WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;'s administration moved Tuesday to end affirmative action in federal contracting and directed that all federal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/diversity-equity-and-inclusion">diversity, equity and inclusion</a>&nbsp;staff be put on paid leave and eventually be laid off. <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/ending-radical-and-wasteful-government-dei-programs-and-preferencing/">Click here to read the Executive Order.</a>

The moves follow an executive order Trump signed on his first day ordering a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-sex-gender-transgender-dei-order-245350b97e0c4dcc221fefc49ef44699">sweeping dismantling</a>&nbsp;of the federal government’s diversity and inclusion programs that could touch on everything from anti-bias training to funding for minority farmers and homeowners. Trump has called the programs “discrimination” and insisted on restoring strictly “merit-based” hiring.

The executive order on affirmative action revokes an order issued by President Lyndon Johnson, and curtails DEI programs by federal contractors and grant recipients. It’s using one of the key tools utilized by the Biden administration to promote DEI programs across the private sector — pushing their use by federal contractors — to now eradicate them.

The Office of Personnel Management in a Tuesday memo directed agencies to place DEI office staffers on paid leave by 5 p.m. Wednesday and take down all public DEI-focused webpages by the same deadline. Several federal departments had removed the webpages even before the memorandum. Agencies must also cancel any DEI-related training and end any related contracts, and federal workers are being asked to report to Trump's Office of Personnel Management if they suspect any DEI-related program has been renamed to obfuscate its purpose within 10 days or face “adverse consequences.”

By Thursday, federal agencies are directed to compile a list of federal DEI offices and workers as of Election Day. By next Friday, they are expected to develop a plan to execute a “reduction-in-force action” against those federal workers.

The move comes after Monday's executive order accused former President Joe Biden of forcing “discrimination” programs into “virtually all aspects of the federal government” through “diversity, equity and inclusion” programs, known as DEI.

That step is the first salvo in an aggressive campaign to upend DEI efforts nationwide, including leveraging the Justice Department and other agencies to investigate private companies pursuing training and hiring practices that conservative critics consider discriminatory against non-minority groups such as white men.

The executive order picks up where Trump's first administration left off: One of Trump’s final acts during his first term was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d0c4d221e865f4eda38df38485f6dd20">an executive order</a>&nbsp;banning federal agency contractors and recipients of federal funding from conducting anti-bias training that addressed concepts like systemic racism. Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-3205d98ddb320f7edd37742373a47379">promptly rescinded that order</a>&nbsp;on his first day in office and issued a pair of executive orders — now rescinded — outlining a plan to promote DEI throughout the federal government.

While many changes may take months or even years to implement, Trump’s new anti-DEI agenda is more aggressive than his first and comes amid far more amenable terrain in the corporate world. Prominent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dei-diversity-equity-inclusion-meta-facebook-mcdonalds-8ab144803dab400ac901db1530f930e5">companies from Walmart to Facebook</a>&nbsp;have already scaled back or ended some of their diversity practices in response to Trump's election and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dei-diversity-corporations-affirmative-action-309864f08e6ec63a45d18ca5f25d7540">conservative-backed lawsuits</a>&nbsp;against them.

Here's a look at some of the policies and programs that Trump will aim to dismantle:

Diversity offices, training and accountability

Trump's order will immediately gut Biden's wide-ranging effort to embed diversity and inclusion practices in the federal workforce, the nation's largest at about 2.4 million people.

Biden had mandated all agencies to develop a diversity plan, issue yearly progress reports, and contribute data for a government-wide dashboard to track demographic trends in hiring and promotions. The administration also set up a Chief Diversity Officers Council to oversee the implementation of the DEI plan. The government released its first DEI progress report in 2022 that included demographic data for the federal workforce, which is about 60% white and 55% male overall, and more than 75% white and more than 60% male at the senior executive level.

Trump's executive order will toss out equity plans developed by federal agencies and terminate any roles or offices dedicated to promoting diversity. It will include eliminating initiatives such as DEI-related training or diversity goals in performance reviews.

Trump's order paves the way for an aggressive but bureaucratically complicated overhaul of billions of dollars in federal spending that conservative activists claim unfairly carve out preference for racial minorities and women.

The order does not specify which programs it will target but mandates a government-wide review to ensure that contracts and grants are compliant with the Trump administration’s anti-DEI stance. It also proposes that the federal government settle ongoing lawsuits against federal programs that benefit historically underserved communities,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dei-diversity-corporate-ruling-9a4e4d28b813d42c96341ed0475dcecc">including some that date back decades.</a>

Trump’s executive order is a “seismic shift and a complete change in the focus and direction of the federal government,” said Dan Lennington, deputy council for the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law &amp; Liberty, which has pursued several lawsuits against federal programs. The institute recently released an influential report listing dozens of programs the Trump administration should consider dismantling, such as credits for minority farmers or emergency relief assistance for majority-Black neighborhoods.

He acknowledged that unwinding some entrenched programs may be difficult. For example, the Treasury Department implements housing and other assistance programs through block grants to states that have their own methods for implementing diversity criteria.

It's not clear whether the Trump administration will target every initiative that stemmed from Biden's DEI executive order.

For example, the Biden administration banned federal agencies from asking about an applicant's salary history when setting compensation, a practice many civil rights activists say perpetuates pay disparities for women and people of color.

It took three years for the Biden administration to issue&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-pay-equity-ledbetter-women-2564198d081a0d62ec9cc55a48803fb3">the final regulations</a>, and Trump would have to embark on a similar rule-making process, including a notice and comment period, to rescind it, said Chiraag Bains, former deputy director of the White House Domestic Policy Council under Biden and now a nonresident senior fellow with Brookings Metro.

Noreen Farrell, executive director of gender rights group Equal Rights Advocates, said that she was hopeful that the Trump administration “will not go out of its way to undo the rule,” which she said has proved popular in some state and cities that have enacted similar policies.

And Biden's DEI plan encompassed some initiatives with bipartisan support, said Bains. For example, he tasked the Chief Diversity Officers Executive Council with expanding federal employment opportunities for those with criminal records. That initiative stems from the Fair Chance Act, which Trump signed into law in 2019 and bans federal agencies and contractors from asking about an applicant’s criminal history before a conditional job offer is made.

Bains said that's what Biden's DEI policies were about: ensuring that the federal government was structured to include historically marginalized communities, not institute “reverse discrimination against white men.”

Despite the sweeping language of Trump's order, Farrell said, “the reality of implementing such massive structural changes is far more complex.”

"Federal agencies have deeply embedded policies and procedures that can’t simply be switched off overnight,” she added.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737424092945.png" alt="Photo by Margo Martin, Special Assistant to the President" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Margo Martin, Special Assistant to the President</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;'s administration moved Tuesday to end affirmative action in federal contracting and directed that all federal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/diversity-equity-and-inclusion">diversity, equity and inclusion</a>&nbsp;staff be put on paid leave and eventually be laid off. <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/ending-radical-and-wasteful-government-dei-programs-and-preferencing/">Click here to read the Executive Order.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737552515796.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737552498096.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The moves follow an executive order Trump signed on his first day ordering a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-sex-gender-transgender-dei-order-245350b97e0c4dcc221fefc49ef44699">sweeping dismantling</a>&nbsp;of the federal government’s diversity and inclusion programs that could touch on everything from anti-bias training to funding for minority farmers and homeowners. Trump has called the programs “discrimination” and insisted on restoring strictly “merit-based” hiring.The executive order on affirmative action revokes an order issued by President Lyndon Johnson, and curtails DEI programs by federal contractors and grant recipients. It’s using one of the key tools utilized by the Biden administration to promote DEI programs across the private sector — pushing their use by federal contractors — to now eradicate them.The Office of Personnel Management in a Tuesday memo directed agencies to place DEI office staffers on paid leave by 5 p.m. Wednesday and take down all public DEI-focused webpages by the same deadline. Several federal departments had removed the webpages even before the memorandum. Agencies must also cancel any DEI-related training and end any related contracts, and federal workers are being asked to report to Trump's Office of Personnel Management if they suspect any DEI-related program has been renamed to obfuscate its purpose within 10 days or face “adverse consequences.”By Thursday, federal agencies are directed to compile a list of federal DEI offices and workers as of Election Day. By next Friday, they are expected to develop a plan to execute a “reduction-in-force action” against those federal workers.The memo was first reported by CBS News.The move comes after Monday's executive order accused former President Joe Biden of forcing “discrimination” programs into “virtually all aspects of the federal government” through “diversity, equity and inclusion” programs, known as DEI.That step is the first salvo in an aggressive campaign to upend DEI efforts nationwide, including leveraging the Justice Department and other agencies to investigate private companies pursuing training and hiring practices that conservative critics consider discriminatory against non-minority groups such as white men.The executive order picks up where Trump's first administration left off: One of Trump’s final acts during his first term was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d0c4d221e865f4eda38df38485f6dd20">an executive order</a>&nbsp;banning federal agency contractors and recipients of federal funding from conducting anti-bias training that addressed concepts like systemic racism. Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-3205d98ddb320f7edd37742373a47379">promptly rescinded that order</a>&nbsp;on his first day in office and issued a pair of executive orders — now rescinded — outlining a plan to promote DEI throughout the federal government.While many changes may take months or even years to implement, Trump’s new anti-DEI agenda is more aggressive than his first and comes amid far more amenable terrain in the corporate world. Prominent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dei-diversity-equity-inclusion-meta-facebook-mcdonalds-8ab144803dab400ac901db1530f930e5">companies from Walmart to Facebook</a>&nbsp;have already scaled back or ended some of their diversity practices in response to Trump's election and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dei-diversity-corporations-affirmative-action-309864f08e6ec63a45d18ca5f25d7540">conservative-backed lawsuits</a>&nbsp;against them.Here's a look at some of the policies and programs that Trump will aim to dismantle:<h2>Diversity offices, training and accountability</h2>Trump's order will immediately gut Biden's wide-ranging effort to embed diversity and inclusion practices in the federal workforce, the nation's largest at about 2.4 million people.Biden had mandated all agencies to develop a diversity plan, issue yearly progress reports, and contribute data for a government-wide dashboard to track demographic trends in hiring and promotions. The administration also set up a Chief Diversity Officers Council to oversee the implementation of the DEI plan. The government released its first DEI progress report in 2022 that included demographic data for the federal workforce, which is about 60% white and 55% male overall, and more than 75% white and more than 60% male at the senior executive level.Trump's executive order will toss out equity plans developed by federal agencies and terminate any roles or offices dedicated to promoting diversity. It will include eliminating initiatives such as DEI-related training or diversity goals in performance reviews.<h2>Federal grant and benefits programs</h2>Trump's order paves the way for an aggressive but bureaucratically complicated overhaul of billions of dollars in federal spending that conservative activists claim unfairly carve out preference for racial minorities and women.The order does not specify which programs it will target but mandates a government-wide review to ensure that contracts and grants are compliant with the Trump administration’s anti-DEI stance. It also proposes that the federal government settle ongoing lawsuits against federal programs that benefit historically underserved communities,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dei-diversity-corporate-ruling-9a4e4d28b813d42c96341ed0475dcecc">including some that date back decades.</a>Trump’s executive order is a “seismic shift and a complete change in the focus and direction of the federal government,” said Dan Lennington, deputy council for the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law &amp; Liberty, which has pursued several lawsuits against federal programs. The institute recently released an influential report listing dozens of programs the Trump administration should consider dismantling, such as credits for minority farmers or emergency relief assistance for majority-Black neighborhoods.He acknowledged that unwinding some entrenched programs may be difficult. For example, the Treasury Department implements housing and other assistance programs through block grants to states that have their own methods for implementing diversity criteria.<h2>Pay equity and hiring practices</h2>It's not clear whether the Trump administration will target every initiative that stemmed from Biden's DEI executive order.For example, the Biden administration banned federal agencies from asking about an applicant's salary history when setting compensation, a practice many civil rights activists say perpetuates pay disparities for women and people of color.It took three years for the Biden administration to issue&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-pay-equity-ledbetter-women-2564198d081a0d62ec9cc55a48803fb3">the final regulations</a>, and Trump would have to embark on a similar rule-making process, including a notice and comment period, to rescind it, said Chiraag Bains, former deputy director of the White House Domestic Policy Council under Biden and now a nonresident senior fellow with Brookings Metro.Noreen Farrell, executive director of gender rights group Equal Rights Advocates, said that she was hopeful that the Trump administration “will not go out of its way to undo the rule,” which she said has proved popular in some state and cities that have enacted similar policies.And Biden's DEI plan encompassed some initiatives with bipartisan support, said Bains. For example, he tasked the Chief Diversity Officers Executive Council with expanding federal employment opportunities for those with criminal records. That initiative stems from the Fair Chance Act, which Trump signed into law in 2019 and bans federal agencies and contractors from asking about an applicant’s criminal history before a conditional job offer is made.Bains said that's what Biden's DEI policies were about: ensuring that the federal government was structured to include historically marginalized communities, not institute “reverse discrimination against white men.”Despite the sweeping language of Trump's order, Farrell said, “the reality of implementing such massive structural changes is far more complex.”"Federal agencies have deeply embedded policies and procedures that can’t simply be switched off overnight,” she added.

Read the memo: All federal DEI employees placed on leave by 5p.m.

CHEROKEE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before noon Tuesday in Cherokee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Volkswagen Jetta driven by Joesph Monroe&nbsp;Reed, 79, Vinita, Oklahoma,&nbsp;was eastbound on Old 166 at Kansas 26 Highway. He stopped at the stop sign at the intersection but failed to yield. 

A southbound Ford F650 Tow Truck, towing a Nissan pickup, and driven by Joseph Edward Anderson, 23, Webb City, Missouri struck the drivers side of the Volkswagen as it began to cross the intersection.

Reed was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Derfelt Funeral Home in Galena. EMS transported a passenger in the Volkswagen Cynthia Kay Conrad, 73, Miami, Oklahoma, to Mercy Hospital in Joplin. Anderson was not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

CHEROKEE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before noon Tuesday in Cherokee County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Volkswagen Jetta driven by Joesph Monroe&nbsp;Reed, 79, Vinita, Oklahoma,&nbsp;was eastbound on Old 166 at Kansas 26 Highway. He stopped at the stop sign at the intersection but failed to yield. A southbound Ford F650 Tow Truck, towing a Nissan pickup, and driven by Joseph Edward Anderson, 23, Webb City, Missouri struck the drivers side of the Volkswagen as it began to cross the intersection.Reed was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Derfelt Funeral Home in Galena. EMS transported a passenger in the Volkswagen Cynthia Kay Conrad, 73, Miami, Oklahoma, to Mercy Hospital in Joplin. Anderson was not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Man dies after crash with Tow Truck on Kansas highway

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on his first full day in office Tuesday defended his decision to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-riot-trump-pardons-jan-6-f6e23bcd84eaed672318c88f05286767">grant clemency</a>&nbsp;to people convicted of assaulting police officers during the 2021 attack on the Capitol and suggested there could be a place in U.S. politics for the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, extremist groups whose leaders were convicted of seditious conspiracy against the U.S.

Trump used his opening hours in his second term to erase the records of more than 200 people who pleaded guilty to assaulting officers at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">the Capitol siege on Jan. 6, 2021</a>, and free from prison those convicted of trying to overthrow the government, as he granted reprieve to all 1,500-plus people charged in the insurrection that was sparked after he refused to accept his loss in the 2020 presidential election. At least 140 officers were injured — many beaten, bloodied and crushed by the crowd — when Trump's supporters tried to overturn Trump's 2020 electoral defeat to former President Joe Biden.

Before the Capitol attack, the Proud Boys was a group best known for street fights with anti-fascist activists when Trump infamously told the group to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-race-and-ethnicity-donald-trump-chris-wallace-0b32339da25fbc9e8b7c7c7066a1db0f">“stand back and stand by”</a>&nbsp;during his first debate in 2020 with then-presidential candidate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Biden</a>.

The group’s former top leader,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/enrique-tarrio-capitol-riot-seditious-conspiracy-sentencing-da60222b3e1e54902db2bbbb219dc3fb">Enrique Tarrio</a>, and three of his lieutenants were convicted of seditious conspiracy for a violent plot to stop the peaceful transfer of presidential power from Trump to Biden after the 2020 election. Tarrio was serving a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/enrique-tarrio-capitol-riot-seditious-conspiracy-sentencing-da60222b3e1e54902db2bbbb219dc3fb">22-year prison sentence</a>, the longest of any Capitol riot case, before Trump pardoned him on Monday. Some members of the group marched in Washington on Monday as Trump was sworn into another term.

When pressed by a reporter about the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers and whether there was a place for them in politics, Trump said, “Well, we have to see. They’ve been given a pardon. I thought their sentences were ridiculous and excessive.”

Trump spoke to reporters at the White House as he highlighted an investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure and declared, “We're back.”

“I think we’re going to do things that people will be shocked at,” he said.

When pressed about his decision to free people from prison who were shown on camera viciously attacking Capitol police officers, Trump declared, “I am a friend of police, more than any president who’s ever been in this office.”

The president on Tuesday said he thought the sentences handed down for actions that day were “ridiculous and excessive” and said, “These are people who actually love our country, so we thought a pardon would be appropriate.”

Two major law enforcement groups, The International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Fraternal Order of Police, issued a joint statement saying they were “deeply discouraged” by the pardons and commutations and believed those convicted should serve their full sentences.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on his first full day in office Tuesday defended his decision to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-riot-trump-pardons-jan-6-f6e23bcd84eaed672318c88f05286767">grant clemency</a>&nbsp;to people convicted of assaulting police officers during the 2021 attack on the Capitol and suggested there could be a place in U.S. politics for the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, extremist groups whose leaders were convicted of seditious conspiracy against the U.S.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">President Trump to <a href="https://twitter.com/PeterAlexander?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PeterAlexander</a> on January 6th pardons: &quot;These people have already served a long period of time and a made a decision to give a pardon. Joe Biden gave a pardon yesterday to a lot of criminals...you should be asking that question.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/rYcQ3iWq5A">pic.twitter.com/rYcQ3iWq5A</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881835814155399372?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump used his opening hours in his second term to erase the records of more than 200 people who pleaded guilty to assaulting officers at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">the Capitol siege on Jan. 6, 2021</a>, and free from prison those convicted of trying to overthrow the government, as he granted reprieve to all 1,500-plus people charged in the insurrection that was sparked after he refused to accept his loss in the 2020 presidential election. At least 140 officers were injured — many beaten, bloodied and crushed by the crowd — when Trump's supporters tried to overturn Trump's 2020 electoral defeat to former President Joe Biden.Before the Capitol attack, the Proud Boys was a group best known for street fights with anti-fascist activists when Trump infamously told the group to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-race-and-ethnicity-donald-trump-chris-wallace-0b32339da25fbc9e8b7c7c7066a1db0f">“stand back and stand by”</a>&nbsp;during his first debate in 2020 with then-presidential candidate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Biden</a>.The group’s former top leader,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/enrique-tarrio-capitol-riot-seditious-conspiracy-sentencing-da60222b3e1e54902db2bbbb219dc3fb">Enrique Tarrio</a>, and three of his lieutenants were convicted of seditious conspiracy for a violent plot to stop the peaceful transfer of presidential power from Trump to Biden after the 2020 election. Tarrio was serving a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/enrique-tarrio-capitol-riot-seditious-conspiracy-sentencing-da60222b3e1e54902db2bbbb219dc3fb">22-year prison sentence</a>, the longest of any Capitol riot case, before Trump pardoned him on Monday. Some members of the group marched in Washington on Monday as Trump was sworn into another term.When pressed by a reporter about the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers and whether there was a place for them in politics, Trump said, “Well, we have to see. They’ve been given a pardon. I thought their sentences were ridiculous and excessive.”Trump spoke to reporters at the White House as he highlighted an investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure and declared, “We're back.”“I think we’re going to do things that people will be shocked at,” he said.When pressed about his decision to free people from prison who were shown on camera viciously attacking Capitol police officers, Trump declared, “I am a friend of police, more than any president who’s ever been in this office.”The president on Tuesday said he thought the sentences handed down for actions that day were “ridiculous and excessive” and said, “These are people who actually love our country, so we thought a pardon would be appropriate.”Two major law enforcement groups, The International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Fraternal Order of Police, issued a joint statement saying they were “deeply discouraged” by the pardons and commutations and believed those convicted should serve their full sentences.

🎥Trump defends pardons for Capitol rioters 

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs – today led the first hearing for the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs in the 119th Congress to consider the nomination of Congressman Doug Collins to be the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA).

“My work on this committee is almost always driven by what I hear from veterans particularly at home in Kansas but also across the country,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“We will hear from a lot of veterans organizations as well, and this is about how do we make the VA work better – what is it doing well; what is it not doing well; how do we solve the problems veterans face in this country. As Chairman, I will work to solve problems and deliver results to help veterans access the health care and benefits they have earned and achieve success after their service, and I expect the next Secretary of Veterans Affairs to share a similar focus.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737494729964.png" alt="President Trump's nominee Congressman Doug Collins during the hearing on Tuesday." />
 <figcaption>President Trump's nominee Congressman Doug Collins during the hearing on Tuesday.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs – today led the first hearing for the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs in the 119th Congress to consider the nomination of Congressman Doug Collins to be the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA).<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mlOKELj7ovs?si=klJejbFlw5XPw9VL&amp;start=8" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>“My work on this committee is almost always driven by what I hear from veterans particularly at home in Kansas but also across the country,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“We will hear from a lot of veterans organizations as well, and this is about how do we make the VA work better – what is it doing well; what is it not doing well; how do we solve the problems veterans face in this country. As Chairman, I will work to solve problems and deliver results to help veterans access the health care and benefits they have earned and achieve success after their service, and I expect the next Secretary of Veterans Affairs to share a similar focus.”

🎥Kan. U.S. Senator opening statement during VA Secretary confirmation hearing 

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are looking for help to find a vehicle involved in a fatal hit-and-run that occurred just before 11p.m. Monday in Kansas City.

An eastbound vehicle struck a pedestrian who was crossing the street on the crosswalk from the North to the South at Truman Road and Bennington in Kansas City, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

The vehicle then left the scene. EMS transported the victim to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are looking for help to find a vehicle involved in a fatal hit-and-run that occurred just before 11p.m. Monday in Kansas City.An eastbound vehicle struck a pedestrian who was crossing the street on the crosswalk from the North to the South at Truman Road and Bennington in Kansas City, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.The vehicle then left the scene. EMS transported the victim to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

KCPD: Driver fled after deadly crash in crosswalk

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) — Officers enforcing immigration laws will now be able to arrest migrants at sensitive locations like schools and churches after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-deportation-immigration-homan-asylum-inauguration-ac10480dc636b758ab3c435b974aeb19">the Trump administration</a>&nbsp;threw out policies limiting where those arrests could happen as the new president seeks to make good on campaign promises to carry out mass deportations.

The move announced Tuesday reverses guidance that for over a decade has restricted two key federal immigration agencies — Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection — from carrying out immigration enforcement in sensitive locations.

“This action empowers the brave men and women in CBP and ICE to enforce our immigration laws and catch criminal aliens — including murderers and rapists — who have illegally come into our country. Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest,” the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement Tuesday.

The department said Acting Secretary Benjamine Huffman issued the directive Monday.

The ICE guidance dates back to 2011. Customs and Border Protection issued similar guidance in 2013.

Trump has made cracking down on immigration a top priority, just as he did during his first term in the White House from 2017 to 2021. On Monday he signed a slew of executive actions that included cutting off&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immigration-cbp-one-border-app-652854b5f2a4e6ccd6ee2ccc729cbb55">access to an app</a>&nbsp;that facilitated the entry of hundreds of thousands of migrants;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/refugees-trump-resettlement-connecticut-6ad8a0504c6094cdf4c33e491fa25bc6">suspending the refugee system</a>; and promoting greater cooperation between ICE and local and state governments.

He has often portrayed his efforts as unleashing the ability of ICE agents and others in immigration enforcement from Biden-era guidelines that he said restricted their efforts to find and remove people who no longer have the authority to remain in the country.

The announcement Tuesday had been expected as Trump works to deliver on his campaign promise to carry out mass deportations of anyone in the country illegally. But it was still jarring for advocates who have argued that raising the prospect of deportation at churches, schools or hospitals can prevent migrants from getting medical attention or allowing their children to attend school.

“This action could have devastating consequences for immigrant families and their children, including U.S. citizen children, deterring them from receiving medical attention, seeking out disaster relief, attending school, and carrying out everyday activities,” Olivia Golden, interim executive director of the Center for Law and Social Policy, said in a statement.

“Should ICE presence near such locations become more common, the likelihood also increases that children could witness a parent’s detention, arrest, or other encounters with ICE agents,” Golden said.

Under the “sensitive locations” guidance, officers were generally required to get approval for any enforcement operations at those locations, although exceptions were allowed for things like national security.

Trump kept the guidance on sensitive locations in place during his first administration although he did remove similar guidance that restricted immigration enforcement at courthouses.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/news/2021/04/27/dhs-announces-new-guidance-limit-ice-and-cbp-civil-enforcement-actions-or-near" target="_blank">That courthouse guidance</a>&nbsp;was put in place once again during the Biden administration, which also issued its own update to the “sensitive locations” guidance limiting where ICE and CBP officers could carry out immigration enforcement.

Many schools around the country have been preparing for just this eventuality by reaching out to immigrant families and local law enforcement.

In California, officials have offered guidance to schools on state law limiting local participation in immigration enforcement.

“Our policy is clear and strong that immigration enforcement is not allowed on our campuses unless forced through a valid court order,” said Diana Diaz, spokeswoman for the Fresno Unified School District, one of the largest in California. “We’ve been in communication with local law enforcement who has assured us that they will not be supporting immigration enforcement across any of our schools.”

A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cpsboe.org/content/actions/2024_11s/24-1114-RS2.pdf" target="_blank">resolution</a>&nbsp;passed by Chicago Public Schools’ Board of Education in November said schools would not assist ICE in enforcing immigration law. Agents would not be allowed into schools without a criminal warrant, it said.

Over the years dozens of migrants have sought sanctuary in churches for immigration-related reasons, sometimes staying for weeks at a time to evade ICE capture.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-4e5bcb3117aa4471b927081b6e2c98fb">2018 story by</a>&nbsp;The Associated Press detailed how since 2014, at least 70 publicly known cases have emerged of people seeking sanctuary in churches for immigration-related reasons, according to Church World Service, a New York organization that supports the sanctuary efforts. Of those, 51 came up since Trump took office in January 2017 and pledged a harder line on immigration.

Rev. K Karper, senior pastor of St. Paul &amp; St. Andrew United Methodist Church in New York City, said he felt it was important several days ago to put up a sign informing ICE and Homeland Security they were not permitted inside the church.

“It’s something that we’ve been involved with for a long time,” he said. “It’s part of our religious mission to reach out and provide a place of safety to new arrivals and other people, regardless of their status.”

Given the administration’s policy change, Karper said his church will make it clear to officers that without a warrant, they don’t have any business on church property.

“We’re a peaceful people. You know, what are we going to do?” he asked. “But we’re going to make it clear to anybody who’s in the building, who feels threatened by this that they have rights, that they’re not required to answer questions, that they’re not required without a warrant to produce ID. You know, there’s still a rule of law in this country and we’re not Germany in the ‘30s. We’re just not.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737509617397.png" alt="Photo Homeland Security" />
 <figcaption>Photo Homeland Security</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Officers enforcing immigration laws will now be able to arrest migrants at sensitive locations like schools and churches after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-deportation-immigration-homan-asylum-inauguration-ac10480dc636b758ab3c435b974aeb19">the Trump administration</a>&nbsp;threw out policies limiting where those arrests could happen as the new president seeks to make good on campaign promises to carry out mass deportations.The move announced Tuesday reverses guidance that for over a decade has restricted two key federal immigration agencies — Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection — from carrying out immigration enforcement in sensitive locations.“This action empowers the brave men and women in CBP and ICE to enforce our immigration laws and catch criminal aliens — including murderers and rapists — who have illegally come into our country. Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest,” the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement Tuesday.The department said Acting Secretary Benjamine Huffman issued the directive Monday.The ICE guidance dates back to 2011. Customs and Border Protection issued similar guidance in 2013.Trump has made cracking down on immigration a top priority, just as he did during his first term in the White House from 2017 to 2021. On Monday he signed a slew of executive actions that included cutting off&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immigration-cbp-one-border-app-652854b5f2a4e6ccd6ee2ccc729cbb55">access to an app</a>&nbsp;that facilitated the entry of hundreds of thousands of migrants;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/refugees-trump-resettlement-connecticut-6ad8a0504c6094cdf4c33e491fa25bc6">suspending the refugee system</a>; and promoting greater cooperation between ICE and local and state governments.He has often portrayed his efforts as unleashing the ability of ICE agents and others in immigration enforcement from Biden-era guidelines that he said restricted their efforts to find and remove people who no longer have the authority to remain in the country.The announcement Tuesday had been expected as Trump works to deliver on his campaign promise to carry out mass deportations of anyone in the country illegally. But it was still jarring for advocates who have argued that raising the prospect of deportation at churches, schools or hospitals can prevent migrants from getting medical attention or allowing their children to attend school.“This action could have devastating consequences for immigrant families and their children, including U.S. citizen children, deterring them from receiving medical attention, seeking out disaster relief, attending school, and carrying out everyday activities,” Olivia Golden, interim executive director of the Center for Law and Social Policy, said in a statement.“Should ICE presence near such locations become more common, the likelihood also increases that children could witness a parent’s detention, arrest, or other encounters with ICE agents,” Golden said.Under the “sensitive locations” guidance, officers were generally required to get approval for any enforcement operations at those locations, although exceptions were allowed for things like national security.Trump kept the guidance on sensitive locations in place during his first administration although he did remove similar guidance that restricted immigration enforcement at courthouses.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/news/2021/04/27/dhs-announces-new-guidance-limit-ice-and-cbp-civil-enforcement-actions-or-near" target="_blank">That courthouse guidance</a>&nbsp;was put in place once again during the Biden administration, which also issued its own update to the “sensitive locations” guidance limiting where ICE and CBP officers could carry out immigration enforcement.Many schools around the country have been preparing for just this eventuality by reaching out to immigrant families and local law enforcement.In California, officials have offered guidance to schools on state law limiting local participation in immigration enforcement.“Our policy is clear and strong that immigration enforcement is not allowed on our campuses unless forced through a valid court order,” said Diana Diaz, spokeswoman for the Fresno Unified School District, one of the largest in California. “We’ve been in communication with local law enforcement who has assured us that they will not be supporting immigration enforcement across any of our schools.”A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cpsboe.org/content/actions/2024_11s/24-1114-RS2.pdf" target="_blank">resolution</a>&nbsp;passed by Chicago Public Schools’ Board of Education in November said schools would not assist ICE in enforcing immigration law. Agents would not be allowed into schools without a criminal warrant, it said.Over the years dozens of migrants have sought sanctuary in churches for immigration-related reasons, sometimes staying for weeks at a time to evade ICE capture.A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-4e5bcb3117aa4471b927081b6e2c98fb">2018 story by</a>&nbsp;The Associated Press detailed how since 2014, at least 70 publicly known cases have emerged of people seeking sanctuary in churches for immigration-related reasons, according to Church World Service, a New York organization that supports the sanctuary efforts. Of those, 51 came up since Trump took office in January 2017 and pledged a harder line on immigration.Rev. K Karper, senior pastor of St. Paul &amp; St. Andrew United Methodist Church in New York City, said he felt it was important several days ago to put up a sign informing ICE and Homeland Security they were not permitted inside the church.“It’s something that we’ve been involved with for a long time,” he said. “It’s part of our religious mission to reach out and provide a place of safety to new arrivals and other people, regardless of their status.”Given the administration’s policy change, Karper said his church will make it clear to officers that without a warrant, they don’t have any business on church property.“We’re a peaceful people. You know, what are we going to do?” he asked. “But we’re going to make it clear to anybody who’s in the building, who feels threatened by this that they have rights, that they’re not required to answer questions, that they’re not required without a warrant to produce ID. You know, there’s still a rule of law in this country and we’re not Germany in the ‘30s. We’re just not.”

Trump rescinds guidance protecting schools, churches from immigration raids

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.”

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.

“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.”

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 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.

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.

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.

<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

TREGO COUNTY —WaKeeney Police Department received a possible cruelty to animals in progress call stating that a person was going to “shoot” and kill their dog in their backyard, according to a media release from the Trego County Sheriff.

Information was given to law enforcement stating the subject was armed with a .40 caliber handgun and had been consuming alcohol. The Trego Sheriff’s Office and Kansas Highway Patrol were called for an assist.

Upon investigation, law enforcement contacted the subject, who did not follow commands. Law enforcement initiated a less lethal means to subdue the suspect due to the subject's uncooperative behavior.

Steven Balock was taken into custody and is being held at the Trego County Jail on requested charges of felony cruelty to animals and felony interference with law enforcement.

&nbsp;The animal was taken to an emergency veterinary clinic and is being treated.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737497617243.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TREGO COUNTY —WaKeeney Police Department received a possible cruelty to animals in progress call stating that a person was going to “shoot” and kill their dog in their backyard, according to a media release from the Trego County Sheriff.Information was given to law enforcement stating the subject was armed with a .40 caliber handgun and had been consuming alcohol. The Trego Sheriff’s Office and Kansas Highway Patrol were called for an assist.Upon investigation, law enforcement contacted the subject, who did not follow commands. Law enforcement initiated a less lethal means to subdue the suspect due to the subject's uncooperative behavior.Steven Balock was taken into custody and is being held at the Trego County Jail on requested charges of felony cruelty to animals and felony interference with law enforcement.&nbsp;The animal was taken to an emergency veterinary clinic and is being treated.

Man accused of animal cruelty in NW Kansas 

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Authorities are investigating the death of an inmate the Sedgwick County jail.

Just after 10p.m. Monday, Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office detention staff discovered an unresponsive inmate identified as 29-year-old Rashawn Pleas of Rockford, Illinois, on the floor of his cell in Pod 6, according to a media release.

On-site medical personnel and Sedgwick County EMS were immediately notified and responded to the scene, where life-saving measures were attempted. He was pronounced dead at approximately 10:52 p.m.

&nbsp;Pleass had been in custody since Dec. 23, 2023, awaiting sentencing in the 18th Judicial District Court on charges of aggravated domestic battery, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of opiates.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.

Pleass did not have any obvious signs of trauma and investigators are now awaiting an autopsy and toxicology.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737478356602.png" alt="Pleass photo from his Sedgwick Co. arrest in 2023" />
 <figcaption>Pleass photo from his Sedgwick Co. arrest in 2023</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Authorities are investigating the death of an inmate the Sedgwick County jail.Just after 10p.m. Monday, Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office detention staff discovered an unresponsive inmate identified as 29-year-old Rashawn Pleas of Rockford, Illinois, on the floor of his cell in Pod 6, according to a media release.On-site medical personnel and Sedgwick County EMS were immediately notified and responded to the scene, where life-saving measures were attempted. He was pronounced dead at approximately 10:52 p.m.&nbsp;Pleass had been in custody since Dec. 23, 2023, awaiting sentencing in the 18th Judicial District Court on charges of aggravated domestic battery, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of opiates.The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.Pleass did not have any obvious signs of trauma and investigators are now awaiting an autopsy and toxicology.

Prisoner in Kansas jail for domestic battery has died

WASHINGTON (AP) — The former leader of the Proud Boys and the founder of the Oath Keepers have been released from prison after their lengthy sentences for seditious conspiracy in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/january-6-cases/">Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol</a>&nbsp;were wiped away by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-jan-6-pardons-trump-justice-department-8ce8b2a8f8cb602d5eaf85ac7b969606">a sweeping order</a>&nbsp;from President Donald Trump benefiting more than 1,500 defendants.

Enrique Tarrio and Stewart Rhodes were two of the highest-profile Jan. 6 defendants and received some of the harshest punishments in what became the largest investigation in Justice Department history. Rhodes, of Granbury, Texas, was serving&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stewart-rhodes-oath-keepers-seditious-conspiracy-sentencing-b3ed4556a3dec577539c4181639f666c">an 18-year prison sentence</a>, and Tarrio, of Miami, was serving&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/enrique-tarrio-capitol-riot-seditious-conspiracy-sentencing-da60222b3e1e54902db2bbbb219dc3fb">a 22-year sentence</a>&nbsp;after they were convicted of orchestrating plots to stop the peaceful transfer of power after Trump, a Republican, lost the 2020 election to Democrat Joe Biden.

Their attorneys confirmed to The Associated Press on Tuesday they had been released hours after Trump pardoned, commuted the sentences of or ordered the dismissal of cases against all the 1,500-plus people who were charged with federal crimes in the riot. Trump's action paved the way for the release of extremist group leaders convicted in major conspiracy cases, as well people who violently attacked law enforcement officers defending the Capitol.

Trump also ordered the attorney general to seek the dismissal of roughly 450 cases that were still pending before judges.

Trump made rewriting the history of the Jan. 6 attack a centerpiece of his bid to return to the White House, and the pardon of the rioters fulfills a campaign pledge to free defendants he contends were politically persecuted by the Justice Department.

Trump said the pardons will end “a grave national injustice that has been perpetrated upon the American people over the last four years” and begin “a process of national reconciliation.”

Trump had suggested in the weeks leading up to his return to the White House that instead of blanket pardons, he would look at the Jan. 6 defendants on a case-by-case basis. Vice President JD Vance said just days ago that&nbsp;<a href="https://interactives.ap.org/jan-6-prosecutions/">people</a>&nbsp;responsible for the violence during the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/january-6-cases/">Capitol riot</a>&nbsp;“obviously” should not be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-pardons-congress-capitol-riot-crimes-4443c672fc3b1492640684652647cde6">pardoned</a>.

More than 1,200 people across the U.S. were convicted of Jan. 6 crimes over the last four years, including roughly 200 people who pleaded guilty to assaulting law enforcement. More than a dozen defendants were convicted of seditious conspiracy, a rare Civil War-era charge and the most serious one brought in the Jan. 6 attack.

Tarrio, who led the neofacist Proud Boys group as it became a force in mainstream Republican circles, was convicted in 2023 of seditious conspiracy and other crimes after a monthslong trial on allegations that he orchestrated violence to overturn Biden's 2020 victory over Trump.

Tarrio wasn’t in Washington on Jan. 6, because he had been arrested two days earlier in a separate case and ordered out of the capital city. But prosecutors said he organized and directed the attack by Proud Boys who stormed the Capitol that day.

Rhodes was convicted in a separate trial alongside members of his far-right militia group who prosecutors alleged were intent on keeping Trump in power at all costs. Over seven weeks of testimony, jurors heard how Rhodes rallied his followers to fight to defend Trump, discussed the prospect of a “bloody” civil war and warned that the Oath Keepers may have to “rise up in insurrection” to defeat Biden if Trump didn’t act.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669760612209.png" alt="-Rhodes from his Jan. 2022 arrest-photo Collin County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>-Rhodes from his Jan. 2022 arrest-photo Collin County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The former leader of the Proud Boys and the founder of the Oath Keepers have been released from prison after their lengthy sentences for seditious conspiracy in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/january-6-cases/">Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol</a>&nbsp;were wiped away by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-jan-6-pardons-trump-justice-department-8ce8b2a8f8cb602d5eaf85ac7b969606">a sweeping order</a>&nbsp;from President Donald Trump benefiting more than 1,500 defendants.Enrique Tarrio and Stewart Rhodes were two of the highest-profile Jan. 6 defendants and received some of the harshest punishments in what became the largest investigation in Justice Department history. Rhodes, of Granbury, Texas, was serving&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stewart-rhodes-oath-keepers-seditious-conspiracy-sentencing-b3ed4556a3dec577539c4181639f666c">an 18-year prison sentence</a>, and Tarrio, of Miami, was serving&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/enrique-tarrio-capitol-riot-seditious-conspiracy-sentencing-da60222b3e1e54902db2bbbb219dc3fb">a 22-year sentence</a>&nbsp;after they were convicted of orchestrating plots to stop the peaceful transfer of power after Trump, a Republican, lost the 2020 election to Democrat Joe Biden.Their attorneys confirmed to The Associated Press on Tuesday they had been released hours after Trump pardoned, commuted the sentences of or ordered the dismissal of cases against all the 1,500-plus people who were charged with federal crimes in the riot. Trump's action paved the way for the release of extremist group leaders convicted in major conspiracy cases, as well people who violently attacked law enforcement officers defending the Capitol.Trump also ordered the attorney general to seek the dismissal of roughly 450 cases that were still pending before judges.Trump made rewriting the history of the Jan. 6 attack a centerpiece of his bid to return to the White House, and the pardon of the rioters fulfills a campaign pledge to free defendants he contends were politically persecuted by the Justice Department.Trump said the pardons will end “a grave national injustice that has been perpetrated upon the American people over the last four years” and begin “a process of national reconciliation.”Trump had suggested in the weeks leading up to his return to the White House that instead of blanket pardons, he would look at the Jan. 6 defendants on a case-by-case basis. Vice President JD Vance said just days ago that&nbsp;<a href="https://interactives.ap.org/jan-6-prosecutions/">people</a>&nbsp;responsible for the violence during the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/january-6-cases/">Capitol riot</a>&nbsp;“obviously” should not be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-pardons-congress-capitol-riot-crimes-4443c672fc3b1492640684652647cde6">pardoned</a>.More than 1,200 people across the U.S. were convicted of Jan. 6 crimes over the last four years, including roughly 200 people who pleaded guilty to assaulting law enforcement. More than a dozen defendants were convicted of seditious conspiracy, a rare Civil War-era charge and the most serious one brought in the Jan. 6 attack.Tarrio, who led the neofacist Proud Boys group as it became a force in mainstream Republican circles, was convicted in 2023 of seditious conspiracy and other crimes after a monthslong trial on allegations that he orchestrated violence to overturn Biden's 2020 victory over Trump.Tarrio wasn’t in Washington on Jan. 6, because he had been arrested two days earlier in a separate case and ordered out of the capital city. But prosecutors said he organized and directed the attack by Proud Boys who stormed the Capitol that day.Rhodes was convicted in a separate trial alongside members of his far-right militia group who prosecutors alleged were intent on keeping Trump in power at all costs. Over seven weeks of testimony, jurors heard how Rhodes rallied his followers to fight to defend Trump, discussed the prospect of a “bloody” civil war and warned that the Oath Keepers may have to “rise up in insurrection” to defeat Biden if Trump didn’t act.

Proud Boys leader and Oath Keepers founder now free after Trump clemency

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose Tuesday after more companies said they made bigger profits at the end of last year than analysts expected and as Treasury yields eased.

The S&amp;P 500 climbed 0.9%, while many markets around the world took only tentative steps following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump’s</a>&nbsp;return to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-inauguration-swearing-capitol-b3549ebe5dae74a872502aa79def7a11">White House on Monday</a>. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 538 points, or 1.2%, and the Nasdaq composite added 0.6%.

Trump has promised sweeping&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-is-an-executive-order-trump-ea7ef3c7a785dbd1ee63e0ea3a776e14">moves</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/america-first-trade-policy/">reshape global trade</a>&nbsp;and the economy, often at the expense of other countries, but most stock indexes in Asia and Europe made only modest moves. In the bond market, U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fed-bonds-interest-rates-37c91aa8d1cc4d2a09506d31e9dba99b">Treasury yields</a>&nbsp;gave back some of their big recent gains that had cranked up the pressure on stock markets worldwide, while bitcoin pulled back from its record set the day before.

In the foreign-currency market, the values of both the Mexican peso and Canadian dollar fell against the U.S. dollar after Trump said he expects to put 25%&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-energy-economy-inflation-ev-oil-gas-00be8d3d5216a328e129666032c889e1">tariffs on Canada and Mexico starting on Feb. 1</a>. Trump had threatened even stiffer tariffs on Chinese imports during his campaign, but he said Monday he wanted to have more discussions with the leader of the world’s second-largest economy.

The threat of widespread tariffs, along with the possibility of other policies that could swell the U.S. government’s debt, had helped send Treasury yields higher recently, which in turn knocked down stock prices. To make up for such downward pressure, companies need to deliver stronger earnings growth to support their stock prices.

Charles Schwab did just that on Tuesday and rose 5.9% after delivering a better profit report for the end of 2024 than analysts expected. It credited clients pouring more in dollars, as its total client assets rose 19% from a year earlier to $10.10 trillion.

3M climbed 4.2% after reporting profit and revenue for the end of 2024 that edged past analysts’ expectations The company behind Scotch tape and Command strips also gave forecasts for financial results in 2025 that were roughly in line with analysts’ expectations.

This earnings reporting season is still in its early days, but S&amp;P 500 companies have so far been beating analysts’ expectations for earnings by double the rate they were doing at this time three months ago, according to Bank of America strategists Ohsung Kwon and Savita Subramanian.

Moderna also rose 5.4% after saying it received $590 million in total awards from the U.S. government for the continued development of flu vaccines. Oracle rallied 7.2% ahead of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ai-openai-oracle-softbank-son-altman-ellison-be261f8a8ee07a0623d4170397348c41">an expected announcement</a>&nbsp;by Trump on investments in artificial-intelligence infrastructure involving the tech giant, OpenAI and SoftBank.

Such gains helped offset a 9.2% drop for Walgreen Boots Alliance. The U.S. Justice Department&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/walgreens-prescriptions-opioids-lawsuit-039ddbcc4d444796e67be5693ffa9759">accused Walgreens</a>&nbsp;late Friday of filling millions of prescriptions without a legitimate purpose, including for dangerous amounts of opioids. In the lawsuit, the government says the drugstore chain’s pharmacists filled controlled substance prescriptions with clear red flags that indicated they were highly likely to be unlawful.

Walgreens, one of the country’s largest pharmacy chains with over 8,000 locations, said in a statement that it stands behind its pharmacists and “will not stand by and allow the government to put our pharmacists in a no-win situation, trying to comply with “rules” that simply do not exist.”

All told, the S&amp;P 500 added 52.58 points to 6,049.24. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 537.98 to 44,025.81, and the Nasdaq composite rose 126.58 to 19,756.78.

In the bond market, Treasury yields eased to give back some of the big gains they’d made in recent months on worries about inflation remaining difficult to fully subdue.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.56% from 4.62% late Friday. Like the U.S. stock market, bond trading had been closed on Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The 10-year Treasury yield has been regressing since an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-jobs-federal-reserve-2d6a4d1c31b37fa2d060c466472a8ca1">encouraging update on inflation</a>&nbsp;last week, but it’s still well above where it was in September, when it was below 3.65%.

Morgan Stanley strategist Michael Wilson said the movements for such longer-term interest rates appear to be the main driver for the overall U.S. stock market. He expects the pattern to continue, where stocks drop when yields rise and vice-versa, at least until the 10-year Treasury yield falls below 4.50% on a sustainable basis, among other things.

In stock markets abroad, indexes rose slightly across Europe after finishing mixed in Asia.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index rose 0.9% after embattled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-country-property-debt-1f4e213a72a0ff0678f9b830bade695a">Chinese property</a>&nbsp;developer Country Garden got a reprieve on its deadline for working out an agreement with its creditors.

In the cryptocurrency market, which has surged amid hopes Trump will make Washington friendlier to the industry, bitcoin pulled back from its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bitcoin-crypto-trump-currency-cfa22616701c94590e6f9d409651acac">record above $109,000</a>&nbsp;set on Monday and was sitting just above $106,000.

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose Tuesday after more companies said they made bigger profits at the end of last year than analysts expected and as Treasury yields eased.The S&amp;P 500 climbed 0.9%, while many markets around the world took only tentative steps following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump’s</a>&nbsp;return to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-inauguration-swearing-capitol-b3549ebe5dae74a872502aa79def7a11">White House on Monday</a>. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 538 points, or 1.2%, and the Nasdaq composite added 0.6%.Trump has promised sweeping&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-is-an-executive-order-trump-ea7ef3c7a785dbd1ee63e0ea3a776e14">moves</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/america-first-trade-policy/">reshape global trade</a>&nbsp;and the economy, often at the expense of other countries, but most stock indexes in Asia and Europe made only modest moves. In the bond market, U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fed-bonds-interest-rates-37c91aa8d1cc4d2a09506d31e9dba99b">Treasury yields</a>&nbsp;gave back some of their big recent gains that had cranked up the pressure on stock markets worldwide, while bitcoin pulled back from its record set the day before.In the foreign-currency market, the values of both the Mexican peso and Canadian dollar fell against the U.S. dollar after Trump said he expects to put 25%&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-energy-economy-inflation-ev-oil-gas-00be8d3d5216a328e129666032c889e1">tariffs on Canada and Mexico starting on Feb. 1</a>. Trump had threatened even stiffer tariffs on Chinese imports during his campaign, but he said Monday he wanted to have more discussions with the leader of the world’s second-largest economy.The threat of widespread tariffs, along with the possibility of other policies that could swell the U.S. government’s debt, had helped send Treasury yields higher recently, which in turn knocked down stock prices. To make up for such downward pressure, companies need to deliver stronger earnings growth to support their stock prices.Charles Schwab did just that on Tuesday and rose 5.9% after delivering a better profit report for the end of 2024 than analysts expected. It credited clients pouring more in dollars, as its total client assets rose 19% from a year earlier to $10.10 trillion.3M climbed 4.2% after reporting profit and revenue for the end of 2024 that edged past analysts’ expectations The company behind Scotch tape and Command strips also gave forecasts for financial results in 2025 that were roughly in line with analysts’ expectations.This earnings reporting season is still in its early days, but S&amp;P 500 companies have so far been beating analysts’ expectations for earnings by double the rate they were doing at this time three months ago, according to Bank of America strategists Ohsung Kwon and Savita Subramanian.Moderna also rose 5.4% after saying it received $590 million in total awards from the U.S. government for the continued development of flu vaccines. Oracle rallied 7.2% ahead of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ai-openai-oracle-softbank-son-altman-ellison-be261f8a8ee07a0623d4170397348c41">an expected announcement</a>&nbsp;by Trump on investments in artificial-intelligence infrastructure involving the tech giant, OpenAI and SoftBank.Such gains helped offset a 9.2% drop for Walgreen Boots Alliance. The U.S. Justice Department&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/walgreens-prescriptions-opioids-lawsuit-039ddbcc4d444796e67be5693ffa9759">accused Walgreens</a>&nbsp;late Friday of filling millions of prescriptions without a legitimate purpose, including for dangerous amounts of opioids. In the lawsuit, the government says the drugstore chain’s pharmacists filled controlled substance prescriptions with clear red flags that indicated they were highly likely to be unlawful.Walgreens, one of the country’s largest pharmacy chains with over 8,000 locations, said in a statement that it stands behind its pharmacists and “will not stand by and allow the government to put our pharmacists in a no-win situation, trying to comply with “rules” that simply do not exist.”All told, the S&amp;P 500 added 52.58 points to 6,049.24. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 537.98 to 44,025.81, and the Nasdaq composite rose 126.58 to 19,756.78.In the bond market, Treasury yields eased to give back some of the big gains they’d made in recent months on worries about inflation remaining difficult to fully subdue.The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.56% from 4.62% late Friday. Like the U.S. stock market, bond trading had been closed on Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.The 10-year Treasury yield has been regressing since an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-jobs-federal-reserve-2d6a4d1c31b37fa2d060c466472a8ca1">encouraging update on inflation</a>&nbsp;last week, but it’s still well above where it was in September, when it was below 3.65%.Morgan Stanley strategist Michael Wilson said the movements for such longer-term interest rates appear to be the main driver for the overall U.S. stock market. He expects the pattern to continue, where stocks drop when yields rise and vice-versa, at least until the 10-year Treasury yield falls below 4.50% on a sustainable basis, among other things.In stock markets abroad, indexes rose slightly across Europe after finishing mixed in Asia.Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index rose 0.9% after embattled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-country-property-debt-1f4e213a72a0ff0678f9b830bade695a">Chinese property</a>&nbsp;developer Country Garden got a reprieve on its deadline for working out an agreement with its creditors.In the cryptocurrency market, which has surged amid hopes Trump will make Washington friendlier to the industry, bitcoin pulled back from its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bitcoin-crypto-trump-currency-cfa22616701c94590e6f9d409651acac">record above $109,000</a>&nbsp;set on Monday and was sitting just above $106,000.___

Wall Street begins Trump's second term with big gains 

JOHNSON COUNTY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of a fatal fire in Olathe.

Just after 7:30a.m. Monday, crews responded to the fire in a duplex-style home at 306 S. Kenwood, according to a social media report.

One adult lost their life. One side of the home was significantly damage.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Olathe Fire Department, Olathe Police Department and Johnson County Sheriff's Office are working together on the investigation. Johnson County MED-ACT also provided professional support at the incident.&nbsp; Authorities have not released the name of the victim or other details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737479592227.png" alt="Photos Olathe Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photos Olathe Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of a fatal fire in Olathe.Just after 7:30a.m. Monday, crews responded to the fire in a duplex-style home at 306 S. Kenwood, according to a social media report.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737479571641.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>One adult lost their life. One side of the home was significantly damage.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Olathe Fire Department, Olathe Police Department and Johnson County Sheriff's Office are working together on the investigation. Johnson County MED-ACT also provided professional support at the incident.&nbsp; Authorities have not released the name of the victim or other details..

One dead after fire at Kansas home

WASHINGTON (AP) — In one of her last acts as Treasury Secretary,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/janet-yellen">Janet Yellen</a>&nbsp;said her agency will start taking “extraordinary measures,” or special accounting maneuvers intended to prevent the nation from hitting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-ceiling-shutdown-explainer-22ff94a8f8b188c722ff8fab3f7093d0">the debt ceiling</a>, on January 21 in a letter sent to congressional leaders Friday afternoon.

She sent a letter&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/treasury-debt-limit-yellen-trump-elections-republicans-9c5d27c08feb744f5ee59dc2c87a06d5">in late December</a>&nbsp;to lawmakers stating that Treasury expected to hit the statutory debt ceiling between January 14 and January 23. And now, the agency will stop paying into certain accounts, including the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund and the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund, to make up for the shortfall in money beginning Tuesday.

The move comes during the switchover of administrations, where President-elect Donald Trump takes over control of the White House and federal agencies from President Joe Biden on Monday. Yellen will be out of office when the extraordinary measures take effect.

The department has in the past deployed what are known as “extraordinary measures,” or accounting maneuvers, to keep the government operating. But once those measures run out, the government risks defaulting on its debt unless lawmakers and the president agree to lift the limit on the U.S. government’s ability to borrow.

“The period of time that extraordinary measures may last is subject to considerable uncertainty, including the challenges of forecasting the payments and receipts of the U.S. Government months into the future,” Yellen wrote in a letter addressed to House and Senate leadership.

“I respectfully urge Congress to act promptly to protect the full faith and credit of the United States,” she said.

When the debt limit is raised or suspended those funds will be paid back and federal retirees and workers won’t be affected by the actions.

Outgoing President Joe Biden in December&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-disaster-aid-debt-limit-trump-5a78b3c8c7aedc9384842fae83d78f5b">signed a bill into law</a>&nbsp;that averted a government shutdown but did not include President-elect Donald Trump’s core&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-ceiling-shutdown-explainer-22ff94a8f8b188c722ff8fab3f7093d0">debt demand</a>&nbsp;to raise or suspend the nation’s debt limit.

Trump has called for the statutory debt ceiling to be abolished. He told NBC News in December that getting rid of the debt ceiling entirely would be the “smartest thing” the Congress could do.

The federal debt currently stands at roughly $36 trillion — which ballooned across both Republican and Democratic administrations. And the spike in inflation after the coronavirus pandemic pushed up government borrowing costs such that debt service next year will exceed spending on national security.

Republicans, who will have full control of the White House, House and Senate in the new year, have big plans to extend Trump’s 2017 tax cuts and other priorities but debate over how to pay for them.

Trump has nominated South Carolina investor Scott Bessent, to lead the Treasury Department. During his confirmation hearing on Thursday, Bessent was questioned by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), who asked whether Bessent thinks the statutory debt limit should be repealed.

Bessent said in response that if Trump wants to eliminate the debt limit, “I will work with him.”

“The U.S. is not going to default on its debt if I’m confirmed,” he said.

WASHINGTON (AP) — In one of her last acts as Treasury Secretary,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/janet-yellen">Janet Yellen</a>&nbsp;said her agency will start taking “extraordinary measures,” or special accounting maneuvers intended to prevent the nation from hitting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-ceiling-shutdown-explainer-22ff94a8f8b188c722ff8fab3f7093d0">the debt ceiling</a>, on January 21 in a letter sent to congressional leaders Friday afternoon.She sent a letter&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/treasury-debt-limit-yellen-trump-elections-republicans-9c5d27c08feb744f5ee59dc2c87a06d5">in late December</a>&nbsp;to lawmakers stating that Treasury expected to hit the statutory debt ceiling between January 14 and January 23. And now, the agency will stop paying into certain accounts, including the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund and the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund, to make up for the shortfall in money beginning Tuesday.The move comes during the switchover of administrations, where President-elect Donald Trump takes over control of the White House and federal agencies from President Joe Biden on Monday. Yellen will be out of office when the extraordinary measures take effect.The department has in the past deployed what are known as “extraordinary measures,” or accounting maneuvers, to keep the government operating. But once those measures run out, the government risks defaulting on its debt unless lawmakers and the president agree to lift the limit on the U.S. government’s ability to borrow.“The period of time that extraordinary measures may last is subject to considerable uncertainty, including the challenges of forecasting the payments and receipts of the U.S. Government months into the future,” Yellen wrote in a letter addressed to House and Senate leadership.“I respectfully urge Congress to act promptly to protect the full faith and credit of the United States,” she said.When the debt limit is raised or suspended those funds will be paid back and federal retirees and workers won’t be affected by the actions.Outgoing President Joe Biden in December&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-disaster-aid-debt-limit-trump-5a78b3c8c7aedc9384842fae83d78f5b">signed a bill into law</a>&nbsp;that averted a government shutdown but did not include President-elect Donald Trump’s core&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-ceiling-shutdown-explainer-22ff94a8f8b188c722ff8fab3f7093d0">debt demand</a>&nbsp;to raise or suspend the nation’s debt limit.Trump has called for the statutory debt ceiling to be abolished. He told NBC News in December that getting rid of the debt ceiling entirely would be the “smartest thing” the Congress could do.The federal debt currently stands at roughly $36 trillion — which ballooned across both Republican and Democratic administrations. And the spike in inflation after the coronavirus pandemic pushed up government borrowing costs such that debt service next year will exceed spending on national security.Republicans, who will have full control of the White House, House and Senate in the new year, have big plans to extend Trump’s 2017 tax cuts and other priorities but debate over how to pay for them.Trump has nominated South Carolina investor Scott Bessent, to lead the Treasury Department. During his confirmation hearing on Thursday, Bessent was questioned by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), who asked whether Bessent thinks the statutory debt limit should be repealed.Bessent said in response that if Trump wants to eliminate the debt limit, “I will work with him.”“The U.S. is not going to default on its debt if I’m confirmed,” he said.

US will hit debt ceiling this week

BUTLER COUNTY – A Kansas man pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography which was found on multiple electronic devices.

According to court documents, Alexander James Rosell, 34, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography.

Rosell's activity was discovered through an international investigation into a particular dark web website, as well as reports made against IP addresses connected to a residence to which he had access. During a search warrant at the home, investigators found Rosell had child pornography images on a cell phone and multiple laptops.

Rosell is scheduled to be sentenced on April 4, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force are investigating the case

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737409307108.png" alt="Rosell is being held in Butler County" />
 <figcaption>Rosell is being held in Butler County</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY – A Kansas man pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography which was found on multiple electronic devices.According to court documents, Alexander James Rosell, 34, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography.Rosell's activity was discovered through an international investigation into a particular dark web website, as well as reports made against IP addresses connected to a residence to which he had access. During a search warrant at the home, investigators found Rosell had child pornography images on a cell phone and multiple laptops.Rosell is scheduled to be sentenced on April 4, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force are investigating the case

International child porn investigation led to Kan. man's arrest

NEW YORK (AP) — Garth Hudson, the Band’s virtuoso keyboardist and all-around musician who drew from a unique palette of sounds and styles to add a conversational touch to such rock standards as “Up on Cripple Creek,” “The Weight” and “Rag Mama Rag,” has died at age 87.

Hudson was the eldest and last surviving member of the influential group that once backed Bob Dylan. His death was confirmed Tuesday by The Canadian Press, which cited Hudson’s friend, Jan Haust. Additional details were not immediately available. Hudson had been living in a nursing home in upstate New York.

A rustic figure with an expansive forehead and sprawling beard, Hudson was a classically trained performer and self-educated Greek chorus who spoke through piano, synthesizers, horns and his favored Lowrey organ. No matter the song, Hudson summoned just the right feeling or shading, whether the tipsy clavinet and wah-wah pedal on “Up on Cripple Creek,” the galloping piano on “Rag Mama Rag” or the melancholy saxophone on “It Makes No Difference.”

The only non-singer among five musicians celebrated for their camaraderie, texture and versatility, Hudson mostly loomed in the background, but he did have one showcase: “Chest Fever,” a Robbie Robertson composition for which he devised an introductory organ solo (“The Genetic Method”), an eclectic sampling of moods and melodies that segued into the song’s hard rock riff.

Robertson, the band’s guitarist and lead songwriter, died in 2023 after a long illness. Keyboardist-drummer Richard Manuel hung himself in 1986, bassist Rick Danko died in his sleep in 1999 and drummer Levon Helm died of cancer in 2012. The Band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.

Formed in the early 1960s as a backing group for rocker Ronnie Hawkins, the Band was originally called The Hawks and featured the Arkansas-born Helm and four Canadians recruited by Helm and Hawkins: Hudson, Danko, Manuel and Robertson.

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 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Garth Hudson, the Band’s virtuoso keyboardist and all-around musician who drew from a unique palette of sounds and styles to add a conversational touch to such rock standards as “Up on Cripple Creek,” “The Weight” and “Rag Mama Rag,” has died at age 87.Hudson was the eldest and last surviving member of the influential group that once backed Bob Dylan. His death was confirmed Tuesday by The Canadian Press, which cited Hudson’s friend, Jan Haust. Additional details were not immediately available. Hudson had been living in a nursing home in upstate New York.A rustic figure with an expansive forehead and sprawling beard, Hudson was a classically trained performer and self-educated Greek chorus who spoke through piano, synthesizers, horns and his favored Lowrey organ. No matter the song, Hudson summoned just the right feeling or shading, whether the tipsy clavinet and wah-wah pedal on “Up on Cripple Creek,” the galloping piano on “Rag Mama Rag” or the melancholy saxophone on “It Makes No Difference.”The only non-singer among five musicians celebrated for their camaraderie, texture and versatility, Hudson mostly loomed in the background, but he did have one showcase: “Chest Fever,” a Robbie Robertson composition for which he devised an introductory organ solo (“The Genetic Method”), an eclectic sampling of moods and melodies that segued into the song’s hard rock riff.Robertson, the band’s guitarist and lead songwriter, died in 2023 after a long illness. Keyboardist-drummer Richard Manuel hung himself in 1986, bassist Rick Danko died in his sleep in 1999 and drummer Levon Helm died of cancer in 2012. The Band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.Formed in the early 1960s as a backing group for rocker Ronnie Hawkins, the Band was originally called The Hawks and featured the Arkansas-born Helm and four Canadians recruited by Helm and Hawkins: Hudson, Danko, Manuel and Robertson.The Band mastered their craft through years of performing as unknowns — first behind Hawkins, then as Levon and the Hawks, then as the unsuspecting targets of outrage after hooking up with Dylan in the mid-1960s. All joined Dylan on his historic tours of 1965-66 (Helm departed midway), when he broke with his folk past and teamed with the Band for some of the most stirring and stormiest music of the time, enraging some old Dylan admirers but attracting many new ones. The group would rename itself the Band in part because so many people around Dylan simply referred to his backing musicians as “the band.”By 1967, Dylan was in semi-seclusion, having allegedly broken his neck in a motorcycle accident, and he and the group settled in the artist community in Woodstock that two years later would become world famous thanks to the festival in nearby Bethel. With no album planned, they wrote and played spontaneously in an old pink house outside of town shared by Hudson, Danko and Manuel. Hudson was in charge of the tape machine as Dylan and The Band recorded more than 100 songs, for years available only as bootlegs, that became known as “The Basement Tapes.” Often cited as the foundation of “roots” music and “Americana,” the music varied from old folk, country and Appalachian songs to such new compositions as “Tears of Rage,” “I Shall Be Released” and “This Wheel’s on Fire.”“There would be an informal discussion, before each recording,’” Hudson told the online publication Something Else! in 2014. “There would be ideas floating around, and the telling of stories. And then we’d go back to the songs.“We looked for words, phrases and situations that were worth writing about. I think that Bob Dylan showed us discipline, and ageless concern about the quality of his art.”Dylan resurfaced in late 1967 with the austere “John Wesley Harding,” and the Band debuted soon after with “Music from Big Pink,” its down home sound so radically different from the jams and psychedelic tricks then in fashion that artists from The Beatles to Eric Clapton to the Grateful Dead would cite its influence. The Band followed in 1969 with a self-titled album that many still consider its best and has often been ranked among the greatest rock albums of all time.Future records included “Stage Fright,” “Cahoots” and “Northern Lights/Southern Cross,” a 1975 album that brought Hudson special praise for his work on the keyboards. A year later, Robertson decided he had tired of live performances, and the Band staged the all-star concert and Martin Scorsese film, “The Last Waltz,” featuring Dylan, Clapton, Neil Young and many others. Tension between Robertson and Helm, who would allege the film unduly elevated Robertson over the others, led to a full breakup before the documentary’s release in 1978.Hudson played briefly with the English band the Call; appeared with various latter incarnations of the Band, usually featuring Danko, Hudson and Helm; assisted on solo albums by Robertson and Danko; and joined Danko and Helm for a performance of Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” at the Berlin Wall. Other session work included records by Van Morrison, Leonard Cohen and Emmylou Harris.Hudson also organized his own projects, although his first solo effort, “The Sea to the North,” came out on the day of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. In 2005, he formed a 12-piece band called The Best!, with his wife on vocals. “Garth Hudson Presents: A Canadian Celebration of The Band” was a 2010 tribute featuring Neil Young, Bruce Cockburn and other Canadian musicians.In recent years, Hudson struggled financially. He had sold his interest in the Band to Robertson and went bankrupt several times. He lost one home to foreclosure and saw many of his belongings put up for auction in 2013 when he fell behind on payments for storage. Hudson’s wife, Maud, died in 2022. They had a daughter, Tami Zoe Hill.The son of musicians, Hudson was born in Windsor, Ontario in 1937 and received formal training at an early age. He was performing on stage and writing before he was even a teenager, although by his early 20s he had soured on classical music and was playing in a rock band, the Capers.He was the last to join the Band and he worried that his parents would disapprove. The solution was to have Hawkins hire him as a “musical consultant” and pay him $10 extra a week.“It was a job,” Hudson said of the Band in a 2002 interview with Maclean’s. “Play a stadium, play a theater. My job was to provide arrangements with pads underneath, pads and fills behind good poets. Same poems every night.”