WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">The Supreme Court's</a>&nbsp;conservative majority on Tuesday signaled support for the religious rights of parents in Maryland who want to remove their children from elementary school classes using&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-maryland-lgbtq-books-public-schools-c20d6e4fa084560c56ec2b2bb621c988">storybooks with LGBTQ characters</a>.

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2024/24-297">Click here to listen</a> to the complete oral argument

The court seemed likely to find that the Montgomery County school system, in suburban Washington, could not require elementary school children to sit through lessons involving the books if parents expressed religious objections to the material.

The case is the latest dispute involving religion to come before the court. The justices have repeatedly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-catholic-charities-wisconsin-supreme-court-50bd53ad748a147f9e28132512cf7b74">endorsed claims of religious discrimination</a>&nbsp;in recent years.

“I'm surprised this is the hill to die on in terms of not respecting religious liberty,” Justice Brett Kavanaugh said, citing the county's diverse population and Maryland's history as a haven for Catholics.

The county school board introduced the storybooks as part of an effort to better reflect the district's diversity.

Parents sued after the school system stopped allowing them to pull their kids from lessons that included the books. The parents argue that public schools cannot force kids to participate in instruction that violates their faith, and they pointed to the opt-out provisions in sex education classes.

The schools said allowing children to opt out of the lessons had become disruptive. Lower courts backed the schools, prompting the parents' appeal to the Supreme Court.

Five books are at issue in the high court case, touching on the same themes found in classic stories that include Snow White, Cinderella and Peter Pan, the school system's lawyers wrote.

In “Prince and Knight,” two men fall in love after they rescue the kingdom, and each other. In “Uncle Bobby’s Wedding,” a niece worries that her uncle will not have as much time for her after he gets married. His partner is a man.

“Love, Violet” deals with a girl’s anxiety about giving a valentine to another girl. “Born Ready” is the story of a transgender boy’s decision to share his gender identity with his family and the world. “Intersection Allies” describes nine characters of varying backgrounds, including one who is gender-fluid.

Billy Moges, a board member of the Kids First parents' group that sued over the books, said the content is sexual, confusing and inappropriate for young schoolchildren.

The writers' group Pen America said in a court filing what the parents want is “a constitutionally suspect book ban by another name.” Pen America reported more than 10,000 books were banned in the last school year.

A decision in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/search.aspx?filename=/docket/docketfiles/html/public/24-297.html">Mahmoud v. Taylor</a>&nbsp;is expected by early summer.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;is hearing arguments Tuesday over the religious rights of parents in Maryland to remove their children from elementary school classes using&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-maryland-lgbtq-books-public-schools-c20d6e4fa084560c56ec2b2bb621c988">storybooks with LGBTQ characters</a>.

The case is the latest dispute involving religion to come before the conservative-led court. The justices have repeatedly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-catholic-charities-wisconsin-supreme-court-50bd53ad748a147f9e28132512cf7b74">endorsed claims of religious discrimination</a>&nbsp;in recent years.

The Montgomery County public schools, in suburban Washington, D.C., introduced the storybooks as part of an effort to better reflect the district's diverse population.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745333128428.png" alt="FILE A pride flag is seen in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, Oct. 8, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)" />
 <figcaption>FILE A pride flag is seen in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, Oct. 8, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">The Supreme Court's</a>&nbsp;conservative majority on Tuesday signaled support for the religious rights of parents in Maryland who want to remove their children from elementary school classes using&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-maryland-lgbtq-books-public-schools-c20d6e4fa084560c56ec2b2bb621c988">storybooks with LGBTQ characters</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Alan Schoenfeld: &quot;Pride Puppy was the book that was used for the pre-kindergarten curriculum. That&#39;s no longer in the curriculum.&quot; Justice Gorsuch: &quot;That&#39;s the one where they&#39;re supposed to look for the leather and things - bondage - - things like that. Schoenfeld: &quot;It&#39;s not… <a href="https://t.co/gQa86JaF0y">pic.twitter.com/gQa86JaF0y</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1914755396885209158?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2024/24-297">Click here to listen</a> to the complete oral argumentThe court seemed likely to find that the Montgomery County school system, in suburban Washington, could not require elementary school children to sit through lessons involving the books if parents expressed religious objections to the material.The case is the latest dispute involving religion to come before the court. The justices have repeatedly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-catholic-charities-wisconsin-supreme-court-50bd53ad748a147f9e28132512cf7b74">endorsed claims of religious discrimination</a>&nbsp;in recent years.“I'm surprised this is the hill to die on in terms of not respecting religious liberty,” Justice Brett Kavanaugh said, citing the county's diverse population and Maryland's history as a haven for Catholics.The county school board introduced the storybooks as part of an effort to better reflect the district's diversity.Parents sued after the school system stopped allowing them to pull their kids from lessons that included the books. The parents argue that public schools cannot force kids to participate in instruction that violates their faith, and they pointed to the opt-out provisions in sex education classes.The schools said allowing children to opt out of the lessons had become disruptive. Lower courts backed the schools, prompting the parents' appeal to the Supreme Court.Five books are at issue in the high court case, touching on the same themes found in classic stories that include Snow White, Cinderella and Peter Pan, the school system's lawyers wrote.In “Prince and Knight,” two men fall in love after they rescue the kingdom, and each other. In “Uncle Bobby’s Wedding,” a niece worries that her uncle will not have as much time for her after he gets married. His partner is a man.“Love, Violet” deals with a girl’s anxiety about giving a valentine to another girl. “Born Ready” is the story of a transgender boy’s decision to share his gender identity with his family and the world. “Intersection Allies” describes nine characters of varying backgrounds, including one who is gender-fluid.Billy Moges, a board member of the Kids First parents' group that sued over the books, said the content is sexual, confusing and inappropriate for young schoolchildren.The writers' group Pen America said in a court filing what the parents want is “a constitutionally suspect book ban by another name.” Pen America reported more than 10,000 books were banned in the last school year.A decision in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/search.aspx?filename=/docket/docketfiles/html/public/24-297.html">Mahmoud v. Taylor</a>&nbsp;is expected by early summer.-------------------WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;is hearing arguments Tuesday over the religious rights of parents in Maryland to remove their children from elementary school classes using&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-maryland-lgbtq-books-public-schools-c20d6e4fa084560c56ec2b2bb621c988">storybooks with LGBTQ characters</a>.The case is the latest dispute involving religion to come before the conservative-led court. The justices have repeatedly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-catholic-charities-wisconsin-supreme-court-50bd53ad748a147f9e28132512cf7b74">endorsed claims of religious discrimination</a>&nbsp;in recent years.The Montgomery County public schools, in suburban Washington, D.C., introduced the storybooks as part of an effort to better reflect the district's diverse population.Parents sued after the school system stopped allowing them to pull their kids from lessons that included the books. The parents argue that public schools cannot force kids to participate in instruction that violates their faith, and they pointed to the opt-out provisions in sex education classes.The schools said allowing children to opt out of the lessons had become disruptive. Lower courts backed the schools, prompting the parents' appeal to the Supreme Court.Five books are at issue in the high court case, touching on the same themes found in classic stories that include Snow White, Cinderella and Peter Pan, the school system's lawyers wrote.In “Prince and Knight,” two men fall in love after they rescue the kingdom, and each other. In “Uncle Bobby’s Wedding,” a niece worries that her uncle will not have as much time for her after he gets married. His partner is a man.“Love, Violet” deals with a girl’s anxiety about giving a valentine to another girl. “Born Ready” is the story of a transgender boy’s decision to share his gender identity with his family and the world. “Intersection Allies” describes nine characters of varying backgrounds, including one who is gender-fluid.Billy Moges, a board member of the Kids First parents' group that sued over the books, said the content is sexual, confusing and inappropriate for young schoolchildren.The writers' group Pen America said in a court filing what the parents want is “a constitutionally suspect book ban by another name.” Pen America reported more than 10,000 books were banned in the last school year.A decision in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/search.aspx?filename=/docket/docketfiles/html/public/24-297.html">Mahmoud v. Taylor</a>&nbsp;is expected by early summer.

🎧Court signals support for parents who object to LGBTQ books in schools

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Welcome back, first of all everybody. It’s good to get things started. We’re jumping into this Phase I, which we’re doing virtually here. It’s a nonmandatory camp – voluntary in other words and the guys can pick and choose when they show up or not show up in other words. We’re not really going to get into who’s here and who’s not here and all that, that’s not how this one works. We’re sure grateful for some of the new additions that we’ve had to the roster with Kristian Fulton, Elijah Mitchell, Jaylon Moore, Gardner Minshew, Jerry Tillery – these are some of the newer guys and then we’ve resigned a bunch of guys so that’s been a plus. We’ve also lost a few guys, which we know – I know (General Manager) Brett (Veach) covered that with you with a couple questions about (Bears G Joe) Thuney and so on – (Saints S) Justin Reid and (Ravens WR DeAndre) Hopkins and all that so – (Texans WR) Justin Watson and (free agent QB Carson) Wentz and (Panthers DT Tershawn) Wharton so those are all good football players. In this day and age, it’s tough to keep everybody in a roster whole like that, but we should feel like we filled in the blanks with some good football players and that’s (the) same with the draft coming up this week. We look forward to getting that – getting into that. We have eight picks there, two second-round picks, a first day pick and so on as we go through there so it should be a good positive outcome once Brett gets done with that. I know his guys have worked their tail off getting ready for the draft and along with the coaches, which they have included but again, the coaches were a small part of the whole. My hat goes off to Brett and his staff for the job that they’ve done and all the prep time that they’ve put in and travel time. Other than that, I don’t have much to add, but I’ll open it up to questions here. Fire away.”

Q: What told you and the team that Jaylon Moore can be a starting left tackle?

REID:&nbsp;“We felt Jaylon (Moore) – well first of all, he was backing up a pretty good player (49ers LT Trent Williams) in San Francisco – arguably the best to ever play the game so I mean – and then when he got his opportunity, he took full advantage of it. We also remember him because he played next to (Mike) Caliendo for three years at Western Michigan there. I think we lead the league in players from Western Michigan now that we’ve added him but listen, he was a good football player there (and) when he had opportunities in San Francisco he was a good player there. We thought that he would be a nice addition to our offensive line as we continue to work that.”

Q: How are Rashee Rice and Jared Wiley doing in their rehab?

REID:&nbsp;“I can’t necessarily give you the – they’re (Rashee Rice and Jared Wiley) doing well. That’s taking place right now, but I can’t tell you when they’ll be back exactly here. Both of (them) are busting their tail – they’re running, which is good, and we’ll just see how it goes going forward here. We don’t have them here on the field right now with us, so we have to see the football part of it as we go.”

Q: On Kingsley Suamataia playing guard.

REID:&nbsp;“When we brought him (Kingsley Suamataia) in, we knew he had that flexibility. We just felt that way athletically and he is a very good athlete. He can run and he can pass block – do all the things that he needs to do. I thought he felt more comfortable in there. As a young guy, sometimes you see guys that start in there and then they work their way back outside. So, we stuck him in there and he did a nice job against Denver, that was one of the bright spots in a game that didn’t have many so that was a – I thought he did a good job – and that’s where we’ll put him. He’ll start in there with Mike Caliendo, so they’ll compete for that spot.”

Q:&nbsp;What’s your mentality coming out of this last Super Bowl and does anything change in your mind as you’re preparing for the next go-round?

REID:&nbsp;“I’m excited to get going again. It’s been fun to go back in and dig in on the season and either come up with new things and/or correct the things that we still like and are bringing back. I think it’s a great time for the players. It’s slowed down to where they get to see all the videos, the cutups of work that the coaches have put in to do these evaluations and to teach and to learn from the player’s standpoint. It’s also good communication so they can share ideas, players and coaches – they can ask questions and feel free about that and there’s no rush to do so. At the same time, they get their lifting in and running in that they need to build that base to get them through the season.”

Q:&nbsp;Is that different than it would be a year ago?

REID:&nbsp;“I’d tell you it’s similar, yeah.”

Q:&nbsp;What do you recall from Andy Lock’s playing days and what were your thoughts about him over the years?

REID:&nbsp;“Well, it’s a sad deal but what a great guy. He’s (former Mizzou football player Andy Lock) left a nice legacy for us all here too that we can cherish if we decide to go out to dinner. You know, the true flavor of offensive linemen. He has these beautiful restaurants in town here that are great, but what a great guy, great human being. I had a chance to go out to a tribute to him in Lee’s Summit there with a bunch of the ex-players from Missouri and Jay Green, with being his roommate for all those years and best friends with him, went to the culinary school there and hotel management school at the University of Missouri which is a tough school to get into. Both of them (Andy Lock and Jay Green) had graduated from there and have had real productive and positive jobs and put themselves in great financial positions. My heart goes out to the family for sure and Drew (Lock) who we all know as a player in the National Football League, I know he had a great relationship with his dad too, so my heart goes out to him.”

Q:&nbsp;On still doing meetings virtually.

REID:&nbsp;“Listen, Matt (Derrick). I think it’s one of the positives that came out of that probably for a lot of professions. I mean, here we’re doing this right now virtually and that didn’t happen before either. You can use it as a teaching tool and that’s something that the players have perfected, we’ve perfected and feel comfortable doing, but no I wouldn’t have seen that before the whole COVID year showed up.”

Q:&nbsp;Is there a benefit to having a backup like Gardner Minshew in that quarterback room considering all the experience he has and that he’s younger than Patrick Mahomes?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, he (Gardner Minshew) sure has. He’s a good football player. I think it’ll be a good relationship between the two of them (Gardner Minshew and Patrick Mahomes). They both know of each other and respect each other. I think they look forward to working together. They can speak more on that when you have a chance to talk to them. Gardner’s a humble kid with a great personality, loves to play the game and all of those are the same things that Pat (Patrick Mahomes) has too so it should be a good working relationship there.”

Q: Ahead of Phase I, what kind of guidance do you give Patrick Mahomes? Is there a script that you provide for him and the workouts that he runs?

REID: “You know what Sam (McDowell), we don’t do that. First of all, it’s not legal to do that by the NFL rules. Really, to be honest with you, Pat (Patrick Mahomes) doesn’t need that. Especially right now with the experience he has and the experience that the receivers have, that have joined. Last year, when we had some new faces or some young guys in there, it was a little different, he had to really prep for that. This year, he can kind of go out and work on the things that he knows the guys need worked on and the routes and that. I think it’s even a better situation this year than it was last (year).”

Q: What do you think signing Kristian Fulton can do for the team and Trent McDuffie?

REID: “It should give you a little bit of flexibility, but we’ve got some good corners on the roster, but I think his addition gives you more flexibility, I think is the best thing, you kind of tagged that right there. Trent (McDuffie) is such a good inside player that – and (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) Spags likes using him in there and has a nice package in there with him when he’s used him in there. I think you hit it right on the head, I think it just gives you more flexibility to do that.”

Q: What have you learned about yourself and coaching staff about doing Phase I virtually?

REID: “I don’t know about that Todd (Leabo). We try to – myself included – try to be teachers, be the best teachers we possibly can. It tests you a little bit when you’re doing it virtually. You’re not seeing necessarily the reaction of the player there as you have the big screen on and you’re going through the plays. You’re not playing off the crowd I guess you’d say, you’re playing off of – and keeping these guys occupied by the ability that you have to teach and to help them become even better than they already are. I mean they’re one out of the 32 guys in the whole world that are doing what they do. This gives them an enhancement to be even greater than they already are.”

Q: Do you feel comfortable with what you have on the roster? Is what you need lining up with the draft board? What’s your comfort level with the way things look a couple days out from the draft?

REID: “When you’re sitting here like we have the last couple of years, and fortunate to be sitting in that position because of the wins that have taken place, you really – you have to discipline yourself to take the best player. With that, you have to evaluate every position and you have to put all this time in. (General Manager) Brett (Veach) has done a great job with that, I think he’s very comfortable with it right now if we had to do it today. He and his guys have been working overtime and making sure they have all the bases covered and we’ll come out of it with a good football player.”

Q: Do you have any favorite memories from draft weekend? How does it feel to call these players and know that you’re making their dreams come true?

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Welcome back, first of all everybody. It’s good to get things started. We’re jumping into this Phase I, which we’re doing virtually here. It’s a nonmandatory camp – voluntary in other words and the guys can pick and choose when they show up or not show up in other words. We’re not really going to get into who’s here and who’s not here and all that, that’s not how this one works. We’re sure grateful for some of the new additions that we’ve had to the roster with Kristian Fulton, Elijah Mitchell, Jaylon Moore, Gardner Minshew, Jerry Tillery – these are some of the newer guys and then we’ve resigned a bunch of guys so that’s been a plus. We’ve also lost a few guys, which we know – I know (General Manager) Brett (Veach) covered that with you with a couple questions about (Bears G Joe) Thuney and so on – (Saints S) Justin Reid and (Ravens WR DeAndre) Hopkins and all that so – (Texans WR) Justin Watson and (free agent QB Carson) Wentz and (Panthers DT Tershawn) Wharton so those are all good football players. In this day and age, it’s tough to keep everybody in a roster whole like that, but we should feel like we filled in the blanks with some good football players and that’s (the) same with the draft coming up this week. We look forward to getting that – getting into that. We have eight picks there, two second-round picks, a first day pick and so on as we go through there so it should be a good positive outcome once Brett gets done with that. I know his guys have worked their tail off getting ready for the draft and along with the coaches, which they have included but again, the coaches were a small part of the whole. My hat goes off to Brett and his staff for the job that they’ve done and all the prep time that they’ve put in and travel time. Other than that, I don’t have much to add, but I’ll open it up to questions here. Fire away.”Q: What told you and the team that Jaylon Moore can be a starting left tackle?REID:&nbsp;“We felt Jaylon (Moore) – well first of all, he was backing up a pretty good player (49ers LT Trent Williams) in San Francisco – arguably the best to ever play the game so I mean – and then when he got his opportunity, he took full advantage of it. We also remember him because he played next to (Mike) Caliendo for three years at Western Michigan there. I think we lead the league in players from Western Michigan now that we’ve added him but listen, he was a good football player there (and) when he had opportunities in San Francisco he was a good player there. We thought that he would be a nice addition to our offensive line as we continue to work that.”Q: How are Rashee Rice and Jared Wiley doing in their rehab?REID:&nbsp;“I can’t necessarily give you the – they’re (Rashee Rice and Jared Wiley) doing well. That’s taking place right now, but I can’t tell you when they’ll be back exactly here. Both of (them) are busting their tail – they’re running, which is good, and we’ll just see how it goes going forward here. We don’t have them here on the field right now with us, so we have to see the football part of it as we go.”Q: On Kingsley Suamataia playing guard.REID:&nbsp;“When we brought him (Kingsley Suamataia) in, we knew he had that flexibility. We just felt that way athletically and he is a very good athlete. He can run and he can pass block – do all the things that he needs to do. I thought he felt more comfortable in there. As a young guy, sometimes you see guys that start in there and then they work their way back outside. So, we stuck him in there and he did a nice job against Denver, that was one of the bright spots in a game that didn’t have many so that was a – I thought he did a good job – and that’s where we’ll put him. He’ll start in there with Mike Caliendo, so they’ll compete for that spot.”Q:&nbsp;What’s your mentality coming out of this last Super Bowl and does anything change in your mind as you’re preparing for the next go-round?REID:&nbsp;“I’m excited to get going again. It’s been fun to go back in and dig in on the season and either come up with new things and/or correct the things that we still like and are bringing back. I think it’s a great time for the players. It’s slowed down to where they get to see all the videos, the cutups of work that the coaches have put in to do these evaluations and to teach and to learn from the player’s standpoint. It’s also good communication so they can share ideas, players and coaches – they can ask questions and feel free about that and there’s no rush to do so. At the same time, they get their lifting in and running in that they need to build that base to get them through the season.”Q:&nbsp;Is that different than it would be a year ago?REID:&nbsp;“I’d tell you it’s similar, yeah.”Q:&nbsp;What do you recall from Andy Lock’s playing days and what were your thoughts about him over the years?REID:&nbsp;“Well, it’s a sad deal but what a great guy. He’s (former Mizzou football player Andy Lock) left a nice legacy for us all here too that we can cherish if we decide to go out to dinner. You know, the true flavor of offensive linemen. He has these beautiful restaurants in town here that are great, but what a great guy, great human being. I had a chance to go out to a tribute to him in Lee’s Summit there with a bunch of the ex-players from Missouri and Jay Green, with being his roommate for all those years and best friends with him, went to the culinary school there and hotel management school at the University of Missouri which is a tough school to get into. Both of them (Andy Lock and Jay Green) had graduated from there and have had real productive and positive jobs and put themselves in great financial positions. My heart goes out to the family for sure and Drew (Lock) who we all know as a player in the National Football League, I know he had a great relationship with his dad too, so my heart goes out to him.”Q:&nbsp;On still doing meetings virtually.REID:&nbsp;“Listen, Matt (Derrick). I think it’s one of the positives that came out of that probably for a lot of professions. I mean, here we’re doing this right now virtually and that didn’t happen before either. You can use it as a teaching tool and that’s something that the players have perfected, we’ve perfected and feel comfortable doing, but no I wouldn’t have seen that before the whole COVID year showed up.”Q:&nbsp;Is there a benefit to having a backup like Gardner Minshew in that quarterback room considering all the experience he has and that he’s younger than Patrick Mahomes?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, he (Gardner Minshew) sure has. He’s a good football player. I think it’ll be a good relationship between the two of them (Gardner Minshew and Patrick Mahomes). They both know of each other and respect each other. I think they look forward to working together. They can speak more on that when you have a chance to talk to them. Gardner’s a humble kid with a great personality, loves to play the game and all of those are the same things that Pat (Patrick Mahomes) has too so it should be a good working relationship there.”Q: Ahead of Phase I, what kind of guidance do you give Patrick Mahomes? Is there a script that you provide for him and the workouts that he runs?REID: “You know what Sam (McDowell), we don’t do that. First of all, it’s not legal to do that by the NFL rules. Really, to be honest with you, Pat (Patrick Mahomes) doesn’t need that. Especially right now with the experience he has and the experience that the receivers have, that have joined. Last year, when we had some new faces or some young guys in there, it was a little different, he had to really prep for that. This year, he can kind of go out and work on the things that he knows the guys need worked on and the routes and that. I think it’s even a better situation this year than it was last (year).”Q: What do you think signing Kristian Fulton can do for the team and Trent McDuffie?REID: “It should give you a little bit of flexibility, but we’ve got some good corners on the roster, but I think his addition gives you more flexibility, I think is the best thing, you kind of tagged that right there. Trent (McDuffie) is such a good inside player that – and (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) Spags likes using him in there and has a nice package in there with him when he’s used him in there. I think you hit it right on the head, I think it just gives you more flexibility to do that.”Q: What have you learned about yourself and coaching staff about doing Phase I virtually?REID: “I don’t know about that Todd (Leabo). We try to – myself included – try to be teachers, be the best teachers we possibly can. It tests you a little bit when you’re doing it virtually. You’re not seeing necessarily the reaction of the player there as you have the big screen on and you’re going through the plays. You’re not playing off the crowd I guess you’d say, you’re playing off of – and keeping these guys occupied by the ability that you have to teach and to help them become even better than they already are. I mean they’re one out of the 32 guys in the whole world that are doing what they do. This gives them an enhancement to be even greater than they already are.”Q: Do you feel comfortable with what you have on the roster? Is what you need lining up with the draft board? What’s your comfort level with the way things look a couple days out from the draft?REID: “When you’re sitting here like we have the last couple of years, and fortunate to be sitting in that position because of the wins that have taken place, you really – you have to discipline yourself to take the best player. With that, you have to evaluate every position and you have to put all this time in. (General Manager) Brett (Veach) has done a great job with that, I think he’s very comfortable with it right now if we had to do it today. He and his guys have been working overtime and making sure they have all the bases covered and we’ll come out of it with a good football player.”Q: Do you have any favorite memories from draft weekend? How does it feel to call these players and know that you’re making their dreams come true?

Chiefs Quotes: 4-21-25

Chris A. Regnier, 62 years of age, formerly of Concordia passed away Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at his home in Andover, Kansas. &nbsp;He was born on June 9, 1962 in Concordia, Kansas to Warren Regnier and Sylvia Dehrkoop.

Chris attended Concordia High School.&nbsp;

He was married to Sheila Sue Mendenhall.&nbsp;

Chris worked for Textron Aviation in Wichita, Kansas for 34 years. He was a member of the Machinist Union 774.

Chris enjoyed cheering on his Kansas City Chiefs, and giving you grief if you weren’t a Chiefs fan. He loved making new meals and sharing recipes.

Chris loved to make people laugh and always had a smile on his face. He loved having bonfires and listening to his favorite bands while enjoying a nice cold beer. Chris was an avid Wheel of Fortune at home contestant. His favorite thing of all was spending time with his wife and family.&nbsp;

Chris attended Life.Church in East Wichita, Kansas.

Chris is survived by his wife Sheila Sue Regnier, of the home in Andover, KS; parents, Warren and Louise Regnier, Concordia, KS; mom, Sylvia Dehrkoop, Everly, IA; son, Blake Regnier, Downs, KS;daughter, Ashlee Regnier (Ashley), Wichita, KS; daughter, Paige Jones (Bradley), Sedgwick, KS; bonus daughter, Jennifer Giersch (Shannon), Concordia, KS; bonus daughter Rachel Pieschl (Dan) Minneapolis, KS; bonus son, Michael Crough (Jamie), Wichita, KS; sister, Tricia Gilbert (Robert), Concordia, KS; brother, Chad Regnier, Concordia, KS; brother, Craig Regnier (Melanie), Salina, KS.&nbsp;

Grandchildren, Jasper, Paisley, Shelby, Shaelin, Haley, Ethan, Aiden, Chase, Gage, Jackson and Cole.&nbsp;

Great grandchildren, Olivia and Ryker.&nbsp;

He was preceded in death by Oris Regnier, Don Regnier, Opal Dabbs and Henry Dabbs Sr.

Chris’s family has requested attire be casual with wearing your Kansas City Chiefs shirts, Harley Davidson shirts, or Aviation shirts. Jeans are welcome.&nbsp;

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 1-8 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 6-7 p.m. that evening all at the Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, Concordia, Kansas.&nbsp;

A Funeral Service will be held 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 25, 2025, at the The Baptist Church, Concordia, Kansas with Pastor Tim Miller officiating. Burial to follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Concordia, Kansas. The family has invited family and friends to the American Legion in Concordia where a luncheon will be served following the service at The Baptist Church.

The family suggests memorials to the American Cancer Society in care of Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, PO Box 606, Concordia, KS 66901. For online condolences please visit www.chaputbuoy.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745263421086.png" alt="Chris Regnier" />
 <figcaption>Chris Regnier</figcaption>
 </figure>Chris A. Regnier, 62 years of age, formerly of Concordia passed away Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at his home in Andover, Kansas. &nbsp;He was born on June 9, 1962 in Concordia, Kansas to Warren Regnier and Sylvia Dehrkoop.Chris attended Concordia High School.&nbsp;He was married to Sheila Sue Mendenhall.&nbsp;Chris worked for Textron Aviation in Wichita, Kansas for 34 years. He was a member of the Machinist Union 774.Chris enjoyed cheering on his Kansas City Chiefs, and giving you grief if you weren’t a Chiefs fan. He loved making new meals and sharing recipes.Chris loved to make people laugh and always had a smile on his face. He loved having bonfires and listening to his favorite bands while enjoying a nice cold beer. Chris was an avid Wheel of Fortune at home contestant. His favorite thing of all was spending time with his wife and family.&nbsp;Chris attended Life.Church in East Wichita, Kansas.Chris is survived by his wife Sheila Sue Regnier, of the home in Andover, KS; parents, Warren and Louise Regnier, Concordia, KS; mom, Sylvia Dehrkoop, Everly, IA; son, Blake Regnier, Downs, KS;daughter, Ashlee Regnier (Ashley), Wichita, KS; daughter, Paige Jones (Bradley), Sedgwick, KS; bonus daughter, Jennifer Giersch (Shannon), Concordia, KS; bonus daughter Rachel Pieschl (Dan) Minneapolis, KS; bonus son, Michael Crough (Jamie), Wichita, KS; sister, Tricia Gilbert (Robert), Concordia, KS; brother, Chad Regnier, Concordia, KS; brother, Craig Regnier (Melanie), Salina, KS.&nbsp;Grandchildren, Jasper, Paisley, Shelby, Shaelin, Haley, Ethan, Aiden, Chase, Gage, Jackson and Cole.&nbsp;Great grandchildren, Olivia and Ryker.&nbsp;He was preceded in death by Oris Regnier, Don Regnier, Opal Dabbs and Henry Dabbs Sr.Chris’s family has requested attire be casual with wearing your Kansas City Chiefs shirts, Harley Davidson shirts, or Aviation shirts. Jeans are welcome.&nbsp;Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 1-8 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 6-7 p.m. that evening all at the Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, Concordia, Kansas.&nbsp;A Funeral Service will be held 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 25, 2025, at the The Baptist Church, Concordia, Kansas with Pastor Tim Miller officiating. Burial to follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Concordia, Kansas. The family has invited family and friends to the American Legion in Concordia where a luncheon will be served following the service at The Baptist Church.The family suggests memorials to the American Cancer Society in care of Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, PO Box 606, Concordia, KS 66901. For online condolences please visit www.chaputbuoy.com.

Chris A. Regnier

The 31st annual Kansas Storytelling Festival is less than one week away! The Festival will be held on Friday and Saturday, April 25 and 26, 2025 in Downs.

As the “Storytelling Capital of Kansas,” the small northcentral town of Downs welcomes you to a weekend of stories and unforgettable hospitality.

This celebration of the art of storytelling promises to be an event filled with laughter, wonder, and the timeless magic of storytelling. Nationally-known festival favorites are invited, along with new voices for stories from all genres for all ages.

Headlining storytellers are Ed Stivender, Pipppa White, Michael D. McCarty, Priscilla Howe, and Paul Strickland.

Ed Stivender was inducted into the National Storytelling Association’s Circle of Excellence in 1996. After giving up his Connecticut school teaching job, Ed has told his mostly humorous stories around the globe and has been a featured storyteller at national and international festivals.

Pippa White calls her One’s Company Productions “part theatre, part storytelling, part history.” She has performed at universities and colleges, conferences, performing arts centers, museums, libraries, and festivals in over 30 states. Audiences call them unique, captivating, and touching. One audience member said, “her performances are entertainment wrapped in history intertwined with “inspiration."

Michael D. McCarty is a newcomer to the Kansas festival. He specializes in stories of African and African-American history and culture, multi-cultural stories, etc. Michael describes his life as: student activist, Black Panther, U.S. Army martial arts instructor, acupuncturist, world traveler, spiritual seeker, construction worker, storyteller, husband, father, crazy friend. Never a dull moment!

Priscilla Howe is primarily known as a performer for children, but she has a full repertoire of stories for grownups and older kids. She offers a disclaimer, with a little wink: "All my stories start with the seed of truth." Priscilla tours the country and abroad telling stories and giving workshops. To date, she has performed in 14 countries.

Paul Strickland always adapts his stories to whatever audience is in front of him, he loves telling stories in every imaginable environment, from comedy clubs to elementary and middle schools, corporate events and even two prisons. Paul was a Featured Teller: NEW VOICE at the National Storytelling Festival in 2023.

Listeners will also enjoy the Tall Tales Contest (Friday night), the local “Legends” Storytellers including Native American stories and the Master Storytellers (previous winners of three tall tales contests).

Bring your own stories to tell during the Swappin’ Grounds session on Saturday afternoon.

More information can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasstorytellingfestival.com/">https://www.kansasstorytellingfestival.com/&nbsp;</a>or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasStorytellingFestival">Kansas Storytelling</a>&nbsp;on Facebook.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743606770706.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe 31st annual Kansas Storytelling Festival is less than one week away! The Festival will be held on Friday and Saturday, April 25 and 26, 2025 in Downs.As the “Storytelling Capital of Kansas,” the small northcentral town of Downs welcomes you to a weekend of stories and unforgettable hospitality.This celebration of the art of storytelling promises to be an event filled with laughter, wonder, and the timeless magic of storytelling. Nationally-known festival favorites are invited, along with new voices for stories from all genres for all ages.Headlining storytellers are Ed Stivender, Pipppa White, Michael D. McCarty, Priscilla Howe, and Paul Strickland.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745251096993.jpeg" alt="Ed Stivender" />
 <figcaption>Ed Stivender</figcaption>
 </figure>Ed Stivender was inducted into the National Storytelling Association’s Circle of Excellence in 1996. After giving up his Connecticut school teaching job, Ed has told his mostly humorous stories around the globe and has been a featured storyteller at national and international festivals.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745251043630.jpeg" alt="Pippa White" />
 <figcaption>Pippa White</figcaption>
 </figure>Pippa White calls her One’s Company Productions “part theatre, part storytelling, part history.” She has performed at universities and colleges, conferences, performing arts centers, museums, libraries, and festivals in over 30 states. Audiences call them unique, captivating, and touching. One audience member said, “her performances are entertainment wrapped in history intertwined with “inspiration."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745250996648.jpeg" alt="Michael D. McCarty" />
 <figcaption>Michael D. McCarty</figcaption>
 </figure>Michael D. McCarty is a newcomer to the Kansas festival. He specializes in stories of African and African-American history and culture, multi-cultural stories, etc. Michael describes his life as: student activist, Black Panther, U.S. Army martial arts instructor, acupuncturist, world traveler, spiritual seeker, construction worker, storyteller, husband, father, crazy friend. Never a dull moment!<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745250967190.jpeg" alt="Priscilla Howe.jpeg" />
 <figcaption>Priscilla Howe.jpeg</figcaption>
 </figure>Priscilla Howe is primarily known as a performer for children, but she has a full repertoire of stories for grownups and older kids. She offers a disclaimer, with a little wink: "All my stories start with the seed of truth." Priscilla tours the country and abroad telling stories and giving workshops. To date, she has performed in 14 countries.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745251025357.jpeg" alt="Paul Strickland" />
 <figcaption>Paul Strickland</figcaption>
 </figure>Paul Strickland always adapts his stories to whatever audience is in front of him, he loves telling stories in every imaginable environment, from comedy clubs to elementary and middle schools, corporate events and even two prisons. Paul was a Featured Teller: NEW VOICE at the National Storytelling Festival in 2023.Listeners will also enjoy the Tall Tales Contest (Friday night), the local “Legends” Storytellers including Native American stories and the Master Storytellers (previous winners of three tall tales contests).Bring your own stories to tell during the Swappin’ Grounds session on Saturday afternoon.More information can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasstorytellingfestival.com/">https://www.kansasstorytellingfestival.com/&nbsp;</a>or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasStorytellingFestival">Kansas Storytelling</a>&nbsp;on Facebook.&nbsp;<h2>Event Schedule</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745250795086.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

'Storytelling Capital of Kansas' celebrates 31st annual festival

ROME (AP) —Pope Francis died Monday, history’s first Latin American pontiff who charmed the world with his humble style and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f684920e3ec74a2fbe58371e09ae9112">concern for the poor</a>&nbsp;but alienated conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change.

Francis, who suffered from chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man, was admitted to Gemelli hospital on Feb. 14, 2025, for a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia. He spent 38 days there, the longest hospitalization of his 12-year papacy.

JD Vance says ‘my heart goes out to millions of Christians’

U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who is in India and had met&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-vance-us-migration-c9fc577cabff138de7bd8026133994fc">Pope Francis</a>&nbsp;on Easter Sunday, said his “heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him”

“I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful,” Vance wrote on X. “May God rest his soul.”

Putin says Francis defended humanism and justice

In a letter of condolences, Russian President Vladimir Putin noted the pope’s international clout as a “consistent defender of the high values of humanism and justice.”

Putin said that the pope “actively encouraged the development of a dialogue between the Russian Orthodox and the Roman Catholic Churches, as well as constructive interaction between Russia and the Holy See.”

King Charles praises Francis for working to protect the environment

King Charles III praised the late pope for his work on safeguarding the planet, saying he had profoundly touched the lives of many.

In a statement signed “Charles R,’’ the monarch says the pope will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith.

“Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many,’’ Charles said. “The queen and I remember with particular affection our meetings with His Holiness over the years and we were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier in the month.’’

he pope met privately with Charles and Queen Camilla on April 10 at the Vatican during the royal couple’s four-day state visit to Italy. It was the pope’s first known meeting with a foreign dignitary after he was hospitalized for five weeks with double-pneumonia.

Charles had been scheduled to make a full-scale state visit to the Vatican in conjunction with his tour of Italy, but the visit was postponed due to Francis’ illness. The brief private audience earlier this month was scheduled at the last minute and lasted about 20 minutes.

Zelenskyy says Francis was praying for peace in Ukraine

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says his country grieves together with Catholics and all Christians who looked to Francis for spiritual support.

“He knew how to give hope, ease suffering through prayer, and foster unity. He prayed for peace in Ukraine and for Ukrainians. Eternal memory!” Zelenskyy wrote on X.

Head of US bishops says Francis will be remembered for outreach to those on the margins

Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said in a statement that Francis will long be remembered for his outreach to those on the margins of the church and society.

“He renewed for us the mission to bring the Gospel out to the ends of the earth and offer divine mercy to all,” he said.

“Recently, he expressed anew prayerful hope in his letter of support to the bishops of this country in our attempts to respond to the face of Christ in the migrant, poor, and unborn. In fact, he has always used the strongest and clearest expressions in the defense of the dignity of the human person from conception to natural death.”

Head of World Jewish Congress says Francis was a true moral leader

The president of the World Jewish Congress, Ronald S. Lauder, described Francis as “a true moral leader, a man of deep faith and humanity, and a steadfast friend to the Jewish people.”

“From his early years in Argentina to his papacy, Pope Francis was deeply committed to fostering interfaith dialogue and ensuring that the memory of the Holocaust remained a guiding lesson for future generations,” he said.

“In November 2022, our Executive Committee had the honor of convening in Vatican City. There, we held a private audience with Pope Francis where we launched the historic ‘Kishreinu’ (Our Bond) initiative, marking a new chapter in Catholic-Jewish relations and reinforcing the common future of our two peoples.”

Turkish leader says Francis was dedicated to interfaith dialogue

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Francis was dedicated to building interfaith dialogue and addressing “human tragedies” such as the Palestinian issue and the war in Gaza.

“A respected statesman, Pope Francis was also a spiritual leader who valued dialogue between different faith groups and took the initiative in the face of human tragedies, especially the Palestinian issue and the genocide in Gaza,” Erdogan wrote on X.

Israel has adamantly denied allegations of genocide in Gaza, calling them baseless and antisemitic. Pope Francis had said such allegations should be investigated while also calling for a ceasefire and the release of hostages.

Iran’s president commends Francis’ position on the war in Gaza

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian offered condolences for Francis and praised his humanitarian stance including support for “innocent Palestinian women and children” in the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

Irish leader says Francis recognized every human’s essential dignity

Irish President Michael Higgins says Francis’ recognition of the “essential dignity” of every human being helped him confront issues such as climate change and the plight of migrants, as well as the child sexual abuse scandal that has rocked the church.

Higgins, who has been Ireland’s president since 2011, said he discussed these issues with Francis during five meetings over the course of his papacy.

During his last visit to Ireland in 2018, Francis spoke about the child sexual abuse scandal that has undermined support for the church in the once overwhelmingly Catholic country.

“On such matters, and on others such as attitudes towards women and those of the LGBTQ+ community within the Church, Pope Francis sought to play a positive role,” Higgins said. “I recall at the end of our meetings he would say as to his work on such issues, ‘it is very difficult’, as he asked for and offered prayers.”

Albania’s leader calls Francis the country’s great friend

Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama called Francis the country’s “great and unforgettable friend.”

For his first European journey in 2014, Francis chose Albania, a land of 3 million population that has become a symbol of interfaith dialogue.

Albania is a predominantly Muslim nation, with smaller Catholic and Orthodox communities who generally live in harmony. All of them suffered gravely under Stalinist dictator Enver Hoxha, who declared Albania the world’s first atheist state in 1967. Religious authorities of all faiths were killed, tortured, imprisoned or sent to labor camps.

Churches in the Philippines ring bells to mourn Francis

Churches in the Philippines, the largest Roman Catholic nation in Asia, rang their bells Monday to mourn Francis. He visited in 2015 to console survivors of Typhoon Haiyan and celebrate Mass before millions in Manila.

“Pope Francis showed us what it means to suffer with others and find hope in the midst of pain,” Manila Archbishop Jose Advincula said, citing the pope’s visit to a central region where Haiyan left more than 7,300 people dead or missing in November 2013.

“The Holy Father has reminded us that the church must be close to the poor, merciful to all and a welcoming home for the forgotten,” said Advincula.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Francis “taught us that to be a good Christian is to extend kindness and care to one another. His humility brought many back to the fold of the church.”

Flags across UK ordered to fly at half-staff

British authorities ordered that government buildings fly flags at half-staff until Tuesday evening in light of the pope’s death.

Mother of a slain Israeli-American hostage praises Francis

The mother of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hersh-goldberg-polin-israel-palestinians-gaza-hostages-0be443e7ce616cbce3f2cb984e7971ca">a slain American-Israeli hostage</a>&nbsp;praised Pope Francis’ advocacy for Hamas-held captives in the Gaza Strip.

Rachel Goldberg-Polin, who was among families of the hostages who met with the pope in November 2023, said he “felt our sorrow and suffering, and we so appreciated his advocacy on this topic, and on trying to find peace and reconciliation.”

Francis had repeatedly called for the release of the hostages abducted in Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack and for an end to the war it sparked.

Hersh Goldberg-Polin and five other hostages were killed by their captors last year as Israeli troops closed in on the tunnel where they were being held.

First formal Vatican service for Francis set for Monday evening

The first formal liturgical ritual for Francis will occur at 8 p.m. (1800 GMT) on Monday with the confirmation of the pope’s death and the placement of the body in the coffin.

The Vatican released the announcement from Archbishop Diego Ravelli, the master of liturgical ceremonies. The presiding prelate is Cardinal Joseph Farrell, the camerlengo who has taken over the administration of the Holy See and will remain in charge until a new pope is elected.

Those invited to attend the ceremony, which will take place in the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta hotel where Francis lived, are the dean of the College of Cardinals, any relatives of the pope, the director and vice director of the Vatican’s health department.

According to the new rites and rituals Francis approved last year, the body will remain in the chapel for a few days before being brought for public viewing in St. Peter’s Basilica. After that there will be the funeral and conclave to elect a new pope.

Canonization of the first millennial saint postponed after Francis’ death

The canonization of the first millennial saint,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/carlo-acutis-saint-millennial-catholic-church-assisi-ec1b2805f12f1795833c02c1c266d9f8">Carlo Acutis</a>, has been postponed due to the death Monday of Pope Francis, the Vatican announced.

Acutis, an Italian teen, used his computer savvy to create an online exhibit about more than 100 eucharistic miracles recognized by the church over many centuries, focused on the real presence of Christ that Catholics believe is in the consecrated bread and wine.

He died of acute leukemia at age 15 in 2006. The canonization was planned for Sunday.

Egypt’s Muslim cleric mourns ‘his brother’ Francis

Egypt’s top Muslim cleric mourned the death of “his brother” Pope Francis and offered condolences to Catholics around the world.

“Pope Francis was a humanitarian icon of the highest caliber, sparing no effort in serving the message of humanity,” Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, Al-Azhar’s Grand Imam, said in a statement.

He recalled that the relationship between the Islamic world and the Vatican was developed under the pontiff’s watch.

Flags flew at half-staff in overwhelmingly Roman Catholic Italy to mourn the death of Francis on Easter Monday, a public holiday.

The faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, where bells tolled in mourning.

Sister Monica Gonzales, who was visiting from Mexico, called Francis’ death “a great loss for the church and for the whole world. A pope who worked so hard for peace, and for the good of all. Let’s all pray for him.”

Eva Bonnano, from Philadelphia, called it “a very sad day. It is honestly impressive, I think, that he made it to Easter, I think that is almost like a miracle for Italy.”

Johann Xavier said he had traveled from Australia, hoping to see the pope during his visit. “But then we heard about it when we came in here. It pretty much devastated all of us. It is really sad,’’ he said.

British prime minister describes Francis as a courageous leader

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described Francis as a courageous leader who reached out to people all beliefs around the world.

Starmer says Francis’ leadership in a “complex and challenging time’’ stemmed from the pontiff’s deep humility.

“Pope Francis was a pope for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten,’’ Starmer says in a statement. “He was close to the realities of human fragility, meeting Christians around the world facing war, famine, persecution and poverty. Yet he never lost hope of a better world.’’

Bells of St. Peter’s Basilica toll for pope’s death

Shortly after noon Rome time, the great bells of St. Peter’s Basilica began tolling to mark Francis’ death. Tourists in the square stopped in their tracks to record the moment on their phones.

LGBTQ+ group thanks Francis for his advocacy

Francis DeBernardo, executive director of New Ways Ministry — a U.S.-based group advocating for greater LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Catholic Church — thanked Pope Francis for his outreach.

“With simple words and gentle gestures, Pope Francis powerfully moved the Catholic Church to become a more welcoming home for LGBTQ+ people,” he said.

“Francis was not only the first pope to use the word ‘gay’ when speaking about LGBTQ+ people, he was the first pope to speak lovingly and tenderly to them. His kind words of welcome to this community, traditionally marginalized in the church, rang loudly around the globe.”

Vatican prepares first rituals for pope’s death

The Vatican is preparing the first rituals following Francis’ death: The body of the pope is expected to be transferred within the course of the day to the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta hotel where he lived, so that Vatican officials can pay their final respects.

There, the head of the Vatican health service examines the body, ascertains the cause of death and writes a report which is expected late Monday.

The body rests in the pope’s personal chapel for the ritual pronouncement of death, presided over by the camerlengo, the Vatican official who runs the Holy See administration between the death or resignation of one pope and the election of another.

For the public, the cardinal archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, is expected to lead a recitation of the Rosary prayer in St. Peter’s Square later Monday.

A bishop in Southern Arabia remembers pope’s visit to Abu Dhabi

Bishop Paolo Martinelli, the apostolic vicar of Southern Arabia, issued a statement saying that “all the people in the UAE are greatly saddened by the death of Pope Francis, whom we remember with gratitude for his visit to Abu Dhabi in 2019.”

He asked all parishes to plan a Mass for Francis. The vicariate oversees the Catholic Church in the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Yemen.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, called Francis “a great leader whose compassion and commitment to peace touched countless lives.”

“His legacy of humility and interfaith unity will continue to inspire many communities around the world,” Sheikh Mohammed said in an online message.

Maine bishop says Francis’ legacy is one of mercy and compassion

Bishop James Ruggieri of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland, Maine, said that Francis’ legacy will be “one of mercy and compassion, but also of hope. In this Jubilee Year, may we honor Pope Francis by carrying on his mission and living as pilgrims of hope.”

World leaders pay tribute to the late Pope Francis

Nearing a half century since he co-founded <a href="https://landinstitute.org/">The Land Institute</a> southeast of Salina, Wes Jackson remains staunchly hinged to a “long view” of reducing climate change.

Despite being decades from mission accomplished, a celebration looms later this month in downtown Salina, with the world premiere of a documentary, “Prairie Prophecy,” starring Jackson.

A red carpet event is planned April 26 at the Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts that includes the 90-minute feature film, meeting the cast, Executive Producer and Director Michael Johnson, and the inspiration himself, in the flesh.

It’s part of&nbsp;Kernza®&nbsp;for Kansas 2.0: Wes Weekend.

Soil’s grand guardian is set on using perennial polycultures and natural systems agriculture to mimic the prairie, reduce or eliminate tillage, and slash carbon emissions.

“Wes Jackson, one of the most important environmentalists of the 20th and 21st centuries, spent his life pioneering a bold new approach to agriculture that challenges humanity to rethink its relationship with the Earth,” according to the film’s promotion on the Stiefel Theatre website.

But as the seasoned Kansas Wesleyan University Coyote admits, his unwavering mission requires much attention.&nbsp;

“When I first published on this, I said, ‘This is gonna take 50 to 100 years,’ and we’re not yet at 50. Most people’s time frame isn’t until the next election,” Jackson lectured during a March phone interview.

He was in a humble, relaxed, and jovial mood, showing more interest in other topics than his own storied career.

Regardless of this journey’s stage, promoters have determined it’s time to train a few hundred thousand more lumens on Jackson’s lifelong pursuits as dirt’s Dalai Lama.

The still dedicated and learned 88-year-old entrepreneur, Darwinist philosopher and PhD in genetics, chuckled at the notion that a red carpet will pave the way to the 90-minute film in downtown Salina.

Jackson is interested in the to-do list, but would prefer others with vital roles take a stroll on such a hallowed crimson walkway — from the Watson Room into the Stiefel lobby.

“There are many extraordinary people involved in the long view. Those are the ones who oughta be walking on the red carpet,” he said, “if there is a red carpet.”

Jackson confirmed viewing a “rough cut” of the documentary, but won’t yet offer an opinion.

“For now, I refuse to comment. It’s like somebody asking ‘What do you think of your kids?’ I want to know what other people think,” he said. “I don’t know what my opinion is until I’ve talked to my friends. Time has to pass before you know whether it’s good or not.”

Jackson announced his attire at the premiere will be “something between a tuxedo and bib overalls.”

While more accolades await Jackson for his life’s work, he’s still hard at it, perfecting the planet through inspiration to return to Nature’s intentions; maybe more with brain than brawn these days.

After years of work on “Prairie Prophecy,” Johnson remembers the 80-plus year-old intellectual showing off his rugged abilities during filming.

“He would stray off camera, pick up a hay bale and toss it, but we weren’t quick enough to capture it,” Johnson said. “I tried to keep my 60-something-year-old body in step with him. Even the Energizer bunny looks lazy next to this guy.”

Among Jackson’s “most impressive” traits to some is the way he communicates.

“He’ll break into song, Shakespeare, scripture or a poem,” Johnson said.

Jackson is proud to remind listeners of his memorization of every book in the Bible and all United States presidents through the Truman administration.

Earth’s future is constantly in his crosshairs. Prairie Prophecy Executive Producer and Producer Kelly Sallaway’s favorite Jackson quote drives that philosophy home: “If you are working on something you can finish in your lifetime, you’re not thinking big enough.”&nbsp;

The feature-length movie is a major happening during a weekend jammed with attractions, beginning April 25 with tours at The Land Institute, Kansas Wesleyan University’s Heartland Rift Community Resilience Hub next door, and Quail Creek Family Farms a few miles north; a film and other events from downtown Minneapolis, KS, and the next evening in the heart of Salina.

A free screening of the short movie “Beer Saves the World!” courtesy of Perennial Films, will be shown Friday night at “The Farm &amp; The Odd Fellows” coffee cafe, brew pub and event center in Minneapolis, the Ottawa County seat.

There is much to celebrate, now that&nbsp;Kernza®, a perennial wheatgrass, has made some necessary strides toward joining the mainstream of feeding folks; claiming space on a growing number of menus in homes, restaurants, and breweries.

It was a natural for “Prairie Prophecy” to premiere in Salina, said Sallaway, of Scottsdale, AZ.

The film is co-promoted by The Land Institute, Sustain-A-Grain, a major promoter, distributor and developer of&nbsp;Kernza® products,&nbsp;Kansas Wesleyan University and San Diego-based Perennial Films, which specializes in environmental documentaries.

“Prairie Prophecy” is “about the life and life’s work of Wes Jackson,” according to the Stiefel Theatre website.

“He deserves a movie,” said Sallaway, who wonders if Jackson shares DNA with Albert Einstein and Will Rogers.