KANSAS CITY—A Kansas City-area man&nbsp;was sentenced Friday to state prison after he pleaded guilty to two counts of Abuse or Neglect of a Child, according Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

The judge sentenced 32-year-old Bryan Snow to 15-years in prison.

According to court records, police were dispatched on Feb. 12, 2021 to the 400 block of SW Moreland School Road and found in the residence a 27-year-old woman stuck in the bathtub.

She suffers from Multiple Sclerosis and was unable to get out of the tub. The woman was suffering from horrific wounds from sitting in the tub reportedly for days.

She was sitting in inches of human waste. A doctor, after examining her, stated that she faced a life-threatening situation if she had not been treated.

In a bedroom in the house, police also found two malnourished 5-year-old girls. One was "skin and bones" in the words of one police officer and the girls were eating out of a cereal bag.

The girls underwent a forensic interview later at the Child Protection Center and detailed other abuse. In 2020, the Children's Division reported repeated contacts with the victims and told police that Snow, by agreement, was not supposed to have contact with the girls.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661729969040.png" alt="Snow-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Snow-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—A Kansas City-area man&nbsp;was sentenced Friday to state prison after he pleaded guilty to two counts of Abuse or Neglect of a Child, according Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.The judge sentenced 32-year-old Bryan Snow to 15-years in prison.According to court records, police were dispatched on Feb. 12, 2021 to the 400 block of SW Moreland School Road and found in the residence a 27-year-old woman stuck in the bathtub.She suffers from Multiple Sclerosis and was unable to get out of the tub. The woman was suffering from horrific wounds from sitting in the tub reportedly for days.She was sitting in inches of human waste. A doctor, after examining her, stated that she faced a life-threatening situation if she had not been treated.In a bedroom in the house, police also found two malnourished 5-year-old girls. One was "skin and bones" in the words of one police officer and the girls were eating out of a cereal bag.The girls underwent a forensic interview later at the Child Protection Center and detailed other abuse. In 2020, the Children's Division reported repeated contacts with the victims and told police that Snow, by agreement, was not supposed to have contact with the girls.&nbsp;

KC man left disabled girlfriend in bathtub, abused children

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A new Missouri law outlawing books with sexually explicit images from school libraries is about to take effect.

Starting this week, it will be a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail or a $2,000 fine for librarians and other educators to give students access to such material.

The law does not apply to written descriptions of sex or sexual acts; only photos, drawings, videos and other visual depictions are prohibited.

<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/22info/pdf-bill/tat/SB775.pdf">The law defined explicit sexual material</a>&nbsp;as images “showing human masturbation, deviate sexual intercourse," “sexual intercourse, direct physical stimulation of genitals, sadomasochistic abuse,” or showing human genitals.

There are exceptions for anatomy, biology, sex education, art and other images considered educational.

Melissa Corey, the president of the Missouri Association of School Librarians, said the law likely will only apply to certain comic books and graphic novels, which are longer comic books.

Republican state Sen. Rick Brattin spearheaded the legislation by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-sexual-assault-74c89557a67cc8819f1dcc599f33b03c">tacking it on to another bill</a>&nbsp;aimed at protecting sexual assault victims’ rights. He initially proposed a more expansive ban that would have prohibited written descriptions of sexual acts, but that was scaled back during closed-door negotiations.

“When you go read the definition of what is outlawed — literal sex acts, graphic human masturbation — these are things that are within the definition, and people are finding this controversial that it should be before kids,” Brattin said. “I'm really blown away by how controversial this has turned.”

Democratic state Sen. Barbara Washington said Democrats tried to limit the scope of the law to save books such as Nobel laureate Toni Morrison’s debut novel “The Bluest Eye," which is not banned under the new law.

“We have works of art and books of literature that may have things that may be offensive to some, but taken as a whole would not necessarily be offensive,” Washington said.

Brattin cited “Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic” as a book he wants to see removed from schools under the new law. The graphic memoir is about author Alison Bechdel’s fraught relationship with her late father and includes drawn depictions of masturbation and oral sex.

Corey said it's unclear which books, if any, will be pulled from Missouri school libraries. Those decisions are made at the school district level, and she said schools have policies that outline the formal process for reviewing which books students can access.

Corey said the association advised librarians to work with local school boards to best follow the law, particularly the exceptions for art and biology.

“It ultimately is up to how the school board is going to interpret the bill upon legal counsel,” she said.

Librarians follow district-specific policies in deciding which books to offer Missouri students, Corey said. She said books are approved for different grade levels based on what educators deem is age-appropriate, meaning high school students and kindergarteners do not have access to the same literature.

Corey said Missouri librarians want representation in literature and for students "to see themselves reflected in books."

She cautioned against going too far in limiting what material students can access.

“When you are looking at challenging or reviewing a book it really becomes a very slippery slope,” Corey said. “That is something that we really need to think about.”

The issue likely will resurface in the upcoming legislative session, which begins in January. Brattin said written descriptions of sexual acts are some Republicans' next target.

“School districts definitely need to be on notice that that’s going to be the next attempt," Brattin said. "A lot of this material is literary.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646228343807.png" alt="Republican state Sen. Rick Brattin spearheaded the legislation-courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Republican state Sen. Rick Brattin spearheaded the legislation-courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A new Missouri law outlawing books with sexually explicit images from school libraries is about to take effect.Starting this week, it will be a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail or a $2,000 fine for librarians and other educators to give students access to such material.The law does not apply to written descriptions of sex or sexual acts; only photos, drawings, videos and other visual depictions are prohibited.<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/22info/pdf-bill/tat/SB775.pdf">The law defined explicit sexual material</a>&nbsp;as images “showing human masturbation, deviate sexual intercourse," “sexual intercourse, direct physical stimulation of genitals, sadomasochistic abuse,” or showing human genitals.There are exceptions for anatomy, biology, sex education, art and other images considered educational.Melissa Corey, the president of the Missouri Association of School Librarians, said the law likely will only apply to certain comic books and graphic novels, which are longer comic books.Republican state Sen. Rick Brattin spearheaded the legislation by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-sexual-assault-74c89557a67cc8819f1dcc599f33b03c">tacking it on to another bill</a>&nbsp;aimed at protecting sexual assault victims’ rights. He initially proposed a more expansive ban that would have prohibited written descriptions of sexual acts, but that was scaled back during closed-door negotiations.“When you go read the definition of what is outlawed — literal sex acts, graphic human masturbation — these are things that are within the definition, and people are finding this controversial that it should be before kids,” Brattin said. “I'm really blown away by how controversial this has turned.”Democratic state Sen. Barbara Washington said Democrats tried to limit the scope of the law to save books such as Nobel laureate Toni Morrison’s debut novel “The Bluest Eye," which is not banned under the new law.“We have works of art and books of literature that may have things that may be offensive to some, but taken as a whole would not necessarily be offensive,” Washington said.Brattin cited “Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic” as a book he wants to see removed from schools under the new law. The graphic memoir is about author Alison Bechdel’s fraught relationship with her late father and includes drawn depictions of masturbation and oral sex.Corey said it's unclear which books, if any, will be pulled from Missouri school libraries. Those decisions are made at the school district level, and she said schools have policies that outline the formal process for reviewing which books students can access.Corey said the association advised librarians to work with local school boards to best follow the law, particularly the exceptions for art and biology.“It ultimately is up to how the school board is going to interpret the bill upon legal counsel,” she said.Librarians follow district-specific policies in deciding which books to offer Missouri students, Corey said. She said books are approved for different grade levels based on what educators deem is age-appropriate, meaning high school students and kindergarteners do not have access to the same literature.Corey said Missouri librarians want representation in literature and for students "to see themselves reflected in books."She cautioned against going too far in limiting what material students can access.“When you are looking at challenging or reviewing a book it really becomes a very slippery slope,” Corey said. “That is something that we really need to think about.”The issue likely will resurface in the upcoming legislative session, which begins in January. Brattin said written descriptions of sexual acts are some Republicans' next target.“School districts definitely need to be on notice that that’s going to be the next attempt," Brattin said. "A lot of this material is literary.”

Librarians in Missouri could face jail time over sexually explicit books

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Fuel leaks have forced NASA to scrub the launch of its new moon rocket on a no-crew test flight.

The next launch attempt will not take place until Friday at the earliest.

The 322-foot Space Launch System rocket was set to lift off Monday morning with three test dummies aboard on its first flight, a mission to propel a capsule into orbit around the moon.

The shakedown flight, when it happens, will be a big step forward in America’s quest to put astronauts back on the moon for the first time since the end of the Apollo program 50 years ago.

NASA hopes to send four astronauts around the moon in 2024 and land humans there as early as 2025.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Fuel leaks and a possible crack discovered during final liftoff preparations threatened to delay the launch of NASA’s mighty new moon rocket Monday morning on its shakedown flight with three test dummies aboard.

As precious minutes ticked away, NASA repeatedly stopped and started the fueling of the Space Launch System rocket with nearly 1 millions gallons of super-cold hydrogen and oxygen because of a leak. The fueling already was running nearly an hour late because of thunderstorms offs Florida’s Kennedy Space Center.

The leak appeared in the same place that saw seepage during a dress rehearsal back in the spring.

Then a second apparent leak in a valve turned up, officials said.

Later in the morning, a crack or some other defect was spotted on the core stage — the big orange fuel tank with four main engines on it — with frost appearing around the suspect area, NASA officials said. Engineers began studying the buildup.

The rocket was set to lift off on a mission to put a crew capsule into orbit around the moon. The launch represents a major milestone in America's quest to put astronauts back on the moon for the first time since the Apollo program ended 50 years ago.

NASA’s assistant launch director, Jeremy Graeber, said after the repeated struggles with the first leak that the space agency would have to decide whether to go forward with the Monday morning launch.

"We have a lot of work to get to that point," Graeber cautioned.

If Monday’s launch can’t go forward, the next launch attempt wouldn’t be until Friday at the earliest.

The 322-foot (98-meter) rocket is the most powerful ever built by NASA, out-muscling even the Saturn V that took the Apollo astronauts to the moon.

No astronauts were inside the rocket's Orion capsule. Instead, three test dummies were strapped for the six-week mission, scheduled to end with the capsule's splashdown in the Pacific in October.

Even though no one was on board, thousands of people jammed the coast to see the rocket soar. Vice President Kamala Harris was expected among the VIPs.

The launch is the first flight in NASA’s 21st-century moon-exploration program, named Artemis after Apollo’s mythological twin sister.

Assuming the test goes well, astronauts would climb aboard for the second flight and fly around the moon and back as soon as 2024. A two-person lunar landing could follow by the end of 2025.

The problems seen Monday were reminiscent of NASA's space shuttle era, when hydrogen fuel leaks disrupted countdowns and delayed a string of launches back in 1990.

Launch director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson and her team also had to deal with a communication problem involving the Orion capsule.

Engineers scrambled to understand an 11-minute delay in the communication lines between Launch Control and Orion that cropped up late Sunday. Although the problem had cleared by Monday morning, NASA needed to know why it occurred before committing to a launch.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — NASA pressed toward the launch of a new moon rocket Monday to put a crew capsule into lunar orbit for the first time in 50 years, after a leak reappeared in the same place that saw seepage during a dress rehearsal back in the spring.

As precious minutes in the countdown ticked away, launch controllers repeatedly halted the fueling operation, which already was running nearly an hour late because of thunderstorms offshore of Florida’s Kennedy Space Center.

NASA’s assistant launch director, Jeremy Graeber, said controllers finally managed to get the leak down to a safe and acceptable level, where it held steady as nearly 1 million gallons of super-cold fuel filled the tanks of the rocket’s core stage.

Graeber said NASA still has a shot at launching Monday morning, but won’t target a new liftoff time until the 10-minute hold in the countdown when managers conduct the “go-no go” poll.

The 322-foot (98-meter) rocket is the most powerful ever built by NASA, out-muscling even the Saturn V used by the Apollo program that carried astronauts to the moon a half-century ago.

No astronauts were inside the Orion capsule. Instead, three test dummies were strapped in for the lunar-orbiting mission, expected to last six weeks.

Even though no one was on board, thousands of people jammed the coast to see the Space Launch System, or SLS, rocket soar. Vice President Kamala Harris flew into Orlando with her husband, but had yet to make the hourlong drive to Cape Canaveral for the planned liftoff.

If Monday's launch can't go forward, the next launch attempt wouldn’t be until Friday at the earliest.

A hazardous hydrogen fuel leak marred NASA's countdown test back in April, prompting a slew of repairs. The demo was repeated with more success in June, but that, too, experienced some leakage. Managers had said they would not know for certain whether the fixes were good until attempting to load the rocket's tanks Monday.

The problem was reminiscent of NASA's space shuttle era, when hydrogen fuel leaks disrupted countdowns and delayed a string of launches back in 1990.

Launch director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson and her team also had to deal with a communication issue involving the Orion capsule.

This first flight of NASA's 21st-century moon-exploration program, named Artemis after Apollo's mythological twin sister, is years overdue. Repeated delays have led to billions in budget overruns; this demo alone costs $4.1 billion.

Assuming the test goes well, astronauts would climb aboard for the second flight and fly around the moon and back as soon as 2024. A two-person lunar landing could follow by the end of 2025. NASA is targeting the moon's south pole.

During Apollo, 12 astronauts landed on the moon from 1969 through 1972, with stays of no more than a few days. NASA is looking to establish a lunar base during Artemis, with astronauts rotating in and out for weeks at a time. The next step would be Mars, possibly in the late 2030s or early 2040s.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A fuel leak interrupted NASA's launch countdown for its new moon rocket early Monday, reappearing in the same place that saw seepage during a dress rehearsal back in the spring.

Launch controllers halted the tanking operation, which already was running an hour late because of thunderstorms offshore. They slowly resumed the process to confirm that it was, indeed, a hydrogen fuel leak and not faulty sensors, but alarms forced another temporary pause as precious minutes in the countdown ticked away.

The 322-foot rocket is the most powerful ever built my NASA, out-muscling even the Saturn V that carried astronauts to the moon a half-century ago.

This test flight, if successful, would put a crew capsule into lunar orbit for the first time in 50 years.

No astronauts were inside the Orion capsule atop the rocket at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Instead, three test dummies were strapped in for the lunar-orbiting mission, expected to last six weeks.

Even with no one on board, thousands of people jammed the coast to see the Space Launch System, or SLS, rocket soar. Vice President Kamala Harris flew into Orlando with her husband, but had yet to make the hourlong drive to Cape Canaveral for the planned liftoff.

The next launch attempt wouldn’t be until Friday at the earliest.

Hydrogen fuel leaks marred NASA's countdown test back in April, prompting a slew of repairs. The demo was repeated with more success in June, but that, too, experienced some leakage. Managers said they would not know for certain whether the fixes were good until attempting to load the rocket's tanks with nearly 1 million gallons of super-cold fuel on Monday.

Engineers scrambled to understand an 11-minute delay in the communication lines between Launch Control and Orion that cropped up late Sunday. Although the problem had cleared by Monday morning, NASA needed to know why it occurred before committing to launch.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661739689721.png" alt="Artemis&nbsp; 1 on the launch pad Sunday -photo courtesy NASA" />
 <figcaption>Artemis&nbsp; 1 on the launch pad Sunday -photo courtesy NASA</figcaption>
 </figure>CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Fuel leaks have forced NASA to scrub the launch of its new moon rocket on a no-crew test flight.(Click below to watch the launch)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/21X5lGlDOfg" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The next launch attempt will not take place until Friday at the earliest.The 322-foot Space Launch System rocket was set to lift off Monday morning with three test dummies aboard on its first flight, a mission to propel a capsule into orbit around the moon.The shakedown flight, when it happens, will be a big step forward in America’s quest to put astronauts back on the moon for the first time since the end of the Apollo program 50 years ago.NASA hopes to send four astronauts around the moon in 2024 and land humans there as early as 2025.----------CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Fuel leaks and a possible crack discovered during final liftoff preparations threatened to delay the launch of NASA’s mighty new moon rocket Monday morning on its shakedown flight with three test dummies aboard.As precious minutes ticked away, NASA repeatedly stopped and started the fueling of the Space Launch System rocket with nearly 1 millions gallons of super-cold hydrogen and oxygen because of a leak. The fueling already was running nearly an hour late because of thunderstorms offs Florida’s Kennedy Space Center.The leak appeared in the same place that saw seepage during a dress rehearsal back in the spring.Then a second apparent leak in a valve turned up, officials said.Later in the morning, a crack or some other defect was spotted on the core stage — the big orange fuel tank with four main engines on it — with frost appearing around the suspect area, NASA officials said. Engineers began studying the buildup.The rocket was set to lift off on a mission to put a crew capsule into orbit around the moon. The launch represents a major milestone in America's quest to put astronauts back on the moon for the first time since the Apollo program ended 50 years ago.NASA’s assistant launch director, Jeremy Graeber, said after the repeated struggles with the first leak that the space agency would have to decide whether to go forward with the Monday morning launch."We have a lot of work to get to that point," Graeber cautioned.If Monday’s launch can’t go forward, the next launch attempt wouldn’t be until Friday at the earliest.The 322-foot (98-meter) rocket is the most powerful ever built by NASA, out-muscling even the Saturn V that took the Apollo astronauts to the moon.No astronauts were inside the rocket's Orion capsule. Instead, three test dummies were strapped for the six-week mission, scheduled to end with the capsule's splashdown in the Pacific in October.Even though no one was on board, thousands of people jammed the coast to see the rocket soar. Vice President Kamala Harris was expected among the VIPs.The launch is the first flight in NASA’s 21st-century moon-exploration program, named Artemis after Apollo’s mythological twin sister.Assuming the test goes well, astronauts would climb aboard for the second flight and fly around the moon and back as soon as 2024. A two-person lunar landing could follow by the end of 2025.The problems seen Monday were reminiscent of NASA's space shuttle era, when hydrogen fuel leaks disrupted countdowns and delayed a string of launches back in 1990.Launch director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson and her team also had to deal with a communication problem involving the Orion capsule.Engineers scrambled to understand an 11-minute delay in the communication lines between Launch Control and Orion that cropped up late Sunday. Although the problem had cleared by Monday morning, NASA needed to know why it occurred before committing to a launch.---------CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — NASA pressed toward the launch of a new moon rocket Monday to put a crew capsule into lunar orbit for the first time in 50 years, after a leak reappeared in the same place that saw seepage during a dress rehearsal back in the spring.As precious minutes in the countdown ticked away, launch controllers repeatedly halted the fueling operation, which already was running nearly an hour late because of thunderstorms offshore of Florida’s Kennedy Space Center.NASA’s assistant launch director, Jeremy Graeber, said controllers finally managed to get the leak down to a safe and acceptable level, where it held steady as nearly 1 million gallons of super-cold fuel filled the tanks of the rocket’s core stage.Graeber said NASA still has a shot at launching Monday morning, but won’t target a new liftoff time until the 10-minute hold in the countdown when managers conduct the “go-no go” poll."We have a lot of work to get to that point," Graeber cautioned.The 322-foot (98-meter) rocket is the most powerful ever built by NASA, out-muscling even the Saturn V used by the Apollo program that carried astronauts to the moon a half-century ago.No astronauts were inside the Orion capsule. Instead, three test dummies were strapped in for the lunar-orbiting mission, expected to last six weeks.Even though no one was on board, thousands of people jammed the coast to see the Space Launch System, or SLS, rocket soar. Vice President Kamala Harris flew into Orlando with her husband, but had yet to make the hourlong drive to Cape Canaveral for the planned liftoff.If Monday's launch can't go forward, the next launch attempt wouldn’t be until Friday at the earliest.A hazardous hydrogen fuel leak marred NASA's countdown test back in April, prompting a slew of repairs. The demo was repeated with more success in June, but that, too, experienced some leakage. Managers had said they would not know for certain whether the fixes were good until attempting to load the rocket's tanks Monday.The problem was reminiscent of NASA's space shuttle era, when hydrogen fuel leaks disrupted countdowns and delayed a string of launches back in 1990.Launch director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson and her team also had to deal with a communication issue involving the Orion capsule.Engineers scrambled to understand an 11-minute delay in the communication lines between Launch Control and Orion that cropped up late Sunday. Although the problem had cleared by Monday morning, NASA needed to know why it occurred before committing to a launch.This first flight of NASA's 21st-century moon-exploration program, named Artemis after Apollo's mythological twin sister, is years overdue. Repeated delays have led to billions in budget overruns; this demo alone costs $4.1 billion.Assuming the test goes well, astronauts would climb aboard for the second flight and fly around the moon and back as soon as 2024. A two-person lunar landing could follow by the end of 2025. NASA is targeting the moon's south pole.During Apollo, 12 astronauts landed on the moon from 1969 through 1972, with stays of no more than a few days. NASA is looking to establish a lunar base during Artemis, with astronauts rotating in and out for weeks at a time. The next step would be Mars, possibly in the late 2030s or early 2040s.___CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A fuel leak interrupted NASA's launch countdown for its new moon rocket early Monday, reappearing in the same place that saw seepage during a dress rehearsal back in the spring.Launch controllers halted the tanking operation, which already was running an hour late because of thunderstorms offshore. They slowly resumed the process to confirm that it was, indeed, a hydrogen fuel leak and not faulty sensors, but alarms forced another temporary pause as precious minutes in the countdown ticked away.The 322-foot rocket is the most powerful ever built my NASA, out-muscling even the Saturn V that carried astronauts to the moon a half-century ago.This test flight, if successful, would put a crew capsule into lunar orbit for the first time in 50 years.No astronauts were inside the Orion capsule atop the rocket at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Instead, three test dummies were strapped in for the lunar-orbiting mission, expected to last six weeks.Even with no one on board, thousands of people jammed the coast to see the Space Launch System, or SLS, rocket soar. Vice President Kamala Harris flew into Orlando with her husband, but had yet to make the hourlong drive to Cape Canaveral for the planned liftoff.The next launch attempt wouldn’t be until Friday at the earliest.Hydrogen fuel leaks marred NASA's countdown test back in April, prompting a slew of repairs. The demo was repeated with more success in June, but that, too, experienced some leakage. Managers said they would not know for certain whether the fixes were good until attempting to load the rocket's tanks with nearly 1 million gallons of super-cold fuel on Monday.Launch director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson and her team also had to deal with a communication issue involving the Orion capsule.Engineers scrambled to understand an 11-minute delay in the communication lines between Launch Control and Orion that cropped up late Sunday. Although the problem had cleared by Monday morning, NASA needed to know why it occurred before committing to launch.This first flight of NASA's 21st-century moon-exploration program, named Artemis after Apollo's mythological twin sister, is years overdue. Repeated delays have led to billions in budget overruns; this demo alone costs $4.1 billion.Assuming the test goes well, astronauts would climb aboard for the second flight and fly around the moon and back as soon as 2024. A two-person lunar landing could follow by the end of 2025. NASA is targeting the moon's south pole.During Apollo, 12 astronauts landed on the moon from 1969 through 1972, with stays of no more than a few days. NASA is looking to establish a lunar base during Artemis, with astronauts rotating in and out for weeks at a time. The next step would be Mars, possibly in the late 2030s or early 2040s.___

🎥 Fuel leaks force NASA to scrub launch of new moon rocket

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and looking for a suspect.

Just before 3 a.m. on Sunday, police responded to the report of a shooting at 1215 N. Westview in the city of Derby, according to a statement from the city.

Officers located several witnesses to the shooting and one adult male who was suffering from a gunshot wound. EMS transported the victim to a local hospital where he died.

Police are looking for a suspect described as a Black male, approximately mid 20s, with a slender build. He has a street name of “D” or possibly “Dee”. &nbsp;

Anyone who knows the identity of this person should contact the Derby Police&nbsp; at 788-1557, 911 or Crime Stoppers at 267-2111. Please do not try to approach or apprehend this person. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661726235566.png" alt="Dee-photo City of Derby" />
 <figcaption>Dee-photo City of Derby</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and looking for a suspect.Just before 3 a.m. on Sunday, police responded to the report of a shooting at 1215 N. Westview in the city of Derby, according to a statement from the city.Officers located several witnesses to the shooting and one adult male who was suffering from a gunshot wound. EMS transported the victim to a local hospital where he died.Police are looking for a suspect described as a Black male, approximately mid 20s, with a slender build. He has a street name of “D” or possibly “Dee”. &nbsp;Anyone who knows the identity of this person should contact the Derby Police&nbsp; at 788-1557, 911 or Crime Stoppers at 267-2111. Please do not try to approach or apprehend this person. &nbsp;

Police search for suspect after killing at Kansas home

JOHNSON COUNTY—Authorities are working to determine the cause of a fire at a horse stable in northeast Kansas.

Just after 4p.m. Sunday, crews from, Overland Park, Olathe and Johnson County Fire District 1 responded to a fire in a large horse stable and arena in the 12600 Block of West 183rd Street.&nbsp;

As crews arrived they found heavy smoke. People and horses had evacuated. Crews attacked the large fire on the east side of the facility where the stables were located.

A second alarm was called due to the size of the fire and extreme heat conditions. It took firefighters two hours to bring the fire under control. The horse stable was completely destroyed. The arena suffered moderate fire and smoke damage.There were no injuries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661768592945.png" alt="Photos courtesy Overland Park Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photos courtesy Overland Park Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY—Authorities are working to determine the cause of a fire at a horse stable in northeast Kansas.Just after 4p.m. Sunday, crews from, Overland Park, Olathe and Johnson County Fire District 1 responded to a fire in a large horse stable and arena in the 12600 Block of West 183rd Street.&nbsp;As crews arrived they found heavy smoke. People and horses had evacuated. Crews attacked the large fire on the east side of the facility where the stables were located.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661768619297.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A second alarm was called due to the size of the fire and extreme heat conditions. It took firefighters two hours to bring the fire under control. The horse stable was completely destroyed. The arena suffered moderate fire and smoke damage.There were no injuries.

2 alarm fire destroys horse stable in Kansas

Unjustified backtracking leaves families on wrong side of digital divide 

WASHINGTON — In a recent move, FCC leadership abruptly reversed the agency’s decision to issue Elon Musk’s Starlink an $885 million infrastructure award that Starlink had won at an FCC auction in 2020, and it did so without a vote or authorization from the agency’s Commissioners. 

 As the winning bidder, Starlink had a commitment to provide high-speed Internet service to 642,925 unserved rural homes and businesses across 35 states.  Instead, many of those families and communities will now be stuck waiting on the wrong the side of the digital divide.  While the agency had limited remit to review the 2020 award, its decision here plainly exceeds the scope of that authority.  More broadly, this agency action mirrors a broader set of infrastructure missteps by the Administration—ones that Carr has previously highlighted.

FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr issued the following statement:

“I was surprised to find out by an FCC press release issued earlier this month that agency leadership had suddenly reversed course on an $885 million infrastructure award that Elon Musk’s Starlink won in 2020 to provide high-speed Internet service to unconnected Americans.  The agency’s decision here mirrors the Administration’s broader set of infrastructure missteps by costing taxpayer dollars while leaving rural communities behind.

“As an initial matter, this a very curious outcome because the reasons the agency offers for backtracking on this infrastructure decision do not withstand even casual scrutiny.  Indeed, the reversal constitutes clear error and plainly exceeds agency authority.

“First, the FCC’s announcement claims that the agency is acting to ‘avoid extensive delays in providing needed service to rural areas.’  Yet that is exactly the outcome that this decision ensures.  The FCC’s 2020 award to Starlink secured a commitment for the delivery of high-speed Internet service to 642,925 unserved rural homes and businesses across 35 states.  By reversing course, the FCC has just chosen to vaporize that commitment and replace it with .&nbsp;.&nbsp;. nothing.  That’s a decision to leave families waiting on the wrong side of the digital divide when we have the technology to get them high-speed service today.

“Second, the agency decision casts aspersion on the Starlink system in turning heel on the Commission’s 2020 award—calling the technology “risky” and “still developing.”  But those arguments do not bear out.  To start, the one set of speed test data the FCC cites shows that Starlink’s speeds have increased significantly year over year, not decreased over that time period.  And in any event, the relevant speed benchmarks that the full Commission imposed in 2020 on Starlink and all other infrastructure award winners do not kick in for another three years.  Particularly given the speeds Starlink is already offering and the pace with which it is continuing to launch satellites, the FCC’s decision offers no reasoned basis for determining that Starlink was incapable of meeting its regulatory obligations.  In fact, Starlink is already exceeding those benchmark speeds in other countries where their services are online.  Indeed, the skepticism the FCC expresses here is odd because it is in direct conflict with the confidence expressed by other components of the federal government—including the Air Force, which just inked a nearly $2 million deal with Starlink to deliver high-speed Internet service to military bases.  In the end, this action reads as an untimely and improper effort to revisit the full Commission’s 2020 decision to allow satellite providers to compete for awards, rather than the limited review authorized.

“Third, the agency cites Starlink’s price point in denying it this universal service award.  Yet right now, the FCC is providing universal service awards for far slower Internet services that cost consumers far more.  Indeed, when I learned about the FCC’s decision while on a work trip to Napakiak, Alaska, I heard from residents there and in surrounding villages that are paying hundreds of dollars every single month for services supported by the FCC’s universal service awards that deliver speeds less than 1/10th of Starlink’s.  Moreover, the 2020 Commission-level decision governing the Starlink award and similar ones did not authorize staff to deny a winning bid based on equipment price point considerations—let alone based on an arbitrary one selectively applied to one winner.  As such, the denial here is without a lawful basis.

“Fourth, this agency decision will hit taxpayers in their pocketbooks.  To the extent the federal government ever makes another commitment to serve these communities, it will cost us orders of magnitude more money to do so.  Indeed, while the Commission’s 2020 award secured a deal to bring high-speed service to all of these areas for $885 million in support, extending high-speed fiber lines to these same areas will likely cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $3 billion based on past bidding patterns and analysis—more once you start accounting for inflation.

“The problems compound from there.  After all, there is a limited pot of federal infrastructure dollars, and we are now far more likely to exhaust those resources before getting every American connected. 

“More broadly, though, this decision reflects many of the same missteps that the Administration has been making as it implements federal broadband infrastructure programs.  We should correct course, adopt a technology neutral approach, and in doing so ensure that we prioritize the needs of Americans that remain unserved today.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/9/1569445831519.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Unjustified backtracking leaves families on wrong side of digital divide </h2>WASHINGTON — In a recent move, FCC leadership abruptly reversed the agency’s decision to issue Elon Musk’s Starlink an $885 million infrastructure award that Starlink had won at an FCC auction in 2020, and it did so without a vote or authorization from the agency’s Commissioners. As the winning bidder, Starlink had a commitment to provide high-speed Internet service to 642,925 unserved rural homes and businesses across 35 states. Instead, many of those families and communities will now be stuck waiting on the wrong the side of the digital divide. While the agency had limited remit to review the 2020 award, its decision here plainly exceeds the scope of that authority. More broadly, this agency action mirrors a broader set of infrastructure missteps by the Administration—ones that Carr has previously highlighted.FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr issued the following statement:“I was surprised to find out by an FCC press release issued earlier this month that agency leadership had suddenly reversed course on an $885 million infrastructure award that Elon Musk’s Starlink won in 2020 to provide high-speed Internet service to unconnected Americans. The agency’s decision here mirrors the Administration’s broader set of infrastructure missteps by costing taxpayer dollars while leaving rural communities behind.“As an initial matter, this a very curious outcome because the reasons the agency offers for backtracking on this infrastructure decision do not withstand even casual scrutiny. Indeed, the reversal constitutes clear error and plainly exceeds agency authority.“First, the FCC’s announcement claims that the agency is acting to ‘avoid extensive delays in providing needed service to rural areas.’ Yet that is exactly the outcome that this decision ensures. The FCC’s 2020 award to Starlink secured a commitment for the delivery of high-speed Internet service to 642,925 unserved rural homes and businesses across 35 states. By reversing course, the FCC has just chosen to vaporize that commitment and replace it with .&nbsp;.&nbsp;. nothing. That’s a decision to leave families waiting on the wrong side of the digital divide when we have the technology to get them high-speed service today.“Second, the agency decision casts aspersion on the Starlink system in turning heel on the Commission’s 2020 award—calling the technology “risky” and “still developing.” But those arguments do not bear out. To start, the one set of speed test data the FCC cites shows that Starlink’s speeds have increased significantly year over year, not decreased over that time period. And in any event, the relevant speed benchmarks that the full Commission imposed in 2020 on Starlink and all other infrastructure award winners do not kick in for another three years. Particularly given the speeds Starlink is already offering and the pace with which it is continuing to launch satellites, the FCC’s decision offers no reasoned basis for determining that Starlink was incapable of meeting its regulatory obligations. In fact, Starlink is already exceeding those benchmark speeds in other countries where their services are online. Indeed, the skepticism the FCC expresses here is odd because it is in direct conflict with the confidence expressed by other components of the federal government—including the Air Force, which just inked a nearly $2 million deal with Starlink to deliver high-speed Internet service to military bases. In the end, this action reads as an untimely and improper effort to revisit the full Commission’s 2020 decision to allow satellite providers to compete for awards, rather than the limited review authorized.“Third, the agency cites Starlink’s price point in denying it this universal service award. Yet right now, the FCC is providing universal service awards for far slower Internet services that cost consumers far more. Indeed, when I learned about the FCC’s decision while on a work trip to Napakiak, Alaska, I heard from residents there and in surrounding villages that are paying hundreds of dollars every single month for services supported by the FCC’s universal service awards that deliver speeds less than 1/10th of Starlink’s. Moreover, the 2020 Commission-level decision governing the Starlink award and similar ones did not authorize staff to deny a winning bid based on equipment price point considerations—let alone based on an arbitrary one selectively applied to one winner. As such, the denial here is without a lawful basis.“Fourth, this agency decision will hit taxpayers in their pocketbooks. To the extent the federal government ever makes another commitment to serve these communities, it will cost us orders of magnitude more money to do so. Indeed, while the Commission’s 2020 award secured a deal to bring high-speed service to all of these areas for $885 million in support, extending high-speed fiber lines to these same areas will likely cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $3 billion based on past bidding patterns and analysis—more once you start accounting for inflation.“The problems compound from there. After all, there is a limited pot of federal infrastructure dollars, and we are now far more likely to exhaust those resources before getting every American connected. “More broadly, though, this decision reflects many of the same missteps that the Administration has been making as it implements federal broadband infrastructure programs. We should correct course, adopt a technology neutral approach, and in doing so ensure that we prioritize the needs of Americans that remain unserved today.”

FCC commissioner: Starlink reversal leaves underserved behind

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man who injured two United States deputy marshals by crashing into them while attempting to flee in a stolen truck was sentenced in federal court today for forcibly resisting federal law enforcement officers, according to the United State's Attorney.

Ray E. Clevenger, 47, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to 10 years and 10 months in federal prison without parole.

On Jan. 5, 2022, Clevenger pleaded guilty to two counts of forcibly resisting a federal law enforcement officer.

Law enforcement officers located Clevenger, who was being sought on a state felony arrest warrant, at a Quality Inn in Kansas City, Mo., on Dec. 30, 2020. Clevenger left his hotel room shortly after noon with a woman and got into a Ford Explorer, which was later identified as stolen. Officers activated their flashing multi-colored police emergency lights and sirens as they approached Clevenger.

Clevenger quickly accelerated the Explorer from the parking space it had been backed into, and struck the front of a police vehicle. Clevenger continued to attempt to escape while recklessly driving the Explorer at a high rate of speed. Clevenger drove across the hotel’s parking lot with his tires squealing and drove near the exit on the west side of the property. A federal deputy marshal attempted to prevent Clevenger from leaving the parking lot by positioning his police vehicle in front of the exit and striking the Ford Explorer, causing Clevenger to lose control of his vehicle. Clevenger regained control of the vehicle, then fled across the hotel’s lawn and sidewalk toward the east side of the property. Another deputy marshal struck Clevenger’s vehicle on the passenger rear wheel well to prevent his escape. Clevenger continued to flee and returned to the west side of the property, where he rammed one of the police vehicles for the second time with enough force to push the SUV into a fence that surrounded the parking lot. Clevenger pushed the police vehicle with enough force that it also struck another police vehicle, which in turn struck a deputy marshal who was on foot.

Clevenger’s vehicle then stopped, and he was arrested. Officers searched Clevenger’s stolen vehicle and found a Springfield .40-caliber semi-automatic handgun that had been reported stolen, loaded with an extended magazine, a makeup case that contained approximately 69 grams of methamphetamine and marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.

The two deputy marshals suffered physical injuries because of Clevenger’s reckless driving while attempting to avoid arrest. Those injuries required one of the deputy marshals to be treated by emergency medical officials at the scene. The other deputy marshal was provided medical care and instructed to seek follow-up medical care.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641484652823.png" alt="Clevenger photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Clevenger photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man who injured two United States deputy marshals by crashing into them while attempting to flee in a stolen truck was sentenced in federal court today for forcibly resisting federal law enforcement officers, according to the United State's Attorney.Ray E. Clevenger, 47, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to 10 years and 10 months in federal prison without parole.On Jan. 5, 2022, Clevenger pleaded guilty to two counts of forcibly resisting a federal law enforcement officer.Law enforcement officers located Clevenger, who was being sought on a state felony arrest warrant, at a Quality Inn in Kansas City, Mo., on Dec. 30, 2020. Clevenger left his hotel room shortly after noon with a woman and got into a Ford Explorer, which was later identified as stolen. Officers activated their flashing multi-colored police emergency lights and sirens as they approached Clevenger.Clevenger quickly accelerated the Explorer from the parking space it had been backed into, and struck the front of a police vehicle. Clevenger continued to attempt to escape while recklessly driving the Explorer at a high rate of speed. Clevenger drove across the hotel’s parking lot with his tires squealing and drove near the exit on the west side of the property. A federal deputy marshal attempted to prevent Clevenger from leaving the parking lot by positioning his police vehicle in front of the exit and striking the Ford Explorer, causing Clevenger to lose control of his vehicle. Clevenger regained control of the vehicle, then fled across the hotel’s lawn and sidewalk toward the east side of the property. Another deputy marshal struck Clevenger’s vehicle on the passenger rear wheel well to prevent his escape. Clevenger continued to flee and returned to the west side of the property, where he rammed one of the police vehicles for the second time with enough force to push the SUV into a fence that surrounded the parking lot. Clevenger pushed the police vehicle with enough force that it also struck another police vehicle, which in turn struck a deputy marshal who was on foot.Clevenger’s vehicle then stopped, and he was arrested. Officers searched Clevenger’s stolen vehicle and found a Springfield .40-caliber semi-automatic handgun that had been reported stolen, loaded with an extended magazine, a makeup case that contained approximately 69 grams of methamphetamine and marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.The two deputy marshals suffered physical injuries because of Clevenger’s reckless driving while attempting to avoid arrest. Those injuries required one of the deputy marshals to be treated by emergency medical officials at the scene. The other deputy marshal was provided medical care and instructed to seek follow-up medical care.

KC man sentenced for crash in stolen SUV into U.S Marshals

MITCHELL COUNTY —A small earthquake shook portions of north-central Kansas Sunday.

The quake just before 2p.m. measured a magnitude 2.7, according to the U.S. Geological Survey and was centered approximately 3 miles northwest of Cawker City. The Kansas Geological Survey initially reported the quake a magnitude 3.3.

There were no reports of damage or injury, according to the Mitchell County sheriff's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661736593179.png" alt="Location of the quake-Image U.S. Geological Survey" />
 <figcaption>Location of the quake-Image U.S. Geological Survey</figcaption>
 </figure>MITCHELL COUNTY —A small earthquake shook portions of north-central Kansas Sunday.The quake just before 2p.m. measured a magnitude 2.7, according to the U.S. Geological Survey and was centered approximately 3 miles northwest of Cawker City. The Kansas Geological Survey initially reported the quake a magnitude 3.3.There were no reports of damage or injury, according to the Mitchell County sheriff's office.

Small earthquake shakes north-central Kansas

JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug charges after a traffic stop.

Just after 1a.m. Friday, a sheriff's deputy stopped a 2009 Jeep Compass near 150th and Q. Road for an alleged traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

An occupant of the vehicle, allegedly attempted to discard a meth pipe in the ditch during the stop.

 A  search of the Jeep led to the discovery of more contraband.&nbsp; Deputies arrested and booked Barbara Michelle Morris, 39, of Olathe into the Jackson County Jail for distribution of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, and interference with law enforcement.

 Jason Wayne Alexander, 41, of Ottawa, was arrested booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of Tramadol and drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661545275705.png" alt="Alexander-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Alexander-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug charges after a traffic stop.Just after 1a.m. Friday, a sheriff's deputy stopped a 2009 Jeep Compass near 150th and Q. Road for an alleged traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.An occupant of the vehicle, allegedly attempted to discard a meth pipe in the ditch during the stop.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661545183805.png" alt="Morris-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Morris-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> A search of the Jeep led to the discovery of more contraband.&nbsp; Deputies arrested and booked Barbara Michelle Morris, 39, of Olathe into the Jackson County Jail for distribution of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, and interference with law enforcement. Jason Wayne Alexander, 41, of Ottawa, was arrested booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of Tramadol and drug paraphernalia.

Sheriff: Kan. suspect tried to discard meth pipe during traffic stop

By BLAISE MESA <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-08-23/kansas-mental-health-hospitals-are-so-overcrowded-that-patients-have-to-wait-in-hallways">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA — Patients facing mental health crises are waiting in a Wichita hospital hallway because psychiatric wards are full.

Inmates in the Sedgwick County Jail wait up to a year to get transferred to the Larned State Hospital simply for evaluations.

And hospital workers get choked, kicked or yelled at by people who can’t get intensive mental health care.

Hospital
 administrators told lawmakers at a hearing Tuesday that a lack of 
mental health services and overcrowding puts both patients and health 
care workers in danger at hospitals in south and central Kansas.

“The
 money we’ve spent and the space we have created has been grossly 
overwhelmed in recent years with the need,” said Robyn Chadwick, 
president of the Ascension Via Christi St. Joseph Hospital in Wichita. 
“We do need help.”

Chadwick urged lawmakers to expand the capacity
 of mental health beds in Kansas. She spoke to the Special Committee on 
Mental Health Beds Tuesday morning and said her hospital is stretched 
thin.

The St. Joseph hospital has spent millions to expand 
capacity in its emergency room but it can’t keep up, Chadwick said. She 
added that rural hospitals don’t have the resources to handle these 
patients. St. Joseph could send patients to a state hospital, but the 
waitlists are so long and the health system already cares for around 11 
people who are otherwise state-hospital eligible.

As calls for a 
new hospital intensified, lawmakers on the committee questioned whether a
 private or state-run facility is best. Rep. Henry Helgerson, an 
Eastborough Democrat, said he’s seen more private beds than public beds 
in the last decade. But Chadwick was not excited by more 
privately-funded rooms because she’s seen those facilities close down.

New
 hospitals are on the horizon. Gov. Laura Kelly toured the 
soon-to-be-completed youth facility in Hays last week. Once it’s 
completed in January, it will be the state's only facility west of 
Wichita to offer acute care for kids with severe mental health needs.

Kelly was also in Wichita last week to push for a 50-bed facility in Sedgwick County.

“When
 I came into office, one of my highest priorities was strengthening our 
mental health system,” Kelly said last week. “Even though we have come a
 long way over the last four years, I know there is still so much we 
need to do.”

Sedgwick County has tried to build a mental health 
hospital since 2018, but nothing has materialized. The state has 
allocated $15 million for the hospital and Kelly wants to see another 
$25 million in COVID relief funds sent toward the project. Sedgwick 
County applied for $40 million in federal economic stimulus money for 
construction.

“It’s essential,” Kelly said, “It’s overdue, and we don’t have time to wait.”

Chadwick
 worries finding workers to staff a hospital will prove daunting. She 
said a new hospital would siphon off employees from St. Joseph. Fewer 
employees would mean fewer beds available and Chadwick said opening the 
new hospital could have no impact on the state’s overall capacity.

State
 officials said the Larned State Hospital could take in more people, but
 the hospital lacks the staff to expand its capacity.

She recommended lawmakers create tuition forgiveness programs or offer in-state tuition to out-of-state health students.

“We will stay in this business,” Chadwick said, “but we need your help to do it.”

Blaise
 Mesa reports on criminal justice and social services for the Kansas 
News Service in Topeka. You can follow him on Twitter @Blaise_Mesa or 
email him at blaise@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661350078164.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly is pushing for additional mental health beds. David Condos / Kansas News Service " />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly is pushing for additional mental health beds. David Condos / Kansas News Service </figcaption>
 </figure>By BLAISE MESA <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-08-23/kansas-mental-health-hospitals-are-so-overcrowded-that-patients-have-to-wait-in-hallways">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA — Patients facing mental health crises are waiting in a Wichita hospital hallway because psychiatric wards are full.Inmates in the Sedgwick County Jail wait up to a year to get transferred to the Larned State Hospital simply for evaluations.And hospital workers get choked, kicked or yelled at by people who can’t get intensive mental health care.Hospital
 administrators told lawmakers at a hearing Tuesday that a lack of 
mental health services and overcrowding puts both patients and health 
care workers in danger at hospitals in south and central Kansas.“The
 money we’ve spent and the space we have created has been grossly 
overwhelmed in recent years with the need,” said Robyn Chadwick, 
president of the Ascension Via Christi St. Joseph Hospital in Wichita. 
“We do need help.”Chadwick urged lawmakers to expand the capacity
 of mental health beds in Kansas. She spoke to the Special Committee on 
Mental Health Beds Tuesday morning and said her hospital is stretched 
thin.The St. Joseph hospital has spent millions to expand 
capacity in its emergency room but it can’t keep up, Chadwick said. She 
added that rural hospitals don’t have the resources to handle these 
patients. St. Joseph could send patients to a state hospital, but the 
waitlists are so long and the health system already cares for around 11 
people who are otherwise state-hospital eligible.As calls for a 
new hospital intensified, lawmakers on the committee questioned whether a
 private or state-run facility is best. Rep. Henry Helgerson, an 
Eastborough Democrat, said he’s seen more private beds than public beds 
in the last decade. But Chadwick was not excited by more 
privately-funded rooms because she’s seen those facilities close down.New
 hospitals are on the horizon. Gov. Laura Kelly toured the 
soon-to-be-completed youth facility in Hays last week. Once it’s 
completed in January, it will be the state's only facility west of 
Wichita to offer acute care for kids with severe mental health needs.Kelly was also in Wichita last week to push for a 50-bed facility in Sedgwick County.“When
 I came into office, one of my highest priorities was strengthening our 
mental health system,” Kelly said last week. “Even though we have come a
 long way over the last four years, I know there is still so much we 
need to do.”Sedgwick County has tried to build a mental health 
hospital since 2018, but nothing has materialized. The state has 
allocated $15 million for the hospital and Kelly wants to see another 
$25 million in COVID relief funds sent toward the project. Sedgwick 
County applied for $40 million in federal economic stimulus money for 
construction.“It’s essential,” Kelly said, “It’s overdue, and we don’t have time to wait.”Chadwick
 worries finding workers to staff a hospital will prove daunting. She 
said a new hospital would siphon off employees from St. Joseph. Fewer 
employees would mean fewer beds available and Chadwick said opening the 
new hospital could have no impact on the state’s overall capacity.State
 officials said the Larned State Hospital could take in more people, but
 the hospital lacks the staff to expand its capacity.She recommended lawmakers create tuition forgiveness programs or offer in-state tuition to out-of-state health students.“We will stay in this business,” Chadwick said, “but we need your help to do it.”Blaise
 Mesa reports on criminal justice and social services for the Kansas 
News Service in Topeka. You can follow him on Twitter @Blaise_Mesa or 
email him at blaise@kcur.org.

Kan. mental health hospitals so overcrowded patients wait in halls

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after a an arrest.

Just after 5a.m. Friday, a citizen called the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center regarding a suspicious vehicle parked in her driveway with a male driver, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

A Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) deputy observed a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck near SE Croco Road and SE 53rd Street that matched the description of the suspicious vehicle. 

The DRE deputy conducted a traffic stop when the Chevrolet failed to signal a right turn. During the investigation, it was determined that the driver was too impaired to drive and illegal narcotics were located.

The deputy arrested Tyler E. Schrock, 35, of Topeka and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of driving under the influence, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, transporting an open container of liquor and making an improper turn.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661545539407.png" alt="Schrock-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Schrock-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after a an arrest.Just after 5a.m. Friday, a citizen called the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center regarding a suspicious vehicle parked in her driveway with a male driver, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.A Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) deputy observed a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck near SE Croco Road and SE 53rd Street that matched the description of the suspicious vehicle. The DRE deputy conducted a traffic stop when the Chevrolet failed to signal a right turn. During the investigation, it was determined that the driver was too impaired to drive and illegal narcotics were located.The deputy arrested Tyler E. Schrock, 35, of Topeka and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of driving under the influence, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, transporting an open container of liquor and making an improper turn.

Woman found Kan. drug suspect parked in her driveway

By TERRI FRIEDLINE, DOMINIQUE BAKER and JOHN W. DIAMOND <a href="https://theconversation.com/student-loan-forgiveness-experts-on-banking-public-spending-and-education-policy-look-at-the-impact-of-bidens-plan-189352">The Conversation</a>

President Joe Biden announced a <a href="https://studentaid.gov/debt-relief-announcement/">program to provide student debt relief</a>
 to millions of borrowers of federal loans. The plan would offer up to 
US$10,000 in forgiveness for people who earn less than $125,000 – 
$250,000 for couples – and up to $20,000 for Pell Grant recipients. 
Biden also extended the pause on repaying federal student loan debt 
through Dec. 31, 2022, and has proposed a cap on income that can be used
 to calculate how much borrowers repay through income-driven repayment.

We asked three experts to explain the decision and its impact.

Relief makes real difference but ignores structural issues

Terri Friedline, Associate Professor of Social Work, University of Michigan

The Biden administration’s plan is an important step that I believe will make a real difference in many people’s lives. The <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/08/24/fact-sheet-president-biden-announces-student-loan-relief-for-borrowers-who-need-it-most/">White House estimates</a> that about 20 million of the nation’s <a href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/student-loans/average-student-loan-statistics/">roughly 43 million student debt holders</a> will see their entire balance canceled.

Despite this considerable impact, the plan is still limited. I hope 
it’s just the beginning in much-needed policy conversations about debt 
and education in the United States. 

For one thing, Biden’s plan <a href="https://libertystreeteconomics.newyorkfed.org/2022/04/who-are-the-federal-student-loan-borrowers-and-who-benefits-from-forgiveness/">cuts less than 20%</a> of America’s $1.75 trillion student debt tab.

In addition, the income cap of $125,000 focuses on borrowers’ socioeconomic class while ignoring the roles <a href="https://www.marketplace.org/2020/10/27/student-loan-debt-adds-to-racial-wealth-disparities-research-finds">structural racism</a> and sexism play in terms of who borrows and how much. For example, <a href="https://www.aauw.org/issues/education/student-debt/">Black women borrow</a>
 about $38,000 on average to finance their education, compared with 
$30,000 for white men. And because interest on student loans quickly 
accumulates, most Black female borrowers <a href="https://heller.brandeis.edu/iere/pdfs/racial-wealth-equity/racial-wealth-gap/stallingdreams-how-student-debt-is-disrupting-lifechances.pdf">still owe</a>
 their original balance 20 years after enrolling in school. By 
comparison, most white borrowers have paid off their loans completely 
within that time period.

The Biden administration will have to do more if it aims to 
adequately address these and the many other remaining structural 
problems with debt and education. 

Plan extends much-needed relief to Black borrowers

Dominique Baker, Assistant Professor of Education Policy, Southern Methodist University

When approximately 10,000 student loan borrowers had their private 
student loans randomly canceled from 2010 to 2017, researchers found 
that it ultimately enabled them to <a href="https://www.nber.org/papers/w25810">more easily move, change jobs and earn more money</a>. The borrowers were also 11% less likely to default on credit cards or other loans.

I expect similar outcomes will flow from the Biden administration’s 
decision to cancel federal student loans. And the decision to cancel up 
to $20,000 for those who received Pell Grants means that <a href="https://www.urban.org/urban-wire/more-targeted-approach-student-loan-forgiveness">even more relief may flow to borrowers who are Black</a>.

From the standpoint of racial justice, I believe this additional relief for Black borrowers is necessary because of <a href="https://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674251489">centuries of</a> <a href="https://wwnorton.com/books/When-Affirmative-Action-Was-White/">systemic inequities</a>. Such inequities include accumulating education debt through “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/2329496516686620">predatory inclusion</a>,”
 a practice in which Black people are offered access to things like 
college or buying a house but on exploitative financial terms that have 
long-term negative effects.

Black student loan borrowers are also often the <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/research/the-looming-student-loan-default-crisis-is-worse-than-we-thought/">most</a> <a href="https://www.americanprogress.org/article/continued-student-loan-crisis-black-borrowers/">burdened</a> <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/2332649218790989">by</a> <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/2332858419860153">student</a> <a href="https://www.luminafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/borrowers-of-color-2.pdf">loan</a> <a href="https://www2.ed.gov/policy/highered/reg/hearulemaking/2021/raceandloans.pdf">debt</a>. As <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/research/the-looming-student-loan-default-crisis-is-worse-than-we-thought/">one example</a>,
 Black bachelor’s degree earners are more likely to default on their 
student loans than white students who earn a bachelor’s degree – 21% 
versus 4%, respectively. Even more startling, Black bachelor’s degree 
recipients default at a higher rate than white students who leave 
college with no degree – 21% versus 18%, respectively.

The Biden administration also has <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/08/24/fact-sheet-president-biden-announces-student-loan-relief-for-borrowers-who-need-it-most/#:%7E:text=President%20Biden%20believes%20that%20a,deprives%20them%20of%20that%20opportunity">proposed changes to the income-driven repayment plan</a>,
 which should help future undergraduate borrowers by reducing the 
monthly percentage of discretionary income borrowers would pay from 10% 
to 5% and increasing what counts as nondiscretionary income. That means 
borrowers will have more money that will not be used to calculate the 
percentage they owe each month.

I’d argue there is still work to be done to create an affordable college education. But today was an excellent start.

John W. Diamond, Director of the Baker Institute’s Center for Public Finance, Rice University

The price tag for Biden’s debt forgiveness plan is estimated <a href="https://budgetmodel.wharton.upenn.edu/issues/2022/8/23/forgiving-student-loans">at a little more than $300 billion</a>.

While it will provide direct financial benefits for some people who 
currently owe money on federal student loans, I believe there will be 
another cost: higher inflation. 

U.S. inflation is already rising at just below the <a href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/CPIAUCSL">fastest annual pace in 40 years</a>, prompting the Federal Reserve to <a href="https://theconversation.com/a-hawkish-fed-signals-further-rate-hikes-and-sees-a-slowing-economy-but-not-recession-187758">aggressively hike interest rates</a> to reduce it, even at the risk of recession. Biden’s plan will make the central bank’s job tougher.

The upward pressure on inflation will result from increased spending 
by those who see their student debts reduced, as well as from the 
continuing moratorium on federal loan repayments. This higher demand for
 consumer goods – relative to a world without debt relief or a repayment
 moratorium – has the effect of driving up prices for current goods and 
services.

The <a href="https://www.crfb.org/blogs/cancelling-student-debt-would-undermine-inflation-reduction-act">Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget</a> found that a similar though more modest version of debt forgiveness would lead to a measurable increase in <a href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/PCE">spending on personal consumption</a>,
 which would have the effect of driving up prices for all consumers. 
That was based on a plan to spend roughly $230 billion on debt 
forgiveness – at least $70 billion less than Biden’s plan.

Another side effect could be that Biden’s debt relief offers incentives to students entering or currently in college to <a href="https://www.crfb.org/blogs/how-long-cancelled-student-debt-would-return">take on additional debt</a> in anticipation of future rounds of forgiveness. Economists call this <a href="http://investopedia.com/terms/m/moralhazard.asp">moral hazard</a>. Other research found that increases in student borrowing <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/rfs/hhy069">can result in bigger tuition increases</a>.

Some research has pointed to <a href="http://www.doi.org/10.3386/w25810">positive economic outcomes</a>
 for those who receive debt relief, such as less future indebtedness, 
greater job mobility and higher salaries. But these effects are based on
 a full discharge of student debt and not an incremental reduction like 
the one Biden announced.

Ultimately, loan forgiveness – whatever its merits – will likely lead
 to larger federal deficits and higher inflation. While it benefits 
those with student loan debt, those benefits should be weighed against 
the costs it imposes on others and the economy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661452644608.jpg" alt="Pixabay photo" />
 <figcaption>Pixabay photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By TERRI FRIEDLINE, DOMINIQUE BAKER and JOHN W. DIAMOND <a href="https://theconversation.com/student-loan-forgiveness-experts-on-banking-public-spending-and-education-policy-look-at-the-impact-of-bidens-plan-189352">The Conversation</a>President Joe Biden announced a <a href="https://studentaid.gov/debt-relief-announcement/">program to provide student debt relief</a>
 to millions of borrowers of federal loans. The plan would offer up to 
US$10,000 in forgiveness for people who earn less than $125,000 – 
$250,000 for couples – and up to $20,000 for Pell Grant recipients. 
Biden also extended the pause on repaying federal student loan debt 
through Dec. 31, 2022, and has proposed a cap on income that can be used
 to calculate how much borrowers repay through income-driven repayment.We asked three experts to explain the decision and its impact.<h2>Relief makes real difference but ignores structural issues</h2>Terri Friedline, Associate Professor of Social Work, University of MichiganThe Biden administration’s plan is an important step that I believe will make a real difference in many people’s lives. The <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/08/24/fact-sheet-president-biden-announces-student-loan-relief-for-borrowers-who-need-it-most/">White House estimates</a> that about 20 million of the nation’s <a href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/student-loans/average-student-loan-statistics/">roughly 43 million student debt holders</a> will see their entire balance canceled. Despite this considerable impact, the plan is still limited. I hope 
it’s just the beginning in much-needed policy conversations about debt 
and education in the United States. For one thing, Biden’s plan <a href="https://libertystreeteconomics.newyorkfed.org/2022/04/who-are-the-federal-student-loan-borrowers-and-who-benefits-from-forgiveness/">cuts less than 20%</a> of America’s $1.75 trillion student debt tab. In addition, the income cap of $125,000 focuses on borrowers’ socioeconomic class while ignoring the roles <a href="https://www.marketplace.org/2020/10/27/student-loan-debt-adds-to-racial-wealth-disparities-research-finds">structural racism</a> and sexism play in terms of who borrows and how much. For example, <a href="https://www.aauw.org/issues/education/student-debt/">Black women borrow</a>
 about $38,000 on average to finance their education, compared with 
$30,000 for white men. And because interest on student loans quickly 
accumulates, most Black female borrowers <a href="https://heller.brandeis.edu/iere/pdfs/racial-wealth-equity/racial-wealth-gap/stallingdreams-how-student-debt-is-disrupting-lifechances.pdf">still owe</a>
 their original balance 20 years after enrolling in school. By 
comparison, most white borrowers have paid off their loans completely 
within that time period.The Biden administration will have to do more if it aims to 
adequately address these and the many other remaining structural 
problems with debt and education. <h2>Plan extends much-needed relief to Black borrowers</h2>Dominique Baker, Assistant Professor of Education Policy, Southern Methodist UniversityWhen approximately 10,000 student loan borrowers had their private 
student loans randomly canceled from 2010 to 2017, researchers found 
that it ultimately enabled them to <a href="https://www.nber.org/papers/w25810">more easily move, change jobs and earn more money</a>. The borrowers were also 11% less likely to default on credit cards or other loans.I expect similar outcomes will flow from the Biden administration’s 
decision to cancel federal student loans. And the decision to cancel up 
to $20,000 for those who received Pell Grants means that <a href="https://www.urban.org/urban-wire/more-targeted-approach-student-loan-forgiveness">even more relief may flow to borrowers who are Black</a>.From the standpoint of racial justice, I believe this additional relief for Black borrowers is necessary because of <a href="https://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674251489">centuries of</a> <a href="https://wwnorton.com/books/When-Affirmative-Action-Was-White/">systemic inequities</a>. Such inequities include accumulating education debt through “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/2329496516686620">predatory inclusion</a>,”
 a practice in which Black people are offered access to things like 
college or buying a house but on exploitative financial terms that have 
long-term negative effects.Black student loan borrowers are also often the <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/research/the-looming-student-loan-default-crisis-is-worse-than-we-thought/">most</a> <a href="https://www.americanprogress.org/article/continued-student-loan-crisis-black-borrowers/">burdened</a> <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/2332649218790989">by</a> <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/2332858419860153">student</a> <a href="https://www.luminafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/borrowers-of-color-2.pdf">loan</a> <a href="https://www2.ed.gov/policy/highered/reg/hearulemaking/2021/raceandloans.pdf">debt</a>. As <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/research/the-looming-student-loan-default-crisis-is-worse-than-we-thought/">one example</a>,
 Black bachelor’s degree earners are more likely to default on their 
student loans than white students who earn a bachelor’s degree – 21% 
versus 4%, respectively. Even more startling, Black bachelor’s degree 
recipients default at a higher rate than white students who leave 
college with no degree – 21% versus 18%, respectively.The Biden administration also has <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/08/24/fact-sheet-president-biden-announces-student-loan-relief-for-borrowers-who-need-it-most/#:%7E:text=President%20Biden%20believes%20that%20a,deprives%20them%20of%20that%20opportunity">proposed changes to the income-driven repayment plan</a>,
 which should help future undergraduate borrowers by reducing the 
monthly percentage of discretionary income borrowers would pay from 10% 
to 5% and increasing what counts as nondiscretionary income. That means 
borrowers will have more money that will not be used to calculate the 
percentage they owe each month. I’d argue there is still work to be done to create an affordable college education. But today was an excellent start.<h2>Loan forgiveness could fuel inflation</h2>John W. Diamond, Director of the Baker Institute’s Center for Public Finance, Rice UniversityThe price tag for Biden’s debt forgiveness plan is estimated <a href="https://budgetmodel.wharton.upenn.edu/issues/2022/8/23/forgiving-student-loans">at a little more than $300 billion</a>.While it will provide direct financial benefits for some people who 
currently owe money on federal student loans, I believe there will be 
another cost: higher inflation. U.S. inflation is already rising at just below the <a href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/CPIAUCSL">fastest annual pace in 40 years</a>, prompting the Federal Reserve to <a href="https://theconversation.com/a-hawkish-fed-signals-further-rate-hikes-and-sees-a-slowing-economy-but-not-recession-187758">aggressively hike interest rates</a> to reduce it, even at the risk of recession. Biden’s plan will make the central bank’s job tougher. The upward pressure on inflation will result from increased spending 
by those who see their student debts reduced, as well as from the 
continuing moratorium on federal loan repayments. This higher demand for
 consumer goods – relative to a world without debt relief or a repayment
 moratorium – has the effect of driving up prices for current goods and 
services.The <a href="https://www.crfb.org/blogs/cancelling-student-debt-would-undermine-inflation-reduction-act">Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget</a> found that a similar though more modest version of debt forgiveness would lead to a measurable increase in <a href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/PCE">spending on personal consumption</a>,
 which would have the effect of driving up prices for all consumers. 
That was based on a plan to spend roughly $230 billion on debt 
forgiveness – at least $70 billion less than Biden’s plan.Another side effect could be that Biden’s debt relief offers incentives to students entering or currently in college to <a href="https://www.crfb.org/blogs/how-long-cancelled-student-debt-would-return">take on additional debt</a> in anticipation of future rounds of forgiveness. Economists call this <a href="http://investopedia.com/terms/m/moralhazard.asp">moral hazard</a>. Other research found that increases in student borrowing <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/rfs/hhy069">can result in bigger tuition increases</a>. Some research has pointed to <a href="http://www.doi.org/10.3386/w25810">positive economic outcomes</a>
 for those who receive debt relief, such as less future indebtedness, 
greater job mobility and higher salaries. But these effects are based on
 a full discharge of student debt and not an incremental reduction like 
the one Biden announced. Ultimately, loan forgiveness – whatever its merits – will likely lead
 to larger federal deficits and higher inflation. While it benefits 
those with student loan debt, those benefits should be weighed against 
the costs it imposes on others and the economy.<div><iframe src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/189352/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-advanced" width="1" height="1"></iframe></div>

Experts look at the impact of Biden’s student loan plan

CAMDEN COUNTY—One person drowned in an accident just after 4:30p.m. Saturday at Lake of the Ozarks.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Sylvan Pontoon driven by 31-year-old Favian Estrada of Kansas City, was westbound at the 13 mile mark of the main channel at Lake of the Ozarks.

A passenger identified as 29-year-old Daniel E. Cortez of Kansas City was ejected as the vessel struck a wake. The vessel then struck Cortez. 

He was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Camden County Medical Examiner and transported to Allee Holman-Howe Funeral Home. Estrada was not injured. They were not wearing life-jackets, according to the MSHP.

CAMDEN COUNTY—One person drowned in an accident just after 4:30p.m. Saturday at Lake of the Ozarks.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Sylvan Pontoon driven by 31-year-old Favian Estrada of Kansas City, was westbound at the 13 mile mark of the main channel at Lake of the Ozarks.A passenger identified as 29-year-old Daniel E. Cortez of Kansas City was ejected as the vessel struck a wake. The vessel then struck Cortez. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Camden County Medical Examiner and transported to Allee Holman-Howe Funeral Home. Estrada was not injured. They were not wearing life-jackets, according to the MSHP.

Kansas City man drowns after ejected from boat

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis elevated 20 more churchmen to the rank of cardinal on Saturday, formally expanding those now eligible to vote for his successor in case he dies or resigns — the latter a step he has said he’d consider if the need arises.

Of the churchmen being named new cardinals in the consistory ceremony in St. Peter's Basilica, 16 are younger than 80 and thus eligible to participate in a conclave — the ritual-shrouded, locked-door assembly of cardinals who cast paper ballots to elect a new pontiff.

The 85-year-old Francis has now named 83 of the 132 cardinals currently young enough to join a conclave. The others were appointed by the previous two popes, St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI, whose unexpected retirement in 2013 paved the way for Francis to be elected.

With the eight batches of cardinals Francis has named, prospects are boosted that whoever becomes the next pontiff will share his vision for the future of the church.

Francis reminded the cardinals of their mission, which he said includes “an openness to all peoples, to the horizons of the world, to the peripheries as yet unknown.”

Underlining Francis' attention to those on society's margins, among the new cardinals is Archbishop Anthony Poola of Hyderabad, India. The prelate, 60, is the first member of the Dalit community, considered the lowest rung of India's caste system, to become a cardinal.

One by one, the newest cardinals, whose red cassocks and headgear symbolizes the blood they must be prepared to shed if necessary in their mission, knelt before Francis, who placed on their head the prestigious biretta, as the three-peaked hat is known.

That intimate moment was a chance to exchange a few words with Francis, who smiled to put them at ease. At times, the seated Francis, himself hobbled by mobility problems, lent his own arms to help kneeling cardinals stand up.

In choosing San Diego Bishop Robert Walter McElroy, Francis passed over U.S. churchmen leading traditionally more prestigious dioceses, including San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone.

McElroy has been among a minority of American bishops who opposed to a campaign to deny Communion to Catholic politicians who support abortion rights. Cordileone has said he'd no long allow U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to receive Communion for her defense of abortion rights.

While staunchly against abortion as a grave sin, Francis has also decried what he calls the weaponization of Communion.

McElroy last year was also among a small group of U.S. bishops signing a statement denouncing the bullying that is often directed at LGBTQ youth.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661652969163.png" alt="Pope Francis prays in front of new Cardinals during consistory inside St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican, Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022. Pope Francis has chosen 20 men to become the Catholic Church's newest cardinals. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)" />
 <figcaption>Pope Francis prays in front of new Cardinals during consistory inside St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican, Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022. Pope Francis has chosen 20 men to become the Catholic Church's newest cardinals. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)</figcaption>
 </figure>VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis elevated 20 more churchmen to the rank of cardinal on Saturday, formally expanding those now eligible to vote for his successor in case he dies or resigns — the latter a step he has said he’d consider if the need arises.Of the churchmen being named new cardinals in the consistory ceremony in St. Peter's Basilica, 16 are younger than 80 and thus eligible to participate in a conclave — the ritual-shrouded, locked-door assembly of cardinals who cast paper ballots to elect a new pontiff.The 85-year-old Francis has now named 83 of the 132 cardinals currently young enough to join a conclave. The others were appointed by the previous two popes, St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI, whose unexpected retirement in 2013 paved the way for Francis to be elected.With the eight batches of cardinals Francis has named, prospects are boosted that whoever becomes the next pontiff will share his vision for the future of the church.Francis reminded the cardinals of their mission, which he said includes “an openness to all peoples, to the horizons of the world, to the peripheries as yet unknown.”Underlining Francis' attention to those on society's margins, among the new cardinals is Archbishop Anthony Poola of Hyderabad, India. The prelate, 60, is the first member of the Dalit community, considered the lowest rung of India's caste system, to become a cardinal.One by one, the newest cardinals, whose red cassocks and headgear symbolizes the blood they must be prepared to shed if necessary in their mission, knelt before Francis, who placed on their head the prestigious biretta, as the three-peaked hat is known.That intimate moment was a chance to exchange a few words with Francis, who smiled to put them at ease. At times, the seated Francis, himself hobbled by mobility problems, lent his own arms to help kneeling cardinals stand up.In choosing San Diego Bishop Robert Walter McElroy, Francis passed over U.S. churchmen leading traditionally more prestigious dioceses, including San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone.McElroy has been among a minority of American bishops who opposed to a campaign to deny Communion to Catholic politicians who support abortion rights. Cordileone has said he'd no long allow U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to receive Communion for her defense of abortion rights.While staunchly against abortion as a grave sin, Francis has also decried what he calls the weaponization of Communion.McElroy last year was also among a small group of U.S. bishops signing a statement denouncing the bullying that is often directed at LGBTQ youth.Francis has tried to make gay Catholics feel welcome in the church, whose teaching holds that same-sex intercourse is a sin.Among the newest cardinals is Bishop Richard Kuuia Baawobr from Wa, Ghana, who has spoken out against LGBTQ rights. The African prelate felt ill when he arrived in Rome on Friday and was hospitalized for a heart problem, the pope told the other cardinals, asking them to pray “for this brother who should have been here.”Asked by The Associated Press about such contrasting views among church leaders, McElroy replied that “there are always cultural differences within the life of the church as there is within in the human family. And different cultures approach these questions in different ways.”McElroy added: "My own view is that we have an obligation in the church to make the LGBT persons feel equally welcome in the life of the church, as everyone else.”With electing future pontiffs a key role for cardinals, McElroy, 68, was asked what he thought of Francis' saying that resignation for popes is a valid option.“In principle, I think it is a good idea at a particular moment when they feel they can no longer carry the burdens of that office, but I think this pope is far from that moment," the U.S. prelate said. “I believe he sees himself as far from that moment. What he has is a mobility issue, but it has not affected his mind. I can tell you he is still on top of things."Archbishop Ulrich Steiner of Manaus, Brazil, became the first cardinal from the Amazon, the vast, environmentally-vulnerable region in South America on the Argentine-born pontiff’s home continent. In remarks to The AP, Steiner expressed concern about increasing violence in the Amazon.“But this violence was not born there, it came from outside,'' Steiner, 71, said. ”It is always violence related to money. Concessions, deforestation, also with the mines, also with the fishing."At 48, the youngest member among the cardinals' ranks is an Italian missionary in Mongolia, where Catholics number some 1,300. Francis "knows how important it is supporting these little communities,'' said the new cardinal, Giorgio Marengo.Originally, the pope had picked 21 new cardinals. But retired Belgian Bishop Luc Van Looy declined the honor, citing his own inadequate handling of cases of sexually abusive priests while he led the Ghent diocese from 2004-2020.___