Sky Ryders Performing Arts Foundation

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — At their September meeting, the Sky Ryders Performing Arts Foundation board named Dale Antoine Executive Director of the Sky Ryders Drum and Bugle Corps.

In 1970, Antoine became a member of the Jets Drum and Bugle Corps (the cadet corps to the Sky Ryders) and in 1971, he joined the Sky Ryders and marched through 1978 in the brass line playing baritone. In 1979 and 1980, Dale was a member of the corps visual staff.&nbsp;

After several years away, Dale returned as Business Manager and in the spring of 1986, Dale became the Executive Director of the Sky Ryders.

The corps achieved its greatest competitive success during those years, placing 9th in 1986 and 12th in both 1987 and 1988 at the DCI World Championships. Dale left the activity in spring of 1989 and then returned in 1996 as a member of the DCI Event Staff.

He currently serves as a DCI Contest Director and Event Staff Coordinator, and On-Site Manager for the DCI Championships and many of the major regional championships.

This appointment is a significant step forward for the future of the Sky Ryders Drum and Bugle Corps.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724779649941.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Sky Ryders Performing Arts FoundationHUTCHINSON, Kan. — At their September meeting, the Sky Ryders Performing Arts Foundation board named Dale Antoine Executive Director of the Sky Ryders Drum and Bugle Corps.In 1970, Antoine became a member of the Jets Drum and Bugle Corps (the cadet corps to the Sky Ryders) and in 1971, he joined the Sky Ryders and marched through 1978 in the brass line playing baritone. In 1979 and 1980, Dale was a member of the corps visual staff.&nbsp;After several years away, Dale returned as Business Manager and in the spring of 1986, Dale became the Executive Director of the Sky Ryders.The corps achieved its greatest competitive success during those years, placing 9th in 1986 and 12th in both 1987 and 1988 at the DCI World Championships. Dale left the activity in spring of 1989 and then returned in 1996 as a member of the DCI Event Staff.He currently serves as a DCI Contest Director and Event Staff Coordinator, and On-Site Manager for the DCI Championships and many of the major regional championships.This appointment is a significant step forward for the future of the Sky Ryders Drum and Bugle Corps.

Dale Antoine named Executive Director of Sky Ryders

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Thursday night marks the 10th anniversary of the Reno County Coaches Corner on KWBW, started by Rob Dreher and Glen Grunwald.&nbsp;

&nbsp;It's designed to bring recognition to area schools and their various sports with a local flavor.  Join KWBW tonight at 6 p.m. as Glen Grunwald chats with Hutch High football coach Mike Vernon and Rob Dreher chats with Buhler football coach Steve Warner. 

 Sports Director Sean Boston joined the show last year, and will bring interviews to listeners this season as well. Listen every Thursday for the coaches and guests on BW radio.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726138917283.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Thursday night marks the 10th anniversary of the Reno County Coaches Corner on KWBW, started by Rob Dreher and Glen Grunwald.&nbsp;&nbsp;It's designed to bring recognition to area schools and their various sports with a local flavor. Join KWBW tonight at 6 p.m. as Glen Grunwald chats with Hutch High football coach Mike Vernon and Rob Dreher chats with Buhler football coach Steve Warner. Sports Director Sean Boston joined the show last year, and will bring interviews to listeners this season as well. Listen every Thursday for the coaches and guests on BW radio.

Reno County Coaches Corner reaches milestone

NEWTON, Kan. — The City of Newton has announced a new administrative staff structure to better support economic development and advance community growth.

Newton has had tremendous success recently in new industrial recruitment, business expansions, and housing development. To manage the increasing demands, Director of Administrative Services Rebecca Likiardopoulos will head up a new Economic Development Department as the new Assistant City Manager of Economic Development.

“With so many projects and so many moving parts to coordinate, it has become increasingly clear that a dedicated economic development department will be important for driving and managing growth in our community,” City Manager Daniela Rivas said. “With her experience and knowledge, Rebecca is the right person to help grow our capacity for future development.”

Likiardopoulos has played an invaluable support role in development in recent years, leading initiatives for housing rehabilitation, state incentives and tax credits, grant projects, historic preservation, and most recently, the Choose Newton Main Street program.

In the new position, Likiardopoulos will work closely with Harvey County Economic Development on industrial recruitment and expansion, workforce development and regional initiatives. She will be integral in the City’s long-range strategic planning.

She will directly oversee the Meridian Center, Convention and Tourism/Main Street, Community Development (focused on commercial development, housing, and small business retention), and Historic Preservation.

“What I am most excited about is how this new department will bring together all of our internal and external stakeholders to facilitate conversations,” Rivas said. “Newton is at a pivotal moment, with so many growth opportunities ahead for us. We are fortunate to have Rebecca on our team, and I’m eager to support her as she transitions into this new role.”

Likiardopoulos has been with the City of Newton since 2020. Prior to that, she had over 13 years of leadership&nbsp;experience in public and nonprofit entities ranging from government to education and mental health care.

She is a Wichita native and has a master’s degree in public administration&nbsp;from the Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs at Wichita State University and a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from Thomas Aquinas College.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726091372133.jpeg" alt=" Rebecca Likiardopoulos-City of Newton" />
 <figcaption> Rebecca Likiardopoulos-City of Newton</figcaption>
 </figure>ERIN MCDANIEL City of NewtonNEWTON, Kan. — The City of Newton has announced a new administrative staff structure to better support economic development and advance community growth.Newton has had tremendous success recently in new industrial recruitment, business expansions, and housing development. To manage the increasing demands, Director of Administrative Services Rebecca Likiardopoulos will head up a new Economic Development Department as the new Assistant City Manager of Economic Development.“With so many projects and so many moving parts to coordinate, it has become increasingly clear that a dedicated economic development department will be important for driving and managing growth in our community,” City Manager Daniela Rivas said. “With her experience and knowledge, Rebecca is the right person to help grow our capacity for future development.”Likiardopoulos has played an invaluable support role in development in recent years, leading initiatives for housing rehabilitation, state incentives and tax credits, grant projects, historic preservation, and most recently, the Choose Newton Main Street program.In the new position, Likiardopoulos will work closely with Harvey County Economic Development on industrial recruitment and expansion, workforce development and regional initiatives. She will be integral in the City’s long-range strategic planning.She will directly oversee the Meridian Center, Convention and Tourism/Main Street, Community Development (focused on commercial development, housing, and small business retention), and Historic Preservation.“What I am most excited about is how this new department will bring together all of our internal and external stakeholders to facilitate conversations,” Rivas said. “Newton is at a pivotal moment, with so many growth opportunities ahead for us. We are fortunate to have Rebecca on our team, and I’m eager to support her as she transitions into this new role.”Likiardopoulos has been with the City of Newton since 2020. Prior to that, she had over 13 years of leadership&nbsp;experience in public and nonprofit entities ranging from government to education and mental health care.She is a Wichita native and has a master’s degree in public administration&nbsp;from the Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs at Wichita State University and a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from Thomas Aquinas College.

Likiardopoulos now Assistant City Manager of Economic Development in Newton

AP Sports Summary for September 11th, 2024:

Dolphins coaches, players react to 'emotional' and 'triggering' footage of Tyreek Hill traffic stop

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Tyreek Hill's teammates and coaches used words like "triggering" and a "shame" to describe body camera footage showing a police officer yanking the Miami Dolphins receiver out of his sports car and forcing him face-first onto the ground during a traffic stop. The incident outside the Dolphins' home stadium has drawn national attention. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa says it led to a lot of conversation in the locker room among Hill's teammates, some of whom privately shared their own personal experiences with police.

NFL investigating lawsuit filed against Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, accused of sexual assault

CLEVELAND (AP) — The NFL said it is investigating the latest civil lawsuit filed against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson to determine if he violated the league's personal conduct policy. On Monday, a woman in Texas accused Watson of sexual assault in 2020 while he played for Houston. League spokesman Brian McCarthy said the league is reviewing the complaint. In the lawsuit, the woman alleges Watson forced himself on her sexually during an incident at her apartment. Watson was suspended 11 games by the league in 2022 after more than two dozen women accused him of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during massage therapy sessions. The Browns traded five draft picks for the three-time Pro Bowler in 2022.

Mauricio Pochettino hired to succeed Gregg Berhalter as US men's national team coach

Former Tottenham and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has been hired to succeed Gregg Berhalter as U.S. men's national team coach, 21 months before the Americans host the 2026 World Cup. A 52-year-old Argentine, Pochettino became the 10th U.S. coach in 14 years and its first foreign-born leader since Jurgen Klinsmann from 2011-16. Pochettino has coached Espanyol, Southampton, Tottenham, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, winning a 2022 Ligue 1 title. Pochettino had been in negotiations since mid-August. Matt Crocker, the USSF's sporting director in charge of the search, was Southampton's academy director when Pochettino started at that club.

NBA expands permissible scope of coach's challenge reviews on some out-of-bounds plays

NEW YORK (AP) — The NBA has expanded the permissible scope of coach's challenge reviews on some out-of-bounds plays, saying Tuesday that if a foul should have been called on the play it now can be assessed shortly after the fact. The league's Board of Governors approved the move at its meeting in New York, after it was unanimously recommended by the league's competition committee last week. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver was scheduled to speak about the meeting later Tuesday. The change will take effect this season.

Phils' Schwarber sets MLB mark with 14th leadoff HR of the season before leaving with elbow injury

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber set the MLB single-season record with his 14th leadoff home run Tuesday night against the Tampa Bay Rays before being removed from the game in the fourth inning due to a hyperextended left elbow. Schwarber sent a 1-0 fastball from Rays starter Taj Bradley 437 feet to center field, moving ahead of Alfonso Soriano, who had 13 leadoff homers in 2003 with the New York Yankees. Schwarber's 35th homer of the season was the 45th leadoff homer of his career, with 32 coming since joining the Phillies in 2022.

Auburn QB Thorne says angry bettors sent him Venmo requests after loss

Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne has taken heat from a different source after struggling in a loss to California: Angry sports bettors. Thorne said on The Next Round podcast that he has heard from some fans in person and on social media while others "hit you up on Venmo, all types of stuff." Thorne was intercepted four times in a 21-14 loss to Cal. The NCAA said in May that one in three high-profile athletes received abusive message from those with betting interests during the NCAA basketball tourneys.

Veteran stars Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer will rejoin the Texas Rangers' rotation later this week

PHOENIX (AP) — Veteran stars Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer will rejoin the Texas Rangers' pitching rotation later this week after both had an extended absence due to injuries. Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said Tuesday that deGrom will pitch on Friday and Scherzer on Saturday. Texas is still hanging on the fringe of the AL playoff race, but is six games back for the final wild-card spot. The 36-year-old DeGrom will be making his season debut after missing more than a year because of Tommy John surgery. Scherzer — a three-time Cy Young winner — hasn't pitched in about six weeks because of a shoulder injury.

WNBA playoff picture still jumbled as Chicago, Atlanta, Washington vying for 8th seed

The WNBA playoff picture is still jumbled with the final postseason spot coming down to three teams — Chicago, Atlanta and Washington. All three teams will play each other at least once over the last nine days of the season. The Mystics face both the Sky and Dream this week, including a home-and-home set against Atlanta. Chicago visits Atlanta next Tuesday. The Sky have a one-game advantage over the Dream and a two-game lead over the Mystics, though they lost star rookie Angel Reese for the season with a wrist injury.

Analysis: Kickers benefited from rusty, ineffective offenses

NFL kickers benefited from sloppy and rusty offensive performances in Week 1. With many teams struggling to move the ball effectively and consistently, kickers got a chance to provide plenty of scoring. They delivered at a record-setting pace. Kickers made 21 of 23 field goals from 50 yards or longer, an astounding 91.3% success rate. That number was the most 50-plus yarders in a single week in NFL history, surpassing the previous high of 15 in Week 3 last year. On the other side, passing numbers were way down. That helped created more opportunities for the kickers because more drives stalled or went nowhere in some cases after turnovers.

Judge orders former NFL star Adrian Peterson to turn over assets to pay $12M debt

HOUSTON (AP) — Former NFL running back Adrian Peterson has been ordered by a Texas judge to turn over personal assets to help pay a debt that has ballooned to more than $12 million. A court-appointed receiver has been seeking to collect money from Peterson as part of a judgment against the four-time All-Pro running back over a loan he failed to repay to a Pennsylvania lending company. On Monday a judge in Houston granted a request by the receiver for law enforcement to accompany him to Peterson's home in suburban Houston so he can inventory assets that can be sold off. Attorneys for Peterson did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment.

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Wednesday, September 11th 2024" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Wednesday, September 11th 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for September 11th, 2024:<div><iframe width="100%" height="95" src="https://embeds.audioboom.com/posts/8569104/embed?v=202301" style="background-color: transparent; display: block; padding: 0; width: 100%" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="allowtransparency" scrolling="no" title="Audioboom player" allow="autoplay" sandbox="allow-downloads allow-forms allow-popups allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-storage-access-by-user-activation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation"></iframe></div>Dolphins coaches, players react to 'emotional' and 'triggering' footage of Tyreek Hill traffic stopMIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Tyreek Hill's teammates and coaches used words like "triggering" and a "shame" to describe body camera footage showing a police officer yanking the Miami Dolphins receiver out of his sports car and forcing him face-first onto the ground during a traffic stop. The incident outside the Dolphins' home stadium has drawn national attention. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa says it led to a lot of conversation in the locker room among Hill's teammates, some of whom privately shared their own personal experiences with police.NFL investigating lawsuit filed against Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, accused of sexual assaultCLEVELAND (AP) — The NFL said it is investigating the latest civil lawsuit filed against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson to determine if he violated the league's personal conduct policy. On Monday, a woman in Texas accused Watson of sexual assault in 2020 while he played for Houston. League spokesman Brian McCarthy said the league is reviewing the complaint. In the lawsuit, the woman alleges Watson forced himself on her sexually during an incident at her apartment. Watson was suspended 11 games by the league in 2022 after more than two dozen women accused him of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during massage therapy sessions. The Browns traded five draft picks for the three-time Pro Bowler in 2022.Mauricio Pochettino hired to succeed Gregg Berhalter as US men's national team coachFormer Tottenham and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has been hired to succeed Gregg Berhalter as U.S. men's national team coach, 21 months before the Americans host the 2026 World Cup. A 52-year-old Argentine, Pochettino became the 10th U.S. coach in 14 years and its first foreign-born leader since Jurgen Klinsmann from 2011-16. Pochettino has coached Espanyol, Southampton, Tottenham, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, winning a 2022 Ligue 1 title. Pochettino had been in negotiations since mid-August. Matt Crocker, the USSF's sporting director in charge of the search, was Southampton's academy director when Pochettino started at that club.NBA expands permissible scope of coach's challenge reviews on some out-of-bounds playsNEW YORK (AP) — The NBA has expanded the permissible scope of coach's challenge reviews on some out-of-bounds plays, saying Tuesday that if a foul should have been called on the play it now can be assessed shortly after the fact. The league's Board of Governors approved the move at its meeting in New York, after it was unanimously recommended by the league's competition committee last week. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver was scheduled to speak about the meeting later Tuesday. The change will take effect this season.Phils' Schwarber sets MLB mark with 14th leadoff HR of the season before leaving with elbow injuryPHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber set the MLB single-season record with his 14th leadoff home run Tuesday night against the Tampa Bay Rays before being removed from the game in the fourth inning due to a hyperextended left elbow. Schwarber sent a 1-0 fastball from Rays starter Taj Bradley 437 feet to center field, moving ahead of Alfonso Soriano, who had 13 leadoff homers in 2003 with the New York Yankees. Schwarber's 35th homer of the season was the 45th leadoff homer of his career, with 32 coming since joining the Phillies in 2022.Auburn QB Thorne says angry bettors sent him Venmo requests after lossAuburn quarterback Payton Thorne has taken heat from a different source after struggling in a loss to California: Angry sports bettors. Thorne said on The Next Round podcast that he has heard from some fans in person and on social media while others "hit you up on Venmo, all types of stuff." Thorne was intercepted four times in a 21-14 loss to Cal. The NCAA said in May that one in three high-profile athletes received abusive message from those with betting interests during the NCAA basketball tourneys.Veteran stars Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer will rejoin the Texas Rangers' rotation later this weekPHOENIX (AP) — Veteran stars Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer will rejoin the Texas Rangers' pitching rotation later this week after both had an extended absence due to injuries. Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said Tuesday that deGrom will pitch on Friday and Scherzer on Saturday. Texas is still hanging on the fringe of the AL playoff race, but is six games back for the final wild-card spot. The 36-year-old DeGrom will be making his season debut after missing more than a year because of Tommy John surgery. Scherzer — a three-time Cy Young winner — hasn't pitched in about six weeks because of a shoulder injury.WNBA playoff picture still jumbled as Chicago, Atlanta, Washington vying for 8th seedThe WNBA playoff picture is still jumbled with the final postseason spot coming down to three teams — Chicago, Atlanta and Washington. All three teams will play each other at least once over the last nine days of the season. The Mystics face both the Sky and Dream this week, including a home-and-home set against Atlanta. Chicago visits Atlanta next Tuesday. The Sky have a one-game advantage over the Dream and a two-game lead over the Mystics, though they lost star rookie Angel Reese for the season with a wrist injury.Analysis: Kickers benefited from rusty, ineffective offensesNFL kickers benefited from sloppy and rusty offensive performances in Week 1. With many teams struggling to move the ball effectively and consistently, kickers got a chance to provide plenty of scoring. They delivered at a record-setting pace. Kickers made 21 of 23 field goals from 50 yards or longer, an astounding 91.3% success rate. That number was the most 50-plus yarders in a single week in NFL history, surpassing the previous high of 15 in Week 3 last year. On the other side, passing numbers were way down. That helped created more opportunities for the kickers because more drives stalled or went nowhere in some cases after turnovers.Judge orders former NFL star Adrian Peterson to turn over assets to pay $12M debtHOUSTON (AP) — Former NFL running back Adrian Peterson has been ordered by a Texas judge to turn over personal assets to help pay a debt that has ballooned to more than $12 million. A court-appointed receiver has been seeking to collect money from Peterson as part of a judgment against the four-time All-Pro running back over a loan he failed to repay to a Pennsylvania lending company. On Monday a judge in Houston granted a request by the receiver for law enforcement to accompany him to Peterson's home in suburban Houston so he can inventory assets that can be sold off. Attorneys for Peterson did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___INTERLEAGUEFinal	Detroit	11	Colorado	0	Final	Philadelphia	9	Tampa Bay	4	Final	Toronto	6	N.Y. Mets	2	Final	Arizona	6	Texas	0	Final	San Diego	7	Seattle	3	___AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Kansas City	5	N.Y. Yankees	0	Final	Baltimore	5	Boston	3	Final	Minnesota	10	L.A. Angels	5	Final	Cleveland	5	Chicago White Sox	0	Final	Oakland	4	Houston	3	___NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Pittsburgh	6	Miami	4	Final	Atlanta	12	Washington	0	Final	Cincinnati	3	St. Louis	0	Final	Milwaukee	3	San Francisco	2	Final	Chicago Cubs	6	L.A. Dodgers	3	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Minnesota	76	Atlanta	64	Final	New York	105	Dallas	91	Final	Connecticut	86	Los Angeles	66	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___INTERLEAGUE		N-Y Mets	at	Toronto	3:07 p.m.			Texas	at	Arizona	3:40 p.m.			Colorado	at	Detroit	6:40 p.m.			Tampa Bay	at	Philadelphia	6:40 p.m.			San Diego	at	Seattle	9:40 p.m.	___AMERICAN LEAGUE		Cleveland	at	Chi White Sox	2:10 p.m.			Kansas City	at	N-Y Yankees	7:05 p.m.			Baltimore	at	Boston	7:10 p.m.			L-A Angels	at	Minnesota	7:10 p.m.			Oakland	at	Houston	8:10 p.m.	___NATIONAL LEAGUE		Miami	at	Pittsburgh	12:35 p.m.			Atlanta	at	Washington	6:45 p.m.			Cincinnati	at	St. Louis	7:45 p.m.			Milwaukee	at	San Francisco	9:45 p.m.			Chi Cubs	at	L-A Dodgers	10:10 p.m.	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION		Las Vegas	at	Indiana	7 p.m.			Washington	at	Chicago	8 p.m.			Seattle	at	Los Angeles	10 p.m.	___

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Wednesday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Dillon Lecture Series will welcome Steve Ford, the son of former President Gerald R. Ford and Betty Ford, for a lecture as part of its 2024 series. Ford’s presentation will take place at the Hutchinson Sports Arena on Tuesday, September 17 at 10:30 a.m.

A teenager when his father assumed the reins of the presidency from Richard Nixon, Ford left the White House at age 18 to pursue his dream of being a cowboy on cattle ranches out West, followed closely by his ten secret service agents. Later in his life, he&nbsp;went on to a successful acting career, appearing in over 30 movies.

Before becoming an actor in 1980, Steve worked on the professional rodeo circuit as a team roper and served three years on the Board of Directors of The National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City and currently serves on the Board of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation.

He is highly sought after nationally as a motivational speaker for corporate events relating to his inspiring experiences during his family’s stay in the White House and his years in Hollywood.

Steve speaks about his own successful battle overcoming alcoholism and shares with audiences inspiring stories of character and leadership that lead to the Ford family’s success which will help audiences rethink their own lives.

Tickets to the lecture will be available beginning at 9:45 a.m. the day of the lecture at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.

Ford will appear at a press conference for members of the media prior to the lecture. The press conference is scheduled for 9:45 a.m. in the Media Interview Room of the Hutchinson Sports Arena.

2024 is the 43 rd season for the Dillon Lecture Series on the HutchCC campus. For more information on the Dillon Lecture Series or to become a patron, visit <a href="http://www.hutchcc.edu/dls">www.hutchcc.edu/dls</a> or call Becky Rogers at 620-665-3505.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726009798893.jpeg" alt="Steve Ford-Dillon Lecture Series" />
 <figcaption>Steve Ford-Dillon Lecture Series</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson Community CollegeHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Dillon Lecture Series will welcome Steve Ford, the son of former President Gerald R. Ford and Betty Ford, for a lecture as part of its 2024 series. Ford’s presentation will take place at the Hutchinson Sports Arena on Tuesday, September 17 at 10:30 a.m.A teenager when his father assumed the reins of the presidency from Richard Nixon, Ford left the White House at age 18 to pursue his dream of being a cowboy on cattle ranches out West, followed closely by his ten secret service agents. Later in his life, he&nbsp;went on to a successful acting career, appearing in over 30 movies.Before becoming an actor in 1980, Steve worked on the professional rodeo circuit as a team roper and served three years on the Board of Directors of The National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City and currently serves on the Board of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation.He is highly sought after nationally as a motivational speaker for corporate events relating to his inspiring experiences during his family’s stay in the White House and his years in Hollywood.Steve speaks about his own successful battle overcoming alcoholism and shares with audiences inspiring stories of character and leadership that lead to the Ford family’s success which will help audiences rethink their own lives.Tickets to the lecture will be available beginning at 9:45 a.m. the day of the lecture at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.Ford will appear at a press conference for members of the media prior to the lecture. The press conference is scheduled for 9:45 a.m. in the Media Interview Room of the Hutchinson Sports Arena.2024 is the 43 rd season for the Dillon Lecture Series on the HutchCC campus. For more information on the Dillon Lecture Series or to become a patron, visit <a href="http://www.hutchcc.edu/dls">www.hutchcc.edu/dls</a> or call Becky Rogers at 620-665-3505.

Steve Ford to give Dillon Lecture September 17

LONDON (AP) — The United States and Britain formally accused Iran on Tuesday of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-iran-ukraine-ballistic-missiles-us-intelligence-1e637abe11396989c641fa5bf3f57b24">supplying short-range ballistic missiles</a>&nbsp;to Russia to use against Ukraine, announcing new sanctions on Moscow and Tehran before a joint visit to Kyiv by their top diplomats.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking alongside British Foreign Secretary David Lammy during a visit to London, said Iran had ignored warnings that the transfer of such weapons would be a profound escalation of the conflict.

He told reporters that dozens of Russian military personnel had been trained in Iran to use the Fath-360 close-range ballistic missile system, which has a maximum range of 75 miles (120 kilometers).

“Russia has now received shipments of these ballistic missiles and will likely use them within weeks in Ukraine, against Ukrainians,” Blinken said. “The supply of Iranian missiles enables Russia to use more of its arsenal for targets that are further from the front line.”

At the Pentagon, the press secretary said these were unlikely to be the only shipments. “One has to assume that if Iran is providing Russia with these types of missiles, that it’s very likely it would not be a one-time deal, that this would be a source of capability that Russia would seek to tap in the future,” said Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.

The West's allegations about the missile transfers come as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-putin-kursk-incursion-ca6d18d06606794580bdc779d2c98134">Kremlin is trying to repel Ukraine’s surprise offensive</a>, which has claimed hundreds of square miles of territory in Russia’s Kursk region. The accusations could embolden Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to further&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-kursk-putin-missiles-7e59c745b4bff79802454f0b660b0d0d">ramp up pressure on the U.S.</a>&nbsp;and other allies to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-military-aid-zelenskyy-cf8addbd055e518a7a10a73d3d4353cd">allow Ukraine to use Western-supplied missiles</a>&nbsp;to strike deep inside Russia and hit sites from which Moscow launches aerial attacks.

Iran's foreign ministry denies providing ballistic missiles to Russia, the semiofficial ISNA news agency reported.

“Publishing wrong and misleading reports about transferring Iranian weapons to some countries is merely an ugly propaganda and lie aimed at hiding illegal massive size weaponry support by the U.S. and some Western nations for genocide in the Gaza Strip," it quoted ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani as saying.

The U.S., U.K. and other Western allies are pressing for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-gaza-war-ceasefire-egypt-qatar-biden-aafbe442e8dd976218588d2f164b38a1">a cease-fire</a>&nbsp;to end the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">devastating war between Israel and Hamas</a>&nbsp;in Gaza and avoid attacks from Iranian proxies in the region escalating into a broader war.

Britain, France and Germany announced new sanctions Tuesday against Iran and Russia, calling the missile transfers “a direct threat to European security.” The penalties include the cancellation of air services agreements with Iran, which will restrict Iran Air’s ability to fly to the U.K. and Europe.

Britain also said it and the United States were sanctioning those involved in sending Iranian drones and missiles to Russia. The sanctions include travel bans and asset freezes on two senior officers in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and a senior defense ministry official, as well as several businesses and five Russian cargo ships alleged to have transported supplies from Iran to Russia. Three Russian military units involved with aviation and aerospace also were sanctioned.

The U.S. Treasury and the State Department in the past few years have imposed economic sanctions on people and companies based in Iran, China, Russia, Turkey and other nations who officials allege are connected with the development of Iran’s drone program.

The sanctions on Iranian drone production tied to Russia’s invasion, dating to November 2022, were issued despite Iranian leaders’ denials that the country had sent them.

Sanctions, among other things, bar people and businesses from accessing property or financial assets held in the U.S. and prevent U.S. companies and citizens from doing business with them.

The announcement precedes a Blinken and Lammy visit Wednesday to Kyiv, where they will meet Zelenskyy and other officials to discuss bolstering the country's defenses. The rare joint visit was unusually announced in advance — a public signal of U.S-.U.K. support for Ukraine ahead of what’s likely to be a brutal winter of Russian attacks.

Asked whether the U.S. would allow weapons it supplied to be used to strike targets deeper inside Russia, Blinken said all use of weapons needed to be allied to a strategy.

He said one goal of the visit this week “is to hear directly from the Ukrainian leadership, including … President Zelenskyy, about exactly how the Ukrainians see their needs in this moment, toward what objectives, and what we can do to support those needs.”

President Joe Biden has allowed Ukraine to fire U.S.-provided missiles across the border into Russia in self-defense but largely limited the distance over concerns about further escalating the conflict. Blinken met Tuesday with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-keir-starmer-britain-white-house-ee4b84bc5c1209827f14f4d91cc4f527">British Prime Minister Keir Starmer</a>, who will sit down with Biden at the White House on Friday.

“We will be listening intently to our Ukrainian partners, we will both be reporting back to the prime minister, to President Biden in the coming days, and I fully anticipate this is something they will take up when they meet on Friday,” Blinken said.

In the meantime, Ukraine is using its own weapons to hit targets deeper in Russia, launching on Tuesday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f6dfcae1dcb2b0d9c8c2da1ddbdc32ef">one of the biggest drone attacks</a>&nbsp;on Russian soil in the 2 1/2-year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">war</a>&nbsp;to target multiple regions including Moscow.

Word of the alleged transfers from Iran began to emerge over the weekend. Lammy called them part of “a troubling pattern that we’re seeing. It is definitely a significant escalation.”

The U.S. and its allies have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russian-iran-ballistic-missiles-ukraine-f12dc454b04f7cbe671d2c401e31390c">warning Iran for months</a>&nbsp;not to transfer ballistic missiles to Russia.

CIA Director William Burns, who was in London on Saturday for a joint appearance with his British intelligence counterpart, warned of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cia-mi6-gaza-ceasefire-mideast-russia-2b81c6143f2a04ceebb2a98b2cdba7cd">growing and “troubling” defense relationship</a>&nbsp;involving Russia, China, Iran and North Korea, which he said threatens both Ukraine and Western allies in the Middle East.

The White House has repeatedly declassified and publicized intelligence findings that show North Korea has sent ammunition and missiles to Russia to use against Ukraine, while Iran also supplies Moscow with attack drones and has assisted the Kremlin with building a drone-manufacturing factory.

China has held back from providing Russians with weaponry but has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-states-china-russia-ukraine-war-265df843be030b7183c95b6f3afca8ec">surged sales to Russia</a>&nbsp;of machine tools, microelectronics and other technology that Moscow in turn is using to produce missiles, tanks, aircraft and other weaponry, according to U.S. officials.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663760963726.jpeg" alt="File photo Russian President Vladimir Putin (Russian Presidential Press Service via AP)" />
 <figcaption>File photo Russian President Vladimir Putin (Russian Presidential Press Service via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>LONDON (AP) — The United States and Britain formally accused Iran on Tuesday of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-iran-ukraine-ballistic-missiles-us-intelligence-1e637abe11396989c641fa5bf3f57b24">supplying short-range ballistic missiles</a>&nbsp;to Russia to use against Ukraine, announcing new sanctions on Moscow and Tehran before a joint visit to Kyiv by their top diplomats.U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking alongside British Foreign Secretary David Lammy during a visit to London, said Iran had ignored warnings that the transfer of such weapons would be a profound escalation of the conflict.He told reporters that dozens of Russian military personnel had been trained in Iran to use the Fath-360 close-range ballistic missile system, which has a maximum range of 75 miles (120 kilometers).“Russia has now received shipments of these ballistic missiles and will likely use them within weeks in Ukraine, against Ukrainians,” Blinken said. “The supply of Iranian missiles enables Russia to use more of its arsenal for targets that are further from the front line.”At the Pentagon, the press secretary said these were unlikely to be the only shipments. “One has to assume that if Iran is providing Russia with these types of missiles, that it’s very likely it would not be a one-time deal, that this would be a source of capability that Russia would seek to tap in the future,” said Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.The West's allegations about the missile transfers come as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-putin-kursk-incursion-ca6d18d06606794580bdc779d2c98134">Kremlin is trying to repel Ukraine’s surprise offensive</a>, which has claimed hundreds of square miles of territory in Russia’s Kursk region. The accusations could embolden Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to further&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-kursk-putin-missiles-7e59c745b4bff79802454f0b660b0d0d">ramp up pressure on the U.S.</a>&nbsp;and other allies to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-military-aid-zelenskyy-cf8addbd055e518a7a10a73d3d4353cd">allow Ukraine to use Western-supplied missiles</a>&nbsp;to strike deep inside Russia and hit sites from which Moscow launches aerial attacks.Iran's foreign ministry denies providing ballistic missiles to Russia, the semiofficial ISNA news agency reported.“Publishing wrong and misleading reports about transferring Iranian weapons to some countries is merely an ugly propaganda and lie aimed at hiding illegal massive size weaponry support by the U.S. and some Western nations for genocide in the Gaza Strip," it quoted ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani as saying.The U.S., U.K. and other Western allies are pressing for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-gaza-war-ceasefire-egypt-qatar-biden-aafbe442e8dd976218588d2f164b38a1">a cease-fire</a>&nbsp;to end the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">devastating war between Israel and Hamas</a>&nbsp;in Gaza and avoid attacks from Iranian proxies in the region escalating into a broader war.Britain, France and Germany announced new sanctions Tuesday against Iran and Russia, calling the missile transfers “a direct threat to European security.” The penalties include the cancellation of air services agreements with Iran, which will restrict Iran Air’s ability to fly to the U.K. and Europe.Britain also said it and the United States were sanctioning those involved in sending Iranian drones and missiles to Russia. The sanctions include travel bans and asset freezes on two senior officers in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and a senior defense ministry official, as well as several businesses and five Russian cargo ships alleged to have transported supplies from Iran to Russia. Three Russian military units involved with aviation and aerospace also were sanctioned.The U.S. Treasury and the State Department in the past few years have imposed economic sanctions on people and companies based in Iran, China, Russia, Turkey and other nations who officials allege are connected with the development of Iran’s drone program.The sanctions on Iranian drone production tied to Russia’s invasion, dating to November 2022, were issued despite Iranian leaders’ denials that the country had sent them.Sanctions, among other things, bar people and businesses from accessing property or financial assets held in the U.S. and prevent U.S. companies and citizens from doing business with them.The announcement precedes a Blinken and Lammy visit Wednesday to Kyiv, where they will meet Zelenskyy and other officials to discuss bolstering the country's defenses. The rare joint visit was unusually announced in advance — a public signal of U.S-.U.K. support for Ukraine ahead of what’s likely to be a brutal winter of Russian attacks.Asked whether the U.S. would allow weapons it supplied to be used to strike targets deeper inside Russia, Blinken said all use of weapons needed to be allied to a strategy.He said one goal of the visit this week “is to hear directly from the Ukrainian leadership, including … President Zelenskyy, about exactly how the Ukrainians see their needs in this moment, toward what objectives, and what we can do to support those needs.”President Joe Biden has allowed Ukraine to fire U.S.-provided missiles across the border into Russia in self-defense but largely limited the distance over concerns about further escalating the conflict. Blinken met Tuesday with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-keir-starmer-britain-white-house-ee4b84bc5c1209827f14f4d91cc4f527">British Prime Minister Keir Starmer</a>, who will sit down with Biden at the White House on Friday.“We will be listening intently to our Ukrainian partners, we will both be reporting back to the prime minister, to President Biden in the coming days, and I fully anticipate this is something they will take up when they meet on Friday,” Blinken said.In the meantime, Ukraine is using its own weapons to hit targets deeper in Russia, launching on Tuesday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f6dfcae1dcb2b0d9c8c2da1ddbdc32ef">one of the biggest drone attacks</a>&nbsp;on Russian soil in the 2 1/2-year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">war</a>&nbsp;to target multiple regions including Moscow.Word of the alleged transfers from Iran began to emerge over the weekend. Lammy called them part of “a troubling pattern that we’re seeing. It is definitely a significant escalation.”The U.S. and its allies have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russian-iran-ballistic-missiles-ukraine-f12dc454b04f7cbe671d2c401e31390c">warning Iran for months</a>&nbsp;not to transfer ballistic missiles to Russia.CIA Director William Burns, who was in London on Saturday for a joint appearance with his British intelligence counterpart, warned of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cia-mi6-gaza-ceasefire-mideast-russia-2b81c6143f2a04ceebb2a98b2cdba7cd">growing and “troubling” defense relationship</a>&nbsp;involving Russia, China, Iran and North Korea, which he said threatens both Ukraine and Western allies in the Middle East.The White House has repeatedly declassified and publicized intelligence findings that show North Korea has sent ammunition and missiles to Russia to use against Ukraine, while Iran also supplies Moscow with attack drones and has assisted the Kremlin with building a drone-manufacturing factory.China has held back from providing Russians with weaponry but has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-states-china-russia-ukraine-war-265df843be030b7183c95b6f3afca8ec">surged sales to Russia</a>&nbsp;of machine tools, microelectronics and other technology that Moscow in turn is using to produce missiles, tanks, aircraft and other weaponry, according to U.S. officials.

US formally accuses Iran of supplying Russia with missiles

AP Sports Summary for Tuesday, September 10th:

Video shows officers dragged Tyreek Hill out of his car after he put his window back up

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Police body camera video shows an officer dragged Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill out of his sports car by his arm and head and then forced him face-first onto the ground after Hill put up the window of his car. The video released Monday shows what happened between Hill and the officers during a traffic stop before Sunday's game. The video shows that the altercation between the Miami-Dade County officers and Hill escalated quickly. The officers cursed at Hill but he did not curse at them, resist their physical force or strike at them. The police director said the videos were released to show the department is being transparent.

The 49ers spoil Aaron Rodgers' return with a 32-19 win over the Jets

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Aaron Rodgers' long-awaited return to the field was spoiled by San Francisco as the 49ers got 147 yards rushing and a touchdown from fill-in back Jordan Mason in a 32-19 victory over the New York Jets. Rodgers threw for 167 yards and one TD and also had an interception a year after his debut with New York ended with a torn Achilles after four snaps. Rodgers had problems moving around in the pocket but still showed off the arm that helped him win four MVPs with the Green Bay Packers a few times in his first real action for the Jets. But it wasn't enough to beat the 49ers.

Aaron Rodgers throws a TD in a losing cause in his return to the field

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Aaron Rodgers made it through his second try at an opener with the New York Jets healthy even if the performance wasn't close to the level that made him a four-time MVP. A year after tearing his Achilles on his fourth snap with New York, Rodgers made his highly anticipated return to the field on Monday night in a 32-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Rodgers showed signs of his old self with a few good throws but didn't look comfortable moving in the pocket in his first back from the serious injury.

Gaudreau brothers are mourned by the hockey community, family and friends as 'linemates forever'

MEDIA, Pa. (AP) — John and Matthew Gaudreau were remembered as loving brothers and husbands who put family above hockey and everything else at their tearful funeral, a week and a half after they died when they were struck by a suspected drunken driver while riding bicycles in New Jersey. Widows Meredith and Madeline Gaudreau described their husbands as attached at the hip throughout their lives. John was 31 and Matthew 29. Meredith Gaudreau revealed she was nine weeks pregnant with the couple's third child. Madeline Gaudreau also is pregnant, due to give birth to the couple's first child in December.

Angel Reese uses social media to explain wrist injury that will sideline her the rest of WNBA season

Angel Reese took to social media to explain her season-ending wrist injury. The Chicago star rookie has a small crack in a bone in her right wrist and she'll have surgery to repair it Tuesday. Reese says she'll be in a hard cast for four weeks and then a soft cast for two. Reese, the No. 7 pick in the draft, finished the season averaging 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds. It's the highest rebound average in the history of the WNBA. Reese also set the rookie record with 26 double-doubles — her last coming in a 92-78 win over Los Angeles on Friday night.

AP Top 25 Reality Check: SEC takeover could last a while with few nonconference challenges left

The Southeastern Conference has taken over the The Associated Press college football poll, grabbing six of the first seven spots. The now 16-team SEC set a new standard for hoarding high AP Top 25 rankings, with Georgia at No. 1, Texas at two, Alabama four, Mississippi five, Missouri at No. 6 and Tennessee seventh. Extend it out a little further and half of the top 16 comes from the SEC. How long will this last? Could be a while before those first six teams start running into challenges.

NASCAR has finalized a new charter agreement. Team co-owner Michael Jordan won't sign it

HAMPTON, Ga. (AP) — NASCAR is in a stalemate with Michael Jordan and how it ends could potentially get very messy for both sides. After more than two years of contentious negotiations over a new revenue agreement, NASCAR last weekend finally got 13 organizations to sign a new deal. The agreement was reached less than 48 hours before NASCAR's playoff opener at Atlanta Motor Speedway. But this is not the win NASCAR would like to believe it is. 23XI Racing, the team co-owned by Michael Jordan, and Front Row Motorsports both refused to sign the deal.

Wells hits go-ahead three-run homer, drives in four as Yankees beat Royals 10-4

NEW YORK (AP) — Austin Wells hit a go-ahead three-run homer in the seventh inning and added an RBI double in the eighth as the New York Yankees pulled away for a 10-4 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Monday night and widened their lead in the AL East. The Yankees (83-61) surpassed last season's win total and moved 1 1/2 games ahead of the Orioles, who were handed a 12-3 loss in Boston. Aaron Judge hit a tying single off James McArthur and four pitches later, Wells lifted a 2-1 fastball into the lower rows of the right field bleachers to push New York's lead to 7-4.

National League wild card race looks like a barnburner with 3 weeks remaining in regular season

PHOENIX (AP) — The National League playoff race is getting very interesting with three weeks remaining in the regular season. The Padres, Diamondbacks, Mets and Braves are locked in a four-team scramble with only three postseason spots available. The American League race isn't quite as close, though a hot streak from a handful of teams could tighten things quickly. The Tigers, Mariners, Red Sox and Rays are all within striking distance of the Twins, who are trying to hang on to a 3 1/2 lead for the last AL wild card.

China's Football Association bans 43 people for life after corruption investigation

DALIAN, China (AP) — China's Football Association says it has banned 43 people for life over allegations of match-fixing and other forms of corruption. The official Xinhua News Agency said Tuesday that Zhang Xiaopeng, a top police official, gave out details of a "two-year investigation that uncovered a series of online gambling, match-fixing and bribery cases." Xinhua said 120 matches in domestic leagues, 128 criminal suspects, and 41 clubs were implicated in the investigation. Of those banned, 38 were players and five were club officials. Other players and officials were given shortened bans, including foreign players lured to China by the promise of high salaries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Tuesday, September 10th" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Tuesday, September 10th</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for Tuesday, September 10th:<div><iframe width="100%" height="95" src="https://embeds.audioboom.com/posts/8567830/embed?v=202301" style="background-color: transparent; display: block; padding: 0; width: 100%" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="allowtransparency" scrolling="no" title="Audioboom player" allow="autoplay" sandbox="allow-downloads allow-forms allow-popups allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-storage-access-by-user-activation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation"></iframe></div>Video shows officers dragged Tyreek Hill out of his car after he put his window back upMIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Police body camera video shows an officer dragged Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill out of his sports car by his arm and head and then forced him face-first onto the ground after Hill put up the window of his car. The video released Monday shows what happened between Hill and the officers during a traffic stop before Sunday's game. The video shows that the altercation between the Miami-Dade County officers and Hill escalated quickly. The officers cursed at Hill but he did not curse at them, resist their physical force or strike at them. The police director said the videos were released to show the department is being transparent.The 49ers spoil Aaron Rodgers' return with a 32-19 win over the JetsSANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Aaron Rodgers' long-awaited return to the field was spoiled by San Francisco as the 49ers got 147 yards rushing and a touchdown from fill-in back Jordan Mason in a 32-19 victory over the New York Jets. Rodgers threw for 167 yards and one TD and also had an interception a year after his debut with New York ended with a torn Achilles after four snaps. Rodgers had problems moving around in the pocket but still showed off the arm that helped him win four MVPs with the Green Bay Packers a few times in his first real action for the Jets. But it wasn't enough to beat the 49ers.Aaron Rodgers throws a TD in a losing cause in his return to the fieldSANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Aaron Rodgers made it through his second try at an opener with the New York Jets healthy even if the performance wasn't close to the level that made him a four-time MVP. A year after tearing his Achilles on his fourth snap with New York, Rodgers made his highly anticipated return to the field on Monday night in a 32-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Rodgers showed signs of his old self with a few good throws but didn't look comfortable moving in the pocket in his first back from the serious injury.Gaudreau brothers are mourned by the hockey community, family and friends as 'linemates forever'MEDIA, Pa. (AP) — John and Matthew Gaudreau were remembered as loving brothers and husbands who put family above hockey and everything else at their tearful funeral, a week and a half after they died when they were struck by a suspected drunken driver while riding bicycles in New Jersey. Widows Meredith and Madeline Gaudreau described their husbands as attached at the hip throughout their lives. John was 31 and Matthew 29. Meredith Gaudreau revealed she was nine weeks pregnant with the couple's third child. Madeline Gaudreau also is pregnant, due to give birth to the couple's first child in December.Angel Reese uses social media to explain wrist injury that will sideline her the rest of WNBA seasonAngel Reese took to social media to explain her season-ending wrist injury. The Chicago star rookie has a small crack in a bone in her right wrist and she'll have surgery to repair it Tuesday. Reese says she'll be in a hard cast for four weeks and then a soft cast for two. Reese, the No. 7 pick in the draft, finished the season averaging 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds. It's the highest rebound average in the history of the WNBA. Reese also set the rookie record with 26 double-doubles — her last coming in a 92-78 win over Los Angeles on Friday night.AP Top 25 Reality Check: SEC takeover could last a while with few nonconference challenges leftThe Southeastern Conference has taken over the The Associated Press college football poll, grabbing six of the first seven spots. The now 16-team SEC set a new standard for hoarding high AP Top 25 rankings, with Georgia at No. 1, Texas at two, Alabama four, Mississippi five, Missouri at No. 6 and Tennessee seventh. Extend it out a little further and half of the top 16 comes from the SEC. How long will this last? Could be a while before those first six teams start running into challenges.NASCAR has finalized a new charter agreement. Team co-owner Michael Jordan won't sign itHAMPTON, Ga. (AP) — NASCAR is in a stalemate with Michael Jordan and how it ends could potentially get very messy for both sides. After more than two years of contentious negotiations over a new revenue agreement, NASCAR last weekend finally got 13 organizations to sign a new deal. The agreement was reached less than 48 hours before NASCAR's playoff opener at Atlanta Motor Speedway. But this is not the win NASCAR would like to believe it is. 23XI Racing, the team co-owned by Michael Jordan, and Front Row Motorsports both refused to sign the deal.Wells hits go-ahead three-run homer, drives in four as Yankees beat Royals 10-4NEW YORK (AP) — Austin Wells hit a go-ahead three-run homer in the seventh inning and added an RBI double in the eighth as the New York Yankees pulled away for a 10-4 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Monday night and widened their lead in the AL East. The Yankees (83-61) surpassed last season's win total and moved 1 1/2 games ahead of the Orioles, who were handed a 12-3 loss in Boston. Aaron Judge hit a tying single off James McArthur and four pitches later, Wells lifted a 2-1 fastball into the lower rows of the right field bleachers to push New York's lead to 7-4.National League wild card race looks like a barnburner with 3 weeks remaining in regular seasonPHOENIX (AP) — The National League playoff race is getting very interesting with three weeks remaining in the regular season. The Padres, Diamondbacks, Mets and Braves are locked in a four-team scramble with only three postseason spots available. The American League race isn't quite as close, though a hot streak from a handful of teams could tighten things quickly. The Tigers, Mariners, Red Sox and Rays are all within striking distance of the Twins, who are trying to hang on to a 3 1/2 lead for the last AL wild card.China's Football Association bans 43 people for life after corruption investigationDALIAN, China (AP) — China's Football Association says it has banned 43 people for life over allegations of match-fixing and other forms of corruption. The official Xinhua News Agency said Tuesday that Zhang Xiaopeng, a top police official, gave out details of a "two-year investigation that uncovered a series of online gambling, match-fixing and bribery cases." Xinhua said 120 matches in domestic leagues, 128 criminal suspects, and 41 clubs were implicated in the investigation. Of those banned, 38 were players and five were club officials. Other players and officials were given shortened bans, including foreign players lured to China by the promise of high salaries.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___INTERLEAGUEFinal	Philadelphia	2	Tampa Bay	1	Final	N.Y. Mets	3	Toronto	2	___AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Boston	12	Baltimore	3	Final	N.Y. Yankees	10	Kansas City	4	Final	L.A. Angels	6	Minnesota	2	Final	Cleveland	5	Chicago White Sox	3	___NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Cincinnati	1	Atlanta	0	Final	Pittsburgh	3	Miami	2	Final	Chicago Cubs	10	L.A. Dodgers	4	___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUEFinal	San Francisco	32	N-Y Jets	19	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___INTERLEAGUE		Colorado	at	Detroit	6:40 p.m.			Tampa Bay	at	Philadelphia	6:40 p.m.			N-Y Mets	at	Toronto	7:07 p.m.			San Diego	at	Seattle	9:40 p.m.			Texas	at	Arizona	9:40 p.m.	___AMERICAN LEAGUE		Kansas City	at	N-Y Yankees	7:05 p.m.			Baltimore	at	Boston	7:10 p.m.			Cleveland	at	Chi White Sox	7:40 p.m.			L-A Angels	at	Minnesota	7:40 p.m.			Oakland	at	Houston	8:10 p.m.	___NATIONAL LEAGUE		Miami	at	Pittsburgh	6:40 p.m.			Atlanta	at	Washington	6:45 p.m.			Cincinnati	at	St. Louis	7:45 p.m.			Milwaukee	at	San Francisco	9:45 p.m.			Chi Cubs	at	L-A Dodgers	10:10 p.m.	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION		Minnesota	at	Atlanta	7:30 p.m.			New York	at	Dallas	8 p.m.			Connecticut	at	Los Angeles	10 p.m.	___

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Tuesday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters (KSBBBS) serving Reno County is proud to celebrate BBBS Month this September by shining a light on its urgent need for volunteer mentors (Bigs) with the goal of matching 10 youth by the end of the year who are currently waiting for a Big.

Volunteerism across the nation has decreased by approximately 30% over the last decade, and Kansas is no exception, falling from 8th to 13th in the nation for citizens volunteering in their communities since 2021. Currently, KSBBBS serving Reno County has nearly 85 youth who are waiting for a mentor, with about 70% being Little Brothers.

“Our mission is to empower youth through meaningful, one-to-one mentoring relationships, but we can't do it alone,” said Shelly Chinberg, Reno County' s Area Director.

Kansas’ governor underscored the importance and impact of KSBBBS’ mission to help youth facing adversity via one-to-one mentorship by proclaiming September 2024 as Big Brothers Big Sisters Month in Kansas.

Chinberg continued, “With increased youth suicide rates in Kansas and the everyday struggles families face, the need for our services has continued to grow, and we are asking the help of our community to match our youth who simply need a friend.”

KSBBBS serving Reno County has been present in the community for nearly 25 years, having served thousands of youth facing adversity by pairing them with caring adult mentors in the community at no cost to families.

To help BBBS reach their goal and help change the lives of 10 local youth, consider:

Becoming a Big: Join nearly 80 Reno County Bigs by sharing a few hours of your time a with a youth like you in need of a friend. Learn more or get started at kansasbigs.org/be-a-big.

Refer a Big: Nominate someone in your life to be a Big with no obligation: <a href="http://kansasbigs.org/refer-a-big">kansasbigs.org/refer-a-big</a>.

For more information on how you can help your local KSBBBS office match more youth with a local, caring one-to-one mentor, please contact KSBBBS at 620.259.9657 or <a href="mailto:aswitzer@kansasbigs.org">aswitzer@kansasbigs.org</a>.

Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization focused on serving youth facing adversity, ages 5 through 25, with a one-to-one professionally supported mentoring relationship. For more information about KSBBBS, visit <a href="http://www.kansasbigs.org">www.kansasbigs.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725915713531.jpeg" alt="Little Sister Payton and Big Sister Amy Bretz. Photo Courtesy Big Brothers Big Sisters of Reno County." />
 <figcaption>Little Sister Payton and Big Sister Amy Bretz. Photo Courtesy Big Brothers Big Sisters of Reno County.</figcaption>
 </figure>Big Brothers Big SistersHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters (KSBBBS) serving Reno County is proud to celebrate BBBS Month this September by shining a light on its urgent need for volunteer mentors (Bigs) with the goal of matching 10 youth by the end of the year who are currently waiting for a Big.Volunteerism across the nation has decreased by approximately 30% over the last decade, and Kansas is no exception, falling from 8th to 13th in the nation for citizens volunteering in their communities since 2021. Currently, KSBBBS serving Reno County has nearly 85 youth who are waiting for a mentor, with about 70% being Little Brothers.“Our mission is to empower youth through meaningful, one-to-one mentoring relationships, but we can't do it alone,” said Shelly Chinberg, Reno County' s Area Director.Kansas’ governor underscored the importance and impact of KSBBBS’ mission to help youth facing adversity via one-to-one mentorship by proclaiming September 2024 as Big Brothers Big Sisters Month in Kansas.Chinberg continued, “With increased youth suicide rates in Kansas and the everyday struggles families face, the need for our services has continued to grow, and we are asking the help of our community to match our youth who simply need a friend.”KSBBBS serving Reno County has been present in the community for nearly 25 years, having served thousands of youth facing adversity by pairing them with caring adult mentors in the community at no cost to families.To help BBBS reach their goal and help change the lives of 10 local youth, consider:Becoming a Big: Join nearly 80 Reno County Bigs by sharing a few hours of your time a with a youth like you in need of a friend. Learn more or get started at kansasbigs.org/be-a-big.Refer a Big: Nominate someone in your life to be a Big with no obligation: <a href="http://kansasbigs.org/refer-a-big">kansasbigs.org/refer-a-big</a>.For more information on how you can help your local KSBBBS office match more youth with a local, caring one-to-one mentor, please contact KSBBBS at 620.259.9657 or <a href="mailto:aswitzer@kansasbigs.org">aswitzer@kansasbigs.org</a>.Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization focused on serving youth facing adversity, ages 5 through 25, with a one-to-one professionally supported mentoring relationship. For more information about KSBBBS, visit <a href="http://www.kansasbigs.org">www.kansasbigs.org</a>.

BBBS needs volunteers

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — A police officer dragged Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill out of his sports car by his arm and head and then forced him face first onto the ground after Hill put up the window of his sports car during a traffic stop before Sunday's game, body camera video released Monday shows.

The video showed that the altercation between the Miami-Dade County officers and Hill escalated quickly, that the officers cursed at Hill but he did not resist their physical force or strike at them. Six officers' body camera videos have been released.

Police Director Stephanie Davis said the tape would normally not be released while the investigation is ongoing, but she wanted to demonstrate the department's “commitment to transparency and maintaining public trust.”

One video showed the motorcycle officer who had pulled Hill over on the roadway leading into Hard Rock Stadium. He had apparently already struck or tapped on the window of Hill's McClaren sports car.

The officer looked inside and demanded to know why Hill didn't have his seatbelt on. Hill, through the open window, said to the officer, “Don't do my window like that.”

“Why do you have it up?” the officer replied.

“Do what you gotta do” Hill said and put the darkly tinted window back up.

“Keep your window down,” the officer told him, tapping on the glass. The officer paused for about five seconds and looked around. He told Hill again to keep the window down or “I am going to get you out of the car. As a matter of fact, get out of the car.”

The officer then demanded Hill open the door. Another officers stepped up and said, “Get out of the car or I will break that ... window," using an obscenity.

The door opened and the second officer reached in and grabbed Hill by the arm and the back of the head as the player said, “I am getting out."

The second officer forced Hill face first onto the ground. The officers forced Hill's arms behind his back as Hill yelled into his cellphone, “I am getting arrested Drew.” It was unclear if he was talking to his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, or the team's director of security, Drew Brooks. Both soon showed up at the scene.

The officers handcuff Hill and one put a knee in the middle of his back. “If we tell you to do something, do it.”

“Take me to jail, brother, do what you gotta do,” Hill replied.

“We are,” the officer who pulled him out said.

“You crazy,” Hill said to the officer.

The officers then pull him to his feet as Hill said, "Why you beating on my window like you are all crazy for?"

The officers stand Hill up and walk him to the sidewalk. One officer told him to sit on the curb. Hill said to the officer he just had surgery on his knee.

The officer who pulled Hill from the car jumped behind him and put a bar hold around Hill's upper chest or neck. He pulled Hill into a seating position.

“Chill, bro,” Hill told the officers.

At that point, teammate Calais Campbell parked his SUV in front of Hill's car, got out and asked what was going on. The officers ordered Campbell to get back in his vehicle and leave. They then told him they were going to give him a ticket for blocking the road. He, too, was soon in handcuffs. He was never cited.

Hill and Campbell were eventually released and allowed to go into the stadium. Hill received two citations but was never arrested. One officer was placed on administrative leave.

Steadman Stahl, president of the South Florida Police Benevolent Association, defended the officer's actions, saying Monday that Hill "was briefly detained for officer safety, after driving in a manner in which he was putting himself and others in great risk of danger.

“Upon being stopped, Mr. Hill was not immediately cooperative with the officers on the scene who, pursuant to policy and for their immediate safety, placed Mr. Hill in handcuffs. Mr. Hill, still uncooperative, refused to sit on the ground and was therefore redirected to the ground."

Hill said he doesn't understand why the situation escalated.

“I wasn’t disrespectful because my mom didn’t raise me that way. Didn’t cuss. Didn’t do none of that,” he said.

Julius B. Collins, Hill’s attorney, said the receiver’s legal team is exploring all legal options and called the officers' actions “excessive."

“Mr. Hill understands the inherently dangerous job that law enforcement is tasked with and understands that officer safety is important;” read Collins' statement, “however, at no point in time did Mr. Hill pose a threat to these officers."

Campbell said he tried to de-escalate the situation. He said he got out of his car with his hands up above his head and approached the scene, informing officers that he was a friend of Hill’s. He remained at the scene to “support” Hill. Police later placed him in handcuffs for “disobeying a direct order” by being too close.

“They were trying to yank him down to the ground,” Campbell said Monday on ESPN. “I saw them kick him and pull him down ... I feel like one officer was pushing on his head.”

Campbell said tight end Jonnu Smith and later receiver Odell Beckham Jr. were also there to support Hill, who repeated to them, “Don't leave me.”

Hill, 30, who is Black, said he wondered what would have happened to him if he weren't an NFL star. Some of his teammates who are also Black said they were used to seeing that sort of interaction.

“Excessive force on a Black man, that’s not uncommon," said safety Jevon Holland. "It’s a very common thing in America. So I think that needs to be addressed at a countrywide level.”

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said Monday he was upset by the situation. McDaniel appeared to fight back tears as he reflected on the incident.

“It’s probably more visceral because, yes, I do spend a lot of time prioritizing empathy, and when you know you can’t truly understand, the unknown is what crushes me,” McDaniel said. "I can only forecast, and so my forecast — what if it’s worse?”

In May, golfer Scottie Scheffler was arrested and taken to jail after being accused of not following police orders during an investigation of a pedestrian fatality outside Valhalla Golf Course in Louisville, Kentucky, during the PGA Championship.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/scottie-scheffler-police-arrest-louisville-cf7f59fc48d223083bb71d272d139050">Criminal charges</a>&nbsp;against the Masters champion were later dropped.

This isn’t the first off-field incident involving Hill.

He was accused of punching his girlfriend in college and got kicked off the team at Oklahoma State, later pleading guilty to domestic assault and battery by strangulation. In 2019, prosecutors in suburban Kansas City declined to charge Hill after an alleged domestic violence incident involving his fiancée and their 3-year-old child.

Last offseason, Hill was under investigation by Miami-Dade police for assault and battery after it was reported that he got into an argument with a South Florida marina worker, which apparently ended with Hill hitting the worker. Hill and the man later resolved their dispute.

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — A police officer dragged Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill out of his sports car by his arm and head and then forced him face first onto the ground after Hill put up the window of his sports car during a traffic stop before Sunday's game, body camera video released Monday shows.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Here is the body cam footage from Tyreek Hill’s detainment before the Miami Dolphins game. This level of aggression and demeaning behavior was not necessary. This is an excessive overuse of power. <a href="https://t.co/yrLifkdRle">pic.twitter.com/yrLifkdRle</a>&mdash; Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) <a href="https://twitter.com/RGIII/status/1833301689266217465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The video showed that the altercation between the Miami-Dade County officers and Hill escalated quickly, that the officers cursed at Hill but he did not resist their physical force or strike at them. Six officers' body camera videos have been released.Police Director Stephanie Davis said the tape would normally not be released while the investigation is ongoing, but she wanted to demonstrate the department's “commitment to transparency and maintaining public trust.”One video showed the motorcycle officer who had pulled Hill over on the roadway leading into Hard Rock Stadium. He had apparently already struck or tapped on the window of Hill's McClaren sports car.The officer looked inside and demanded to know why Hill didn't have his seatbelt on. Hill, through the open window, said to the officer, “Don't do my window like that.”“Why do you have it up?” the officer replied.“Do what you gotta do” Hill said and put the darkly tinted window back up.“Keep your window down,” the officer told him, tapping on the glass. The officer paused for about five seconds and looked around. He told Hill again to keep the window down or “I am going to get you out of the car. As a matter of fact, get out of the car.”The officer then demanded Hill open the door. Another officers stepped up and said, “Get out of the car or I will break that ... window," using an obscenity.The door opened and the second officer reached in and grabbed Hill by the arm and the back of the head as the player said, “I am getting out."The second officer forced Hill face first onto the ground. The officers forced Hill's arms behind his back as Hill yelled into his cellphone, “I am getting arrested Drew.” It was unclear if he was talking to his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, or the team's director of security, Drew Brooks. Both soon showed up at the scene.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725929820574.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The officers handcuff Hill and one put a knee in the middle of his back. “If we tell you to do something, do it.”“Take me to jail, brother, do what you gotta do,” Hill replied.“We are,” the officer who pulled him out said.“You crazy,” Hill said to the officer.The officers then pull him to his feet as Hill said, "Why you beating on my window like you are all crazy for?"The officers stand Hill up and walk him to the sidewalk. One officer told him to sit on the curb. Hill said to the officer he just had surgery on his knee.The officer who pulled Hill from the car jumped behind him and put a bar hold around Hill's upper chest or neck. He pulled Hill into a seating position.“Chill, bro,” Hill told the officers.At that point, teammate Calais Campbell parked his SUV in front of Hill's car, got out and asked what was going on. The officers ordered Campbell to get back in his vehicle and leave. They then told him they were going to give him a ticket for blocking the road. He, too, was soon in handcuffs. He was never cited.Hill and Campbell were eventually released and allowed to go into the stadium. Hill received two citations but was never arrested. One officer was placed on administrative leave.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725929853616.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Steadman Stahl, president of the South Florida Police Benevolent Association, defended the officer's actions, saying Monday that Hill "was briefly detained for officer safety, after driving in a manner in which he was putting himself and others in great risk of danger.“Upon being stopped, Mr. Hill was not immediately cooperative with the officers on the scene who, pursuant to policy and for their immediate safety, placed Mr. Hill in handcuffs. Mr. Hill, still uncooperative, refused to sit on the ground and was therefore redirected to the ground."Hill said he doesn't understand why the situation escalated.“I wasn’t disrespectful because my mom didn’t raise me that way. Didn’t cuss. Didn’t do none of that,” he said.Julius B. Collins, Hill’s attorney, said the receiver’s legal team is exploring all legal options and called the officers' actions “excessive."“Mr. Hill understands the inherently dangerous job that law enforcement is tasked with and understands that officer safety is important;” read Collins' statement, “however, at no point in time did Mr. Hill pose a threat to these officers."Campbell said he tried to de-escalate the situation. He said he got out of his car with his hands up above his head and approached the scene, informing officers that he was a friend of Hill’s. He remained at the scene to “support” Hill. Police later placed him in handcuffs for “disobeying a direct order” by being too close.“They were trying to yank him down to the ground,” Campbell said Monday on ESPN. “I saw them kick him and pull him down ... I feel like one officer was pushing on his head.”Campbell said tight end Jonnu Smith and later receiver Odell Beckham Jr. were also there to support Hill, who repeated to them, “Don't leave me.”Hill, 30, who is Black, said he wondered what would have happened to him if he weren't an NFL star. Some of his teammates who are also Black said they were used to seeing that sort of interaction.“Excessive force on a Black man, that’s not uncommon," said safety Jevon Holland. "It’s a very common thing in America. So I think that needs to be addressed at a countrywide level.”Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said Monday he was upset by the situation. McDaniel appeared to fight back tears as he reflected on the incident.“It’s probably more visceral because, yes, I do spend a lot of time prioritizing empathy, and when you know you can’t truly understand, the unknown is what crushes me,” McDaniel said. "I can only forecast, and so my forecast — what if it’s worse?”In May, golfer Scottie Scheffler was arrested and taken to jail after being accused of not following police orders during an investigation of a pedestrian fatality outside Valhalla Golf Course in Louisville, Kentucky, during the PGA Championship.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/scottie-scheffler-police-arrest-louisville-cf7f59fc48d223083bb71d272d139050">Criminal charges</a>&nbsp;against the Masters champion were later dropped.This isn’t the first off-field incident involving Hill.He was accused of punching his girlfriend in college and got kicked off the team at Oklahoma State, later pleading guilty to domestic assault and battery by strangulation. In 2019, prosecutors in suburban Kansas City declined to charge Hill after an alleged domestic violence incident involving his fiancée and their 3-year-old child.Last offseason, Hill was under investigation by Miami-Dade police for assault and battery after it was reported that he got into an argument with a South Florida marina worker, which apparently ended with Hill hitting the worker. Hill and the man later resolved their dispute.___

Video: Officers dragged former KC Chief out of car after he put window up

NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/james-earl-jones">James Earl Jones,</a>&nbsp;who overcame racial prejudice and a severe stutter to become a celebrated icon of stage and screen — eventually lending his deep, commanding voice to CNN, “The Lion King” and Darth Vader — has died. He was 93.

His agent, Barry McPherson, confirmed Jones died Monday morning at home in New York's Hudson Valley region. The cause was not immediately clear.

The pioneering Jones, who was one of the first African American actors in a continuing role on a daytime drama and worked&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0c663181fccc4be5a06b6f63670fc7d6/james-earl-jones-happy-receive-voice-icon-award">deep into his 80s,</a>&nbsp;won two Emmys, a Golden Globe, two Tony Awards, a Grammy, the National Medal of Arts, the Kennedy Center Honors and was given an honorary Oscar and a special Tony for lifetime achievement. In 2022, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-business-earl-jones-james-earl-jones-august-wilson-b4056d456fb32a19657d1b9ff39ee0d6">Broadway theater was renamed</a>&nbsp;in his honor.

He cut an elegant figure late in life, with a wry sense of humor and a ferocious work habit. In 2015, he arrived at rehearsals for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f5220b7049444bc9ab4e273edf022cba">a Broadway run of “The Gin Game”</a>&nbsp;having already memorized the play and with notebooks filled with comments from the creative team. He said he was always in service of the work.

“The need to storytell has always been with us,” he told The Associated Press then. “I think it first happened around campfires when the man came home and told his family he got the bear, the bear didn't get him."

Jones created such memorable film roles as the reclusive writer coaxed back into the spotlight in “Field of Dreams,” the boxer Jack Johnson in the stage and screen hit “The Great White Hope,” the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-entertainment-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-3064de5f4a327209306fda7df7d25f14">writer Alex Haley</a>&nbsp;in “Roots: The Next Generation” and a South African minister in “Cry, the Beloved Country.”

He was also a sought-after voice actor, expressing the villainy of Darth Vader (“No, I am your father,” commonly misremembered as “Luke, I am your father”), as well as the benign dignity of King Mufasa in Disney's animated “The Lion King” and announcing “This is CNN” during station breaks. He won a 1977 Grammy for his performance on the “Great American Documents” audiobook.

“If you were an actor or aspired to be an actor, if you pounded the payment in these streets looks for jobs, one of the standards we always had was to be a James Earl Jones,” Samuel L. Jackson once said.

Some of his other films include “Dr. Strangelove,” “The Greatest” (with Muhammad Ali), “Conan the Barbarian,” “Three Fugitives” and playing an admiral in three Tom Clancy blockbuster adaptations — “The Hunt for Red October,” “Patriot Games” and “Clear and Present Danger.” In a rare romantic comedy, “Claudine,” Jones had an onscreen love affair with Diahann Carroll.

Jones made his Broadway debut in 1958’s “Sunrise At Campobello” and would win his two Tony Awards for “The Great White Hope” (1969) and “Fences” (1987). He also was nominated for “On Golden Pond” (2005) and “Gore Vidal’s The Best Man” (2012). He was celebrated for his command of Shakespeare and Athol Fugard alike. More recent Broadway appearances include “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” “Driving Miss Daisy,” “The Iceman Cometh,” and “You Can’t Take It With You.”

As a rising stage and television actor, he appeared in “As the World Turns” in 1965, one of the first Black actors to have such role on daytime TV. He performed with the New York Shakespeare Festival Theater in “Othello,” “Macbeth” and “King Lear” and in off-Broadway plays.

Jones was born by the light of an oil lamp in a shack in Arkabutla, Mississippi, on Jan. 17, 1931. His father, Robert Earl Jones, had deserted his wife before the baby's arrival to pursue life as a boxer and, later, an actor.

When Jones was 6, his mother took him to her parents' farm near Manistee, Michigan. His grandparents adopted the boy and raised him.

“A world ended for me, the safe world of childhood,” Jones wrote in his autobiography, “Voices and Silences.” “The move from Mississippi to Michigan was supposed to be a glorious event. For me it was a heartbreak, and not long after, I began to stutter.”

Too embarrassed to speak, he remained virtually mute for years, communicating with teachers and fellow students with handwritten notes. A sympathetic high school teacher, Donald Crouch, learned that the boy wrote poetry, and demanded that Jones read one of his poems aloud in class. He did so faultlessly.

Teacher and student worked together to restore the boy’s normal speech. “I could not get enough of speaking, debating, orating — acting,” he recalled in his book.

At the University of Michigan, he failed a pre-med exam and switched to drama, also playing four seasons of basketball. He served in the Army from 1953 to 1955.

In New York, he moved in with his father and enrolled with the American Theater Wing program for young actors. Father and son waxed floors to support themselves while looking for acting jobs.

True stardom came suddenly in 1970 with “The Great White Hope.” Howard Sackler’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway play depicted the struggles of Jack Johnson, the first Black heavyweight boxing champion, amid the racism of early 20th-century America. In 1972, Jones repeated his role in the movie version and was nominated for an Academy Award as best actor.

Jones’ two wives were also actors. He married Julienne Marie Hendricks in 1967. After their divorce, he married Cecilia Hart, best known for her role as Stacey Erickson in the CBS police drama “Paris,” in 1982. (She died in 2016.) They had a son, Flynn Earl, born in 1983.

In 2022, the Cort Theatre on Broadway&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-earl-jones-james-b2ede81ef88bedef4d17a8f08570b9dd">was renamed after Jones,</a>&nbsp;with a ceremony that included Norm Lewis singing “Go the Distance,” Brian Stokes Mitchell singing “Make Them Hear You” and words from Mayor Eric Adams, Samuel L. Jackson and LaTanya Richardson Jackson.

“You can’t think of an artist that has served America more,” director Kenny Leon told the AP. “It’s like it seems like a small act, but it’s a huge action. It’s something we can look up and see that’s tangible.”

Citing his stutter as one of the reasons he wasn’t a political activist, Jones nonetheless hoped his art could change minds.

“I realized early on, from people like Athol Fugard, that you cannot change anybody’s mind, no matter what you do,” he told the AP. “As a preacher, as a scholar, you cannot change their mind. But you can change the way they feel.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725918777492.png" alt="FILE - James Earl Jones arrives at the American Theatre Wing benefit to honor CBS and Leslie Moonves, Chairman of CBS, Monday, April 11, 2005, in New York. Jones, who overcame racial prejudice and a severe stutter to become a celebrated icon of stage and screen has died at age 93. His agent, Barry McPherson, confirmed Jones died Monday morning, Sept. 9, 2024, at home. (AP Photo/Diane Bondareff, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - James Earl Jones arrives at the American Theatre Wing benefit to honor CBS and Leslie Moonves, Chairman of CBS, Monday, April 11, 2005, in New York. Jones, who overcame racial prejudice and a severe stutter to become a celebrated icon of stage and screen has died at age 93. His agent, Barry McPherson, confirmed Jones died Monday morning, Sept. 9, 2024, at home. (AP Photo/Diane Bondareff, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/james-earl-jones">James Earl Jones,</a>&nbsp;who overcame racial prejudice and a severe stutter to become a celebrated icon of stage and screen — eventually lending his deep, commanding voice to CNN, “The Lion King” and Darth Vader — has died. He was 93.His agent, Barry McPherson, confirmed Jones died Monday morning at home in New York's Hudson Valley region. The cause was not immediately clear.The pioneering Jones, who was one of the first African American actors in a continuing role on a daytime drama and worked&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0c663181fccc4be5a06b6f63670fc7d6/james-earl-jones-happy-receive-voice-icon-award">deep into his 80s,</a>&nbsp;won two Emmys, a Golden Globe, two Tony Awards, a Grammy, the National Medal of Arts, the Kennedy Center Honors and was given an honorary Oscar and a special Tony for lifetime achievement. In 2022, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-business-earl-jones-james-earl-jones-august-wilson-b4056d456fb32a19657d1b9ff39ee0d6">Broadway theater was renamed</a>&nbsp;in his honor.He cut an elegant figure late in life, with a wry sense of humor and a ferocious work habit. In 2015, he arrived at rehearsals for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f5220b7049444bc9ab4e273edf022cba">a Broadway run of “The Gin Game”</a>&nbsp;having already memorized the play and with notebooks filled with comments from the creative team. He said he was always in service of the work.“The need to storytell has always been with us,” he told The Associated Press then. “I think it first happened around campfires when the man came home and told his family he got the bear, the bear didn't get him."Jones created such memorable film roles as the reclusive writer coaxed back into the spotlight in “Field of Dreams,” the boxer Jack Johnson in the stage and screen hit “The Great White Hope,” the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-entertainment-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-3064de5f4a327209306fda7df7d25f14">writer Alex Haley</a>&nbsp;in “Roots: The Next Generation” and a South African minister in “Cry, the Beloved Country.”He was also a sought-after voice actor, expressing the villainy of Darth Vader (“No, I am your father,” commonly misremembered as “Luke, I am your father”), as well as the benign dignity of King Mufasa in Disney's animated “The Lion King” and announcing “This is CNN” during station breaks. He won a 1977 Grammy for his performance on the “Great American Documents” audiobook.“If you were an actor or aspired to be an actor, if you pounded the payment in these streets looks for jobs, one of the standards we always had was to be a James Earl Jones,” Samuel L. Jackson once said.Some of his other films include “Dr. Strangelove,” “The Greatest” (with Muhammad Ali), “Conan the Barbarian,” “Three Fugitives” and playing an admiral in three Tom Clancy blockbuster adaptations — “The Hunt for Red October,” “Patriot Games” and “Clear and Present Danger.” In a rare romantic comedy, “Claudine,” Jones had an onscreen love affair with Diahann Carroll.Jones made his Broadway debut in 1958’s “Sunrise At Campobello” and would win his two Tony Awards for “The Great White Hope” (1969) and “Fences” (1987). He also was nominated for “On Golden Pond” (2005) and “Gore Vidal’s The Best Man” (2012). He was celebrated for his command of Shakespeare and Athol Fugard alike. More recent Broadway appearances include “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” “Driving Miss Daisy,” “The Iceman Cometh,” and “You Can’t Take It With You.”As a rising stage and television actor, he appeared in “As the World Turns” in 1965, one of the first Black actors to have such role on daytime TV. He performed with the New York Shakespeare Festival Theater in “Othello,” “Macbeth” and “King Lear” and in off-Broadway plays.Jones was born by the light of an oil lamp in a shack in Arkabutla, Mississippi, on Jan. 17, 1931. His father, Robert Earl Jones, had deserted his wife before the baby's arrival to pursue life as a boxer and, later, an actor.When Jones was 6, his mother took him to her parents' farm near Manistee, Michigan. His grandparents adopted the boy and raised him.“A world ended for me, the safe world of childhood,” Jones wrote in his autobiography, “Voices and Silences.” “The move from Mississippi to Michigan was supposed to be a glorious event. For me it was a heartbreak, and not long after, I began to stutter.”Too embarrassed to speak, he remained virtually mute for years, communicating with teachers and fellow students with handwritten notes. A sympathetic high school teacher, Donald Crouch, learned that the boy wrote poetry, and demanded that Jones read one of his poems aloud in class. He did so faultlessly.Teacher and student worked together to restore the boy’s normal speech. “I could not get enough of speaking, debating, orating — acting,” he recalled in his book.At the University of Michigan, he failed a pre-med exam and switched to drama, also playing four seasons of basketball. He served in the Army from 1953 to 1955.In New York, he moved in with his father and enrolled with the American Theater Wing program for young actors. Father and son waxed floors to support themselves while looking for acting jobs.True stardom came suddenly in 1970 with “The Great White Hope.” Howard Sackler’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway play depicted the struggles of Jack Johnson, the first Black heavyweight boxing champion, amid the racism of early 20th-century America. In 1972, Jones repeated his role in the movie version and was nominated for an Academy Award as best actor.Jones’ two wives were also actors. He married Julienne Marie Hendricks in 1967. After their divorce, he married Cecilia Hart, best known for her role as Stacey Erickson in the CBS police drama “Paris,” in 1982. (She died in 2016.) They had a son, Flynn Earl, born in 1983.In 2022, the Cort Theatre on Broadway&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-earl-jones-james-b2ede81ef88bedef4d17a8f08570b9dd">was renamed after Jones,</a>&nbsp;with a ceremony that included Norm Lewis singing “Go the Distance,” Brian Stokes Mitchell singing “Make Them Hear You” and words from Mayor Eric Adams, Samuel L. Jackson and LaTanya Richardson Jackson.“You can’t think of an artist that has served America more,” director Kenny Leon told the AP. “It’s like it seems like a small act, but it’s a huge action. It’s something we can look up and see that’s tangible.”Citing his stutter as one of the reasons he wasn’t a political activist, Jones nonetheless hoped his art could change minds.“I realized early on, from people like Athol Fugard, that you cannot change anybody’s mind, no matter what you do,” he told the AP. “As a preacher, as a scholar, you cannot change their mind. But you can change the way they feel.”

James Earl Jones, acclaimed actor and voice of Darth Vader, dies at 93

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Wichita Police Department’s “gang list” that targeted young Black and Latino residents based on where they lived, the clothes they wore and funerals they attended will be overhauled after a federal judge approved a settlement agreement in August in a class-action lawsuit.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas and Kansas Appleseed sued the City of Wichita in&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/04/15/wichita-police-unfairly-target-minorities-with-gang-list-aclu-and-kansas-appleseed-allege-in-lawsuit/">2021</a>&nbsp;alleging constitutional violations on behalf of Progeny, a Wichita-based criminal justice reform organization that focuses on youth empowerment. The suit received class action status in 2023, and the Wichita City Council voted unanimously in&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/04/09/wichita-pays-625k-to-settle-lawsuit-over-police-use-of-discriminatory-gang-list/">April</a>&nbsp;to settle the case for $625,000, which went toward litigation costs and the services of a Johnson County judge who will oversee implementation of the policy changes.

“On its inception, our clients were interested in pursuing a change in policy. They were not in it for the money, and so damages claims were never a part of the case,” said Kunyu Ching, a staff attorney at the ACLU of Kansas, in a conversation for the Kansas Reflector podcast.

Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch21/021_063_0013.html" target="_blank">statute</a>&nbsp;deems someone as a criminal gang member if at least three of 10 criteria are met, one of which says someone is a gang member if they adopt a “gang’s style of dress, color, use of hand signs or tattoos.”

The Wichita authorities’ interpretation of the statute resulted in a gang list that contained mostly Black and Latino residents and department policies that put people on the list based on businesses they visited, who they were photographed with and who they were friends with. The advocacy groups said police used unreliable evidence — or no evidence at all — to surveil, harass and discriminate against people they believed were gang members or associates.

The policy changes under the settlement agreement mandate the police department revise its criteria for adding someone’s name to the list, remove all gang associates and inactive gang members or associates from the list, and begin notifying people if they’re added to the list, according to the Aug. 26 written decision from Chief U.S. District Judge Eric Melgren. The new policy allows minors to avoid being added to the list, and it creates an appeals process so people can challenge the appearance of their names on the gang list.

The city plans to create a way for the public to check and see if they are on the police department’s gang list, said Megan Lovely, a City of Wichita spokeswoman, in an emailed statement.

“This mediated agreement is intended to protect the constitutional rights of the citizens of Wichita and allow law enforcement to conduct effective investigations for public safety,” she said.

Marquetta Atkins-Woods, executive director of Progeny, said in a news release the case’s outcome was a “prime example” of youth instigating policy change.

“Our youth were part of the plaintiffs in the case, which is heroic and fierce, to take on something like this,” she said. “I think this lawsuit and settlement are proof positive of how community can come together to be a catalyst for change.”

The settlement agreement also created the position of an ombudsman to oversee a new appeals process, and the Johnson County judge will ensure the agreement’s terms are implemented over the next three years.

Under Wichita’s previous policy, no one was notified if they were on the list, and there was no way to take their name off of it. If convicted of a crime, people who appeared on the list would face higher bond amounts, longer sentences and harsher probation conditions.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617619872501.png" alt="File photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>File photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a> TOPEKA — The Wichita Police Department’s “gang list” that targeted young Black and Latino residents based on where they lived, the clothes they wore and funerals they attended will be overhauled after a federal judge approved a settlement agreement in August in a class-action lawsuit.The American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas and Kansas Appleseed sued the City of Wichita in&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/04/15/wichita-police-unfairly-target-minorities-with-gang-list-aclu-and-kansas-appleseed-allege-in-lawsuit/">2021</a>&nbsp;alleging constitutional violations on behalf of Progeny, a Wichita-based criminal justice reform organization that focuses on youth empowerment. The suit received class action status in 2023, and the Wichita City Council voted unanimously in&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/04/09/wichita-pays-625k-to-settle-lawsuit-over-police-use-of-discriminatory-gang-list/">April</a>&nbsp;to settle the case for $625,000, which went toward litigation costs and the services of a Johnson County judge who will oversee implementation of the policy changes.“On its inception, our clients were interested in pursuing a change in policy. They were not in it for the money, and so damages claims were never a part of the case,” said Kunyu Ching, a staff attorney at the ACLU of Kansas, in a conversation for the Kansas Reflector podcast.Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch21/021_063_0013.html" target="_blank">statute</a>&nbsp;deems someone as a criminal gang member if at least three of 10 criteria are met, one of which says someone is a gang member if they adopt a “gang’s style of dress, color, use of hand signs or tattoos.”The Wichita authorities’ interpretation of the statute resulted in a gang list that contained mostly Black and Latino residents and department policies that put people on the list based on businesses they visited, who they were photographed with and who they were friends with. The advocacy groups said police used unreliable evidence — or no evidence at all — to surveil, harass and discriminate against people they believed were gang members or associates.The policy changes under the settlement agreement mandate the police department revise its criteria for adding someone’s name to the list, remove all gang associates and inactive gang members or associates from the list, and begin notifying people if they’re added to the list, according to the Aug. 26 written decision from Chief U.S. District Judge Eric Melgren. The new policy allows minors to avoid being added to the list, and it creates an appeals process so people can challenge the appearance of their names on the gang list.The city plans to create a way for the public to check and see if they are on the police department’s gang list, said Megan Lovely, a City of Wichita spokeswoman, in an emailed statement.“This mediated agreement is intended to protect the constitutional rights of the citizens of Wichita and allow law enforcement to conduct effective investigations for public safety,” she said.Marquetta Atkins-Woods, executive director of Progeny, said in a news release the case’s outcome was a “prime example” of youth instigating policy change.“Our youth were part of the plaintiffs in the case, which is heroic and fierce, to take on something like this,” she said. “I think this lawsuit and settlement are proof positive of how community can come together to be a catalyst for change.”The settlement agreement also created the position of an ombudsman to oversee a new appeals process, and the Johnson County judge will ensure the agreement’s terms are implemented over the next three years.Under Wichita’s previous policy, no one was notified if they were on the list, and there was no way to take their name off of it. If convicted of a crime, people who appeared on the list would face higher bond amounts, longer sentences and harsher probation conditions.“So it’s designed for you to fail,” said Teresa Woody, the litigation director at Kansas Appleseed.At the time the lawsuit was filed, Wichita’s was the only municipal police department in Kansas using a gang list. The list started as hard-copy files in a box.“Today it’s a database,” Ching said. “But, essentially, it’s a way for the WPD to keep tabs on individuals that they believe are gang members or gang associates.”Wichita police have used a gang list for roughly 30 years, so generations of residents have been impacted, she said. Regardless of whether criminal activity was occurring, police would scout “funerals, weddings, family celebrations, public venues, public gatherings like concerts” as reasons for adding or keeping people on the list, Ching said.Three of the ACLU of Kansas’ clients in the suit were family members, Ching said. Their active status on the gang list was renewed when they gathered at one of their homes for a wake for an infant family member who had died. Police, referencing the nationwide association of street gangs known as the Bloods, called the wake a “Blood party” at the time, Ching said.Black police officers testified that they avoided contact with certain family members because they feared they themselves could be added to the list, she said.Woody said there’s no doubt in her mind that police and the Sedgwick County district attorney knew the list, and the way it was used, was wrong.“I think it was really a way of policing these communities, or over-policing these communities, with an assumption that the folks who lived in those communities were likely criminals,” Woody said.According to an ACLU of Kansas analysis of 2022 data, more than half of people on Wichita’s gang list were Black, nearly 30% were Latino and around 6% were white. Wichita’s population is 68% white with Black residents making up less than 8% of the population and Latino residents making up about 14%. Mostly white police officers staffed Wichita’s gang investigation unit, Woody said.As of May 2022, roughly 5,500 people were on Wichita’s gang list. Woody said roughly two thirds of the people on the list could be removed under the police department’s revised policy, which went into effect&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wichita.gov/DocumentCenter/View/29592/Policy-527--Gang-Offenders-PDF" target="_blank">Aug. 26</a>.