration.<h2>A new kind of inaugural prayer service</h2>The Washington National Cathedral has hosted 10 official inaugural prayer services for presidents of both parties. The tradition dates back to 1933.The latest service had a different emphasis than previous ones. Its focus was on the nation instead of the new administration — a plan made before Election Day.“We are in a unique moment in our country’s history, and it is time to approach this differently,” said the Very Rev. Randy Hollerith, dean of the Episcopal cathedral, in an October statement.“This will be a service for all Americans, for the well-being of our nation, for our democracy.”The texts and songs revolved around themes of compassion and togetherness, including a reading from Deuteronomy 10:17-21, which speaks of taking care of orphans and widows and all who are in need.Sermons at inaugural services have often been given by ministers aligned with the incoming administration. In 2021, the Rev. William Barber, a progressive civil rights leader, preached before President Joe Biden at the cathedral.Budde, who gave this year’s sermon, has joined other cathedral leaders in criticizing Trump previously,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2d1c74038bbe48a4af2e0807a5b49e52">rebuking</a>&nbsp;his “racialized rhetoric” and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/faith-leaders-including-trump-allies-condemn-capitol-riot-958fbf612ab94cd9fa1f0f3738eb90dc">blaming</a>&nbsp;him for inciting violence on Jan. 6, 2021.Budde was “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-us-news-ap-top-news-mn-state-wire-politics-09f54acd0aadf861ea3aadc5b79c0fd8">outraged</a>&nbsp;” in 2020 after Trump staged an appearance in front of St. John’s Episcopal Church, which is near the White House. He held up a Bible after the area had been cleared of peaceful protesters.<h2>Music made for Trump</h2>The one part of Tuesday's service that seemed tailor-made for Trump was the inclusion of opera singer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/christopher-macchio-inauguration-national-anthem-trump-9ba855e4802789e18d3fc86b321b5e86">Christopher Macchio</a>, who also sang the national anthem at the inauguration.The tenor sang “Ave Maria,” a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-town-hall-concern-dancing-24290775c8e11223fde1d440a7a5cf7c">favorite song</a>&nbsp;of Trump and one that Macchio sang at a Trump rally and the Republican National Convention.Before the service began, Macchio performed hymns like “How Great Thou Art” and another Trump favorite, “Hallelujah,” written by Leonard Cohen.As the prayer service neared its end, Trump joined others in singing “America the Beautiful.”Trump also thanked many of the clergy who participated as they processed past him — except for Budde, whom he did not acknowledge.___

🎥Trump ambushed by bishop at inaugural prayer service

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Media

Kansas Common crude at CHS starts the week at $68.25 per barrel after dropping 75 cents on Friday. Prices in McPherson are up more than six dollars since the first of the year. Prices in New York on Monday drop another two percent from Friday's close. Near month WTI drops below $77. London Brent was fetching $80 per barrel.

Kansas regulators okayed 13 new drilling locations statewide. Of those, 12 are in western Kansas including one in Stafford County. 

Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 45 new well completions last week, including 22 east of Wichita, and 23 in the western half of the state. Barton County reports six new well completions.

The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service is 17, with seven rigs east of Wichita, down one, and ten in western Kansas, which is unchanged from a week earlier. The tally is down more than 48% from a month ago and down more than 51% from a year ago. 

Drilling was underway Friday on leases in Ellis and Stafford counties.

Baker Hughes reports a U.S. rig count of 580, down two oil rigs and two gas rigs. The breakout for horizontal rigs was down seven rigs. The tally in North Dakota is down by four rigs.

Cold, consolidation, and wildfires are skewing production statistics in North Dakota. 

The number three crude-producing state last week reported output over 1.2 million barrels a day for the month of November, up eleven percent from the month before. The spike comes on the heels of a lull in October brought on by raging wildfires, according to the state's Department of Mineral Resources. 

Natural gas production rose 1.4% and the gas-capture rate returned to 95% after a brief downturn the month before. But current operations and output are taking a pounding from frigid temperatures. Reuters reports the state's production today is down more than 12 percent due to extreme cold weather and related operational challenges.

The oil patch in The Lone Star State boasts record production totals, pumping nearly half of the national crude-oil tally. They also set records for taxes and royalties, paving a lot of roads, and paying for a lot of tuition. The industry shelled out a record over $27 billion in taxes and royalties last year. 

The state's biggest trade group, the Texas Oil and Gas Association, says they beat the previous record by over a billion dollars. TXOGA president Todd Staples calls it the direct result of "...policy, partnerships and perseverance.”

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) says crude production dropped below 13.5 million barrels a day last week for the first time since late November. Current output is 13,481,000 barrels per day. Four-week average output remains above 13.5 million.&nbsp; 

In a new forecast, EIA expects output to top 13.5 million for the entire year this year, &nbsp;and surpass13.6 million barrels per day next year.

The Energy Department adds half a million barrels to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. That's nearly 39 million barrels in the last year at refill prices $15 cheaper that what we sold it for. The government says commercial crude inventories dropped by two million barrels to 412.7 million. EIA reports stockpiles are about six percent below the five-year seasonal average.

We import more crude-oil than we export by more than two million barrels a day. 

The Energy Information Administration reports domestic crude imports dropped by 304-thousand barrels a day to 6.1 million.&nbsp; The four-week average is down 3.3% from a year ago.&nbsp; EIA reports crude imports are down 1.3 million daily barrels from a year ago, and 700,ooo less than two years ago. 

Exports average four million barrels a day, down a million from a year ago, but up 200,000 barrels a day from the same week two years ago.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684775008059.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Media Kansas Common crude at CHS starts the week at $68.25 per barrel after dropping 75 cents on Friday. Prices in McPherson are up more than six dollars since the first of the year. Prices in New York on Monday drop another two percent from Friday's close. Near month WTI drops below $77. London Brent was fetching $80 per barrel.Kansas regulators okayed 13 new drilling locations statewide. Of those, 12 are in western Kansas including one in Stafford County. Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 45 new well completions last week, including 22 east of Wichita, and 23 in the western half of the state. Barton County reports six new well completions.The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service is 17, with seven rigs east of Wichita, down one, and ten in western Kansas, which is unchanged from a week earlier. The tally is down more than 48% from a month ago and down more than 51% from a year ago. Drilling was underway Friday on leases in Ellis and Stafford counties.Baker Hughes reports a U.S. rig count of 580, down two oil rigs and two gas rigs. The breakout for horizontal rigs was down seven rigs. The tally in North Dakota is down by four rigs.Cold, consolidation, and wildfires are skewing production statistics in North Dakota. The number three crude-producing state last week reported output over 1.2 million barrels a day for the month of November, up eleven percent from the month before. The spike comes on the heels of a lull in October brought on by raging wildfires, according to the state's Department of Mineral Resources. Natural gas production rose 1.4% and the gas-capture rate returned to 95% after a brief downturn the month before. But current operations and output are taking a pounding from frigid temperatures. Reuters reports the state's production today is down more than 12 percent due to extreme cold weather and related operational challenges.The oil patch in The Lone Star State boasts record production totals, pumping nearly half of the national crude-oil tally. They also set records for taxes and royalties, paving a lot of roads, and paying for a lot of tuition. The industry shelled out a record over $27 billion in taxes and royalties last year. The state's biggest trade group, the Texas Oil and Gas Association, says they beat the previous record by over a billion dollars. TXOGA president Todd Staples calls it the direct result of "...policy, partnerships and perseverance.”The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) says crude production dropped below 13.5 million barrels a day last week for the first time since late November. Current output is 13,481,000 barrels per day. Four-week average output remains above 13.5 million.&nbsp; In a new forecast, EIA expects output to top 13.5 million for the entire year this year, &nbsp;and surpass13.6 million barrels per day next year.The Energy Department adds half a million barrels to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. That's nearly 39 million barrels in the last year at refill prices $15 cheaper that what we sold it for. The government says commercial crude inventories dropped by two million barrels to 412.7 million. EIA reports stockpiles are about six percent below the five-year seasonal average.We import more crude-oil than we export by more than two million barrels a day. The Energy Information Administration reports domestic crude imports dropped by 304-thousand barrels a day to 6.1 million.&nbsp; The four-week average is down 3.3% from a year ago.&nbsp; EIA reports crude imports are down 1.3 million daily barrels from a year ago, and 700,ooo less than two years ago. Exports average four million barrels a day, down a million from a year ago, but up 200,000 barrels a day from the same week two years ago.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch: Cold, consolidation, wildfires skew ND stats

&nbsp;Cherine G. Ward - age 70, of Hays, Kansas
passed away on Friday, January 10, 2025, at her home. 

She was born on October 22, 1954, in
Sterling, Kansas to Truel W. Yeubanks and Gladys(Weathers.&nbsp; She married
Arlen Thad Ward on February 17, 1973, in Lyons, Kansas.

 Cherine worked at the Central Kansas
Medical Center in Great Bend for 23 years, in admissions before moving to Hays
in 2002.&nbsp; She was at Hays Medical Center for a few years, and the Viaro
Cellular Store.

Cherine grew up in the Alden, Sterling and
Lyons area, attended the Sterling Grade School, and was a 1972 graduate of
Lyons High School.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Her survivors include her husband, Thad Ward,
Hays, KS; her children, Micky Ward and Christy, Hays, Ks; Melanie Petz and
husband, Jerome, Colby, KS. and Doug Ward and wife, Candi; her sister, Cherry Rosendahl and husband,
Tom, Ellinwood, KS; her ten grandchildren; and her one great granddaughter.

 She was preceded in death by her parents,
Truel and Gladys Yeubanks; her brothers, Dennis Yeubanks; and Darrel Yeubanks;
her sisters, Karen Royer; Connie Unruh; and Julie Ann Yeubanks.

A &nbsp;Celebration of Life Gathering
will be from 1:00 to 2:30 P.M. on Friday, January 24, 2025, at Cline’s-Keithley
Mortuary of Hays.&nbsp; &nbsp;A private family inurnment will be held at a
later date.

The family suggests memorials made payable
to Arlen Thad Ward in care of Cline’s-Keithley
Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.

Condolences can be emailed to <a href="mailto:clineschapels@gmail.com">clineschapels@gmail.com</a> or
left by guestbook at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736725106603.jpeg" alt="Cherine G. Ward" />
 <figcaption>Cherine G. Ward</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Cherine G. Ward - age 70, of Hays, Kansas
passed away on Friday, January 10, 2025, at her home. She was born on October 22, 1954, in
Sterling, Kansas to Truel W. Yeubanks and Gladys(Weathers.&nbsp; She married
Arlen Thad Ward on February 17, 1973, in Lyons, Kansas. Cherine worked at the Central Kansas
Medical Center in Great Bend for 23 years, in admissions before moving to Hays
in 2002.&nbsp; She was at Hays Medical Center for a few years, and the Viaro
Cellular Store.Cherine grew up in the Alden, Sterling and
Lyons area, attended the Sterling Grade School, and was a 1972 graduate of
Lyons High School.&nbsp; &nbsp;Her survivors include her husband, Thad Ward,
Hays, KS; her children, Micky Ward and Christy, Hays, Ks; Melanie Petz and
husband, Jerome, Colby, KS. and Doug Ward and wife, Candi; her sister, Cherry Rosendahl and husband,
Tom, Ellinwood, KS; her ten grandchildren; and her one great granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her parents,
Truel and Gladys Yeubanks; her brothers, Dennis Yeubanks; and Darrel Yeubanks;
her sisters, Karen Royer; Connie Unruh; and Julie Ann Yeubanks.A &nbsp;Celebration of Life Gathering
will be from 1:00 to 2:30 P.M. on Friday, January 24, 2025, at Cline’s-Keithley
Mortuary of Hays.&nbsp; &nbsp;A private family inurnment will be held at a
later date.The family suggests memorials made payable
to Arlen Thad Ward in care of Cline’s-Keithley
Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.Condolences can be emailed to <a href="mailto:clineschapels@gmail.com">clineschapels@gmail.com</a> or
left by guestbook at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cherine G. Ward

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

After serving for more than a decade as a district court
judge in the 23rd judicial district, Judge Glenn Braun’s time on the
bench ended this week.

Braun was first appointed as a district judge in 2012 and
then was re-elected in 2016 and 2020, serving as chief judge of the 23rd
judicial district since 2016. 

He chose not to seek re-election in 2024, and his last day
was Monday, Jan. 13. Hays attorney Curtis Brown was elected in November to fill
Braun’s seat on the bench.

Braun was born in Hays in 1956 and attended many schools
throughout his youth before settling in for four years at Thomas More-Prep in
Hays while his father worked as an attorney in Garden City.

Braun, whose family is from Victoria and Schoenchen, said he
knew from a young age that he would follow in the footsteps of his
father, a well-known trial attorney.

When Braun was in sixth grade, his father took him out of
school to watch a murder trial. His father was the defense attorney in the
trial.

“I watched the trial, from the jury selection all the way to
verdict,” Braun said. “It took a week, and I was hooked. It was the best
education I could get.”

After he got his driver’s permit, he served as his dad’s
chauffeur when he was home in the summer. 

“I went and watched a lot of court at different locations,”
Braun said. “I watched him try a case in federal court. I watched him try
divorce cases way up, east (and in) northeast Kansas. So, I was his chauffeur,
and it was really, really educational.”

He also learned about the profession while playing golf in
the summers with Judge Burt Vance in Garden City. 

"He spoke to me a lot about being a lawyer because he kind
of knew that's where I was going," Braun said.

Braun’s high school graduating class was the first to attend
all four years at TMP, and he went on to graduate from Kansas State and Washburn
School of Law in Topeka, his father’s alma mater. 

While in his second year at law school, Braun took advantage
of an opportunity to work in the Ellis County Attorney’s office for Bill Jeter,
gaining valuable experience and contacts.

He graduated from law school in 1981, and two days after
taking the bar exam, he was back in Hays working for Bob Glassman.

Braun served in private practice for more than three decades, from 1981 to 2012.

He was the Ellis County Attorney from 1989 to 1997. He also
worked as a special DUI prosecutor and then Prosecutor for the City of Hays. 

Braun said serving in those positions kept him and his staff
busy and offered many opportunities. 

“Before I went on the bench, I tried over 100 jury cases,
not just DUIs, as county attorney,” Braun said. “I tried everything from rape,
arson, aggravated robbery, you name it.”

Braun also served on the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission
for seven years. He called those seven years some of the busiest of his life
because the Kansas Legislature allowed the state to own and operate casinos.

“We were involved in the opening of the first three casinos.
Dodge City was the first one. Then was Kansas City, Hollywood, and then down in
Wichita, now actually Mulvane,” Braun said. “It was a fascinating experience.”

He also hired Hays attorney Tom Drees while serving as Ellis
County Attorney. Drees served as assistant county attorney until becoming
county attorney in 1997 when Braun was appointed to the district judge
position.

Drees held that position until he was elected district
judge in the 23rd judicial district in 2020. He was re-elected this fall.

Braun has worked in the legal system for four decades, only 12 of which were as a judge, but he said that time feels like the
equivalent of 25 years. 

He experienced three significant disruptions in court services in
his decade on the bench, but they eventually worked out.

First was the Ellis County Courthouse remodel early in his
time as judge. 

"I came on board, and that was almost from day one with
Judge (Edward) Bougher, we had to figure out, first packing up and leaving the
courthouse and then moving back in,” Braun said. “We moved out in 2014, moved back into 2016, you know, that was a huge undertaking. All the planning that
went in, plus you start to do the regular job.”

Not long after settling in, Judge Bougher was offered a
senior judge position and retired. Braun then handled two dockets for
several months in 2016 before Judge Blake Bittle was appointed. 

&nbsp;Once again, things
appeared to be back to normal, and in 2019, COVID struck a “nightmare” for
Braun and the entire judicial system. 

Braun said they were tasked with abiding by administrative rules and COVID restrictions while still doing their jobs, but they were able to gain some benefits from the pandemic changes.

"You know, there's an old saying, 'Never waste a good
crisis,'" Braun said. "And a lot of good things came of it. We're doing a lot more
remote hearings, which is a great cost savings for litigants and attorneys. All of
that came into where it became more standard out of COVID."

Finally, in October 2023, a cyberattack on the Kansas Office of Judicial Administration network brought the courts' new online system to a standstill.

Braun said they had to completely reverse course, going from
a paperless, electronic-centered way of doing things back to the old paper way.

“Fortunately, the county attorney's office during that
cyberattack, had kept paper files,” Braun said. “We would get copies of
pleadings just so we could get ready for a hearing,” Braun said. 

"We would make do, and everybody cooperated to keep the
administration of justice moving forward. Not violating any ethical rules,"
Braun said. "We are very careful on that, and we got through it until we're
back up and running again."

He said he is extremely proud and impressed with how
district court staff handled the situation.

“They have weathered everything with very few complaints,”
Braun said. “I honestly can say I never heard any of them complain. They just
buckled up, and they did it.”

One of Braun’s most lasting legacies will be
helping to launch the Ellis County Recovery Court.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736961672929.jpeg" alt="Ellis County Judge Glenn Braun was honored during his final Recovery Court in January. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County Judge Glenn Braun was honored during his final Recovery Court in January. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731093059976.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostAfter serving for more than a decade as a district court
judge in the 23rd judicial district, Judge Glenn Braun’s time on the
bench ended this week.Braun was first appointed as a district judge in 2012 and
then was re-elected in 2016 and 2020, serving as chief judge of the 23rd
judicial district since 2016. He chose not to seek re-election in 2024, and his last day
was Monday, Jan. 13. Hays attorney Curtis Brown was elected in November to fill
Braun’s seat on the bench.Braun was born in Hays in 1956 and attended many schools
throughout his youth before settling in for four years at Thomas More-Prep in
Hays while his father worked as an attorney in Garden City.Braun, whose family is from Victoria and Schoenchen, said he
knew from a young age that he would follow in the footsteps of his
father, a well-known trial attorney.When Braun was in sixth grade, his father took him out of
school to watch a murder trial. His father was the defense attorney in the
trial.“I watched the trial, from the jury selection all the way to
verdict,” Braun said. “It took a week, and I was hooked. It was the best
education I could get.”After he got his driver’s permit, he served as his dad’s
chauffeur when he was home in the summer. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736960025414.jpeg" alt="Newly elected District Court Judge Curtis Brown joined by retired Judge Glenn Braun and District Judge Tom Drees. Photo courtesy Sue Urban" />
 <figcaption>Newly elected District Court Judge Curtis Brown joined by retired Judge Glenn Braun and District Judge Tom Drees. Photo courtesy Sue Urban</figcaption>
 </figure>“I went and watched a lot of court at different locations,”
Braun said. “I watched him try a case in federal court. I watched him try
divorce cases way up, east (and in) northeast Kansas. So, I was his chauffeur,
and it was really, really educational.”He also learned about the profession while playing golf in
the summers with Judge Burt Vance in Garden City. "He spoke to me a lot about being a lawyer because he kind
of knew that's where I was going," Braun said.Braun’s high school graduating class was the first to attend
all four years at TMP, and he went on to graduate from Kansas State and Washburn
School of Law in Topeka, his father’s alma mater. While in his second year at law school, Braun took advantage
of an opportunity to work in the Ellis County Attorney’s office for Bill Jeter,
gaining valuable experience and contacts.He graduated from law school in 1981, and two days after
taking the bar exam, he was back in Hays working for Bob Glassman.Braun served in private practice for more than three decades, from 1981 to 2012.He was the Ellis County Attorney from 1989 to 1997. He also
worked as a special DUI prosecutor and then Prosecutor for the City of Hays. Braun said serving in those positions kept him and his staff
busy and offered many opportunities. “Before I went on the bench, I tried over 100 jury cases,
not just DUIs, as county attorney,” Braun said. “I tried everything from rape,
arson, aggravated robbery, you name it.”Braun also served on the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission
for seven years. He called those seven years some of the busiest of his life
because the Kansas Legislature allowed the state to own and operate casinos.“We were involved in the opening of the first three casinos.
Dodge City was the first one. Then was Kansas City, Hollywood, and then down in
Wichita, now actually Mulvane,” Braun said. “It was a fascinating experience.”He also hired Hays attorney Tom Drees while serving as Ellis
County Attorney. Drees served as assistant county attorney until becoming
county attorney in 1997 when Braun was appointed to the district judge
position.Drees held that position until he was elected district
judge in the 23rd judicial district in 2020. He was re-elected this fall.<h2>Working as a judge in challenging times</h2>Braun has worked in the legal system for four decades, only 12 of which were as a judge, but he said that time feels like the
equivalent of 25 years. He experienced three significant disruptions in court services in
his decade on the bench, but they eventually worked out.First was the Ellis County Courthouse remodel early in his
time as judge. "I came on board, and that was almost from day one with
Judge (Edward) Bougher, we had to figure out, first packing up and leaving the
courthouse and then moving back in,” Braun said. “We moved out in 2014, moved back into 2016, you know, that was a huge undertaking. All the planning that
went in, plus you start to do the regular job.”Not long after settling in, Judge Bougher was offered a
senior judge position and retired. Braun then handled two dockets for
several months in 2016 before Judge Blake Bittle was appointed. &nbsp;Once again, things
appeared to be back to normal, and in 2019, COVID struck a “nightmare” for
Braun and the entire judicial system. Braun said they were tasked with abiding by administrative rules and COVID restrictions while still doing their jobs, but they were able to gain some benefits from the pandemic changes."You know, there's an old saying, 'Never waste a good
crisis,'" Braun said. "And a lot of good things came of it. We're doing a lot more
remote hearings, which is a great cost savings for litigants and attorneys. All of
that came into where it became more standard out of COVID."Finally, in October 2023, a cyberattack on the Kansas Office of Judicial Administration network brought the courts' new online system to a standstill.Braun said they had to completely reverse course, going from
a paperless, electronic-centered way of doing things back to the old paper way.“Fortunately, the county attorney's office during that
cyberattack, had kept paper files,” Braun said. “We would get copies of
pleadings just so we could get ready for a hearing,” Braun said. "We would make do, and everybody cooperated to keep the
administration of justice moving forward. Not violating any ethical rules,"
Braun said. "We are very careful on that, and we got through it until we're
back up and running again."He said he is extremely proud and impressed with how
district court staff handled the situation.“They have weathered everything with very few complaints,”
Braun said. “I honestly can say I never heard any of them complain. They just
buckled up, and they did it.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736961752756.jpeg" alt="Detective Brian Shannon presented Ellis County Judge Glenn Braun with a plaque honoring his leadership of Recovery Court" />
 <figcaption>Detective Brian Shannon presented Ellis County Judge Glenn Braun with a plaque honoring his leadership of Recovery Court</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Recovery Court</h2>One of Braun’s most lasting legacies will be
helping to launch the Ellis County Recovery Court.Created in 2018 as Ellis County Drug Court, now called
Recovery Court, it serves as an alternative to jail and aims to combat substance
abuse addiction.Braun, former County Attorney Chris Lyon, Recovery Court
Coordinator Teresa Greenwood, former Director of Community Corrections John
Trembley, and Hays attorney Curtis Brown were all major players in creating the Ellis County Recovery Court, the only court of its kind in western
Kansas.Braun said the judges he talked to told him that presiding over recovery court
would be his favorite job, and they were right. "Yes, I've had some heartache," Braun said. "We've had
several of our graduates that have relapsed, but to see the success stories and
to see them now, it's like, man, I was a small, tiny part of that. But at least
I was a part of somebody breaking this cycle of addiction."Braun kept a picture of every person who graduated from
recovery court in a closet next to his office at the courthouse to
celebrate and honor those individuals’ successes.“Specialty courts, whether it's a drug recovery court or a
behavioral health, or some people call it mental illness court, a Veterans
Treatment Court, now they have family courts. These are a new, innovative way
of trying to change the revolving door," Braun said."If everybody expects them
to be perfect, that doesn't happen, but they make a difference, and I am so
proud to have been involved with the recovery court team and with the
participants that we put in there and to see their change in growth."Braun said one misconception about recovery court is that it
is easy or the court staff goes easy on participants. “It's a lot harder to finish recovery court than it is doing straight probation,” Braun said. “You’ve got to go to AA/NA . You’ve got to go
to a group session for drugs. You’ve got to do pro-social activities, all of
these things."You don't have to do that on straight probation. So, it's a
lot harder, and when ... if they can graduate, they've accomplished
something," Braun said. Braun said he had some great experiences during his more than 40 years in the legal profession. "Whether it's Kansas BAR going to United States Supreme
Court or sitting with the Kansas Supreme Court, or being president of the [Kansas Bar Association],"
Braun said.Braun said his father loved being a lawyer “probably more
than me.” He said it allows you to learn a little bit about many topics."If you're in a civil case, you may learn about engineering
or medicine," Braun said. "If you're in a criminal case, you may learn about
forensics. When I tried the aggravated robbery case, we introduced hair
analysis and shoe print analysis, which are stuff that I would have never been exposed to."<h2>Retirement</h2>Braun won’t be heading straight to retirement. He will
be taking more time for himself and his family. He and his wife, Amy, have five
children and one grandchild.The day after his retirement from the 23rd Judicial District, Braun began serving in a senior judge position.Braun will be assigned to special
cases around the state in that part-time position. He also plans to do some mediation work. Braun said he would pass on the same advice to the
next person to follow in his footsteps that Judge
Ed Bougher gave him when he first started.“Always keep an open mind,” Braun said. “Never fall in that
trap of thinking you got it figured out."When you've done so much legal work, you get a feeling, 'Oh,
I got this. I know all of this. I've got this figured out. I had a case just
like this years ago," Braun said. "But they're all unique and different."