By MIKE COURSON&nbsp;Great Bend Post

In the early 1950s, toll roads became a way for developers to build large superhighways that predated the current interstate road system. Ground was broken on the Kansas Turnpike on the final day of 1954, and the highway was completed 22 months later. Since 1956, drivers have had to stop and pay tolls on the road. That will no longer be the case as of July 1 when the Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA) moves to a cashless system. KTA CEO Steve Hewitt joined the company nearly 10 years ago with plans to make improvements.

"As we got more into customer feedback, we realized our customers want a more efficient, easier way to travel," he said. "Our K-TAG customers used to be about 35 percent of our customers. Now, they're 70 percent. So 70 percent of our customers want this free flow of movement."

Previously, only drivers with a K-TAG could move across the turnpike without stopping at a toll booth. After July 1, all vehicles passing on the turnpike will keep moving. Those without a K-TAG will be billed based on the license plate information on the vehicle. Hewitt said K-TAGS will still be beneficial to drivers and the KTA.

"Of the folks who don't have a K-TAG, it's more expensive because we have to look you up, find you, send you a bill, wait for you to send us the money back," he said. "So we incentivize folks to get a K-TAG because you tie a payment to your K-TAG and we just ding your card or bank account when you use the turnpike."

Drivers in vehicles with two to four axles can save 35 percent on tolls by using a K-TAG. A credit card or bank account can be attached to a K-TAG account for hands-free payment for using the turnpike. K-TAGs also work on roads in Oklahoma, Texas, and Florida.

Kansas is hardly the first state to try cashless tolling. At least six states, including Colorado, California, and Texas, have versions of cashless tolling. Hewitt said KTA's new cashless system is a byproduct of what those other states have done.

"It was pretty daunting for our IT folks, but we brought partners in to make sure we did it right," he said. "We're not reinventing the wheel because other states and turnpikes across the country have been doing this for a while. We're learning from those lessons where they've struggled but also the success stories. We're putting it together, and we feel like we have a pretty good system to roll out."

No system is perfect. Under the current system, registration information is collected from vehicles that do not have a K-TAG but avoid toll booths. Hewitt knows a small number of drivers will continue to try and manipulate the system.

"That is the small risk to us, but the long-term success and improvements are going to be really good for our system despite chasing a few folks," he said. "We know we're going to have one or two percent of our people that are going to find ways to escape the tolls, not pay the tolls, change their information, try to hide their license plate - it happens in every state. It's not going to affect our business from the standpoint that 98 percent do the right thing. They pay, they pay on time, and they're good partners.

"There will be some we have to write off. That's the reality of it. But that shouldn't stop us from doing the right thing of making it safer and more convenient for the 98 percent of our good customers."

Hewitt said approximately $100 million will go into the project to convert the 236-mile turnpike into a cashless system. With the K-TAG rates, the Kansas Turnpike will offer the lowest rates of any cashless system across the country.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.myktag.com/">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to learn more or sign up for a K-TAG.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694619805401.png" alt="Inage KanDrive" />
 <figcaption>Inage KanDrive</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON&nbsp;Great Bend PostIn the early 1950s, toll roads became a way for developers to build large superhighways that predated the current interstate road system. Ground was broken on the Kansas Turnpike on the final day of 1954, and the highway was completed 22 months later. Since 1956, drivers have had to stop and pay tolls on the road. That will no longer be the case as of July 1 when the Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA) moves to a cashless system. KTA CEO Steve Hewitt joined the company nearly 10 years ago with plans to make improvements."As we got more into customer feedback, we realized our customers want a more efficient, easier way to travel," he said. "Our K-TAG customers used to be about 35 percent of our customers. Now, they're 70 percent. So 70 percent of our customers want this free flow of movement."Previously, only drivers with a K-TAG could move across the turnpike without stopping at a toll booth. After July 1, all vehicles passing on the turnpike will keep moving. Those without a K-TAG will be billed based on the license plate information on the vehicle. Hewitt said K-TAGS will still be beneficial to drivers and the KTA."Of the folks who don't have a K-TAG, it's more expensive because we have to look you up, find you, send you a bill, wait for you to send us the money back," he said. "So we incentivize folks to get a K-TAG because you tie a payment to your K-TAG and we just ding your card or bank account when you use the turnpike."Drivers in vehicles with two to four axles can save 35 percent on tolls by using a K-TAG. A credit card or bank account can be attached to a K-TAG account for hands-free payment for using the turnpike. K-TAGs also work on roads in Oklahoma, Texas, and Florida.Kansas is hardly the first state to try cashless tolling. At least six states, including Colorado, California, and Texas, have versions of cashless tolling. Hewitt said KTA's new cashless system is a byproduct of what those other states have done."It was pretty daunting for our IT folks, but we brought partners in to make sure we did it right," he said. "We're not reinventing the wheel because other states and turnpikes across the country have been doing this for a while. We're learning from those lessons where they've struggled but also the success stories. We're putting it together, and we feel like we have a pretty good system to roll out."No system is perfect. Under the current system, registration information is collected from vehicles that do not have a K-TAG but avoid toll booths. Hewitt knows a small number of drivers will continue to try and manipulate the system."That is the small risk to us, but the long-term success and improvements are going to be really good for our system despite chasing a few folks," he said. "We know we're going to have one or two percent of our people that are going to find ways to escape the tolls, not pay the tolls, change their information, try to hide their license plate - it happens in every state. It's not going to affect our business from the standpoint that 98 percent do the right thing. They pay, they pay on time, and they're good partners."There will be some we have to write off. That's the reality of it. But that shouldn't stop us from doing the right thing of making it safer and more convenient for the 98 percent of our good customers."Hewitt said approximately $100 million will go into the project to convert the 236-mile turnpike into a cashless system. With the K-TAG rates, the Kansas Turnpike will offer the lowest rates of any cashless system across the country.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.myktag.com/">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to learn more or sign up for a K-TAG.

Kansas Turnpike CEO: K-TAG beneficial to all when KTA goes cashless

KANSAS CITY —A man faces a felony charge for strangling his wife and causing her death as she was lying in a Kansas City area hospital bed this weekend, according to&nbsp; Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Ronnie Wiggs of Independence, Missouri, faces Murder 2nd Degree.

According to court records filed Saturday, Wiggs told police he killed the victim, who had come to&nbsp;Centerpoint Medical Center, 19600 E. 39th St. South, to get a new port for her dialysis.

&nbsp;He said he choked&nbsp; her and covered her nose and mouth to keep her from screaming. Wiggs told police he couldn't take care of her or afford the medical bills. Wiggs is being held on a $250,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714991335516.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A man faces a felony charge for strangling his wife and causing her death as she was lying in a Kansas City area hospital bed this weekend, according to&nbsp; Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Ronnie Wiggs of Independence, Missouri, faces Murder 2nd Degree.According to court records filed Saturday, Wiggs told police he killed the victim, who had come to&nbsp;Centerpoint Medical Center, 19600 E. 39th St. South, to get a new port for her dialysis.&nbsp;He said he choked&nbsp; her and covered her nose and mouth to keep her from screaming. Wiggs told police he couldn't take care of her or afford the medical bills. Wiggs is being held on a $250,000 bond.

Man unable to pay medical bills kills wife in her KC area hospital bed

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan.&nbsp;– McConnell Air Force Base’s aircraft are departing Monday, to relocate away from&nbsp;<a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=ICT&amp;wwa=hazardous%20weather%20outlook" target="_blank">severe</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/media/ict/DssPacket.pdf" target="_blank">weather</a>&nbsp;which is forecasted for the Wichita area, according to a media release from the base.

That forecast calls for high winds with the potential for large hail and the possibility of tornadoes. As such, the base’s KC-135R Stratotanker and KC-46A Pegasus aircraft are being relocated to other military bases outside the local area to protect the aircraft from potential damage, and preserve mission capability for McConnell Air Force Base to provide Air Refueling, Airlift and Aeromedical Evacuation worldwide.

The remaining aircraft, undergoing various phases of maintenance, along with a range of flightline vehicles and equipment, are being stored in hangars.

This is the third relocation of McConnell aircraft in four weeks, due to severe weather. While off-station, McConnell aircrews will continue training activities with other military units around the country.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713209413093.png" alt="File photo by Airman Gavin Hameed -McConnell Air Force Base" />
 <figcaption>File photo by Airman Gavin Hameed -McConnell Air Force Base</figcaption>
 </figure>MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan.&nbsp;– McConnell Air Force Base’s aircraft are departing Monday, to relocate away from&nbsp;<a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=ICT&amp;wwa=hazardous%20weather%20outlook" target="_blank">severe</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/media/ict/DssPacket.pdf" target="_blank">weather</a>&nbsp;which is forecasted for the Wichita area, according to a media release from the base.That forecast calls for high winds with the potential for large hail and the possibility of tornadoes. As such, the base’s KC-135R Stratotanker and KC-46A Pegasus aircraft are being relocated to other military bases outside the local area to protect the aircraft from potential damage, and preserve mission capability for McConnell Air Force Base to provide Air Refueling, Airlift and Aeromedical Evacuation worldwide.The remaining aircraft, undergoing various phases of maintenance, along with a range of flightline vehicles and equipment, are being stored in hangars.This is the third relocation of McConnell aircraft in four weeks, due to severe weather. While off-station, McConnell aircrews will continue training activities with other military units around the country.

Kan. Air Force Base again relocates aircraft ahead of severe weather

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Detectives are investigating a homicide at at Kansas home.

Just after 10:30a.m. Saturday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to a shooting at a home in the 2400 block of Alden. Street, according to a media release.

First responders discovered a man with apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced deceased on scene.&nbsp; Detectives detained one person. 

This incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit.&nbsp; The is the ninth homicide of the year in Kansas City, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714911509914.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Detectives are investigating a homicide at at Kansas home.Just after 10:30a.m. Saturday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to a shooting at a home in the 2400 block of Alden. Street, according to a media release.First responders discovered a man with apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced deceased on scene.&nbsp; Detectives detained one person. This incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit.&nbsp; The is the ninth homicide of the year in Kansas City, Kansas.

Homicide: 1 person in custody after shooting at Kansas home

SEDGWICK COUNTY —The city of Wichita reported Sunday that certain online city services may be unavailable as the thoroughly reviews and assess an incident that affected some of their computer systems, according to a media release.&nbsp;

As part of this assessment, the city turned off their computer network. The decision was necessary to ensure that systems are securely vetted before returning to service.&nbsp;

What Happened?&nbsp;On May 5, 2024, certain City systems were encrypted by malware. In response, the computer network and systems were shut down to prevent the spread of the malware. Certain services may be temporarily unavailable while systems are offline. The City is enabling business continuity measures, where appropriate, to minimize disruption and is working with third-party specialists to safely and securely restore the computer network.

What is encryption malware?&nbsp;Encryption malware is a type of computer virus that locks files without permission. A third party then seeks payment for a key to unlock the computer files. This is often called ransomware, which uses computer software to lock files and withhold the key to unlock the files until a payment is made. Unfortunately, government organizations are often targeted by these groups.

Has law enforcement been notified?&nbsp;Yes, federal and local law enforcement authorities are assisting with this matter.

What group is claiming responsibility?&nbsp;This is not being shared for operational security purposes.

What is the impact on data?&nbsp;We are completing a thorough review and assessment of this matter, including the potential impact on data. Detailed assessments of these types of incidents take time. We thank you for your patience, understanding, and respect for the integrity of this review process.

Are first responders (Fire/Police) still providing services?&nbsp;Yes, they are. They are prepared for these matters and have switched to business continuity measures where appropriate to continue providing exceptional service.

When will systems be back online?&nbsp;We are working with specialists to thoroughly review and assess systems before putting them back online. Systems will be restored on a staggered basis to minimize disruptions. We do not have a definitive timeline for returning all systems to production.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —The city of Wichita reported Sunday that certain online city services may be unavailable as the thoroughly reviews and assess an incident that affected some of their computer systems, according to a media release.&nbsp;As part of this assessment, the city turned off their computer network. The decision was necessary to ensure that systems are securely vetted before returning to service.&nbsp;Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat Happened?&nbsp;On May 5, 2024, certain City systems were encrypted by malware. In response, the computer network and systems were shut down to prevent the spread of the malware. Certain services may be temporarily unavailable while systems are offline. The City is enabling business continuity measures, where appropriate, to minimize disruption and is working with third-party specialists to safely and securely restore the computer network.What is encryption malware?&nbsp;Encryption malware is a type of computer virus that locks files without permission. A third party then seeks payment for a key to unlock the computer files. This is often called ransomware, which uses computer software to lock files and withhold the key to unlock the files until a payment is made. Unfortunately, government organizations are often targeted by these groups.Has law enforcement been notified?&nbsp;Yes, federal and local law enforcement authorities are assisting with this matter.What group is claiming responsibility?&nbsp;This is not being shared for operational security purposes.What is the impact on data?&nbsp;We are completing a thorough review and assessment of this matter, including the potential impact on data. Detailed assessments of these types of incidents take time. We thank you for your patience, understanding, and respect for the integrity of this review process.Are first responders (Fire/Police) still providing services?&nbsp;Yes, they are. They are prepared for these matters and have switched to business continuity measures where appropriate to continue providing exceptional service.When will systems be back online?&nbsp;We are working with specialists to thoroughly review and assess systems before putting them back online. Systems will be restored on a staggered basis to minimize disruptions. We do not have a definitive timeline for returning all systems to production.

Cyberattack: City of Wichita forced to shut down computer network

MCPHERSON COUNTY —Law enforcement in Kansas continue to see more drivers traveling well above the posted speed limit

On Saturday May the 4, the force failed this one and it didn't take a starfighter to catch them, according to a social media report from the McPherson County Sheriff.

'A Deputy was summoned to find this dark side driver,  traveling at excessive speeds with no regard for the safety of themselves or others."

"Hopefully, the fine and court date issued will save lives in the future."

"Speed not and save lives you will. Force of collisions, hurt they do."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714990251992.png" alt="Photo McPherson Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo McPherson Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON COUNTY —Law enforcement in Kansas continue to see more drivers traveling well above the posted speed limitOn Saturday May the 4, the force failed this one and it didn't take a starfighter to catch them, according to a social media report from the McPherson County Sheriff.'A Deputy was summoned to find this dark side driver, traveling at excessive speeds with no regard for the safety of themselves or others.""Hopefully, the fine and court date issued will save lives in the future.""Speed not and save lives you will. Force of collisions, hurt they do."

More Kansas drivers paying big fines for traveling over 100mph

MOSCOW (AP) —Russia plans to hold drills simulating the use of battlefield nuclear weapons, the Defense Ministry announced Monday, days after the Kremlin&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-cameron-weapons-3eb749fff9fb9593f23d42c9d920c9aa">reacted angrily</a>&nbsp;to comments by senior Western officials about the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">war</a>&nbsp;in Ukraine and Moscow warned that tensions with the West are deepening.

The drills are in response to “provocative statements and threats of certain Western officials regarding the Russian Federation,” the Defense Ministry said in a statement.

It was the first time that Russia has publicly announced drills involving tactical nuclear weapons, though its strategic nuclear forces regularly hold exercises. Tactical nuclear weapons include air bombs, warheads for short-range missiles and artillery munitions and are meant for use on a battlefield. They are less powerful than the massive warheads that arm intercontinental ballistic missiles and are intended to obliterate entire cities.

The Russian announcement appeared to be a warning to Ukraine’s Western allies about becoming more deeply involved in the more than two-year war. Some of Ukraine’s Western partners have previously expressed concern about stoking the conflict amid fears it could spill beyond Ukraine into a war between NATO and Russia.

French President Emmanuel Macron repeated last week that he doesn’t exclude sending troops to Ukraine, and U.K. Foreign Secretary David Cameron said Kyiv’s forces will be able to use British long-range weapons to strike targets inside Russia. Some other NATO countries providing weapons to Kyiv have balked at that possibility.

The Kremlin branded those comments as dangerous, heightening tension between Russia and NATO. The war already has placed significant strain on relations between Moscow and the West.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Monday said Macron’s recent statement and other remarks by British and U.S. officials had prompted the nuclear drills.

“It’s a new round of escalation,” Peskov said, referring to what the Kremlin regarded as provocative statements. “It’s unprecedented and requires special attention and special measures,” Peskov told reporters.

Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy head of Russia’s Security Council that's chaired by President Vladimir Putin, said in his typically hawkish fashion that the comments by Macron and Cameron risked pushing the nuclear-armed world toward a “global catastrophe.”

It wasn’t the first time Europe’s military support for Ukraine has irked Russian authorities and prompted nuclear saber-rattling. In March last year, after the U.K. government’s decision to provide Ukraine with armor-piercing shells containing depleted uranium, Putin announced that he intends to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-belarus-nuclear-weapons-2d9584534da25c00c56dbf7b14694e0e">deploy tactical nuclear weapons</a>&nbsp;on the territory of Belarus.

The ministry said the exercise is intended to “increase the readiness of non-strategic nuclear forces to fulfill combat tasks” and will be held on Putin’s orders. The maneuvers will involve missile units of the Southern Military District along with the air force and the navy, it said.

Western officials have blamed Russia for threatening a wider war through provocative acts. NATO countries said last week they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nato-russia-ukraine-war-73a3a226a6d036f8eafade7afca0ca5c">are deeply concerned</a>&nbsp;by a campaign of hybrid activities on the military alliance’s soil, accusing Russia of being behind them and saying they represent a threat to their security.

Peskov dismissed those claims as “new unfounded accusations leveled at our country.”

Meanwhile, Ukrainian drones hit two vehicles Monday in Russia’s Belgorod region, killing six people and injuring 35 others, including two children, local authorities said, in an area frequently struck by Kyiv’s forces in recent months.

One of the vehicles was a minibus that was carrying farm workers, Belgorod Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov said.

No other details were immediately available, and it was not possible to independently confirm the report from the border region.

While Ukraine’s army is largely pinned down on the 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line due to a shortage of troops and ammunition after more than two years of fighting, it has used its long-range firepower to hit targets deep inside Russia. The apparent aim is to disrupt Russia’s war logistics system by hitting oil refineries and depots, and unnerve the Russian border regions.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-belgorod-bd4ea87798ce5161b332e0676558ca24">Belgorod</a>&nbsp;region was a staging ground for Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. It has come under regular attack ever since Russian forces retreated there from northeastern Ukraine early in the war following a counteroffensive by Kyiv.

In what has largely been a war of attrition, Russia has also relied heavily on long-range missile, artillery and drones to wreak damage on Ukraine.

At the end of last year, Belgorod officials said 25 people were killed, including five children, and more than 100 were injured in a Ukrainian attack, and regular rocket and drone strikes have continued since then. The area can be reached by relatively simple and mobile weapons such as multiple rocket launchers from forests on the Ukrainian side.

Russian authorities said in March they planned to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-belgorod-border-evacuation-children-029e64bdb0d9ba2c8a13dc0854aa7ca4">evacuate about 9,000 children</a>&nbsp;from the area because of continuous shelling, after Putin said he wanted to create a buffer zone to help protect border regions.

Also, the Kremlin's forces kept up their bombardment of Ukraine's power grid, with a nighttime Russian drone attack targeting energy infrastructure in Ukraine’s northern region of Sumy. Multiple towns and villages in the region, including Sumy, lost power, regional authorities said.

Russia attacked Ukrainian targets with 13 Shahed drones overnight, 12 of which were intercepted in the Sumy region, Ukraine’s air force said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663760963726.jpeg" alt="File photo (Russian Presidential Press Service via AP)" />
 <figcaption>File photo (Russian Presidential Press Service via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>MOSCOW (AP) —Russia plans to hold drills simulating the use of battlefield nuclear weapons, the Defense Ministry announced Monday, days after the Kremlin&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-cameron-weapons-3eb749fff9fb9593f23d42c9d920c9aa">reacted angrily</a>&nbsp;to comments by senior Western officials about the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">war</a>&nbsp;in Ukraine and Moscow warned that tensions with the West are deepening.The drills are in response to “provocative statements and threats of certain Western officials regarding the Russian Federation,” the Defense Ministry said in a statement.It was the first time that Russia has publicly announced drills involving tactical nuclear weapons, though its strategic nuclear forces regularly hold exercises. Tactical nuclear weapons include air bombs, warheads for short-range missiles and artillery munitions and are meant for use on a battlefield. They are less powerful than the massive warheads that arm intercontinental ballistic missiles and are intended to obliterate entire cities.The Russian announcement appeared to be a warning to Ukraine’s Western allies about becoming more deeply involved in the more than two-year war. Some of Ukraine’s Western partners have previously expressed concern about stoking the conflict amid fears it could spill beyond Ukraine into a war between NATO and Russia.French President Emmanuel Macron repeated last week that he doesn’t exclude sending troops to Ukraine, and U.K. Foreign Secretary David Cameron said Kyiv’s forces will be able to use British long-range weapons to strike targets inside Russia. Some other NATO countries providing weapons to Kyiv have balked at that possibility.The Kremlin branded those comments as dangerous, heightening tension between Russia and NATO. The war already has placed significant strain on relations between Moscow and the West.Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Monday said Macron’s recent statement and other remarks by British and U.S. officials had prompted the nuclear drills.“It’s a new round of escalation,” Peskov said, referring to what the Kremlin regarded as provocative statements. “It’s unprecedented and requires special attention and special measures,” Peskov told reporters.Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy head of Russia’s Security Council that's chaired by President Vladimir Putin, said in his typically hawkish fashion that the comments by Macron and Cameron risked pushing the nuclear-armed world toward a “global catastrophe.”It wasn’t the first time Europe’s military support for Ukraine has irked Russian authorities and prompted nuclear saber-rattling. In March last year, after the U.K. government’s decision to provide Ukraine with armor-piercing shells containing depleted uranium, Putin announced that he intends to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-belarus-nuclear-weapons-2d9584534da25c00c56dbf7b14694e0e">deploy tactical nuclear weapons</a>&nbsp;on the territory of Belarus.The ministry said the exercise is intended to “increase the readiness of non-strategic nuclear forces to fulfill combat tasks” and will be held on Putin’s orders. The maneuvers will involve missile units of the Southern Military District along with the air force and the navy, it said.Western officials have blamed Russia for threatening a wider war through provocative acts. NATO countries said last week they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nato-russia-ukraine-war-73a3a226a6d036f8eafade7afca0ca5c">are deeply concerned</a>&nbsp;by a campaign of hybrid activities on the military alliance’s soil, accusing Russia of being behind them and saying they represent a threat to their security.Peskov dismissed those claims as “new unfounded accusations leveled at our country.”Meanwhile, Ukrainian drones hit two vehicles Monday in Russia’s Belgorod region, killing six people and injuring 35 others, including two children, local authorities said, in an area frequently struck by Kyiv’s forces in recent months.One of the vehicles was a minibus that was carrying farm workers, Belgorod Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov said.No other details were immediately available, and it was not possible to independently confirm the report from the border region.While Ukraine’s army is largely pinned down on the 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line due to a shortage of troops and ammunition after more than two years of fighting, it has used its long-range firepower to hit targets deep inside Russia. The apparent aim is to disrupt Russia’s war logistics system by hitting oil refineries and depots, and unnerve the Russian border regions.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-belgorod-bd4ea87798ce5161b332e0676558ca24">Belgorod</a>&nbsp;region was a staging ground for Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. It has come under regular attack ever since Russian forces retreated there from northeastern Ukraine early in the war following a counteroffensive by Kyiv.In what has largely been a war of attrition, Russia has also relied heavily on long-range missile, artillery and drones to wreak damage on Ukraine.At the end of last year, Belgorod officials said 25 people were killed, including five children, and more than 100 were injured in a Ukrainian attack, and regular rocket and drone strikes have continued since then. The area can be reached by relatively simple and mobile weapons such as multiple rocket launchers from forests on the Ukrainian side.Russian authorities said in March they planned to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-belgorod-border-evacuation-children-029e64bdb0d9ba2c8a13dc0854aa7ca4">evacuate about 9,000 children</a>&nbsp;from the area because of continuous shelling, after Putin said he wanted to create a buffer zone to help protect border regions.Also, the Kremlin's forces kept up their bombardment of Ukraine's power grid, with a nighttime Russian drone attack targeting energy infrastructure in Ukraine’s northern region of Sumy. Multiple towns and villages in the region, including Sumy, lost power, regional authorities said.Russia attacked Ukrainian targets with 13 Shahed drones overnight, 12 of which were intercepted in the Sumy region, Ukraine’s air force said.

Russia will conduct nuclear weapon drills in response to ‘threats’ from the West

ST. LOUIS (AP) — A former Boy Scout volunteer has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for hiding cameras in a bathroom at a Missouri camp.

A federal judge on Thursday also ordered David Lee Nelson, a 41-year-old from Redmond, Washington, to pay more than $60,000, with some of the money going toward counseling for the victims. Some of them described at the hearing being fearful and unable to trust because of what happened.

The U.S. attorney’s office said Nelson placed the cameras in paper towel dispensers in July 2021, positioning them so they would capture a shower stall and other parts of the bathroom at the S Bar F Scout Ranch in St. Francois County.

The camp is about 80 miles south of St. Louis.

Scouts were cleaning restroom stalls with a leader when one of the cameras was discovered. A search ensued, and another camera was found. Leaders then called law enforcement.

Nelson pleaded guilty in January to two counts of production of child pornography and two counts of attempted production of child pornography.

Once released from prison, he will be on supervised release for life, the U.S. attorney’s office said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714759834679.png" alt="Nelson Photo St. Francois County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Nelson Photo St. Francois County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. LOUIS (AP) — A former Boy Scout volunteer has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for hiding cameras in a bathroom at a Missouri camp.A federal judge on Thursday also ordered David Lee Nelson, a 41-year-old from Redmond, Washington, to pay more than $60,000, with some of the money going toward counseling for the victims. Some of them described at the hearing being fearful and unable to trust because of what happened.The U.S. attorney’s office said Nelson placed the cameras in paper towel dispensers in July 2021, positioning them so they would capture a shower stall and other parts of the bathroom at the S Bar F Scout Ranch in St. Francois County.The camp is about 80 miles south of St. Louis.Scouts were cleaning restroom stalls with a leader when one of the cameras was discovered. A search ensued, and another camera was found. Leaders then called law enforcement.Nelson pleaded guilty in January to two counts of production of child pornography and two counts of attempted production of child pornography.Once released from prison, he will be on supervised release for life, the U.S. attorney’s office said.

Boy Scout volunteer sentenced for hiding cameras in camp bathrooms

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City area man has been charged in a fatal shooting in a Blue Spring's park, according Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Marquis Earl Savannah, 19, Blue Springs faces felony charges of Murder in the 1st Degree and Armed Criminal Action.

According to court records, Blue Springs police officers were dispatched on a shooting on April 13, 2024, about 10:30 p.m. Officers found two victims later identified as LaDronal Hamilton Jr., 19, Kansas City, Missouri and Karmello Matlock, 20, Blue Springs, Missouri, in Wilbur Young Park in Blue Springs.

One victim was in the parking lot near the volleyball courts. The second victim was found near a basketball court nearby. Witnesses told police that a fist fight escalated to a shooting. A pistol, shell casings, bullets and bullet fragments were collected at the scene. Police detectives reviewed camera footage that showed the fight and the shooting. The defendant can be seen charging the victim, then firing multiple shots at the victim. A second suspect drew a handgun and fired shots as well.

Investigation of these shootings continues.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714057660581.png" alt="Savannah-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Savannah-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City area man has been charged in a fatal shooting in a Blue Spring's park, according Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Marquis Earl Savannah, 19, Blue Springs faces felony charges of Murder in the 1st Degree and Armed Criminal Action.According to court records, Blue Springs police officers were dispatched on a shooting on April 13, 2024, about 10:30 p.m. Officers found two victims later identified as LaDronal Hamilton Jr., 19, Kansas City, Missouri and Karmello Matlock, 20, Blue Springs, Missouri, in Wilbur Young Park in Blue Springs.One victim was in the parking lot near the volleyball courts. The second victim was found near a basketball court nearby. Witnesses told police that a fist fight escalated to a shooting. A pistol, shell casings, bullets and bullet fragments were collected at the scene. Police detectives reviewed camera footage that showed the fight and the shooting. The defendant can be seen charging the victim, then firing multiple shots at the victim. A second suspect drew a handgun and fired shots as well.Investigation of these shootings continues.&nbsp;

Fist fight led to double homicide in Kansas City park

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.

Just after 1:30 a.m. May 1.,&nbsp; a Sheriff’s deputy stopped an SUV for a traffic infraction in rural Jackson County, Kansas, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. During the stop, illegal drug contraband was observed in plain view and a search of the car was initiated.

 Additionally, during the stop, methamphetamine was located. The driver identified as Melissa Brown, 54, of Topeka, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and driving while suspended. The passenger, Christian Rodriguez-Rodriguez, 41, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of interference with law enforcement and he also had an outstanding warrant through Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714668229529.png" alt="Rodriguez-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Rodriguez-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.Just after 1:30 a.m. May 1.,&nbsp; a Sheriff’s deputy stopped an SUV for a traffic infraction in rural Jackson County, Kansas, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. During the stop, illegal drug contraband was observed in plain view and a search of the car was initiated.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714668178082.png" alt="Brown-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Brown-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> Additionally, during the stop, methamphetamine was located. The driver identified as Melissa Brown, 54, of Topeka, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and driving while suspended. The passenger, Christian Rodriguez-Rodriguez, 41, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of interference with law enforcement and he also had an outstanding warrant through Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff: Deputy saw drugs in car during Kan. traffic stop

WASHINGTON (AP) — Scammers stole more than $3.4 billion from older Americans last year, according to an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-federal-bureau-of-investigation">FBI</a>&nbsp;report that shows a rise in losses through increasingly sophisticated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/scams-phishing-robocalls-facebook-marketplace-291255fc54f4bef161cb6155af562d96">criminal tactics</a>&nbsp;to trick the vulnerable into giving up their life savings.

Losses from scams reported by Americans over the age of 60 last year were up 11% over the year before, according to the FBI's report. Investigators are warning of a rise in brazen schemes to drain bank accounts that involve sending couriers in person to collect cash or gold from victims.

“It can be a devastating impact to older Americans who lack the ability to go out and make money,” said Deputy Assistant Director James Barnacle of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “People lose all their money. Some people become destitute."

The FBI received more than 100,000 complaints by victims of scams over the age of 60 last year, with nearly 6,000 people losing more than $100,000. It follows a sharp rise in reported losses by older Americans in the two years after the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, when people were stuck at home and easier for scammers to reach over the phone.

Barnacle said investigators are seeing organized, transnational criminal enterprises targeting older Americans through a variety of schemes, like&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/romance-scams-563ed335a7fc6a27f3f97ec14df1b867">romance scams</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/investing-fraud-scam-regulators-874f9e3a315aa6cfd13335c92019ed54">investment frauds</a>.

The most commonly reported fraud among older adults last year was tech support scams, in which criminals pose over the phone as technical or customer service representatives. In one such scam authorities say is rising in popularity, criminals impersonate technology, banking and government officials to convince victims that foreign hackers have infiltrated their bank accounts and instruct them that to protect their money they should move it to a new account — one secretly controlled by the scammers.

Federal investigators saw an uptick between May and December of scammers using live couriers to take money from victims duped into believing their accounts had been compromised, according to the FBI. In those cases, scammers tell victims that their bank accounts have been hacked and that they need to liquidate their assets into cash or buy gold or other precious metals to protect their funds. Then the fraudsters arrange for a courier to pick it up in person.

“A lot of the the fraud schemes are asking victims to send money via a wire transfer, or a cryptocurrency transfer. When the victim is reluctant to do that, they’re given an alternative," Barnacle said. “And so the bad guy will use courier services.”

Earlier this month, an 81-year-old Ohio man&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-uber-driver-fatally-shot-2efec12816a9a40934a6a7524e20e613">fatally shot an Uber driver</a>&nbsp;he thought was trying to rob him after receiving scam phone calls, according to authorities.

The man had been receiving calls from someone pretending to be an officer from the local court who demanded money. The Uber driver had been told to retrieve a package from the man’s home, a request authorities say was possibly made by the same scam caller or an accomplice.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Scammers stole more than $3.4 billion from older Americans last year, according to an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-federal-bureau-of-investigation">FBI</a>&nbsp;report that shows a rise in losses through increasingly sophisticated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/scams-phishing-robocalls-facebook-marketplace-291255fc54f4bef161cb6155af562d96">criminal tactics</a>&nbsp;to trick the vulnerable into giving up their life savings.Losses from scams reported by Americans over the age of 60 last year were up 11% over the year before, according to the FBI's report. Investigators are warning of a rise in brazen schemes to drain bank accounts that involve sending couriers in person to collect cash or gold from victims.“It can be a devastating impact to older Americans who lack the ability to go out and make money,” said Deputy Assistant Director James Barnacle of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “People lose all their money. Some people become destitute."The FBI received more than 100,000 complaints by victims of scams over the age of 60 last year, with nearly 6,000 people losing more than $100,000. It follows a sharp rise in reported losses by older Americans in the two years after the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, when people were stuck at home and easier for scammers to reach over the phone.Barnacle said investigators are seeing organized, transnational criminal enterprises targeting older Americans through a variety of schemes, like&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/romance-scams-563ed335a7fc6a27f3f97ec14df1b867">romance scams</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/investing-fraud-scam-regulators-874f9e3a315aa6cfd13335c92019ed54">investment frauds</a>.The most commonly reported fraud among older adults last year was tech support scams, in which criminals pose over the phone as technical or customer service representatives. In one such scam authorities say is rising in popularity, criminals impersonate technology, banking and government officials to convince victims that foreign hackers have infiltrated their bank accounts and instruct them that to protect their money they should move it to a new account — one secretly controlled by the scammers.Federal investigators saw an uptick between May and December of scammers using live couriers to take money from victims duped into believing their accounts had been compromised, according to the FBI. In those cases, scammers tell victims that their bank accounts have been hacked and that they need to liquidate their assets into cash or buy gold or other precious metals to protect their funds. Then the fraudsters arrange for a courier to pick it up in person.“A lot of the the fraud schemes are asking victims to send money via a wire transfer, or a cryptocurrency transfer. When the victim is reluctant to do that, they’re given an alternative," Barnacle said. “And so the bad guy will use courier services.”Earlier this month, an 81-year-old Ohio man&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-uber-driver-fatally-shot-2efec12816a9a40934a6a7524e20e613">fatally shot an Uber driver</a>&nbsp;he thought was trying to rob him after receiving scam phone calls, according to authorities.The man had been receiving calls from someone pretending to be an officer from the local court who demanded money. The Uber driver had been told to retrieve a package from the man’s home, a request authorities say was possibly made by the same scam caller or an accomplice.

FBI: Scammers stole more than $3 billion from older Americans last year

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-drug-enforcement-administration">The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration</a>&nbsp;is moving toward reclassifying&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/marijuana">marijuana</a>&nbsp;as a less dangerous drug. The Justice Department proposal would recognize&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marijuana-health-schumer-becerra-dea-c00db5dabbeb9efd94cf17baff241e85">the medical uses of cannabis</a>, but wouldn't legalize it for recreational use.

The proposal would move marijuana from the “Schedule I” group to the less tightly regulated “Schedule III."

So what does that mean, and what are the implications?

WHAT HAS ACTUALLY CHANGED? WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Technically, nothing yet.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marijuana-biden-dea-criminal-justice-pot-f833a8dae6ceb31a8658a5d65832a3b8">The proposal</a>&nbsp;must be reviewed by the White House Office of Management and Budget, and then undergo a public-comment period and review from an administrative judge, a potentially lengthy process.

Still, the switch is considered “paradigm-shifting, and it’s very exciting,” Vince Sliwoski, a Portland, Oregon-based cannabis and psychedelics attorney who runs well-known legal blogs on those topics, told The Associated Press when the federal Health and Human Services Department recommended the change.

“I can’t emphasize enough how big of news it is,” he said.

It came after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-marijuana-government-and-politics-2d5e3d9e2cfbbbe3ee114536738894a8">President Joe Biden asked</a>&nbsp;both HHS and the attorney general, who oversees the DEA, last year to review how marijuana was classified. Schedule I put it on par, legally, with heroin, LSD, quaaludes and ecstasy, among others.

Biden, a Democrat, supports legalizing medical marijuana for use “where appropriate, consistent with medical and scientific evidence,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Thursday. “That is why it is important for this independent review to go through.”

IF MARIJUANA GETS RECLASSIFIED, WOULD IT LEGALIZE RECREATIONAL CANNABIS NATIONWIDE?

No. Schedule III drugs — which include ketamine, anabolic steroids and some acetaminophen-codeine combinations — are still controlled substances.

They're subject to various rules that allow for some medical uses, and for federal criminal prosecution of anyone who traffics in the drugs without permission.

No changes are expected to the medical marijuana programs now licensed in 38 states or the legal recreational cannabis markets in 23 states, but it's unlikely they would meet the federal production, record-keeping, prescribing and other requirements for Schedule III drugs.

There haven't been many federal prosecutions for simply possessing marijuana in recent years, even under marijuana’s current Schedule I status, but the reclassification wouldn't have an immediate impact on people already in the criminal justice system.

“Put simple, this move from Schedule I to Schedule III is not getting people out of jail,” said David Culver, senior vice president of public affairs at the U.S. Cannabis Council.

But rescheduling in itself would have some impact, particularly on research and marijuana business taxes.

Because marijuana is on Schedule I, it's been very difficult to conduct authorized clinical studies that involve administering the drug. That has created something of a Catch-22: calls for more research, but barriers to doing it. (Scientists sometimes rely instead on people’s own reports of their marijuana use.)

Schedule III drugs are easier to study, though the reclassification wouldn't immediately reverse all barriers to study.

“It’s going to be really confusing for a long time,” said Ziva Cooper, director of the University of California, Los Angeles Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids. “When the dust has settled, I don’t know how many years from now, research will be easier.”

Among the unknowns: whether researchers will be able to study marijuana from state-licensed dispensaries and how the federal Food and Drug Administration might oversee that.

“Reducing the schedule to schedule 3 will open up the door for us to be able to conduct research with human subjects with cannabis,” said Susan Ferguson, director of University of Washington’s Addictions, Drug &amp; Alcohol Institute in Seattle.

Under the federal tax code, businesses involved in “trafficking” in marijuana or any other Schedule I or II drug can't deduct rent, payroll or various other expenses that other businesses can write off. (Yes, at least some cannabis businesses, particularly state-licensed ones, do pay taxes to the federal government, despite its prohibition on marijuana.) Industry groups say the tax rate often ends up at 70% or more.

The deduction rule doesn't apply to Schedule III drugs, so the proposed change would cut cannabis companies' taxes substantially.

They say it would treat them like other industries and help them compete against illegal competitors that are frustrating licensees and officials in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marijuana-new-york-unlicensed-pot-shops-crackdown-343e14fd9e95dd15fb9bb4ebb74da9c6">places such as New York</a>.

“You’re going to make these state-legal programs stronger,” says Adam Goers, an executive at medical and recreational cannabis giant Columbia Care. He co-chairs a coalition of corporate and other players that’s pushing for rescheduling.

It could also mean more cannabis promotion and advertising if those costs could be deducted, according to Beau Kilmer, co-director of the RAND Drug Policy Center.

Rescheduling wouldn't directly affect another marijuana business problem: difficulty accessing banks, particularly for loans, because the federally regulated institutions are wary of the drug's legal status. The industry has been looking instead to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marijuana-us-news-ap-top-news-bills-wa-state-wire-ffd7b57255054696bcf96b1a8033268a">measure called the SAFE Banking Act</a>. It has repeatedly passed the House but stalled in the Senate.

Indeed, there are, including the national anti-legalization group Smart Approaches to Marijuana. President Kevin Sabet, a former Obama administration drug policy official, said the HHS recommendation “flies in the face of science, reeks of politics” and gives a regrettable nod to an industry “desperately looking for legitimacy.”

Some legalization advocates say rescheduling weed is too incremental. They want to keep the focus on removing it completely from the controlled substances list, which doesn't include such items as alcohol or tobacco (they're regulated, but that's not the same).

Paul Armentano, the deputy director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, said that simply reclassifying marijuana would be “perpetuating the existing divide between state and federal marijuana policies.” Minority Cannabis Business Association President Kaliko Castille said rescheduling just "re-brands prohibition," rather than giving an all-clear to state licensees and putting a definitive close to decades of arrests that disproportionately pulled in people of color.

“Schedule III is going to leave it in this kind of amorphous, mucky middle where people are not going to understand the danger of it still being federally illegal,” he said.

___ Peltz reported from New York. Associated Press writers Colleen Long in Washington and Carla K. Johnson in Seattle contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698668144157.png" alt="Photo Rebecca Rivas" />
 <figcaption>Photo Rebecca Rivas</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-drug-enforcement-administration">The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration</a>&nbsp;is moving toward reclassifying&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/marijuana">marijuana</a>&nbsp;as a less dangerous drug. The Justice Department proposal would recognize&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marijuana-health-schumer-becerra-dea-c00db5dabbeb9efd94cf17baff241e85">the medical uses of cannabis</a>, but wouldn't legalize it for recreational use.The proposal would move marijuana from the “Schedule I” group to the less tightly regulated “Schedule III."So what does that mean, and what are the implications?WHAT HAS ACTUALLY CHANGED? WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?Technically, nothing yet.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marijuana-biden-dea-criminal-justice-pot-f833a8dae6ceb31a8658a5d65832a3b8">The proposal</a>&nbsp;must be reviewed by the White House Office of Management and Budget, and then undergo a public-comment period and review from an administrative judge, a potentially lengthy process.Still, the switch is considered “paradigm-shifting, and it’s very exciting,” Vince Sliwoski, a Portland, Oregon-based cannabis and psychedelics attorney who runs well-known legal blogs on those topics, told The Associated Press when the federal Health and Human Services Department recommended the change.“I can’t emphasize enough how big of news it is,” he said.It came after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-marijuana-government-and-politics-2d5e3d9e2cfbbbe3ee114536738894a8">President Joe Biden asked</a>&nbsp;both HHS and the attorney general, who oversees the DEA, last year to review how marijuana was classified. Schedule I put it on par, legally, with heroin, LSD, quaaludes and ecstasy, among others.Biden, a Democrat, supports legalizing medical marijuana for use “where appropriate, consistent with medical and scientific evidence,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Thursday. “That is why it is important for this independent review to go through.”IF MARIJUANA GETS RECLASSIFIED, WOULD IT LEGALIZE RECREATIONAL CANNABIS NATIONWIDE?No. Schedule III drugs — which include ketamine, anabolic steroids and some acetaminophen-codeine combinations — are still controlled substances.They're subject to various rules that allow for some medical uses, and for federal criminal prosecution of anyone who traffics in the drugs without permission.No changes are expected to the medical marijuana programs now licensed in 38 states or the legal recreational cannabis markets in 23 states, but it's unlikely they would meet the federal production, record-keeping, prescribing and other requirements for Schedule III drugs.There haven't been many federal prosecutions for simply possessing marijuana in recent years, even under marijuana’s current Schedule I status, but the reclassification wouldn't have an immediate impact on people already in the criminal justice system.“Put simple, this move from Schedule I to Schedule III is not getting people out of jail,” said David Culver, senior vice president of public affairs at the U.S. Cannabis Council.But rescheduling in itself would have some impact, particularly on research and marijuana business taxes.WHAT WOULD THIS MEAN FOR RESEARCH?Because marijuana is on Schedule I, it's been very difficult to conduct authorized clinical studies that involve administering the drug. That has created something of a Catch-22: calls for more research, but barriers to doing it. (Scientists sometimes rely instead on people’s own reports of their marijuana use.)Schedule III drugs are easier to study, though the reclassification wouldn't immediately reverse all barriers to study.“It’s going to be really confusing for a long time,” said Ziva Cooper, director of the University of California, Los Angeles Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids. “When the dust has settled, I don’t know how many years from now, research will be easier.”Among the unknowns: whether researchers will be able to study marijuana from state-licensed dispensaries and how the federal Food and Drug Administration might oversee that.Some researchers are optimistic.“Reducing the schedule to schedule 3 will open up the door for us to be able to conduct research with human subjects with cannabis,” said Susan Ferguson, director of University of Washington’s Addictions, Drug &amp; Alcohol Institute in Seattle.WHAT ABOUT TAXES (AND BANKING)?Under the federal tax code, businesses involved in “trafficking” in marijuana or any other Schedule I or II drug can't deduct rent, payroll or various other expenses that other businesses can write off. (Yes, at least some cannabis businesses, particularly state-licensed ones, do pay taxes to the federal government, despite its prohibition on marijuana.) Industry groups say the tax rate often ends up at 70% or more.The deduction rule doesn't apply to Schedule III drugs, so the proposed change would cut cannabis companies' taxes substantially.They say it would treat them like other industries and help them compete against illegal competitors that are frustrating licensees and officials in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marijuana-new-york-unlicensed-pot-shops-crackdown-343e14fd9e95dd15fb9bb4ebb74da9c6">places such as New York</a>.“You’re going to make these state-legal programs stronger,” says Adam Goers, an executive at medical and recreational cannabis giant Columbia Care. He co-chairs a coalition of corporate and other players that’s pushing for rescheduling.It could also mean more cannabis promotion and advertising if those costs could be deducted, according to Beau Kilmer, co-director of the RAND Drug Policy Center.Rescheduling wouldn't directly affect another marijuana business problem: difficulty accessing banks, particularly for loans, because the federally regulated institutions are wary of the drug's legal status. The industry has been looking instead to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marijuana-us-news-ap-top-news-bills-wa-state-wire-ffd7b57255054696bcf96b1a8033268a">measure called the SAFE Banking Act</a>. It has repeatedly passed the House but stalled in the Senate.ARE THERE CRITICS? WHAT DO THEY SAY?Indeed, there are, including the national anti-legalization group Smart Approaches to Marijuana. President Kevin Sabet, a former Obama administration drug policy official, said the HHS recommendation “flies in the face of science, reeks of politics” and gives a regrettable nod to an industry “desperately looking for legitimacy.”Some legalization advocates say rescheduling weed is too incremental. They want to keep the focus on removing it completely from the controlled substances list, which doesn't include such items as alcohol or tobacco (they're regulated, but that's not the same).Paul Armentano, the deputy director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, said that simply reclassifying marijuana would be “perpetuating the existing divide between state and federal marijuana policies.” Minority Cannabis Business Association President Kaliko Castille said rescheduling just "re-brands prohibition," rather than giving an all-clear to state licensees and putting a definitive close to decades of arrests that disproportionately pulled in people of color.“Schedule III is going to leave it in this kind of amorphous, mucky middle where people are not going to understand the danger of it still being federally illegal,” he said.___ Peltz reported from New York. Associated Press writers Colleen Long in Washington and Carla K. Johnson in Seattle contributed to this report.

What marijuana reclassification means for the United States

WASHINGTON (AP) — The last thing standing between Ashnaelle Bijoux and her college dream is the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fafsa-financial-aid-college-education-faf16cf14fb69a20e373d3ada1b63dca">FAFSA form</a>&nbsp;— a financial aid application that's supposed to help students go to college, but is blocking her instead. She has tried to submit it over and over. Every time, it fails to go through.

“I feel overwhelmed and stressed out,” said Bijoux, 19. She came close to tears the last time she tried the form. “I feel like I'm being held back."

Normally a time of celebration for high school seniors, this spring has been marred by the federal government's botched rollout of the&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa">new FAFSA application</a>. By May 1, students usually know where they're headed to college in the fall. This year, most still haven't received financial aid offers. Three months before the start of fall classes, many don't know where they're going to college, or how they're going to pay for it.

“We’re asking them to make probably one of the biggest financial decisions — and decisions that will have the biggest implications on their lives going forward — without all of the information,” said Justin Draeger, president and CEO of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.

The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, went through a massive overhaul that was supposed to make it simpler and shorter. But a series of blunders by the Education Department made it harder than ever, delaying college decisions by months and raising fears that hundreds of thousands of students will forgo college entirely.

Across the United States, the number of students who have successfully submitted the FAFSA is down 29% from this time last year, and it’s even worse at schools with more low-income students, according to the National College Attainment Network.

The group's CEO, Kim Cook, warned members of Congress this month about a potentially “catastrophic” drop in college enrollments that would make the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pandemics-race-and-ethnicity-coronavirus-pandemic-phoenix-b2e2ec55b3ed43c4b64c192b0eced089">decreases of the pandemic</a>&nbsp;seem mild.

For Bijoux, of Norwich, Connecticut, the FAFSA problems threaten to undermine the promise of higher education.

To her, college is a chance to seize the opportunities that weren't available to her mother, who immigrated from Haiti to the U.S. as an adult. Bijoux hopes to become a therapist and set a positive example for her three younger brothers.

If her FAFSA goes through, she should be eligible for enough financial aid to help with the $ 13,000-a-year tuition at Southern Connecticut State University. If not, she might go to a local community college, but even that would require loans if she can't complete the FAFSA.

“That’s why it hurts, because it’s like you work so hard to go somewhere and do something and make something of yourself,” Bijoux said. “I thought I would start at a four-year (college) and then work hard continuously, like I’ve been doing basically my whole life. But that’s not the case.”

The updated FAFSA form has one section filled out by students and another by their parents. But when Bijoux finishes her part, nothing shows up on her mom's online account. She keeps trying, but nothing seems to change.

Similar problems have been reported across the country, along with numerous other bugs that the Education Department has scrambled to fix. Families who call for customer service have faced long wait times or say the call center hung up on them.

It “drains all the momentum” from families working to send their children to college, especially those navigating the process for the first time, said Anne Zinn, a counselor at Norwich Free Academy, where Bijoux goes to school.

“I can only say so many times, ‘Just be patient, just be patient,’ before they throw their hands up and they’re like, ‘Why am I doing this? I’m just gonna&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/skipping-college-student-loans-trade-jobs-efc1f6d6067ab770f6e512b3f7719cc0">go get a job</a>,'" she said.

The rollout has attracted bipartisan criticism in Congress, and it's being investigated at the request of Republicans. Last week, Richard Cordray, the federal student loan chief who oversaw the FAFSA update, announced he's stepping down at the end of June.

For colleges, too, the delays pose a major threat.

Enrollment decreases like those being projected now could put many small colleges out of business, or necessitate deep cuts in staff. Some colleges are pushing for emergency relief just to stay afloat, said Angel Pérez, CEO of the National Association for College Admission Counseling.

“If they don’t get checks from the federal government to basically get them through next year, they will not survive,” Pérez said.

The FAFSA has been the linchpin of student financial aid for decades. It's used to determine eligibility for the federal Pell grant, a scholarship for low-income students, and it's required to receive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/student-loans">federal student loans</a>. Colleges and states also use FAFSA to distribute their own scholarships.

FAFSA had long been maligned for being tedious, difficult and intimidating to families without college experience. Congress passed legislation in 2020 meant to simplify the form. The Education Department was ordered to reduce the number of questions from more than 100 to about 40, and change the formula to expand aid to more students.

Problems started piling up as soon as the new form went online in December, already months overdue.

The first applications were incorrectly processed using an outdated calculation for inflation. Later, a federal contractor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fafsa-aid-college-admissions-miscalculation-delay-6edb28219068fd19428b786635f09282">miscalculated</a>&nbsp;a different formula on more than 200,000 applications. Each mistake added to delays, leaving students waiting longer to hear anything about financial aid.

Even more worrisome is a misstep that blocked students from finishing the form if they have a parent without a Social Security number. Advocates say the system locked out hundreds of thousands of students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents but whose parents are not.

The Education Department on Tuesday said it's giving those parents a new way to enter their tax information manually. But as recently as this week, some students said they were still blocked from submitting the form.

Federal education officials say they're addressing lingering bugs but making progress. More than 8 million student applications have now been processed and sent to colleges, the agency said, and new applications are being processed within three days.

Still, the wait is far from over. It usually takes weeks for schools to prepare financial aid offers. Some colleges have extended decision deadlines to give students more time to weigh their options. But some stuck to May 1, forcing students to choose a college — and make a nonrefundable payment to hold their spot — without knowing all their scholarship options.

In West Virginia, Gov. Jim Justice on Tuesday declared a state of emergency that allows students to receive state scholarships without having their FAFSA processed by the federal government. West Virginia has the lowest number of college graduates in the nation, and the state’s high school FAFSA completion rates are currently down nearly 40%, said Justice, a Republican.

"Really and truly, a lot of kids are sitting on the sidelines ... wondering, ‘Am I going to be able to go to college?’ ” he said during a news briefing.

In Baltimore, Camryn Carter is waiting to find out if he'll get a full ride to the University of Maryland or face tens of thousands of dollars in student loans.

A top student and captain of his baseball and wrestling teams, Carter sees college as a step up in life. He thinks back to the times in the grocery store line when he had to put items back on the shelf because his mom couldn't afford the bill. A college degree would give him the stability he didn't always have, the 18-year-old said.

But when he looks at tuition,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-costs-elite-wellesley-harvard-tuition-aid-16dc3cb23d713a206d050da8594b998c">it's intimidating</a>. Along with Maryland, he's also considering McDaniel College, a private school in Maryland. If he enrolls there, he expects to borrow almost $30,000 a year.

“I try to make the best decisions now so I can have a good future,” he said. “I'm a little nervous that things won't work out. But I'm faithful.”

Leah Willingham contributed reporting from Charleston, West Virginia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700516528497.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The last thing standing between Ashnaelle Bijoux and her college dream is the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fafsa-financial-aid-college-education-faf16cf14fb69a20e373d3ada1b63dca">FAFSA form</a>&nbsp;— a financial aid application that's supposed to help students go to college, but is blocking her instead. She has tried to submit it over and over. Every time, it fails to go through.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">What is supposed to be an exciting day for millions of high-school students across America is instead a day of uncertainty because of this Administration’s disastrous FAFSA rollout, leaving their future in limbo. <a href="https://t.co/0mm7S07rXR">pic.twitter.com/0mm7S07rXR</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1785789719139192850?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“I feel overwhelmed and stressed out,” said Bijoux, 19. She came close to tears the last time she tried the form. “I feel like I'm being held back."Normally a time of celebration for high school seniors, this spring has been marred by the federal government's botched rollout of the&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa">new FAFSA application</a>. By May 1, students usually know where they're headed to college in the fall. This year, most still haven't received financial aid offers. Three months before the start of fall classes, many don't know where they're going to college, or how they're going to pay for it.“We’re asking them to make probably one of the biggest financial decisions — and decisions that will have the biggest implications on their lives going forward — without all of the information,” said Justin Draeger, president and CEO of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, went through a massive overhaul that was supposed to make it simpler and shorter. But a series of blunders by the Education Department made it harder than ever, delaying college decisions by months and raising fears that hundreds of thousands of students will forgo college entirely.Across the United States, the number of students who have successfully submitted the FAFSA is down 29% from this time last year, and it’s even worse at schools with more low-income students, according to the National College Attainment Network.The group's CEO, Kim Cook, warned members of Congress this month about a potentially “catastrophic” drop in college enrollments that would make the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pandemics-race-and-ethnicity-coronavirus-pandemic-phoenix-b2e2ec55b3ed43c4b64c192b0eced089">decreases of the pandemic</a>&nbsp;seem mild.For Bijoux, of Norwich, Connecticut, the FAFSA problems threaten to undermine the promise of higher education.To her, college is a chance to seize the opportunities that weren't available to her mother, who immigrated from Haiti to the U.S. as an adult. Bijoux hopes to become a therapist and set a positive example for her three younger brothers.If her FAFSA goes through, she should be eligible for enough financial aid to help with the $ 13,000-a-year tuition at Southern Connecticut State University. If not, she might go to a local community college, but even that would require loans if she can't complete the FAFSA.“That’s why it hurts, because it’s like you work so hard to go somewhere and do something and make something of yourself,” Bijoux said. “I thought I would start at a four-year (college) and then work hard continuously, like I’ve been doing basically my whole life. But that’s not the case.”The updated FAFSA form has one section filled out by students and another by their parents. But when Bijoux finishes her part, nothing shows up on her mom's online account. She keeps trying, but nothing seems to change.Similar problems have been reported across the country, along with numerous other bugs that the Education Department has scrambled to fix. Families who call for customer service have faced long wait times or say the call center hung up on them.It “drains all the momentum” from families working to send their children to college, especially those navigating the process for the first time, said Anne Zinn, a counselor at Norwich Free Academy, where Bijoux goes to school.“I can only say so many times, ‘Just be patient, just be patient,’ before they throw their hands up and they’re like, ‘Why am I doing this? I’m just gonna&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/skipping-college-student-loans-trade-jobs-efc1f6d6067ab770f6e512b3f7719cc0">go get a job</a>,'" she said.The rollout has attracted bipartisan criticism in Congress, and it's being investigated at the request of Republicans. Last week, Richard Cordray, the federal student loan chief who oversaw the FAFSA update, announced he's stepping down at the end of June.For colleges, too, the delays pose a major threat.Enrollment decreases like those being projected now could put many small colleges out of business, or necessitate deep cuts in staff. Some colleges are pushing for emergency relief just to stay afloat, said Angel Pérez, CEO of the National Association for College Admission Counseling.“If they don’t get checks from the federal government to basically get them through next year, they will not survive,” Pérez said.The FAFSA has been the linchpin of student financial aid for decades. It's used to determine eligibility for the federal Pell grant, a scholarship for low-income students, and it's required to receive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/student-loans">federal student loans</a>. Colleges and states also use FAFSA to distribute their own scholarships.FAFSA had long been maligned for being tedious, difficult and intimidating to families without college experience. Congress passed legislation in 2020 meant to simplify the form. The Education Department was ordered to reduce the number of questions from more than 100 to about 40, and change the formula to expand aid to more students.Problems started piling up as soon as the new form went online in December, already months overdue.The first applications were incorrectly processed using an outdated calculation for inflation. Later, a federal contractor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fafsa-aid-college-admissions-miscalculation-delay-6edb28219068fd19428b786635f09282">miscalculated</a>&nbsp;a different formula on more than 200,000 applications. Each mistake added to delays, leaving students waiting longer to hear anything about financial aid.Even more worrisome is a misstep that blocked students from finishing the form if they have a parent without a Social Security number. Advocates say the system locked out hundreds of thousands of students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents but whose parents are not.The Education Department on Tuesday said it's giving those parents a new way to enter their tax information manually. But as recently as this week, some students said they were still blocked from submitting the form.Federal education officials say they're addressing lingering bugs but making progress. More than 8 million student applications have now been processed and sent to colleges, the agency said, and new applications are being processed within three days.Still, the wait is far from over. It usually takes weeks for schools to prepare financial aid offers. Some colleges have extended decision deadlines to give students more time to weigh their options. But some stuck to May 1, forcing students to choose a college — and make a nonrefundable payment to hold their spot — without knowing all their scholarship options.In West Virginia, Gov. Jim Justice on Tuesday declared a state of emergency that allows students to receive state scholarships without having their FAFSA processed by the federal government. West Virginia has the lowest number of college graduates in the nation, and the state’s high school FAFSA completion rates are currently down nearly 40%, said Justice, a Republican."Really and truly, a lot of kids are sitting on the sidelines ... wondering, ‘Am I going to be able to go to college?’ ” he said during a news briefing.In Baltimore, Camryn Carter is waiting to find out if he'll get a full ride to the University of Maryland or face tens of thousands of dollars in student loans.A top student and captain of his baseball and wrestling teams, Carter sees college as a step up in life. He thinks back to the times in the grocery store line when he had to put items back on the shelf because his mom couldn't afford the bill. A college degree would give him the stability he didn't always have, the 18-year-old said.But when he looks at tuition,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-costs-elite-wellesley-harvard-tuition-aid-16dc3cb23d713a206d050da8594b998c">it's intimidating</a>. Along with Maryland, he's also considering McDaniel College, a private school in Maryland. If he enrolls there, he expects to borrow almost $30,000 a year.“I try to make the best decisions now so I can have a good future,” he said. “I'm a little nervous that things won't work out. But I'm faithful.”__Leah Willingham contributed reporting from Charleston, West Virginia.

Experts fear 'catastrophic' college declines thanks to botched FAFSA rollout

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — It was the music that changed first. Or maybe that’s just when many people at the pale brick Catholic church in the quiet Wisconsin neighborhood finally began to realize what was happening.

The choir director, a fixture at St. Maria Goretti for nearly 40 years, was suddenly gone. Contemporary hymns were replaced by music rooted in medieval Europe.

So much was changing. Sermons were focusing more on sin and confession. Priests were rarely seen without cassocks. Altar girls, for a time, were banned.

At the parish elementary school, students began hearing about abortion and hell.

“It was like a step back in time,” said one former parishioner, still so dazed by the tumultuous changes that began in 2021 with a new pastor that he only spoke on condition of anonymity.

Across the U.S., the Catholic Church is undergoing an immense shift. Generations of Catholics who embraced the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-religion-7033b0291ddeea9d5a5facc0d53ece0e">modernizing tide sparked in the 1960s by Vatican II</a>&nbsp;are increasingly giving way to religious conservatives who believe the church has been twisted by change, with the promise of salvation replaced by casual indifference to doctrine.

The shift, molded by plummeting church attendance, increasingly traditional priests and growing numbers of young Catholics searching for more orthodoxy, has reshaped parishes across the country, leaving them&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/catholic-bishops-unity-baltimore-meeting-bb937e3e22f2034c20184954cc9df5d6">sometimes at odds</a>&nbsp;with Pope Francis and much of the Catholic world.

The changes are not happening everywhere. There are still plenty of liberal parishes, plenty that see themselves as middle-of-the-road. Despite their growing influence, conservative Catholics remain a minority.

Yet the changes they have brought are impossible to miss.

The progressive priests who dominated the U.S. church in the years after Vatican II are now in their 70s and 80s. Many are retired. Some are dead. Younger priests, surveys show, are far more conservative.

At St. Maria Goretti, once steeped in the ethos of Vatican II, many parishioners saw the changes as a requiem.

“I don’t want my daughter to be Catholic,” said Christine Hammond, whose family left the parish when the new outlook spilled into the church’s school and her daughter’s classroom. “Not if this is the Roman Catholic Church that is coming.”

But this is not a simple story. Because there are many who welcome this new, old church.

They often stand out in the pews, with the men in ties and the women sometimes with the lace head coverings that all but disappeared from American churches more than 50 years ago. Large families signal adherence to the church’s contraception ban, which most Americans have casually ignored.

Many yearn for Masses that echo with medieval traditions – more Latin, more incense, more Gregorian chants.

“We want this ethereal experience that is different from everything else in our lives,” said Ben Rouleau, who until recently led St. Maria Goretti’s young adult group, which saw membership skyrocket even as the parish shrank amid the turmoil.

If this movement emerged from anywhere, it might be a now-demolished Denver football stadium.

Some 500,000 people descended on Denver in 1993 for the Catholic festival World Youth Day.

<a href="https://apnews.com/18f1705cf56b44f199f1183fb46e6af6">Pope John Paul II</a>, who was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-0885152155e64cf59209d4f77b828560">beloved</a>&nbsp;both for his kindness and his sternness, confronted an American church shaped by decades of progressive change.

The church had grown increasingly liberal since Vatican II. Confession was rarely mentioned, Latin largely abandoned. Catholic social teaching on poverty suffused churches.

On some issues, John Paul II agreed with liberal-minded Catholics, speaking against capital punishment and for workers’ rights. He preached relentlessly about forgiveness.

Catholics “are in danger of losing their faith,” he said in Denver, decrying abortion, drug abuse, and what he called “sexual disorders.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714878214376.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM SULLIVANMADISON, Wis. (AP) — It was the music that changed first. Or maybe that’s just when many people at the pale brick Catholic church in the quiet Wisconsin neighborhood finally began to realize what was happening.The choir director, a fixture at St. Maria Goretti for nearly 40 years, was suddenly gone. Contemporary hymns were replaced by music rooted in medieval Europe.So much was changing. Sermons were focusing more on sin and confession. Priests were rarely seen without cassocks. Altar girls, for a time, were banned.At the parish elementary school, students began hearing about abortion and hell.“It was like a step back in time,” said one former parishioner, still so dazed by the tumultuous changes that began in 2021 with a new pastor that he only spoke on condition of anonymity.It’s not just St. Maria Goretti.Across the U.S., the Catholic Church is undergoing an immense shift. Generations of Catholics who embraced the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-religion-7033b0291ddeea9d5a5facc0d53ece0e">modernizing tide sparked in the 1960s by Vatican II</a>&nbsp;are increasingly giving way to religious conservatives who believe the church has been twisted by change, with the promise of salvation replaced by casual indifference to doctrine.The shift, molded by plummeting church attendance, increasingly traditional priests and growing numbers of young Catholics searching for more orthodoxy, has reshaped parishes across the country, leaving them&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/catholic-bishops-unity-baltimore-meeting-bb937e3e22f2034c20184954cc9df5d6">sometimes at odds</a>&nbsp;with Pope Francis and much of the Catholic world.The changes are not happening everywhere. There are still plenty of liberal parishes, plenty that see themselves as middle-of-the-road. Despite their growing influence, conservative Catholics remain a minority.Yet the changes they have brought are impossible to miss.The progressive priests who dominated the U.S. church in the years after Vatican II are now in their 70s and 80s. Many are retired. Some are dead. Younger priests, surveys show, are far more conservative.At St. Maria Goretti, once steeped in the ethos of Vatican II, many parishioners saw the changes as a requiem.“I don’t want my daughter to be Catholic,” said Christine Hammond, whose family left the parish when the new outlook spilled into the church’s school and her daughter’s classroom. “Not if this is the Roman Catholic Church that is coming.”But this is not a simple story. Because there are many who welcome this new, old church.They often stand out in the pews, with the men in ties and the women sometimes with the lace head coverings that all but disappeared from American churches more than 50 years ago. Large families signal adherence to the church’s contraception ban, which most Americans have casually ignored.Many yearn for Masses that echo with medieval traditions – more Latin, more incense, more Gregorian chants.“We want this ethereal experience that is different from everything else in our lives,” said Ben Rouleau, who until recently led St. Maria Goretti’s young adult group, which saw membership skyrocket even as the parish shrank amid the turmoil.___If this movement emerged from anywhere, it might be a now-demolished Denver football stadium.Some 500,000 people descended on Denver in 1993 for the Catholic festival World Youth Day.<a href="https://apnews.com/18f1705cf56b44f199f1183fb46e6af6">Pope John Paul II</a>, who was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-0885152155e64cf59209d4f77b828560">beloved</a>&nbsp;both for his kindness and his sternness, confronted an American church shaped by decades of progressive change.The church had grown increasingly liberal since Vatican II. Confession was rarely mentioned, Latin largely abandoned. Catholic social teaching on poverty suffused churches.On some issues, John Paul II agreed with liberal-minded Catholics, speaking against capital punishment and for workers’ rights. He preached relentlessly about forgiveness.But he was uncompromising on dogma.Catholics “are in danger of losing their faith,” he said in Denver, decrying abortion, drug abuse, and what he called “sexual disorders.”Across the nation, fervent young Catholics listened.Yet even today, surveys show most American Catholics are far from orthodox. Most support abortion rights. The vast majority use birth control.But increasingly, those&nbsp;<a href="https://projects.apnews.com/features/2023/the-nones/the-nones-us.html">Catholics</a>&nbsp;are not in church.In 1970, more than half of America’s Catholics said they went to Mass at least once a week. By 2022, that had fallen to 17%, according to CARA, a research center affiliated with Georgetown University. Among millennials, it’s just 9%.As a result, those who remain in the church have outsized influence.On the national level, conservatives increasingly dominate the U.S. Catholic Bishops Conference and the Catholic intellectual world. They include everyone from the philanthropist founder of Domino’s Pizza to six of the nine U.S. Supreme Court justices.Then there’s the priesthood.Young priests driven by liberal politics and progressive theology, so common in the 1960s and 70s, have all but vanished.In churches from Minnesota to California, liberal parishioners have protested changes introduced by new conservative priests. Each can seem like one more skirmish in the cultural and political battles tearing at America.Looming above the American divide is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-birthday-trial-21da45380cf0890dd2bd5ce6c33f0fcf">Pope</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-trial-pope-critique-becciu-3cee6a7f78070e590c5e90f31d56d52d">Francis</a>, who has pushed the global church to be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-gay-rights-ap-interview-1359756ae22f27f87c1d4d6b9c8ce212">inclusive</a>, even as he stands firm on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-women-still-cant-be-priest-3bdcad94325be16ee2993f61eb17c5a0">dogma</a>.The orthodox movement has watched him nervously, angered by his more liberal views on issues like&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-lgbtq-pope-bfa5b71fa79055626e362936e739d1d8">gay relationships</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-43eeaafd67e2429a8fb617e4261db5a4">divorce</a>. Some reject him entirely.And the pope&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-cardinal-burke-conservatives-strickland-163f2d3522a80fa5f908421cc812cfc9">worries</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/catholic-us-bishops-lgbtq-women-pope-francis-81a602274dd604b7cc532425a289b00c">about</a>&nbsp;America.The U.S. church has “a very strong reactionary attitude,” he said last year.St. Maria Goretti is a well-kept island of Catholicism tucked into one of America’s most liberal cities.In 2021, a new priest, the Rev. Scott Emerson, was named pastor.Parishioners watched the changes - some pleased, some uneasily. Emerson’s sermons are not all fire-and-brimstone. He speaks often about forgiveness and compassion. But his tone shocked many longtime parishioners.Protection is needed, he said in a 2023 service, from “the spiritual corruption of worldly vices.” He has warned against critics – “the atheists, journalists, politicians, the fallen-away Catholics” – he said were undermining the church.But those critics, he says, will be proven wrong.“How many have laughed at the church, announcing that she was passe, that her days were over and that they would bury her?” he said in a 2021 Mass.“The church,” he said, “has buried every one of her undertakers.”