ROME (AP) — Pope Francis has blasted the “backwardness” of some conservatives in the U.S. Catholic Church, saying they have replaced faith with ideology and that a correct understanding of Catholic doctrine allows for change over time.

Francis’ comments were an acknowledgment of the divisions in the U.S. Catholic Church, which has been split between progressives and conservatives who long found support in the doctrinaire papacies of St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI, particularly on issues of abortion and same-sex marriage.

Many conservatives have blasted Francis’ emphasis instead on social justice issues such as the environment and the poor, while also branding as heretical his opening to letting divorced and civilly remarried Catholics receive the sacraments.

Francis made the comments in a private meeting with Portuguese members of his Jesuit religious order while visiting Lisbon on Aug. 5; the Jesuit journal La Civilta Cattolica, which is vetted by the Vatican secretariat of state, published a transcript of the encounter Monday.

During the meeting, a Portuguese Jesuit told Francis that he had suffered during a recent sabbatical year in the United States because he came across many Catholics, including some U.S. bishops, who criticized Francis’ 10-year papacy as well as today’s Jesuits.

The 86-year-old Argentine acknowledged his point, saying there was “a very strong, organized, reactionary attitude” in the U.S. church, which he called “backward.” He warned that such an attitude leads to a climate of closure, which was erroneous.

"Doing this, you lose the true tradition and you turn to ideologies to have support. In other words, ideologies replace faith,” he said.

“The vision of the doctrine of the church as a monolith is wrong,” he added. “When you go backward, you make something closed off, disconnected from the roots of the church,” which then has devastating effects on morality.

“I want to remind these people that backwardness is useless, and they must understand that there’s a correct evolution in the understanding of questions of faith and morals,” that allows for doctrine to progress and consolidate over time.

Francis has previously acknowledged the criticism directed at him from some U.S. conservatives, once quipping that it was an “honor” to be attacked by Americans.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603292366279.png" alt="Francis has previously acknowledged the criticism directed at him from some U.S. conservatives, once quipping that it was an “honor” to be attacked by Americans.image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Francis has previously acknowledged the criticism directed at him from some U.S. conservatives, once quipping that it was an “honor” to be attacked by Americans.image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>ROME (AP) — Pope Francis has blasted the “backwardness” of some conservatives in the U.S. Catholic Church, saying they have replaced faith with ideology and that a correct understanding of Catholic doctrine allows for change over time.Francis’ comments were an acknowledgment of the divisions in the U.S. Catholic Church, which has been split between progressives and conservatives who long found support in the doctrinaire papacies of St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI, particularly on issues of abortion and same-sex marriage.Many conservatives have blasted Francis’ emphasis instead on social justice issues such as the environment and the poor, while also branding as heretical his opening to letting divorced and civilly remarried Catholics receive the sacraments.Francis made the comments in a private meeting with Portuguese members of his Jesuit religious order while visiting Lisbon on Aug. 5; the Jesuit journal La Civilta Cattolica, which is vetted by the Vatican secretariat of state, published a transcript of the encounter Monday.During the meeting, a Portuguese Jesuit told Francis that he had suffered during a recent sabbatical year in the United States because he came across many Catholics, including some U.S. bishops, who criticized Francis’ 10-year papacy as well as today’s Jesuits.The 86-year-old Argentine acknowledged his point, saying there was “a very strong, organized, reactionary attitude” in the U.S. church, which he called “backward.” He warned that such an attitude leads to a climate of closure, which was erroneous."Doing this, you lose the true tradition and you turn to ideologies to have support. In other words, ideologies replace faith,” he said.“The vision of the doctrine of the church as a monolith is wrong,” he added. “When you go backward, you make something closed off, disconnected from the roots of the church,” which then has devastating effects on morality.“I want to remind these people that backwardness is useless, and they must understand that there’s a correct evolution in the understanding of questions of faith and morals,” that allows for doctrine to progress and consolidate over time.Francis has previously acknowledged the criticism directed at him from some U.S. conservatives, once quipping that it was an “honor” to be attacked by Americans.

Pope: Backward U.S. conservatives have replaced faith with ideology

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 10:00 p.m. August 24, police while in the area of the Oakmart convenience store gas station, 2518 NE Seward Avenue in Topeka, observed an individual run from the business, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.

An employee told police the individual had just committed a robbery and provided officers a description of the suspect.

A K9 officer and Shawnee Sheriff Department Drone operators, responded to assist in searching for the suspect who was eventually located in the area and taken into custody.

As a result of the investigation, Rontarus Washington Jr., 27, of Topeka is being held on requested charges of Aggravated Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Battery,&nbsp;&nbsp;Attempted Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Theft and Interference with a Law Enforcement Officer

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692971327915.png" alt="Washington-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Washington-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and have a suspect in custody.Just after 10:00 p.m. August 24, police while in the area of the Oakmart convenience store gas station, 2518 NE Seward Avenue in Topeka, observed an individual run from the business, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.An employee told police the individual had just committed a robbery and provided officers a description of the suspect.A K9 officer and Shawnee Sheriff Department Drone operators, responded to assist in searching for the suspect who was eventually located in the area and taken into custody.As a result of the investigation, Rontarus Washington Jr., 27, of Topeka is being held on requested charges of Aggravated Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Battery,&nbsp;&nbsp;Attempted Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Theft and Interference with a Law Enforcement Officer

Drone, K9 help track down Kansas armed robbery suspect

DAVIESS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities have identified the remains of a man whose body was found in April as 28-year-old Skylar C. Ware of Kansas City, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

On April 21, the Daviess County Sheriff's office requested the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop H DDCC&nbsp; with human remains discovered by a mushroom hunter on private property in rural Daviess County.

Cause of death is homicide. In May of 2020, Ware was reported as a missing person in Jackson County

If you have any information related to this investigation, call the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693235797196.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DAVIESS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities have identified the remains of a man whose body was found in April as 28-year-old Skylar C. Ware of Kansas City, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.On April 21, the Daviess County Sheriff's office requested the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop H DDCC&nbsp; with human remains discovered by a mushroom hunter on private property in rural Daviess County.Cause of death is homicide. In May of 2020, Ware was reported as a missing person in Jackson CountyIf you have any information related to this investigation, call the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.

Homicide: Patrol IDs remains as Kansas City man missing since 2020

FRANKLIN COUNTY —Authorities are investigating a charter bus incident involving member of the Ottawa University football team that occurred on Interstate 35 just outside Emporia on Sunday, according to a statement from Campus President Dr. Reggies Wenyika.

The team was on the way home from a football game against Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas.&nbsp; The bus carrying the defensive team and coaches experienced a mechanical failure and lost all steering capabilities. 

The bus driver was able to bring the bus to a stop safely in a ditch on the side of the road. There were no injuries.

With the assistance of the Lyon County Sheriff's Department, everyone was moved to a safe location until alternative transportation arrangements were made.

Ottawa Athletic Director Arabie Conner was in touch with the owner of the charter bus company. They deployed another bus to pick up the student-athletes and coaches. All arrived back on campus by 3:10 a.m, according to Wenyika.

&nbsp;An official investigation on the incident is underway. Ottawa participates in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) that includes Kansas Wesleyan, McPherson, Sterling, Bethany, Tabor, Southwestern, Evangel, Friends, Bethel, Avila and The University of Saint Mary.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693229720456.png" alt="Photo by Deb Trahoon courtesy KVOE&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Deb Trahoon courtesy KVOE&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>FRANKLIN COUNTY —Authorities are investigating a charter bus incident involving member of the Ottawa University football team that occurred on Interstate 35 just outside Emporia on Sunday, according to a statement from Campus President Dr. Reggies Wenyika.The team was on the way home from a football game against Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas.&nbsp; The bus carrying the defensive team and coaches experienced a mechanical failure and lost all steering capabilities. The bus driver was able to bring the bus to a stop safely in a ditch on the side of the road. There were no injuries.With the assistance of the Lyon County Sheriff's Department, everyone was moved to a safe location until alternative transportation arrangements were made.Ottawa Athletic Director Arabie Conner was in touch with the owner of the charter bus company. They deployed another bus to pick up the student-athletes and coaches. All arrived back on campus by 3:10 a.m, according to Wenyika.&nbsp;An official investigation on the incident is underway. Ottawa participates in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) that includes Kansas Wesleyan, McPherson, Sterling, Bethany, Tabor, Southwestern, Evangel, Friends, Bethel, Avila and The University of Saint Mary.

Football team avoids injury after Kansas bus crash

PHOENIX (AP) — Speaker Kevin McCarthy suggested Sunday that an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-impeachment-mccarthy-hannity-78e4c7efeb030b29e1576f868257179b">impeachment inquiry of President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;was becoming more likely, calling it “a natural step forward” as Congress soon ends its summer break and House Republicans seek to expand their investigative powers.

McCarthy, R-Calif., has so far avoided committing to an impeachment vote or offering a timeline for possible action. Some House Republicans are eager to go after Biden over claims of financial misconduct involving his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/robert-hunter-biden">son Hunter</a>, but the Democratic president&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-irs-justice-department-congress-republicans-32d9f33fb0d05c483d76926504d45bef">has not been shown to have done anything wrong</a>.

Meanwhile, McCarthy said passing a short-term spending bill to keep the government running past the end of September would ensure that investigations of Hunter Biden could continue, a pitch directed at conservatives worried a bipartisan deal with Senate Democrats would not cut enough spending. The stopgap measure would buy time to work out a longer-term budget deal before mandatory spending cuts that neither party prefers are imposed in the new year.

“If you look at all the information we have been able to gather so far, it is a natural step forward that you would have to go to an impeachment inquiry,” McCarthy told Fox News Channel's “Sunday Morning Futures.”

An impeachment inquiry, he said, “provides Congress the apex of legal power to get all the information they need."

McCarthy is walking a tightrope as he faces pressure from members of his party looking to demonstrate support for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential campaign. But the speaker also risks imperiling the GOP's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-impeachment-mccarthy-hannity-78e4c7efeb030b29e1576f868257179b">fragile House majority</a>.

Even if Biden were to be impeached in the House, he is unlikely to be removed from office by the Senate, which is controlled by Democrats.

With the House set to return to work in mid-September, the Oct. 1 start of the next budget year is fast approaching and a spending deal would be needed to avoid a partial federal closure.

“If we shut down, all the government shuts it down, investigation and everything else. It hurts the American public,” McCarthy said.

Conservatives, including many from the House Freedom Caucus, are usually loath to get behind short-term funding measures as they push for steeper spending cuts, using the threat of a shutdown as leverage. In June, a small group of conservatives brought the House to a standstill to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-republicans-impasse-spending-gas-stoves-aba009853861b06937ed4cab042482be">protest McCarthy's leadership</a>.

All sides had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-debt-ceiling-budget-signing-f78a000d83cf85ffbaa2d08637844053">agreed to budget levels during the recent debt ceiling negotiations</a>&nbsp;when Biden and McCarthy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-ceiling-deal-food-aid-student-loans-3c284b01d95f8e193bca8d873386400e">struck a deal</a>&nbsp;that established topline spending levels. But McCarthy’s GOP majority rejects those amounts.

A stopgap spending bill would improve McCarthy's negotiating position with the White House and Senate Democrats, the speaker said.

“We’re in this discussion together,” he said. “And so we have got to have a stronger hand.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687995753754.png" alt="Even if Biden were to be impeached in the House, he is unlikely to be removed from office by the Senate, which is controlled by Democrats.-file photo" />
 <figcaption>Even if Biden were to be impeached in the House, he is unlikely to be removed from office by the Senate, which is controlled by Democrats.-file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>PHOENIX (AP) — Speaker Kevin McCarthy suggested Sunday that an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-impeachment-mccarthy-hannity-78e4c7efeb030b29e1576f868257179b">impeachment inquiry of President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;was becoming more likely, calling it “a natural step forward” as Congress soon ends its summer break and House Republicans seek to expand their investigative powers.McCarthy, R-Calif., has so far avoided committing to an impeachment vote or offering a timeline for possible action. Some House Republicans are eager to go after Biden over claims of financial misconduct involving his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/robert-hunter-biden">son Hunter</a>, but the Democratic president&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-irs-justice-department-congress-republicans-32d9f33fb0d05c483d76926504d45bef">has not been shown to have done anything wrong</a>.Meanwhile, McCarthy said passing a short-term spending bill to keep the government running past the end of September would ensure that investigations of Hunter Biden could continue, a pitch directed at conservatives worried a bipartisan deal with Senate Democrats would not cut enough spending. The stopgap measure would buy time to work out a longer-term budget deal before mandatory spending cuts that neither party prefers are imposed in the new year.“If you look at all the information we have been able to gather so far, it is a natural step forward that you would have to go to an impeachment inquiry,” McCarthy told Fox News Channel's “Sunday Morning Futures.”An impeachment inquiry, he said, “provides Congress the apex of legal power to get all the information they need."McCarthy is walking a tightrope as he faces pressure from members of his party looking to demonstrate support for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential campaign. But the speaker also risks imperiling the GOP's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-impeachment-mccarthy-hannity-78e4c7efeb030b29e1576f868257179b">fragile House majority</a>.Even if Biden were to be impeached in the House, he is unlikely to be removed from office by the Senate, which is controlled by Democrats.With the House set to return to work in mid-September, the Oct. 1 start of the next budget year is fast approaching and a spending deal would be needed to avoid a partial federal closure.“If we shut down, all the government shuts it down, investigation and everything else. It hurts the American public,” McCarthy said.Conservatives, including many from the House Freedom Caucus, are usually loath to get behind short-term funding measures as they push for steeper spending cuts, using the threat of a shutdown as leverage. In June, a small group of conservatives brought the House to a standstill to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-republicans-impasse-spending-gas-stoves-aba009853861b06937ed4cab042482be">protest McCarthy's leadership</a>.All sides had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-debt-ceiling-budget-signing-f78a000d83cf85ffbaa2d08637844053">agreed to budget levels during the recent debt ceiling negotiations</a>&nbsp;when Biden and McCarthy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-ceiling-deal-food-aid-student-loans-3c284b01d95f8e193bca8d873386400e">struck a deal</a>&nbsp;that established topline spending levels. But McCarthy’s GOP majority rejects those amounts.A stopgap spending bill would improve McCarthy's negotiating position with the White House and Senate Democrats, the speaker said.“We’re in this discussion together,” he said. “And so we have got to have a stronger hand.”___

House Speaker: Impeachment inquiry of President Biden is likely

CAMDEN COUNTY —A 2-year-old drowned just before 10a.m. Sunday at Lake of the Ozarks.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported the Fairview Heights, Illinois boy wandered away from family at the&nbsp;7.4 mile mark of the Grand glaize arm of the lake.

The boy was pronounced deceased at Lake Regional Hospital. Authorities released no additional details late Sunday.

CAMDEN COUNTY —A 2-year-old drowned just before 10a.m. Sunday at Lake of the Ozarks.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported the Fairview Heights, Illinois boy wandered away from family at the&nbsp;7.4 mile mark of the Grand glaize arm of the lake.The boy was pronounced deceased at Lake Regional Hospital. Authorities released no additional details late Sunday.

2-year-old wanders from family, drowns at Lake of the Ozarks

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the murder of a woman identified as&nbsp;19-year-old Zaiylah Bronson from Wichita.

Just after 11a.m. Saturday, 911 dispatch in Sedgwick County received a call from a 911 operator from North Carolina reporting a possible homicide in the Wichita area, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

 Based on the information given to the North Carolina 911 operator by a family member of the suspect, Wichita police officers were sent to two different locations, the 3900 block of E 17th Street North in Wichita and the 7600 block of E 21st Street N in Wichita.

Upon arrival at the 21st Street address, officers contacted 22-year-old Alexander Lewis and located Bronson's body of in the trunk of his vehicle. Officers pulled her body out of the trunk and provided life-saving measures until EMS arrived on the scene. 

She was later pronounced deceased by EMS. Police arrested Lewis on requested charges of second-degree murder.

The investigators are still working to fully determine what led up to the fatal incident and how the woman died.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693080884540.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation Saturday-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation Saturday-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the murder of a woman identified as&nbsp;19-year-old Zaiylah Bronson from Wichita.Just after 11a.m. Saturday, 911 dispatch in Sedgwick County received a call from a 911 operator from North Carolina reporting a possible homicide in the Wichita area, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693155237617.png" alt="Lewis -photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Lewis -photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> Based on the information given to the North Carolina 911 operator by a family member of the suspect, Wichita police officers were sent to two different locations, the 3900 block of E 17th Street North in Wichita and the 7600 block of E 21st Street N in Wichita.Upon arrival at the 21st Street address, officers contacted 22-year-old Alexander Lewis and located Bronson's body of in the trunk of his vehicle. Officers pulled her body out of the trunk and provided life-saving measures until EMS arrived on the scene. She was later pronounced deceased by EMS. Police arrested Lewis on requested charges of second-degree murder.The investigators are still working to fully determine what led up to the fatal incident and how the woman died.

Police ID body of Kan. woman found in car trunk after 911 call

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — A decade later, Simone Biles is still on top.

The gymnastics star won her record eighth U.S. Championship on Sunday night, 10 years after she&nbsp;<a href="https://www.masslive.com/sports/2013/08/simone_biles_steals_show_at_us.html">first ascended</a>&nbsp;to the top of her sport as a teenage prodigy.

Biles, now a 26-year-old newlywed considered perhaps the greatest of all time, posted an all-around two-day total of 118.40, four points clear of runner-up Shilese Jones.&nbsp;<a href="https://members.usagym.org/pages/athletes/nationalTeamWomen.html?id=431412">Leanne Wong of Overland Park Kansas</a> who competes for the University of Florida claimed third, bolstering her chances of making a third straight world championship team.

Biles is all but assured of returning to the gym where she captured her first world title in 2013. Over the course of two electric nights at the SAP Center, she served notice that even after a two-year break following the Tokyo Olympics, in gymnastics there is the one referred to as the GOAT and there is everyone else.

Biles became the oldest woman to win a national title since USA Gymnastics began organizing the event in 1963. Her eight crowns moved her past Alfred Jochim, who won seven between 1925-33 when the Amateur Athletics Union ran the championships and the events in men's competition included rope climbing.

The sport has come a long way over the last century. No one has spent more time at the far end of the Bell curve than Biles, who has spent 10 years using her singular talents to push boundaries in more ways than one.

Peaks aren't supposed to last this long. Most elite gymnasts at 26 — at least the ones who haven't retired — are simply hoping to hold on to what they have.

Biles isn't interested in that. Never has been. She finds repetition boring. She insists this time she's doing it “for herself” and her markedly different approach to her job offers tangible proof she's not lying.

Rather than let the world in to her journey as she eyes a third Olympics, she's kept most of her training under wraps, more interested in sharing glimpses of her personal life far away from the gym.

There appears to be more balance in her life, leaning into the “it's just gymnastics” mantra that helped fuel her rise.

Age hasn't caught up to her yet, though she played it relatively safe — by her standards — on Sunday. She tweaked her right ankle in training on Saturday, leading her to opt out of doing the Yurchenko double pike vault that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/simone-biles-sunisa-lee-gymnastics-paris-olympics-7e2881088b857fbb68cde056ea5800c9">she nailed</a>&nbsp;almost flawlessly during the opening night of the competition on Friday.

The 14.850 she received for her Cheng vault was still the highest of the night on the event. So was the 14.8 she earned on beam. The 15.400 that drew a standing ovation when she finished too.

Next stop is Antwerp in late September, where Biles will try to add to the 25 medals — 18 of them gold — she's captured so far in her unparalleled career.

Jones figures to be on the plane too. The 21-year-old is a marvel on bars, where she thrives despite being tall (5-foot-6ish) for someone who opts to do this for a living. The crowd erupted when she nailed her dismount, her 15.000 score was tops in the meet on the event and put 10 months filled with injuries that have slowed her training firmly behind her.

Who joins Jones and Biles at worlds remains very much up in the air.

Reigning Olympic champion Sunisa Lee, who has spent most of the year battling a kidney issue her doctors are still trying to get a handle on, could have a chance as a specialist after putting together a solid balance beam routine.

Wong, one of several athletes trying to compete at the NCAA and elite levels at the same time, put together two stellar nights that included an elegant bars routine and a floor exercise that makes up for in precision what it lacks in power.

Jade Carey and Jordan Chiles, teammates of Biles' at the 2020 Olympics, who have also spent the last two years splitting time between college and elite, weren't quite as sharp. Chiles fell off both the bars and beam. Carey finished in the top 10 on just one event — vault — where the Americans figure to be loaded.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693184669443.png" alt="<a href="https://members.usagym.org/pages/athletes/nationalTeamWomen.html?id=431412">Leanne Wong,</a> a graduate of&nbsp;Blue Valley High School&nbsp;in Overland Park, Kansas, is one of several athletes trying to compete at the NCAA and elite levels at the same time, put together two stellar nights that included an elegant bars routine and a floor exercise that makes up for in precision what it lacks in power-photo courtesy University of Florida" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://members.usagym.org/pages/athletes/nationalTeamWomen.html?id=431412">Leanne Wong,</a> a graduate of&nbsp;Blue Valley High School&nbsp;in Overland Park, Kansas, is one of several athletes trying to compete at the NCAA and elite levels at the same time, put together two stellar nights that included an elegant bars routine and a floor exercise that makes up for in precision what it lacks in power-photo courtesy University of Florida</figcaption>
 </figure>SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — A decade later, Simone Biles is still on top.The gymnastics star won her record eighth U.S. Championship on Sunday night, 10 years after she&nbsp;<a href="https://www.masslive.com/sports/2013/08/simone_biles_steals_show_at_us.html">first ascended</a>&nbsp;to the top of her sport as a teenage prodigy.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693187362420.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Biles, now a 26-year-old newlywed considered perhaps the greatest of all time, posted an all-around two-day total of 118.40, four points clear of runner-up Shilese Jones.&nbsp;<a href="https://members.usagym.org/pages/athletes/nationalTeamWomen.html?id=431412">Leanne Wong of Overland Park Kansas</a> who competes for the University of Florida claimed third, bolstering her chances of making a third straight world championship team.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We proudly introduce the 2023 Senior Women&#39;s National Team presented by <a href="https://twitter.com/Xfinity?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Xfinity</a>! ⭐️ Simone Biles ⭐️ Shi Jones ⭐️ Leanne Wong ⭐️ Skye Blakely ⭐️ Jordan Chiles ⭐️ Katelyn Jong ⭐️ Joscelyn Roberson ⭐️ Tiana Sumanasekera ⭐️ Kayla DiCello ⭐️ Amelia Disidore <a href="https://t.co/RdCTVimT5X">pic.twitter.com/RdCTVimT5X</a>&mdash; USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAGym/status/1695976625605898386?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Biles is all but assured of returning to the gym where she captured her first world title in 2013. Over the course of two electric nights at the SAP Center, she served notice that even after a two-year break following the Tokyo Olympics, in gymnastics there is the one referred to as the GOAT and there is everyone else.Biles became the oldest woman to win a national title since USA Gymnastics began organizing the event in 1963. Her eight crowns moved her past Alfred Jochim, who won seven between 1925-33 when the Amateur Athletics Union ran the championships and the events in men's competition included rope climbing.Yes, really.The sport has come a long way over the last century. No one has spent more time at the far end of the Bell curve than Biles, who has spent 10 years using her singular talents to push boundaries in more ways than one.Peaks aren't supposed to last this long. Most elite gymnasts at 26 — at least the ones who haven't retired — are simply hoping to hold on to what they have.Biles isn't interested in that. Never has been. She finds repetition boring. She insists this time she's doing it “for herself” and her markedly different approach to her job offers tangible proof she's not lying.Rather than let the world in to her journey as she eyes a third Olympics, she's kept most of her training under wraps, more interested in sharing glimpses of her personal life far away from the gym.There appears to be more balance in her life, leaning into the “it's just gymnastics” mantra that helped fuel her rise.Age hasn't caught up to her yet, though she played it relatively safe — by her standards — on Sunday. She tweaked her right ankle in training on Saturday, leading her to opt out of doing the Yurchenko double pike vault that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/simone-biles-sunisa-lee-gymnastics-paris-olympics-7e2881088b857fbb68cde056ea5800c9">she nailed</a>&nbsp;almost flawlessly during the opening night of the competition on Friday.The 14.850 she received for her Cheng vault was still the highest of the night on the event. So was the 14.8 she earned on beam. The 15.400 that drew a standing ovation when she finished too.Next stop is Antwerp in late September, where Biles will try to add to the 25 medals — 18 of them gold — she's captured so far in her unparalleled career.Jones figures to be on the plane too. The 21-year-old is a marvel on bars, where she thrives despite being tall (5-foot-6ish) for someone who opts to do this for a living. The crowd erupted when she nailed her dismount, her 15.000 score was tops in the meet on the event and put 10 months filled with injuries that have slowed her training firmly behind her.Who joins Jones and Biles at worlds remains very much up in the air.Reigning Olympic champion Sunisa Lee, who has spent most of the year battling a kidney issue her doctors are still trying to get a handle on, could have a chance as a specialist after putting together a solid balance beam routine.Wong, one of several athletes trying to compete at the NCAA and elite levels at the same time, put together two stellar nights that included an elegant bars routine and a floor exercise that makes up for in precision what it lacks in power.Jade Carey and Jordan Chiles, teammates of Biles' at the 2020 Olympics, who have also spent the last two years splitting time between college and elite, weren't quite as sharp. Chiles fell off both the bars and beam. Carey finished in the top 10 on just one event — vault — where the Americans figure to be loaded.___

Simone Biles wins 8th US Gymnastics title; Wong of Kansas 3rd

BY: Joseph Clark Department of Defense&nbsp;

The Defense Department will begin training Ukrainians to fly and maintain F-16 fighter jets, according to Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder.

The training is expected to begin in October at the Morris Air National Guard Base in Tucson, Arizona, and will be facilitated by the Air National Guard's 162nd Wing. &nbsp;

The U.S.-led training is "in support of the international effort to develop and strengthen Ukraine's long-term defenses," Ryder said. &nbsp;

The Netherlands and Denmark have announced their intentions to make F-16 aircraft from their fleets available to Ukraine. &nbsp;

Secretary of State Antony Blinken signaled the United States' willingness to approve the third-party transfer of the U.S.-made F-16s to Ukraine in a letter to his European counterparts last week. &nbsp;

"The training provided by the United States will complement the F-16 pilot and maintenance training that's already underway in Europe and further deepens our support of the F-16 training coalition led by Denmark and the Netherlands," Ryder said. "Moving forward we will remain in close consultation with the Danes, the Dutch and other allies to ensure U.S. training complements the broader coalition training efforts."

Ryder added that by announcing the training, the U.S. is preempting any training capacity constraints in Denmark and the Netherlands' training pipeline to ensure the aircraft are fielded to Ukraine as quickly as possible. &nbsp;

He said Ukraine will ultimately determine the number of pilots that will require the training. &nbsp;

During a briefing last week, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said U.S. approval for the transfer would come after consultation with Congress and after completion of training for Ukrainian pilots on the aircraft.&nbsp;

Ryder said the complete training pipeline would likely take several months, depending upon the pilots' proficiency coming into the course. &nbsp;

"Part of this training will be assessing the individual pilots' skill level, which will determine help to determine how long that training will last," he said. "Your basic, new F-16 pilot with not a lot of training on the U.S. side, that training typically lasts about eight months."

That training includes a series of courses ranging from basic flight training to instruction on fighter fundamentals, weapons employment, combat maneuvering and tactical intercepts among other concepts. &nbsp;

He said training for more experienced pilots could be completed in about five months.&nbsp;

Beyond flight training, Ryder said the F-16s require significant logistics and maintenance training for ground support personnel that ensures the aircrafts remain combat capable.

Prior to flight training, the pilots will receive language training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas beginning in September.&nbsp;

The language training will ensure that all pilots have sufficient language skills to be able to fully comprehend the "complexities and specialized English required to fly the aircraft," Ryder said. &nbsp;

The announcement further underscores the United States' long-term solidarity with Ukraine as it defends itself from Russia's unprovoked war of aggression. &nbsp;

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III highlighted that commitment earlier today in a statement marking Ukraine's 32nd anniversary of its independence. &nbsp;

"The Ukrainian people have inspired the world with their courage and resolve to defend their right to live in a sovereign, democratic and free country," he said. &nbsp;

"Today, as Ukraine commemorates another year of independence, the United States remains steadfast in our commitment to ensure that it can celebrate many more," he said. "We will support Ukraine for as long as it takes in its fight for its security and freedom."

&nbsp;<a href="http://www.defense.gov/News/Author/135693/joseph-clark/">Joseph Clark</a>&nbsp;, DOD News&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693011275570.png" alt="An F-16 assigned to the 162nd Wing, Morris Air National Guard Base, Tucson, Ariz., flies during a training mission.&nbsp;Photo By:Air Force Tech. Sgt. Hampton E. Stramler" />
 <figcaption>An F-16 assigned to the 162nd Wing, Morris Air National Guard Base, Tucson, Ariz., flies during a training mission.&nbsp;Photo By:Air Force Tech. Sgt. Hampton E. Stramler</figcaption>
 </figure>BY: Joseph Clark Department of Defense&nbsp;The Defense Department will begin training Ukrainians to fly and maintain F-16 fighter jets, according to Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder.The training is expected to begin in October at the Morris Air National Guard Base in Tucson, Arizona, and will be facilitated by the Air National Guard's 162nd Wing. &nbsp;The U.S.-led training is "in support of the international effort to develop and strengthen Ukraine's long-term defenses," Ryder said. &nbsp;The Netherlands and Denmark have announced their intentions to make F-16 aircraft from their fleets available to Ukraine. &nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken signaled the United States' willingness to approve the third-party transfer of the U.S.-made F-16s to Ukraine in a letter to his European counterparts last week. &nbsp;"The training provided by the United States will complement the F-16 pilot and maintenance training that's already underway in Europe and further deepens our support of the F-16 training coalition led by Denmark and the Netherlands," Ryder said. "Moving forward we will remain in close consultation with the Danes, the Dutch and other allies to ensure U.S. training complements the broader coalition training efforts."Ryder added that by announcing the training, the U.S. is preempting any training capacity constraints in Denmark and the Netherlands' training pipeline to ensure the aircraft are fielded to Ukraine as quickly as possible. &nbsp;He said Ukraine will ultimately determine the number of pilots that will require the training. &nbsp;During a briefing last week, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said U.S. approval for the transfer would come after consultation with Congress and after completion of training for Ukrainian pilots on the aircraft.&nbsp;Ryder said the complete training pipeline would likely take several months, depending upon the pilots' proficiency coming into the course. &nbsp;"Part of this training will be assessing the individual pilots' skill level, which will determine help to determine how long that training will last," he said. "Your basic, new F-16 pilot with not a lot of training on the U.S. side, that training typically lasts about eight months."That training includes a series of courses ranging from basic flight training to instruction on fighter fundamentals, weapons employment, combat maneuvering and tactical intercepts among other concepts. &nbsp;He said training for more experienced pilots could be completed in about five months.&nbsp;Beyond flight training, Ryder said the F-16s require significant logistics and maintenance training for ground support personnel that ensures the aircrafts remain combat capable.Prior to flight training, the pilots will receive language training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas beginning in September.&nbsp;The language training will ensure that all pilots have sufficient language skills to be able to fully comprehend the "complexities and specialized English required to fly the aircraft," Ryder said. &nbsp;The announcement further underscores the United States' long-term solidarity with Ukraine as it defends itself from Russia's unprovoked war of aggression. &nbsp;Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III highlighted that commitment earlier today in a statement marking Ukraine's 32nd anniversary of its independence. &nbsp;"The Ukrainian people have inspired the world with their courage and resolve to defend their right to live in a sovereign, democratic and free country," he said. &nbsp;"Today, as Ukraine commemorates another year of independence, the United States remains steadfast in our commitment to ensure that it can celebrate many more," he said. "We will support Ukraine for as long as it takes in its fight for its security and freedom."&nbsp;<a href="http://www.defense.gov/News/Author/135693/joseph-clark/">Joseph Clark</a>&nbsp;, DOD News&nbsp;

U.S. will train Ukrainian F-16 pilots, ground crews

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a registered violent offender for alleged sex crimes.

Just before 1p.m. August 24, police&nbsp;were dispatched to St. Joseph Hospital for a rape report, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

Officers learned that 30-year-old Styles Crump had been identified as the suspect for this crime. 

Three weeks earlier,&nbsp; police arrested Crump for an earlier alleged rape. He was released from jail with GPS monitoring after posting bail with a local bondsman. Police quickly located and arrested him for the new alleged sexual assault.&nbsp;

Crump has been listed as a registered violent offender since a conviction in 2012 for criminal restraint involving a 16-year-old victim, according to online records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693068563066.png" alt="Crump-KBI offender registry" />
 <figcaption>Crump-KBI offender registry</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a registered violent offender for alleged sex crimes.Just before 1p.m. August 24, police&nbsp;were dispatched to St. Joseph Hospital for a rape report, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.Officers learned that 30-year-old Styles Crump had been identified as the suspect for this crime. Three weeks earlier,&nbsp; police arrested Crump for an earlier alleged rape. He was released from jail with GPS monitoring after posting bail with a local bondsman. Police quickly located and arrested him for the new alleged sexual assault.&nbsp;Crump has been listed as a registered violent offender since a conviction in 2012 for criminal restraint involving a 16-year-old victim, according to online records.

Police: Kan. registered offender arrested 2nd time in 30 days for rape

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating another homicide in northeast Kansas.

Just after 7:30p.m. Friday, police responded to a shooting outside a business in the 5500 Block of Leavenworth Road, according to a media release.

&nbsp;Police found a man who was struck multiple times by gunfire. The suspects then fled the scene in a vehicle. EMS transported the victim&nbsp; &nbsp;to an area hospital, where he died from his injuries.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police have not

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating another homicide in northeast Kansas.Just after 7:30p.m. Friday, police responded to a shooting outside a business in the 5500 Block of Leavenworth Road, according to a media release.&nbsp;Police found a man who was struck multiple times by gunfire. The suspects then fled the scene in a vehicle. EMS transported the victim&nbsp; &nbsp;to an area hospital, where he died from his injuries.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police have not

Police: Man shot multiple times outside Kan. business has died

CAMDEN COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 7:30p.m. Saturday at Lake of the Ozarks.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 32-foot 2008 Crownline driven by Bobby G. Childers, 60, Sunrise Beach was operating too close to a dock. The vessel struck a large wake and then struck the breakwater.&nbsp;

A passenger identified as 44-year-old Nicolette L. McKenna, 44, Sunrise Beach, was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Alle Holman-Howe Funeral Home.

EMS transported Childrens and passengers Curtis J. Wilkie, 49, and Connor J. Wilkie, both of Kansas City to Lake Regional Hospital. All four were not wearing life jackets, according to the MSHP.

CAMDEN COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 7:30p.m. Saturday at Lake of the Ozarks.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 32-foot 2008 Crownline driven by Bobby G. Childers, 60, Sunrise Beach was operating too close to a dock. The vessel struck a large wake and then struck the breakwater.&nbsp;A passenger identified as 44-year-old Nicolette L. McKenna, 44, Sunrise Beach, was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Alle Holman-Howe Funeral Home.EMS transported Childrens and passengers Curtis J. Wilkie, 49, and Connor J. Wilkie, both of Kansas City to Lake Regional Hospital. All four were not wearing life jackets, according to the MSHP.

Woman dies, 2 from Kansas City injured at Lake of the Ozarks

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating another unique phone scam.

Sedgwick County Animal Control has recently become aware of a scam involving someone posing as an Animal Control officer over the phone, according to Sedgwick County Lt. Nathan Gibbs.

 These calls may be manipulated to appear as “Animal Control” on caller ID. On the calls, the scammer claims to have located a missing pet, that the pet is injured, and that immediate payment is required for the pet to receive emergency medical treatment. The scammer then attempts to collect credit card information or to receive payment through a mobile app. Individuals who have reported their pets missing online are the targets of the calls and this is a scam. 

Sedgwick County Animal Control will never call for credit card information or other forms of payment for an animal’s medical treatment. If you receive such a request, hang up and call Sedgwick County Animal Control at 316-660-7070.

Be wary of unsolicited requests for credit card or personal information over the phone, by email, or online.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating another unique phone scam.Sedgwick County Animal Control has recently become aware of a scam involving someone posing as an Animal Control officer over the phone, according to Sedgwick County Lt. Nathan Gibbs. These calls may be manipulated to appear as “Animal Control” on caller ID. On the calls, the scammer claims to have located a missing pet, that the pet is injured, and that immediate payment is required for the pet to receive emergency medical treatment. The scammer then attempts to collect credit card information or to receive payment through a mobile app. Individuals who have reported their pets missing online are the targets of the calls and this is a scam. Sedgwick County Animal Control will never call for credit card information or other forms of payment for an animal’s medical treatment. If you receive such a request, hang up and call Sedgwick County Animal Control at 316-660-7070.Be wary of unsolicited requests for credit card or personal information over the phone, by email, or online.

Sheriff reports missing pet phone scam

By CASEY QUINLAN <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/19/rural-hospitals-gird-for-unwinding-of-pandemic-medicaid-coverage/">States Newsroom</a>

Almost two months after workplace accommodations for pregnant workers became law, the rules surrounding what employers can and cannot do have yet to be finalized — but that doesn’t mean the protections are not in place.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s proposed regulations are expected to offer more clarity once finalized, but workers can still access their rights under the new Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and employers are still required to understand the law and follow it.

Here’s what you need to know about why workers say the law was needed, what workers’ rights are under the law and employers’ obligations to employees.

Other federal laws cover the rights of pregnant workers but advocates have long argued that many of them are too narrow to address the situations pregnant workers face when they seek accommodations. The Americans with Disabilities Act, for instance, does not consider pregnancy to be a disability but pregnancy-related complications, such as preeclampsia, do qualify. Under the ADA, a pregnant worker can’t seek out an accommodation in the hope of preventing dangerous pregnancy-related complications.

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act, passed in 1978, prohibits discrimination against pregnant employees, but it’s difficult in practice for workers to receive accommodations under the law, because it requires finding another worker who received accommodations like the ones they’re seeking. This can be a challenging and time-consuming process because workers may not be aware of what kinds of accommodations their coworkers are seeking or may not have access to this information in the way their employer does.

Despite those laws,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://bipartisanpolicy.org/blog/bpc-morning-consult-pregnancy-discrimination/">23%</a>&nbsp;of mothers said in a survey last year that they had weighed whether or not to leave their job because their workplace lacked reasonable accommodations or they were worried about pregnancy discrimination.

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which passed in December, has been in the works for a decade.&nbsp;In the intervening years, states began taking their own action. As of April, 30 states — including Alaska, Colorado, Minnesota, and Tennessee — as well as the District of Columbia, and four localities, had similar laws to the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, some of which may offer stronger protections in certain situations than the PWFA,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.abetterbalance.org/resources/pregnant-worker-fairness-legislative-successes/">according to</a>&nbsp;A Better Balance, a worker advocacy nonprofit. Twenty states did not have state protections like these at the time of its state analysis, including Alabama, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan. The nonprofit has a comprehensive&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.abetterbalance.org/resources/pregnant-worker-fairness-legislative-successes/">list</a>&nbsp;of state policies on pregnant workers’ rights.

Congress and federal agencies, employment agencies, labor organizations, private employers with 15 or more workers, and state and local governments with 15 or more workers are subject to the law, according to the EEOC.

While the rules haven’t been finalized, if you think your rights have been violated, you can already take action. On June 27, the EEOC began allowing workers to file charges under the law for violations that occurred on that day or later. Workers need to take this step before they can file a lawsuit against their employer. The law protects employees and job applicants who need accommodations because of pregnancy, childbirth, or conditions related to pregnancy and childbirth. Under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, pregnant workers should be able to make requests for reasonable accommodations, such as closer parking, uniforms in their size, and additional rest time.

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act is similar in many ways to the Americans with Disabilities Act. It does not require an employer to provide an accommodation if doing so would bring it “undue hardship,” or in other words, it would come at great difficulty or expense to the employer.

But the law is also a bit different than the ADA. Unlike the ADA, where the employee has to be able to do the essential functions of their job or they no longer qualify for accommodations, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act says that workers do not always have to be able to perform an essential function temporarily because of their pregnancy. It is expected that they will be able to resume those duties in the near future.

The EEOC’s proposed rules define the “near future,” or when workers will be able to perform essential functions of their job after being temporarily unable to do so, as generally going up to 40 weeks. This does not mean workers will always have 40 weeks but that needing 40 weeks doesn’t disqualify an employee for the accommodations. The regulations also say that if there are multiple options for effective accommodations, the employer should favor the worker’s preferred accommodation.

Liz Morris, deputy director for the Center for WorkLife Law, said applicants and new employees who want to work remotely because of their pregnancy will also be covered in the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Applicants can request accommodations during the hiring process itself, such as making modifications to a physical test. If a pregnant applicant anticipates that they will need adjustments from an employer because of their pregnancy, the applicant can agree to a general policy without accommodations and then request them once they are employed.

The EEOC regulations also get into detail about pregnancy-related medical conditions that apply to workers under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, A Better Balance Vice President Elizabeth Gedmark said.

“…&nbsp;The proposed rule discusses pregnancy-related issues ranging from preterm labor to anxiety and depression while also making clear that limitations can also be ‘modest, minor, and/or episodic,’” she told States Newsroom over email.

Lactation, potential pregnancy, miscarriage, infertility and fertility treatments, and having an abortion are also listed in the regulation. An employee who needs to take leave because of a limitation due to a condition related to pregnancy and childbirth should qualify for that leave under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, according to the proposed rules. The EEOC gives miscarriage and childbirth as examples of reasons for workers to take different forms of leave. The same definition of “near future” also applies. I

A Better Balance provides&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.abetterbalance.org/resources/sample-letters-to-give-to-your-employer-about-the-pregnant-workers-fairness-act/">sample letters</a>&nbsp;for employees to use when requesting work accommodations related to pregnancy.

The rules are going through a public comment period through Oct. 10, and Victor Chen, director of communications at the EEOC, told States Newsroom that employers are not required to follow the proposed rules just yet. But he added that the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act itself provides direction for employers. He suggested employers read the EEOC’s list of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.eeoc.gov/wysk/what-you-should-know-about-pregnant-workers-fairness-act">commonly asked questions</a>&nbsp;and listen to its&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftxYyTlXetE">webinar</a>. He said the EEOC “will move as quickly as possible to finalize the regulation” after the comment period closes.

Morris said that although the regulations aren’t set in stone, “If I were an employer, I would certainly follow them for now, as they are an excellent indication of how the law will ultimately be interpreted.”

The rules specify that employers can’t deny work to an applicant or employee because of their need for an accommodation, make a decision for a pregnant worker without any discussion on which accommodation they will receive or force them to go on leave if there is an accommodation they could take to continue working. They also can’t retaliate against workers for advocating for themselves under the law and reporting discrimination nor can they try to stop workers from enjoying their legal protections.

Michael Fallings, the managing partner of Tully Rinckey PLLC’s Austin office, who specializes in federal employment law, said he thinks it will be useful for employers to have more information on how to fairly treat pregnant workers seeking reasonable accommodations.

“I think it could be helpful for employers because I think some employers are in fear of litigation at times and now that you have a law in place that says what you can or cannot do, it provides some basis for the employers,” he said.

Morris said that employers should keep in mind that they need to swiftly provide accommodations and if they can’t, they should think about interim accommodations. The proposed EEOC regulations explain that an “unnecessary delay” could result in a violation of the law.

The future of the law and its regulations

The law’s regulations may be tweaked during the rulemaking process and could be eventually challenged in the courts. The Alliance Defending Freedom, which has been involved in numerous lawsuits challenging abortion rights,&nbsp; called the proposed regulations&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://adflegal.org/press-release/biden-admin-hijacks-pregnant-workers-law-impose-illegal-abortion-mandate">“federal overreach.”</a>&nbsp;The ADF, a legal advocacy group, has argued that the administration doesn’t have the legal authority to include abortion in its implementation. Morris said that accommodations related to abortion are reasonable to include because the EEOC has always defined pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions in the courts as including abortion.

Organizations that supported or opposed the law will also have the opportunity to suggest changes to the regulations. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce advocated for the passage of the law and will provide a public comment on parts of the rule that could be changed, the group told States Newsroom, but declined to elaborate on what should be revised.

Morris said her organization also plans to submit a public comment on the proposed EEOC regulations. She wants to see some revisions on the issue of medical certification to make it even easier for employees to receive accommodations.

“A shocking number of people don’t receive prenatal care because they don’t have access to it either because of financial barriers or because they live in a remote area where it’s difficult to travel to, to receive prenatal care,” she said.

By CASEY QUINLAN <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/19/rural-hospitals-gird-for-unwinding-of-pandemic-medicaid-coverage/">States Newsroom</a>Almost two months after workplace accommodations for pregnant workers became law, the rules surrounding what employers can and cannot do have yet to be finalized — but that doesn’t mean the protections are not in place.The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s proposed regulations are expected to offer more clarity once finalized, but workers can still access their rights under the new Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and employers are still required to understand the law and follow it.Here’s what you need to know about why workers say the law was needed, what workers’ rights are under the law and employers’ obligations to employees.<h2>Why the law was needed</h2>Other federal laws cover the rights of pregnant workers but advocates have long argued that many of them are too narrow to address the situations pregnant workers face when they seek accommodations. The Americans with Disabilities Act, for instance, does not consider pregnancy to be a disability but pregnancy-related complications, such as preeclampsia, do qualify. Under the ADA, a pregnant worker can’t seek out an accommodation in the hope of preventing dangerous pregnancy-related complications.The Pregnancy Discrimination Act, passed in 1978, prohibits discrimination against pregnant employees, but it’s difficult in practice for workers to receive accommodations under the law, because it requires finding another worker who received accommodations like the ones they’re seeking. This can be a challenging and time-consuming process because workers may not be aware of what kinds of accommodations their coworkers are seeking or may not have access to this information in the way their employer does.Despite those laws,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://bipartisanpolicy.org/blog/bpc-morning-consult-pregnancy-discrimination/">23%</a>&nbsp;of mothers said in a survey last year that they had weighed whether or not to leave their job because their workplace lacked reasonable accommodations or they were worried about pregnancy discrimination.The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which passed in December, has been in the works for a decade.&nbsp;In the intervening years, states began taking their own action. As of April, 30 states — including Alaska, Colorado, Minnesota, and Tennessee — as well as the District of Columbia, and four localities, had similar laws to the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, some of which may offer stronger protections in certain situations than the PWFA,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.abetterbalance.org/resources/pregnant-worker-fairness-legislative-successes/">according to</a>&nbsp;A Better Balance, a worker advocacy nonprofit. Twenty states did not have state protections like these at the time of its state analysis, including Alabama, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan. The nonprofit has a comprehensive&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.abetterbalance.org/resources/pregnant-worker-fairness-legislative-successes/">list</a>&nbsp;of state policies on pregnant workers’ rights.<h2>What your employee rights are</h2>Congress and federal agencies, employment agencies, labor organizations, private employers with 15 or more workers, and state and local governments with 15 or more workers are subject to the law, according to the EEOC.While the rules haven’t been finalized, if you think your rights have been violated, you can already take action. On June 27, the EEOC began allowing workers to file charges under the law for violations that occurred on that day or later. Workers need to take this step before they can file a lawsuit against their employer. The law protects employees and job applicants who need accommodations because of pregnancy, childbirth, or conditions related to pregnancy and childbirth. Under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, pregnant workers should be able to make requests for reasonable accommodations, such as closer parking, uniforms in their size, and additional rest time.The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act is similar in many ways to the Americans with Disabilities Act. It does not require an employer to provide an accommodation if doing so would bring it “undue hardship,” or in other words, it would come at great difficulty or expense to the employer.But the law is also a bit different than the ADA. Unlike the ADA, where the employee has to be able to do the essential functions of their job or they no longer qualify for accommodations, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act says that workers do not always have to be able to perform an essential function temporarily because of their pregnancy. It is expected that they will be able to resume those duties in the near future.The EEOC’s proposed rules define the “near future,” or when workers will be able to perform essential functions of their job after being temporarily unable to do so, as generally going up to 40 weeks. This does not mean workers will always have 40 weeks but that needing 40 weeks doesn’t disqualify an employee for the accommodations. The regulations also say that if there are multiple options for effective accommodations, the employer should favor the worker’s preferred accommodation.Liz Morris, deputy director for the Center for WorkLife Law, said applicants and new employees who want to work remotely because of their pregnancy will also be covered in the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Applicants can request accommodations during the hiring process itself, such as making modifications to a physical test. If a pregnant applicant anticipates that they will need adjustments from an employer because of their pregnancy, the applicant can agree to a general policy without accommodations and then request them once they are employed.The EEOC regulations also get into detail about pregnancy-related medical conditions that apply to workers under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, A Better Balance Vice President Elizabeth Gedmark said.“…&nbsp;The proposed rule discusses pregnancy-related issues ranging from preterm labor to anxiety and depression while also making clear that limitations can also be ‘modest, minor, and/or episodic,’” she told States Newsroom over email.Lactation, potential pregnancy, miscarriage, infertility and fertility treatments, and having an abortion are also listed in the regulation. An employee who needs to take leave because of a limitation due to a condition related to pregnancy and childbirth should qualify for that leave under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, according to the proposed rules. The EEOC gives miscarriage and childbirth as examples of reasons for workers to take different forms of leave. The same definition of “near future” also applies. IA Better Balance provides&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.abetterbalance.org/resources/sample-letters-to-give-to-your-employer-about-the-pregnant-workers-fairness-act/">sample letters</a>&nbsp;for employees to use when requesting work accommodations related to pregnancy.<h2>What employers need to know</h2>The rules are going through a public comment period through Oct. 10, and Victor Chen, director of communications at the EEOC, told States Newsroom that employers are not required to follow the proposed rules just yet. But he added that the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act itself provides direction for employers. He suggested employers read the EEOC’s list of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.eeoc.gov/wysk/what-you-should-know-about-pregnant-workers-fairness-act">commonly asked questions</a>&nbsp;and listen to its&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftxYyTlXetE">webinar</a>. He said the EEOC “will move as quickly as possible to finalize the regulation” after the comment period closes.Morris said that although the regulations aren’t set in stone, “If I were an employer, I would certainly follow them for now, as they are an excellent indication of how the law will ultimately be interpreted.”The rules specify that employers can’t deny work to an applicant or employee because of their need for an accommodation, make a decision for a pregnant worker without any discussion on which accommodation they will receive or force them to go on leave if there is an accommodation they could take to continue working. They also can’t retaliate against workers for advocating for themselves under the law and reporting discrimination nor can they try to stop workers from enjoying their legal protections.Michael Fallings, the managing partner of Tully Rinckey PLLC’s Austin office, who specializes in federal employment law, said he thinks it will be useful for employers to have more information on how to fairly treat pregnant workers seeking reasonable accommodations.“I think it could be helpful for employers because I think some employers are in fear of litigation at times and now that you have a law in place that says what you can or cannot do, it provides some basis for the employers,” he said.Morris said that employers should keep in mind that they need to swiftly provide accommodations and if they can’t, they should think about interim accommodations. The proposed EEOC regulations explain that an “unnecessary delay” could result in a violation of the law.<h2>The future of the law and its regulations</h2>The law’s regulations may be tweaked during the rulemaking process and could be eventually challenged in the courts. The Alliance Defending Freedom, which has been involved in numerous lawsuits challenging abortion rights,&nbsp; called the proposed regulations&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://adflegal.org/press-release/biden-admin-hijacks-pregnant-workers-law-impose-illegal-abortion-mandate">“federal overreach.”</a>&nbsp;The ADF, a legal advocacy group, has argued that the administration doesn’t have the legal authority to include abortion in its implementation. Morris said that accommodations related to abortion are reasonable to include because the EEOC has always defined pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions in the courts as including abortion.Organizations that supported or opposed the law will also have the opportunity to suggest changes to the regulations. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce advocated for the passage of the law and will provide a public comment on parts of the rule that could be changed, the group told States Newsroom, but declined to elaborate on what should be revised.Morris said her organization also plans to submit a public comment on the proposed EEOC regulations. She wants to see some revisions on the issue of medical certification to make it even easier for employees to receive accommodations.“A shocking number of people don’t receive prenatal care because they don’t have access to it either because of financial barriers or because they live in a remote area where it’s difficult to travel to, to receive prenatal care,” she said.

Pregnant workers have new protections. Here’s what to expect

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Four months after he was shot in the head after ringing the doorbell at the wrong house to pick up his brothers,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralph-yarl-kansas-city-wrong-door-b27aaabdb132fcb1544c97f7161f0027">Ralph Yarl</a>&nbsp;has begun his senior year in high school.

&nbsp;The man accused of shooting him will be in court this week.

Yarl's first day of school was Tuesday. “He was ready," his aunt, Faith Spoonmore said. “Ralph was ready to just go back to just being a teenager.”

Andrew Lester, 84,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralph-yarl-shooting-updates-c13170d6759f2963b01a68fc8a6332f7">pleaded not guilty</a>&nbsp;to first-degree assault and armed criminal action in the April 13 shooting. His preliminary hearing is Aug. 31.

Lester told authorities that he shot Yarl through the door without warning because he was “scared to death” he was about to be robbed by the Black person standing there. Yarl was struck in the head and the arm. The case shocked the country and renewed national debates about gun policies and race in America.

Yarl continues to heal from the traumatic brain injury he suffered, but was still able to complete an engineering internship this summer.

Support for Yarl and his family poured in throughout the past few months. A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/nf36y-cover-medical-expenses">GoFundMe</a>&nbsp;set up on the family's behalf raised nearly $3.5 million.

The high school musician was also gifted a new bass clarinet — a professional model purchased with donations to a GoFundMe drive set up by a group of U.S. and Canadian musicians.

For the fall, Yarl's family is planning college trips. They expect to visit the Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of Michigan, Texas A&amp;M University and Purdue University. Yarl hopes to study engineering.

He also has an upcoming trip to the White House after President Joe Biden extended an invitation shortly after the shooting. A date has not yet been set.

Yarl and his family will have the opportunity to face his alleged assailant at Lester's court hearing next week.

“In our mind, and in a lot of people’s minds, it’s a simple case and what happened was wrong and it should not have happened,” she said, “and the person that did it should be punished for their actions.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681726215314.png" alt="Ralph Yarl photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Ralph Yarl photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Four months after he was shot in the head after ringing the doorbell at the wrong house to pick up his brothers,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralph-yarl-kansas-city-wrong-door-b27aaabdb132fcb1544c97f7161f0027">Ralph Yarl</a>&nbsp;has begun his senior year in high school.&nbsp;The man accused of shooting him will be in court this week.Yarl's first day of school was Tuesday. “He was ready," his aunt, Faith Spoonmore said. “Ralph was ready to just go back to just being a teenager.”Andrew Lester, 84,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralph-yarl-shooting-updates-c13170d6759f2963b01a68fc8a6332f7">pleaded not guilty</a>&nbsp;to first-degree assault and armed criminal action in the April 13 shooting. His preliminary hearing is Aug. 31.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681844207619.png" alt="Lester-photo Clay Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Lester-photo Clay Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Lester told authorities that he shot Yarl through the door without warning because he was “scared to death” he was about to be robbed by the Black person standing there. Yarl was struck in the head and the arm. The case shocked the country and renewed national debates about gun policies and race in America.Yarl continues to heal from the traumatic brain injury he suffered, but was still able to complete an engineering internship this summer.Support for Yarl and his family poured in throughout the past few months. A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/nf36y-cover-medical-expenses">GoFundMe</a>&nbsp;set up on the family's behalf raised nearly $3.5 million.The high school musician was also gifted a new bass clarinet — a professional model purchased with donations to a GoFundMe drive set up by a group of U.S. and Canadian musicians.For the fall, Yarl's family is planning college trips. They expect to visit the Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of Michigan, Texas A&amp;M University and Purdue University. Yarl hopes to study engineering.He also has an upcoming trip to the White House after President Joe Biden extended an invitation shortly after the shooting. A date has not yet been set.Yarl and his family will have the opportunity to face his alleged assailant at Lester's court hearing next week.“It’s scary,” Spoonmore said.“In our mind, and in a lot of people’s minds, it’s a simple case and what happened was wrong and it should not have happened,” she said, “and the person that did it should be punished for their actions.”

Ralph Yarl begins senior year; man who shot him faces KC court hearing

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that critically injured a woman in Atchison.

Just after 4p.m. Saturday, a 19-year-old woman from Columbia, Missouri sitting in a vehicle in the 400 block U Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp; A&nbsp;person drove up next to the vehicle and fired a single shot.

A private vehicle transported the woman to a local hospital. She was later transferred to a Kansas City hospital, according to Wilson. Police have not reported an arrest or additional details.

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that critically injured a woman in Atchison.Just after 4p.m. Saturday, a 19-year-old woman from Columbia, Missouri sitting in a vehicle in the 400 block U Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp; A&nbsp;person drove up next to the vehicle and fired a single shot.A private vehicle transported the woman to a local hospital. She was later transferred to a Kansas City hospital, according to Wilson. Police have not reported an arrest or additional details.

Woman injured in Kansas drive-by shooting

GEARY COUNTY —One person was injured in a crash during a chase by law enforcement just before 10:30p.m. Saturday in Geary County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Yamaha motorcycle driven by 23-year-old Calvin D.&nbsp;Amacker Jr.&nbsp; of Junction City was westbound in the 300 Block of Ash Street actively fleeing from Law Enforcement. 

The driver took the curve in the roadway too quickly. The motorcycle left the roadway to the south, struck a utility junction box and the driver was ejected.

EMS transported Amacker Jr. to Stormont Vail Junction City for treatment of serious injuries. He was wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.&nbsp; Authorities have not released details on what prompted the chase or possible charges.

GEARY COUNTY —One person was injured in a crash during a chase by law enforcement just before 10:30p.m. Saturday in Geary County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Yamaha motorcycle driven by 23-year-old Calvin D.&nbsp;Amacker Jr.&nbsp; of Junction City was westbound in the 300 Block of Ash Street actively fleeing from Law Enforcement. The driver took the curve in the roadway too quickly. The motorcycle left the roadway to the south, struck a utility junction box and the driver was ejected.EMS transported Amacker Jr. to Stormont Vail Junction City for treatment of serious injuries. He was wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.&nbsp; Authorities have not released details on what prompted the chase or possible charges.

Kansas man injured after crash during police chase

WASHINGTON (AP) — Thousands converged Saturday on the National Mall for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-on-washington-mlk-dream-speech-sharpton-062039daf026d65cbbae914456ba0543">60th anniversary</a>&nbsp;of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s March on Washington, saying a country that remains riven by racial inequality has yet to fulfill his dream.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?529724-1/60th-anniversary-march-washington">Click here to watch </a>a replay of the festivities

“We have made progress, over the last 60 years, since Dr. King led the March on Washington," said Alphonso David, president and CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum. “Have we reached the mountaintop? Not by a long shot."

The event was convened by the Kings’ Drum Major Institute and the Rev.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/al-sharpton">Al Sharpton</a>&nbsp;'s National Action Network. A host of Black civil rights leaders and a multiracial, interfaith coalition of allies rallied attendees on the same spot where as many as 250,000 gathered in 1963 for what is still considered one of the greatest and most consequential racial justice and equality demonstrations in U.S. history.

Inevitably, Saturday's event was shot through with contrasts to the initial, historic demonstration. Speakers and banners talked about the importance of LGBTQ and Asian American rights. Many who addressed the crowd were women after only one was given the microphone in 1963.

Pamela Mays McDonald of Philadelphia attended the initial march as a child. “I was 8 years old at the original March and only one woman was allowed to speak — she was from Arkansas where I’m from — now look at how many women are on the podium today,” she said.

For some, the contrasts between the size of the original demonstration and the more modest turnout Saturday were bittersweet. “I often look back and look over to the reflection pool and the Washington Monument and I see a quarter of a million people 60 years ago and just a trickling now," said Marsha Dean Phelts of Amelia Island, Florida. “It was more fired up then. But the things we were asking for and needing, we still need them today.”

As speakers delivered messages, they were overshadowed by the sounds of passenger planes taking off from Ronald Reagan National Airport. Rugby games were underway along the Mall in close proximity to the Lincoln Memorial while joggers and bikers went about their routines.

Yolanda King, the 15-year-old granddaughter of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., roused marchers with remarks delivered from the same spot her grandfather gave the “I Have A Dream” speech sixty years ago.

“If I could speak to my grandfather today, I would say I’m sorry we still have to be here to rededicate ourselves to finishing your work and ultimately realizing your dream,” she said. “Today, racism is still with us. Poverty is still with us. And now, gun violence has come for places of worship, our schools and our shopping centers.”

From the podium, Sharpton promised more demonstrations to push back against injustices, new and old.

“Sixty years ago Martin Luther King talked about a dream. Sixty years later we’re the dreamers. The problem is we’re facing the schemers,” Sharpton said. “The dreamers are fighting for voting rights. The schemers are changing voter regulations in states. The dreamers are standing up for women’s right to choose. The schemers are arguing whether they are going to make you stop at six weeks or 15 weeks."

After the speeches, the crowd marched to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.

Several leaders from groups organizing the march met Friday with Attorney General&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/merrick-garland">Merrick Garland</a>&nbsp;and Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the civil rights division, to discuss a range of issues, including voting rights, policing and redlining.

Saturday's gathering was a precursor to the actual anniversary of the Aug. 28, 1963 March on Washington. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-washington-biden-harris-1963-king-b8e4d25a9807d0be61099839044d4f02">observe the march anniversary</a>&nbsp;on Monday by meeting with organizers of the 1963 gathering. All of King’s children have been invited to meet with Biden, White House officials said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693097195088.png" alt="After the speeches, the crowd marched to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>After the speeches, the crowd marched to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Thousands converged Saturday on the National Mall for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-on-washington-mlk-dream-speech-sharpton-062039daf026d65cbbae914456ba0543">60th anniversary</a>&nbsp;of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s March on Washington, saying a country that remains riven by racial inequality has yet to fulfill his dream.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?529724-1/60th-anniversary-march-washington">Click here to watch </a>a replay of the festivities“We have made progress, over the last 60 years, since Dr. King led the March on Washington," said Alphonso David, president and CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum. “Have we reached the mountaintop? Not by a long shot."The event was convened by the Kings’ Drum Major Institute and the Rev.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/al-sharpton">Al Sharpton</a>&nbsp;'s National Action Network. A host of Black civil rights leaders and a multiracial, interfaith coalition of allies rallied attendees on the same spot where as many as 250,000 gathered in 1963 for what is still considered one of the greatest and most consequential racial justice and equality demonstrations in U.S. history.Inevitably, Saturday's event was shot through with contrasts to the initial, historic demonstration. Speakers and banners talked about the importance of LGBTQ and Asian American rights. Many who addressed the crowd were women after only one was given the microphone in 1963.Pamela Mays McDonald of Philadelphia attended the initial march as a child. “I was 8 years old at the original March and only one woman was allowed to speak — she was from Arkansas where I’m from — now look at how many women are on the podium today,” she said.For some, the contrasts between the size of the original demonstration and the more modest turnout Saturday were bittersweet. “I often look back and look over to the reflection pool and the Washington Monument and I see a quarter of a million people 60 years ago and just a trickling now," said Marsha Dean Phelts of Amelia Island, Florida. “It was more fired up then. But the things we were asking for and needing, we still need them today.”As speakers delivered messages, they were overshadowed by the sounds of passenger planes taking off from Ronald Reagan National Airport. Rugby games were underway along the Mall in close proximity to the Lincoln Memorial while joggers and bikers went about their routines.Yolanda King, the 15-year-old granddaughter of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., roused marchers with remarks delivered from the same spot her grandfather gave the “I Have A Dream” speech sixty years ago.“If I could speak to my grandfather today, I would say I’m sorry we still have to be here to rededicate ourselves to finishing your work and ultimately realizing your dream,” she said. “Today, racism is still with us. Poverty is still with us. And now, gun violence has come for places of worship, our schools and our shopping centers.”From the podium, Sharpton promised more demonstrations to push back against injustices, new and old.“Sixty years ago Martin Luther King talked about a dream. Sixty years later we’re the dreamers. The problem is we’re facing the schemers,” Sharpton said. “The dreamers are fighting for voting rights. The schemers are changing voter regulations in states. The dreamers are standing up for women’s right to choose. The schemers are arguing whether they are going to make you stop at six weeks or 15 weeks."After the speeches, the crowd marched to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.Several leaders from groups organizing the march met Friday with Attorney General&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/merrick-garland">Merrick Garland</a>&nbsp;and Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the civil rights division, to discuss a range of issues, including voting rights, policing and redlining.Saturday's gathering was a precursor to the actual anniversary of the Aug. 28, 1963 March on Washington. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-washington-biden-harris-1963-king-b8e4d25a9807d0be61099839044d4f02">observe the march anniversary</a>&nbsp;on Monday by meeting with organizers of the 1963 gathering. All of King’s children have been invited to meet with Biden, White House officials said.Martin Luther King Jr.'s Washington remarks have resounded through decades of push and pull toward progress in civil and human rights. But dark moments followed his speech, too.Two weeks later in 1963, four Black girls were killed in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/today-in-history-africa-united-states-bombings-cd946a2825508f6c3424c6a4459b6fa4">the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing</a>&nbsp;in Birmingham, Alabama, followed by the kidnapping and murder of three civil rights workers in Neshoba County, Mississippi the following year. The tragedies spurred passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.The voting rights marches from Montgomery to Selma, Alabama, in which marchers were brutally beaten while crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge in what became known as “Bloody Sunday,” forced Congress to adopt the Voting Rights Act of 1965.Speakers warned that King's unfinished dream was in danger of being further whittled away. “I’m very concerned about the direction our country is going in," Martin Luther King III said. "And it is because instead of moving forward, it feels as if we’re moving back. The question is, what are we going to do?”Rosetta Manns-Baugh knew the answer: Keep fighting.“I think we have accomplished a lot, but I also think we lost." said Manns-Baugh, who was a Trailways bus counter worker in 1963 when she left her seven children and husband at home in Virginia to come to D.C. Now she's so disillusioned she's stopped singing “We Shall Overcome,” the anthem of the civil rights movement.But even at age 92, she returned to Washington for the 60th anniversary, bringing three generations of her family, all the way down to her 18-month-old grandchild. “I think that’s why we all are here because we do expect the world to get better," Manns-Baugh said. "We can’t stop working at it that’s for sure.”___