By GENE POLICINSKI Freedom Forum

When it comes to your core freedoms, which would you rather wield to protect them: a sword or a shield?

The 45 words of the First Amendment haven’t changed since it was adopted in 1791, but how those five freedoms are interpreted and applied is shifting — alarming some even as it empowers others.

For much of our history, the amendment’s core freedoms have served as a shield. Our individual rights were protected from government overreach and persecution, defending what University of Virginia professor G. Edward White decades ago called “oppressed mavericks and despised dissenters.”

The U.S. Supreme Court and state lawmakers have both wielded a sharp sword in the past year to carve out legal exceptions that would reduce, restrict or criminalize speech and the right to assemble and protest. Those exceptions extended into public libraries and classrooms, physicians’ offices and public spaces.

Where once First Amendment rights were deployed to encourage the “marketplace of ideas” when all might speak and none would be silenced, litigation and lawmakers now tell teachers what ideas and activities — sometimes even what words – cannot be expressed.

As part of the fallout from the reversal of Roe v. Wade, multiple states have passed laws that forbid doctors from providing abortion information to patients. At least one law could criminalize such discussions with patients, advancing the idea that because abortion is now illegal in that state, the chat would constitute “aiding and abetting” a crime.

In Florida, there are challenges to a so-called “anti-woke” law that would control what professors and others can teach and what students can learn by restricting race-based conversation and analysis in business and education. "Without the freedom to engage in vigorous and robust debate about important issues and contentious concepts, a college education is just an exercise in memorizing facts and repeating government-approved viewpoints," says attorney Adam Steinbaugh of the Foundation for Individual Right and Expression. "That's not freedom or education."

In a Texas school district, new regulations now permit a parent or guardian to force libraries to pull a book from the shelves as soon as an objection is raised – with possible return only after a lengthy process.

How did the First Amendment work as a shield? A prime example stems from a 1941 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that Americans could be required to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance, even if some had an objection based on sincere religious beliefs. In the aftermath of the decision, those who still conscientiously objected suffered violence across the country. In 1943, a horrified court reversed itself, establishing constitutional protection for those who did not wish to stand for or recite the pledge.

The court declared not an exception for dissent over reciting the Pledge, but rather created a shield behind which all of us can decide our own definition and practice of patriotism. In a resounding declaration of that individual right, Justice Robert H. Jackson wrote that “If there is any fixed star in our constitutional constellation, it is that no official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in matters of politics, nationalism, religion or other matters of opinion.”

For much of the 20th&nbsp;Century, lawmakers and the courts protected the rights of individuals to assemble freely and protest for justice, refused to permit a dominant religious belief to override individual faith choices in public schools and defended even vulgar or insulting speech if it involved matters of public concern.

From permitting a critical press to do its watchdog role to protecting those engaged in comedy and satire, the right to speak freely found protection. Justices defended the right to conduct hateful protests at military funerals and rejected calls to censor violent video games.

But in 2018, Georgetown University Prof. Louis Michael Seidman wrote of a change in recent years: “Instead of providing a shield for the powerless, the First Amendment became a sword used by people at the apex of the American hierarchy of power.” And a few years ago, Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan warned the court’s conservative majority, in ruling on a union fee case, had found a dangerous tool, “turning the First Amendment into a sword.”

As Kagan warned, we now have – particularly in the name of religious rights for some – carved out exceptions from laws aimed at battling discrimination and insuring equitable health care across society. There are now free-speech distinctions between most citizens and public employees. Election-reform era restrictions on how corporations can spend funds to influence elections have been slashed in the name of corporate free speech.

The sword that threatens a free press may be the most immediate, given that today’s news industry confronts challenges ranging from high-profile calls to revise long-standing defamation law to make it easier to successfully sue media outlets, to a relentless political campaign to paint journalists as biased “enemies of the people,” all while reeling from a devastated revenue structure that has dramatically cut both the number of newsroom staff and newspapers nationwide.

If we want an independent news media that will serve as a watchdog on our behalf over federal, state and local government officials, agencies and units, then we need to do our part to ensure that continues.

Support local news outlets, particularly startups and nonprofit organizations that track what happens at the state government level. Talk back to those on the left or right that use the media for propaganda, misinformation or disinformation. And spend a little on news reports to get a lot in return – if not to support a particular newspaper or website, then in support of democracy.

In this highly divisive social and political era, we need to recognize that the partisan political utility of a legislative or judicial sword to carve away at the First Amendment, even when swung in the name of freedom, may well cut your rights even as it carves out exceptions for some.

Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the Freedom Forum. He can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:gpolicinski@freedomforum.org">gpolicinski@freedomforum.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664073704745.jpeg" alt="Gene Policinski. Photo courtesy Freedom Forum" />
 <figcaption>Gene Policinski. Photo courtesy Freedom Forum</figcaption>
 </figure>By GENE POLICINSKI Freedom ForumWhen it comes to your core freedoms, which would you rather wield to protect them: a sword or a shield?The 45 words of the First Amendment haven’t changed since it was adopted in 1791, but how those five freedoms are interpreted and applied is shifting — alarming some even as it empowers others.For much of our history, the amendment’s core freedoms have served as a shield. Our individual rights were protected from government overreach and persecution, defending what University of Virginia professor G. Edward White decades ago called “oppressed mavericks and despised dissenters.”The U.S. Supreme Court and state lawmakers have both wielded a sharp sword in the past year to carve out legal exceptions that would reduce, restrict or criminalize speech and the right to assemble and protest. Those exceptions extended into public libraries and classrooms, physicians’ offices and public spaces.Where once First Amendment rights were deployed to encourage the “marketplace of ideas” when all might speak and none would be silenced, litigation and lawmakers now tell teachers what ideas and activities — sometimes even what words – cannot be expressed.As part of the fallout from the reversal of Roe v. Wade, multiple states have passed laws that forbid doctors from providing abortion information to patients. At least one law could criminalize such discussions with patients, advancing the idea that because abortion is now illegal in that state, the chat would constitute “aiding and abetting” a crime.In Florida, there are challenges to a so-called “anti-woke” law that would control what professors and others can teach and what students can learn by restricting race-based conversation and analysis in business and education. "Without the freedom to engage in vigorous and robust debate about important issues and contentious concepts, a college education is just an exercise in memorizing facts and repeating government-approved viewpoints," says attorney Adam Steinbaugh of the Foundation for Individual Right and Expression. "That's not freedom or education."In a Texas school district, new regulations now permit a parent or guardian to force libraries to pull a book from the shelves as soon as an objection is raised – with possible return only after a lengthy process.How did the First Amendment work as a shield? A prime example stems from a 1941 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that Americans could be required to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance, even if some had an objection based on sincere religious beliefs. In the aftermath of the decision, those who still conscientiously objected suffered violence across the country. In 1943, a horrified court reversed itself, establishing constitutional protection for those who did not wish to stand for or recite the pledge.The court declared not an exception for dissent over reciting the Pledge, but rather created a shield behind which all of us can decide our own definition and practice of patriotism. In a resounding declaration of that individual right, Justice Robert H. Jackson wrote that “If there is any fixed star in our constitutional constellation, it is that no official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in matters of politics, nationalism, religion or other matters of opinion.”For much of the 20th&nbsp;Century, lawmakers and the courts protected the rights of individuals to assemble freely and protest for justice, refused to permit a dominant religious belief to override individual faith choices in public schools and defended even vulgar or insulting speech if it involved matters of public concern.From permitting a critical press to do its watchdog role to protecting those engaged in comedy and satire, the right to speak freely found protection. Justices defended the right to conduct hateful protests at military funerals and rejected calls to censor violent video games.But in 2018, Georgetown University Prof. Louis Michael Seidman wrote of a change in recent years: “Instead of providing a shield for the powerless, the First Amendment became a sword used by people at the apex of the American hierarchy of power.” And a few years ago, Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan warned the court’s conservative majority, in ruling on a union fee case, had found a dangerous tool, “turning the First Amendment into a sword.”As Kagan warned, we now have – particularly in the name of religious rights for some – carved out exceptions from laws aimed at battling discrimination and insuring equitable health care across society. There are now free-speech distinctions between most citizens and public employees. Election-reform era restrictions on how corporations can spend funds to influence elections have been slashed in the name of corporate free speech.The sword that threatens a free press may be the most immediate, given that today’s news industry confronts challenges ranging from high-profile calls to revise long-standing defamation law to make it easier to successfully sue media outlets, to a relentless political campaign to paint journalists as biased “enemies of the people,” all while reeling from a devastated revenue structure that has dramatically cut both the number of newsroom staff and newspapers nationwide.If we want an independent news media that will serve as a watchdog on our behalf over federal, state and local government officials, agencies and units, then we need to do our part to ensure that continues.Support local news outlets, particularly startups and nonprofit organizations that track what happens at the state government level. Talk back to those on the left or right that use the media for propaganda, misinformation or disinformation. And spend a little on news reports to get a lot in return – if not to support a particular newspaper or website, then in support of democracy.In this highly divisive social and political era, we need to recognize that the partisan political utility of a legislative or judicial sword to carve away at the First Amendment, even when swung in the name of freedom, may well cut your rights even as it carves out exceptions for some.Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the Freedom Forum. He can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:gpolicinski@freedomforum.org">gpolicinski@freedomforum.org</a>.

FIRST 5: First Amendment rights, do we want a sword or a shield?

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a non-injury accident have made an arrest of an off-duty police officer.

Just after 11:45p.m. Friday, police responded to report of an accident at Douglas and Waco in Wichita involving a blue 2010 Mazda 3 and a city of Wichita Q Line bus, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

Officers contacted the driver of the Mazda, off duty Detective MaryAnna Hoyt, who showed signs of impairment, according to Ditch. For transparency purposes, police officer contacted the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office to investigate and booked Hoyt on a requested charge of DUI.

There was minor damage to the city bus and no injuries to the driver of the bus. Hoyt is a detective with the Wichita Police Department and has been employed for 15 years and was assigned to the Investigation Division. She has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the investigation.

There will be an internal investigation upon completion of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664041669827.png" alt="Hoyt-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Hoyt-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a non-injury accident have made an arrest of an off-duty police officer.Just after 11:45p.m. Friday, police responded to report of an accident at Douglas and Waco in Wichita involving a blue 2010 Mazda 3 and a city of Wichita Q Line bus, according to Officer Chad Ditch.Officers contacted the driver of the Mazda, off duty Detective MaryAnna Hoyt, who showed signs of impairment, according to Ditch. For transparency purposes, police officer contacted the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office to investigate and booked Hoyt on a requested charge of DUI.There was minor damage to the city bus and no injuries to the driver of the bus. Hoyt is a detective with the Wichita Police Department and has been employed for 15 years and was assigned to the Investigation Division. She has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the investigation.There will be an internal investigation upon completion of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office investigation.

Off-duty Kansas police detective arrested after car, bus crash

From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinapubliclibrary/">Salina Public Library Facebook page</a>:

See what's new this week at the Salina Public Library at:

*** <a href="http://wowbrary.org/nu.aspx?fb&amp;p=5578-471&amp;fbclid=IwAR2bK8Zs4ZnplsH5115fJnVmDjH4R69t43OUgU56RjGrob7Gpl73k5rIK8E" target="_blank">http://wowbrary.org/nu.aspx?fb&amp;p=5578-471</a> ***

There are 16 new bestsellers, six new movies, one new audiobook, 32 new music CDs, two new children's books, and 186 other new books. The new bestsellers this week include "The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture," "Regretting You," and "Help is Here: Facing Life's Challenges with the Power of the Spirit." The new movies this week include "Superman &amp;amp; Lois: The Complete Second Season," "The Flash: The Complete Eighth Season," and "Masterpiece Mystery! Van der Valk Season 2."&nbsp;&nbsp;

From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinapubliclibrary/">Salina Public Library Facebook page</a>:See what's new this week at the Salina Public Library at:*** <a href="http://wowbrary.org/nu.aspx?fb&amp;p=5578-471&amp;fbclid=IwAR2bK8Zs4ZnplsH5115fJnVmDjH4R69t43OUgU56RjGrob7Gpl73k5rIK8E" target="_blank">http://wowbrary.org/nu.aspx?fb&amp;p=5578-471</a> ***There are 16 new bestsellers, six new movies, one new audiobook, 32 new music CDs, two new children's books, and 186 other new books. The new bestsellers this week include "The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture," "Regretting You," and "Help is Here: Facing Life's Challenges with the Power of the Spirit." The new movies this week include "Superman &amp;amp; Lois: The Complete Second Season," "The Flash: The Complete Eighth Season," and "Masterpiece Mystery! Van der Valk Season 2."&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664043377805.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Check out what's new at the Salina Public Library

WASHINGTON (AP) — “God bless you, let’s have some music,” said Elton John.

With that, the White House South Lawn was transformed into a musical lovefest Friday night as John played a farewell gig to honor everyday “heroes” like teachers, nurses and AIDS activists. But as it turns out, the event was also to honor the 75-year-old British songwriter — President Joe Biden surprised him with the National Humanities Medal for being a “tidal wave” who helped people rise up for justice.

John seemed almost overcome by the accolades, telling the audience of 2,000 people: “I don’t know what to say. ... I don’t know how to take a compliment very well but it’s wonderful to be here amongst so many people who have helped my AIDS foundation and my heroes, that ones that work day to day on the front line.”

He said he’d played some beautiful venues before, but the stage in front of the White House, beneath a massive open-air tent on a perfect autumn night, was “probably the icing on the cake.”

He kicked off the show with “Your Song,” his first big international hit.

The intimate guest list included teachers, nurses, frontline workers and LGBTQ advocates, plus former first lady Laura Bush, civil rights advocate Ruby Bridges, education activist Malala Yousafzai and Jeanne White-Ginder, an AIDS activist and mother of Ryan White, who died from AIDS-related complications in 1990.

Biden and first lady Jill Biden talked about the British singer’s activism, the power of his music and his all-around goodness. The event was dreamed up and paid for by A+E and the History Channel.

“Seamus Heaney once wrote, and I quote, ’Once in a lifetime, the longed-for tidal wave of justice can rise up, and hope and history rhyme,” Biden said. “Throughout his incredible career, Sir Elton John has been that tidal wave, a tidal wave to help people rise up and make hope and history rhyme.”

The night, in fact, was called “A Night When Hope and History Rhyme,” a reference to the poem Biden quoted by Ireland’s Heaney.

Sir Elton —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-princess-diana-entertainment-concerts-royalty-ad4127ab5dd65ba6b629e25f40c3ac42">he was knighted in 1998 by Queen Elizabeth II</a>&nbsp;— has sold over 300 million records worldwide, played over 4,000 shows in 80 countries and recorded one of the best-selling singles of all time, his 1997 reworking of “Candle In The Wind” to eulogize Princess Diana, which sold 33 million copies.

John punctuated the hits Friday with emotional tidbits of his history, including a shoutout to Laura Bush and former president George W. Bush for his administration’s emergency plan for AIDS relief, and a story of how a dying Ryan White and his mother pushed him into advocacy in the first place, and helped him get sober.

“I wouldn’t be here talking tonight,” he said. “They saved my life.”

He then dedicated “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” to Ryan.

Despite the presence of plenty of lawmakers, the political speak was kept to a minimum, except for when John said, “I just wish America would be more bipartisan on everything.”

It was his first White House gig since he performed with Stevie Wonder at a state dinner in 1998 honoring British Prime Minister Tony Blair. John is on a farewell tour that began in July after performing for more than 50 years.

The show came together after A+E Networks and the History Channel asked the White House and John if they’d be up for a collaboration honoring “everyday history-makers” as well as John himself.

It’s not clear whether the show will be broadcast. John has worked with A+E in the past on his global HIV/AIDS charity, the Elton John Foundation, which has raised more than $525 million to combat the virus around the world.

John is sticking around to play a sold-out show at Nationals Park Saturday.

The president and first lady are big fans. Biden wrote in a 2017 memoir about singing “Crocodile Rock” to his two young boys as he drove them to school, and again later to son Beau before he died of cancer at age 46.

“I started singing the lyrics to Beau, quietly, so just the two of us could hear it,” Biden wrote. “Beau didn’t open his eyes, but I could see through my own tears that he was smiling.”

John played the song Friday, saying someone told him Biden used to sing it to his little boys. “I can’t imagine him singin’ it,” John quipped before suggesting the president come up on stage. He did not. But the whole crowd did do the “La-La-Las” from their seats.

Biden’s predecessor, Donald Trump, was also a fan of John. He tried to get John to perform at his 2017 inauguration but John declined, saying he didn’t think it was appropriate for a Brit to play at the swearing-in of an American president.

The White House insisted Friday’s show wasn’t an effort to troll Trump, who has praised John in his books and has often featured John’s music — including “Rocket Man” and “Tiny Dancer” — in his pre-rally playlists over the years. Trump nicknamed North Korean leader Kim Jong Un “rocket man” for his record of test-firing missiles.

John played both Friday, to thunderous applause.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664027969628.png" alt="President Joe Biden surprised Elton John with the National Humanities Medal Friday night-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Joe Biden surprised Elton John with the National Humanities Medal Friday night-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — “God bless you, let’s have some music,” said Elton John.With that, the White House South Lawn was transformed into a musical lovefest Friday night as John played a farewell gig to honor everyday “heroes” like teachers, nurses and AIDS activists. But as it turns out, the event was also to honor the 75-year-old British songwriter — President Joe Biden surprised him with the National Humanities Medal for being a “tidal wave” who helped people rise up for justice.John seemed almost overcome by the accolades, telling the audience of 2,000 people: “I don’t know what to say. ... I don’t know how to take a compliment very well but it’s wonderful to be here amongst so many people who have helped my AIDS foundation and my heroes, that ones that work day to day on the front line.”He said he’d played some beautiful venues before, but the stage in front of the White House, beneath a massive open-air tent on a perfect autumn night, was “probably the icing on the cake.”He kicked off the show with “Your Song,” his first big international hit.The intimate guest list included teachers, nurses, frontline workers and LGBTQ advocates, plus former first lady Laura Bush, civil rights advocate Ruby Bridges, education activist Malala Yousafzai and Jeanne White-Ginder, an AIDS activist and mother of Ryan White, who died from AIDS-related complications in 1990.Biden and first lady Jill Biden talked about the British singer’s activism, the power of his music and his all-around goodness. The event was dreamed up and paid for by A+E and the History Channel.“Seamus Heaney once wrote, and I quote, ’Once in a lifetime, the longed-for tidal wave of justice can rise up, and hope and history rhyme,” Biden said. “Throughout his incredible career, Sir Elton John has been that tidal wave, a tidal wave to help people rise up and make hope and history rhyme.”The night, in fact, was called “A Night When Hope and History Rhyme,” a reference to the poem Biden quoted by Ireland’s Heaney.Sir Elton —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-princess-diana-entertainment-concerts-royalty-ad4127ab5dd65ba6b629e25f40c3ac42">he was knighted in 1998 by Queen Elizabeth II</a>&nbsp;— has sold over 300 million records worldwide, played over 4,000 shows in 80 countries and recorded one of the best-selling singles of all time, his 1997 reworking of “Candle In The Wind” to eulogize Princess Diana, which sold 33 million copies.John punctuated the hits Friday with emotional tidbits of his history, including a shoutout to Laura Bush and former president George W. Bush for his administration’s emergency plan for AIDS relief, and a story of how a dying Ryan White and his mother pushed him into advocacy in the first place, and helped him get sober.“I wouldn’t be here talking tonight,” he said. “They saved my life.”He then dedicated “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” to Ryan.Despite the presence of plenty of lawmakers, the political speak was kept to a minimum, except for when John said, “I just wish America would be more bipartisan on everything.”It was his first White House gig since he performed with Stevie Wonder at a state dinner in 1998 honoring British Prime Minister Tony Blair. John is on a farewell tour that began in July after performing for more than 50 years.The show came together after A+E Networks and the History Channel asked the White House and John if they’d be up for a collaboration honoring “everyday history-makers” as well as John himself.It’s not clear whether the show will be broadcast. John has worked with A+E in the past on his global HIV/AIDS charity, the Elton John Foundation, which has raised more than $525 million to combat the virus around the world.John is sticking around to play a sold-out show at Nationals Park Saturday.The president and first lady are big fans. Biden wrote in a 2017 memoir about singing “Crocodile Rock” to his two young boys as he drove them to school, and again later to son Beau before he died of cancer at age 46.“I started singing the lyrics to Beau, quietly, so just the two of us could hear it,” Biden wrote. “Beau didn’t open his eyes, but I could see through my own tears that he was smiling.”John played the song Friday, saying someone told him Biden used to sing it to his little boys. “I can’t imagine him singin’ it,” John quipped before suggesting the president come up on stage. He did not. But the whole crowd did do the “La-La-Las” from their seats.Biden’s predecessor, Donald Trump, was also a fan of John. He tried to get John to perform at his 2017 inauguration but John declined, saying he didn’t think it was appropriate for a Brit to play at the swearing-in of an American president.The White House insisted Friday’s show wasn’t an effort to troll Trump, who has praised John in his books and has often featured John’s music — including “Rocket Man” and “Tiny Dancer” — in his pre-rally playlists over the years. Trump nicknamed North Korean leader Kim Jong Un “rocket man” for his record of test-firing missiles.John played both Friday, to thunderous applause.

Biden surprised Elton John with the National Humanities Medal

Today is Saturday, Sept. 24, the 267th day of 2022. There are 98 days left in the year.

On Sept. 24, 1960, the USS Enterprise, the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, was launched at Newport News, Virginia.

In 1789, President George Washington signed a Judiciary Act establishing America's federal court system and creating the post of attorney general.

In 1869, thousands of businessmen were ruined in a Wall Street panic known as "Black Friday" after financiers Jay Gould and James Fisk attempted to corner the gold market.

In 1957, the Los Angeles-bound Brooklyn Dodgers played their last game at Ebbets Field, defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates 2-0.

In 1963, the U.S. Senate ratified a treaty with Britain and the Soviet Union limiting nuclear testing.

In 1968, the TV news magazine "60 Minutes" premiered on CBS; the undercover police drama "The Mod Squad" premiered on ABC.

In 1969, the trial of the Chicago Eight (later seven) began. (Five were later convicted of crossing state lines to incite riots at the 1968 Democratic convention, but the convictions were ultimately overturned.)

In 1976, former hostage Patricia Hearst was sentenced to seven years in prison for her part in a 1974 bank robbery in San Francisco carried out by the Symbionese Liberation Army. (Hearst was released after 22 months after receiving clemency from President Jimmy Carter.)

In 1996, the United States and 70 other countries became the first to sign a treaty at the United Nations to end all testing and development of nuclear weapons. (The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty has yet to enter into force because of the refusal so far of eight nations — including the United States — to ratify it.)

In 2001, President George W. Bush ordered a freeze on the assets of 27 people and organizations with suspected links to terrorism, including Islamic militant Osama bin Laden, and urged other nations to do likewise.

In 2015, a stampede and crush of Muslim pilgrims occurred at an intersection near a holy site in Saudi Arabia; The Associated Press estimated that more than 2,400 people were killed, while the official Saudi toll stood at 769.

In 2019, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi launched a formal impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump; the probe focused partly on whether Trump abused his presidential powers and sought help from the government of Ukraine to undermine Democratic foe Joe Biden. (Trump would be acquitted by the Republican-controlled Senate on two impeachment charges.)

In 2020, President Donald Trump's refusal to commit to a peaceful transfer of power if he were to lose the November election drew swift blowback from both parties in Congress, with Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell saying that the winner "will be inaugurated on January 20th."

Ten years ago: President Barack Obama told the ABC talk show "The View" there was "no doubt" that the assault of the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, that killed four Americans, including the U.S. ambassador, "wasn't just a mob action" but a sign of extremism in nations lacking stability. Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney accused Obama of minimizing the Benghazi attack as a mere "bump in the road."

Five years ago: More than 200 NFL players kneeled or sat during the national anthem after President Donald Trump criticized the players' protests in a speech and a series of tweets. Trump signed a proclamation to replace his expiring travel ban on visitors from six Muslim-majority countries; citizens from eight countries would now face new restrictions on entry to the country. German Chancellor Angela Merkel won a fourth term in office, but voters weakened her conservatives and a nationalist, anti-migrant party surged into Germany's parliament.

One year ago: A Republican-backed review of the 2020 presidential election in Arizona's largest county ended without providing proof to support former President Donald Trump's false claims of a stolen election; the vote tally from a firm hired by Republican lawmakers found that President Joe Biden won in the county by 360 more votes than in the official results that were certified. California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law removing the word "alien" from various sections of the state code; the word, which was criticized as being dehumanizing and offensive, would be replaced with terms like "noncitizen" or "immigrant."

Today's Birthdays: Singer Phyllis "Jiggs" Allbut Sirico (The Angels) is 80. Political commentator Lou Dobbs is 77. Pro and College Football Hall of Famer Joe Greene is 76. Actor Gordon Clapp is 74. Actor Harriet Walter is 72. Songwriter Holly Knight is 66. Actor Kevin Sorbo is 64. Actor-writer Nia Vardalos is 60. Rock musician Shawn Crahan (AKA Clown) (Slipknot) is 53. Country musician Marty Mitchell is 53. Actor Megan Ward is 53. Singer-musician Marty Cintron (No Mercy) is 51. Contemporary Christian musician Juan DeVevo (Casting Crowns) is 47. Actor Ian Bohen is 46. Actor Justin Bruening is 43. Olympic gold medal gymnast Paul Hamm is 40. Actor Erik Stocklin is 40. Actor Spencer Treat Clark is 35. Actor Grey Damon is 35. Actor Kyle Sullivan is 34. Actor Ben Platt is 29.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://Shutterstock.com">Shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://Shutterstock.com">Shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Saturday, Sept. 24, the 267th day of 2022. There are 98 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Sept. 24, 1960, the USS Enterprise, the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, was launched at Newport News, Virginia.On this date:In 1789, President George Washington signed a Judiciary Act establishing America's federal court system and creating the post of attorney general.In 1869, thousands of businessmen were ruined in a Wall Street panic known as "Black Friday" after financiers Jay Gould and James Fisk attempted to corner the gold market.In 1957, the Los Angeles-bound Brooklyn Dodgers played their last game at Ebbets Field, defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates 2-0.In 1963, the U.S. Senate ratified a treaty with Britain and the Soviet Union limiting nuclear testing.In 1968, the TV news magazine "60 Minutes" premiered on CBS; the undercover police drama "The Mod Squad" premiered on ABC.In 1969, the trial of the Chicago Eight (later seven) began. (Five were later convicted of crossing state lines to incite riots at the 1968 Democratic convention, but the convictions were ultimately overturned.)In 1976, former hostage Patricia Hearst was sentenced to seven years in prison for her part in a 1974 bank robbery in San Francisco carried out by the Symbionese Liberation Army. (Hearst was released after 22 months after receiving clemency from President Jimmy Carter.)In 1996, the United States and 70 other countries became the first to sign a treaty at the United Nations to end all testing and development of nuclear weapons. (The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty has yet to enter into force because of the refusal so far of eight nations — including the United States — to ratify it.)In 2001, President George W. Bush ordered a freeze on the assets of 27 people and organizations with suspected links to terrorism, including Islamic militant Osama bin Laden, and urged other nations to do likewise.In 2015, a stampede and crush of Muslim pilgrims occurred at an intersection near a holy site in Saudi Arabia; The Associated Press estimated that more than 2,400 people were killed, while the official Saudi toll stood at 769.In 2019, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi launched a formal impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump; the probe focused partly on whether Trump abused his presidential powers and sought help from the government of Ukraine to undermine Democratic foe Joe Biden. (Trump would be acquitted by the Republican-controlled Senate on two impeachment charges.)In 2020, President Donald Trump's refusal to commit to a peaceful transfer of power if he were to lose the November election drew swift blowback from both parties in Congress, with Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell saying that the winner "will be inaugurated on January 20th."Ten years ago: President Barack Obama told the ABC talk show "The View" there was "no doubt" that the assault of the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, that killed four Americans, including the U.S. ambassador, "wasn't just a mob action" but a sign of extremism in nations lacking stability. Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney accused Obama of minimizing the Benghazi attack as a mere "bump in the road."Five years ago: More than 200 NFL players kneeled or sat during the national anthem after President Donald Trump criticized the players' protests in a speech and a series of tweets. Trump signed a proclamation to replace his expiring travel ban on visitors from six Muslim-majority countries; citizens from eight countries would now face new restrictions on entry to the country. German Chancellor Angela Merkel won a fourth term in office, but voters weakened her conservatives and a nationalist, anti-migrant party surged into Germany's parliament.One year ago: A Republican-backed review of the 2020 presidential election in Arizona's largest county ended without providing proof to support former President Donald Trump's false claims of a stolen election; the vote tally from a firm hired by Republican lawmakers found that President Joe Biden won in the county by 360 more votes than in the official results that were certified. California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law removing the word "alien" from various sections of the state code; the word, which was criticized as being dehumanizing and offensive, would be replaced with terms like "noncitizen" or "immigrant."Today's Birthdays: Singer Phyllis "Jiggs" Allbut Sirico (The Angels) is 80. Political commentator Lou Dobbs is 77. Pro and College Football Hall of Famer Joe Greene is 76. Actor Gordon Clapp is 74. Actor Harriet Walter is 72. Songwriter Holly Knight is 66. Actor Kevin Sorbo is 64. Actor-writer Nia Vardalos is 60. Rock musician Shawn Crahan (AKA Clown) (Slipknot) is 53. Country musician Marty Mitchell is 53. Actor Megan Ward is 53. Singer-musician Marty Cintron (No Mercy) is 51. Contemporary Christian musician Juan DeVevo (Casting Crowns) is 47. Actor Ian Bohen is 46. Actor Justin Bruening is 43. Olympic gold medal gymnast Paul Hamm is 40. Actor Erik Stocklin is 40. Actor Spencer Treat Clark is 35. Actor Grey Damon is 35. Actor Kyle Sullivan is 34. Actor Ben Platt is 29.

Today in History - September 24

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Sara Dykman bicycled more than 10,000 miles following both the spring and fall migrations of the monarch butterfly in 2017.

She chronicles her story in her book "Bicycling with Butterflies." Dykman, who is from Kansas City, made her first in-person book tour appearance at the Hays Public Library on Sept. 8.

Dykman said if her audience only learned one thing from the presentation she wanted them to know that monarch butterfly caterpillars eat milkweed, a flower with 90 native species in the U.S, Mexico and Canada.

"The monarch is 100 percent connected to this plant this male butterfly is nectaring on, which is milkweed. No milkweed, no monarchs," she said. 

Milkweed is the only plant that monarch caterpillars will eat. It makes them poisonous and helps to protect them from predators.

"It's not only good [for monarchs]," she said of the milkweed, "it is the only way we are going to save them."

The latest estimates are monarchs need 1 billion stems of milkweed to maintain their migration. 

The adult butterflies also need flowers from which they drink nectar.

Dykman started her journey in March in Mexico as the monarchs were leaving their overwintering site in the Oyamel fir forests of Mexico. 

She said this was the most butterflies she would see until the butterflies started to regroup for their migration back south. Most of her journey, she would only see a few per day.

Monarchs are the only butterfly known to make a two-way annual migration. The butterflies migrate from southern Canada to Mexico each fall. They overwinter in Michoacán, Mexico, and then begin their journey north in the spring.

As they encounter milkweed, females lay their eggs and then die. The butterflies continue to reproduce and die as they move north. Several generations later, butterflies that were never in Mexico make the migration south in the fall to the overwintering site.

"That never gets old to me," Dykman said. "To look at a little egg next to a railroad track in Illinois and be like 'You are going to metamorphose and you are going to fly to a tree that your great-great-great grandma was on."

Most of the monarchs that migrate to Mexico come from east of the Rocky Mountains. Most of the monarchs west of the Rockies overwinter in southern California. A few of the eastern monarchs overwinter in Florida.

The migratory monarch butterflies recently made the International Union for Conservation of Nature endangered list. Although monarch butterflies can be found worldwide, their migration in North America is under threat due to habitat destruction, use of pesticides and herbicides, and climate change.

The IUCN list is not the U.S. federal endangered species list that would give the butterflies and their habitat more protection in the United States.

"This migration is what's at stake," Dykman said. "This multi-generational, multi-national migration is what we're fighting to save."

Dykman gave presentations to schools and community groups on her journey. With the exception of her presentation stops, she said she "threw everything I needed on that bike, and I just didn't have a plan."

"When I was hungry, I would stop and cook," she said. "When I was tired, I would stop and camp."

She said camping in unestablished camp spots, was very cheap and she was separate from people who might be a threat.

She said bike touring makes her grateful for the smallest things.

"I always say my most two favorite things are an outlet, close to lunch time, even more than a shower, and a tree to lean your bike up against at night," she said.

She said it also gave her a better understanding of monarch habitat.

"If it's safe during the first mile and the last mile, that doesn't matter if it's not safe the middle mile," she said. "It's the same with the monarchs. They can have all the habitat they need in Mexico. They can have all the habitat they need in Canada, but if they don't have habitat in Kansas, the whole trip doesn't matter."

Dykman said designating wild lands as national and state parks and wildlife refuges will not help monarchs unless there are milkweed and nectar-producing flowers all along their migration route.

"There's a movement going on right now to get these native gardens at every single person's house and every single planter box and every single church and every single library. Any place there's green grass, if we can get native plants there, we're offering a caterpillar a home."

Now is the time to plant milkweed seeds, as they need to go through a process of cold and wet to germinate in the spring.

Dykman said she stopped often to view and take photographs of monarchs and other insects and animals during her trip. She would look for caterpillar poop or the distinctive horseshow-shaped holes in milkweed leaves that indicated a young monarch caterpillar had been eating a milkweed leaf.

"This is what my trip was about. It was seeing the world through the lens of a monarch," she said.

However, she said she saw habitat destruction that she didn't want to see.

Mowing roadside ditches, especially in the fall during the monarch migration, not only destroys monarch food, but it is likely to kill monarch caterpillars that are feeding on milkweed in those ditches, Dykman said.

Dykman urged local residents to contact their municipalities to urge officials not to mow, leave areas native or at least delay mowing until after the migration.

"I think that is one of the most important lessons that the monarchs taught me is that you're going to be depressed unless you go out and try to do something and try to fix it," she said.

"You can't just complain without a solution. My solution was to be their voice."

Species like frogs are very particular about their habitat.

"Monarchs don't mind if there's 99 percent pavement here, I'll put an egg on this milkweed in this planter box," she said.

&nbsp;Dykman urged her audience that even if monarchs are not your thing, pick something else in the environment to champion. 

"If your protecting frogs, you're protecting monarch. If you're protecting monarchs, you're protecting frogs. It's all connected," she said. "It doesn't matter what calls you. Find something that does and go take care of that thing."

You can learn more about Dykman's work on butterfly conservation on her website <a href="http://www.beyondabook.org/">Beyond A Book.</a> There is also a link on that site to order her book.

Other resources on monarch butterflies <a href="https://www.monarchwatch.org/">Monarch Watch</a> <a href="https://monarchjointventure.org/">Monarch Joint Venture</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663695791312.jpeg" alt="Sara Dykman, author of "Bicycling with Butterflies," on her bike during a multi-country bicycle tour that followed the migration of the monarch butterfly. Photo courtesy of Sara Dykman" />
 <figcaption>Sara Dykman, author of "Bicycling with Butterflies," on her bike during a multi-country bicycle tour that followed the migration of the monarch butterfly. Photo courtesy of Sara Dykman</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostSara Dykman bicycled more than 10,000 miles following both the spring and fall migrations of the monarch butterfly in 2017.She chronicles her story in her book "Bicycling with Butterflies." Dykman, who is from Kansas City, made her first in-person book tour appearance at the Hays Public Library on Sept. 8.Dykman said if her audience only learned one thing from the presentation she wanted them to know that monarch butterfly caterpillars eat milkweed, a flower with 90 native species in the U.S, Mexico and Canada. "The monarch is 100 percent connected to this plant this male butterfly is nectaring on, which is milkweed. No milkweed, no monarchs," she said. Milkweed is the only plant that monarch caterpillars will eat. It makes them poisonous and helps to protect them from predators."It's not only good [for monarchs]," she said of the milkweed, "it is the only way we are going to save them."The latest estimates are monarchs need 1 billion stems of milkweed to maintain their migration. The adult butterflies also need flowers from which they drink nectar.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663695881987.jpeg" alt="Monarch butterflies in flight in the overwintering site in Mexico. Photo courtesy of Sara Dykman " />
 <figcaption>Monarch butterflies in flight in the overwintering site in Mexico. Photo courtesy of Sara Dykman </figcaption>
 </figure>Dykman started her journey in March in Mexico as the monarchs were leaving their overwintering site in the Oyamel fir forests of Mexico. She said this was the most butterflies she would see until the butterflies started to regroup for their migration back south. Most of her journey, she would only see a few per day. Monarchs are the only butterfly known to make a two-way annual migration. The butterflies migrate from southern Canada to Mexico each fall. They overwinter in Michoacán, Mexico, and then begin their journey north in the spring.As they encounter milkweed, females lay their eggs and then die. The butterflies continue to reproduce and die as they move north. Several generations later, butterflies that were never in Mexico make the migration south in the fall to the overwintering site."That never gets old to me," Dykman said. "To look at a little egg next to a railroad track in Illinois and be like 'You are going to metamorphose and you are going to fly to a tree that your great-great-great grandma was on."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663696667225.jpeg" alt="Monarch butterflies group for warmth in their overwintering location in Michoacán, Mexico. Photo courtesy of Sara Dykman" />
 <figcaption>Monarch butterflies group for warmth in their overwintering location in Michoacán, Mexico. Photo courtesy of Sara Dykman</figcaption>
 </figure>Most of the monarchs that migrate to Mexico come from east of the Rocky Mountains. Most of the monarchs west of the Rockies overwinter in southern California. A few of the eastern monarchs overwinter in Florida.The migratory monarch butterflies recently made the International Union for Conservation of Nature endangered list. Although monarch butterflies can be found worldwide, their migration in North America is under threat due to habitat destruction, use of pesticides and herbicides, and climate change.The IUCN list is not the U.S. federal endangered species list that would give the butterflies and their habitat more protection in the United States."This migration is what's at stake," Dykman said. "This multi-generational, multi-national migration is what we're fighting to save."Dykman gave presentations to schools and community groups on her journey. With the exception of her presentation stops, she said she "threw everything I needed on that bike, and I just didn't have a plan.""When I was hungry, I would stop and cook," she said. "When I was tired, I would stop and camp."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663696900945.jpeg" alt="Monarch butterflies in mass at their overwintering site in Mexico. Ten monarchs weigh about as much as a dime. The monarchs concentrate in such quantities at the overwintering site that they can bend and break branches. Photo courtesy of Sara Dykman" />
 <figcaption>Monarch butterflies in mass at their overwintering site in Mexico. Ten monarchs weigh about as much as a dime. The monarchs concentrate in such quantities at the overwintering site that they can bend and break branches. Photo courtesy of Sara Dykman</figcaption>
 </figure>She said camping in unestablished camp spots, was very cheap and she was separate from people who might be a threat."I felt really, really safe," she said.She said bike touring makes her grateful for the smallest things."I always say my most two favorite things are an outlet, close to lunch time, even more than a shower, and a tree to lean your bike up against at night," she said. She said it also gave her a better understanding of monarch habitat."If it's safe during the first mile and the last mile, that doesn't matter if it's not safe the middle mile," she said. "It's the same with the monarchs. They can have all the habitat they need in Mexico. They can have all the habitat they need in Canada, but if they don't have habitat in Kansas, the whole trip doesn't matter."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663697107455.jpeg" alt="A monarch butterfly caterpillar eats a milkweed leaf. Milkweed is the only plant that monarch caterpillars eat. Photo courtesy of Sara Dykman" />
 <figcaption>A monarch butterfly caterpillar eats a milkweed leaf. Milkweed is the only plant that monarch caterpillars eat. Photo courtesy of Sara Dykman</figcaption>
 </figure>Dykman said designating wild lands as national and state parks and wildlife refuges will not help monarchs unless there are milkweed and nectar-producing flowers all along their migration route."There's a movement going on right now to get these native gardens at every single person's house and every single planter box and every single church and every single library. Any place there's green grass, if we can get native plants there, we're offering a caterpillar a home."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663697315480.jpeg" alt="A monarch butterfly on a thistle. Photo courtesy of Sara Dykman" />
 <figcaption>A monarch butterfly on a thistle. Photo courtesy of Sara Dykman</figcaption>
 </figure>Now is the time to plant milkweed seeds, as they need to go through a process of cold and wet to germinate in the spring. Dykman said she stopped often to view and take photographs of monarchs and other insects and animals during her trip. She would look for caterpillar poop or the distinctive horseshow-shaped holes in milkweed leaves that indicated a young monarch caterpillar had been eating a milkweed leaf. "This is what my trip was about. It was seeing the world through the lens of a monarch," she said.However, she said she saw habitat destruction that she didn't want to see. Mowing roadside ditches, especially in the fall during the monarch migration, not only destroys monarch food, but it is likely to kill monarch caterpillars that are feeding on milkweed in those ditches, Dykman said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663697435225.png" alt="Sara Dykman's book "Bicycling with Butterflies" " />
 <figcaption>Sara Dykman's book "Bicycling with Butterflies" </figcaption>
 </figure>Dykman urged local residents to contact their municipalities to urge officials not to mow, leave areas native or at least delay mowing until after the migration."I think that is one of the most important lessons that the monarchs taught me is that you're going to be depressed unless you go out and try to do something and try to fix it," she said."You can't just complain without a solution. My solution was to be their voice." <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663697643117.jpeg" alt="Sara Dykman, author of "Bicycling with Butterflies" speaks to a group on Sept. 8 at the Hays Public Library. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Sara Dykman, author of "Bicycling with Butterflies" speaks to a group on Sept. 8 at the Hays Public Library. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>Species like frogs are very particular about their habitat."Monarchs don't mind if there's 99 percent pavement here, I'll put an egg on this milkweed in this planter box," she said.&nbsp;Dykman urged her audience that even if monarchs are not your thing, pick something else in the environment to champion. "If your protecting frogs, you're protecting monarch. If you're protecting monarchs, you're protecting frogs. It's all connected," she said. "It doesn't matter what calls you. Find something that does and go take care of that thing." You can learn more about Dykman's work on butterfly conservation on her website <a href="http://www.beyondabook.org/">Beyond A Book.</a> There is also a link on that site to order her book.Other resources on monarch butterflies <a href="https://www.monarchwatch.org/">Monarch Watch</a> <a href="https://monarchjointventure.org/">Monarch Joint Venture</a>

KC author talks about ride following monarch migration

Today is Friday, Sept. 23, the 266th day of 2022. There are 99 days left in the year.

On Sept. 23, 1952, Sen. Richard M. Nixon, R-Calif., salvaged his vice-presidential nomination by appearing on television from Los Angeles to refute allegations of improper campaign fundraising in what became known as the "Checkers" speech.

In 1780, British spy John Andre was captured along with papers revealing Benedict Arnold's plot to surrender West Point to the British.

In 1806, the Lewis and Clark expedition returned to St. Louis more than two years after setting out for the Pacific Northwest.

In 1955, a jury in Sumner, Mississippi, acquitted two white men, Roy Bryant and J.W. Milam, of murdering Black teenager Emmett Till. (The two men later admitted to the crime in an interview with Look magazine.)

In 1957, nine Black students who'd entered Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas were forced to withdraw because of a white mob outside.

In 1962, "The Jetsons," an animated cartoon series about a Space Age family, premiered as the ABC television network's first program in color.

In 1987, Sen. Joseph Biden, D-Del., withdrew from the Democratic presidential race following questions about his use of borrowed quotations and the portrayal of his academic record.

In 1999, the Mars Climate Orbiter apparently burned up as it attempted to go into orbit around the Red Planet.

In 2001, President George W. Bush returned the American flag to full staff at Camp David, symbolically ending a period of national mourning following the 9/11 attacks.

In 2002, Gov. Gray Davis signed a law making California the first state to offer workers paid family leave.

In 2011, after 41 years, the soap opera "All My Children" broadcast its final episode on ABC-TV.

In 2016, President Barack Obama vetoed a bill to allow the families of 9/11 victims to sue the government of Saudi Arabia, arguing it undermined national security. (Both the House and Senate voted to override the veto.)

In 2020, President Donald Trump refused to commit to a peaceful transfer of power if he were to lose the election, telling reporters, "We're going to have to see what happens."

Ten years ago: The Libyan militia suspected in the Sept. 11 attack on the U.S. diplomatic compound that killed the U.S. ambassador and three other Americans said it had disbanded on orders of the country's president. "Homeland" won the Emmy Award for best drama series, and its stars Claire Danes and Damian Lewis each won leading actor awards; "Modern Family" received four awards, including a three-peat as best comedy series.

Five years ago: President Donald Trump tweeted that NBA star Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors was no longer invited to the White House because Curry had said he didn't want to make such a visit with his championship team; NBA star LeBron James responded with a tweet calling Trump a "bum" and saying, "Going to the White House was a great honor until you showed up!" Large amounts of federal aid began moving into Puerto Rico to help communities still without fresh water, fuel, electricity or phone service in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.

One year ago: Opening a major new phase in the U.S. vaccination drive against COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention endorsed booster shots for millions of older or otherwise vulnerable Americans. In an effort to combat climate change, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a rule sharply limiting domestic production and use of hydrofluorocarbons, highly potent greenhouse gases commonly used in refrigerators and air conditioners. A gunman attacked a grocery store east of Memphis, Tennessee, killing one person and wounding 14 others before taking his own life; he'd been asked to leave his job at the store earlier in the day.

Today's Birthdays: Singer Julio Iglesias is 79. Actor Paul Petersen (TV: "The Donna Reed Show") is 77. Actor/singer Mary Kay Place is 75. Rock star Bruce Springsteen is 73. Director/playwright George C. Wolfe is 68. Rock musician Leon Taylor (The Ventures) is 67. Actor Rosalind Chao is 65. Golfer Larry Mize is 64. Actor Jason Alexander is 63. Actor Chi McBride is 61. Actor Erik Todd Dellums is 58. Actor LisaRaye is 56. Singer Ani DiFranco is 52. Rock singer Sam Bettens (K's Choice) is 50. Recording executive Jermaine Dupri is 50. Actor Kip Pardue is 46. Actor Anthony Mackie is 44. Pop singer Erik-Michael Estrada (TV: "Making the Band") is 43. Actor Aubrey Dollar is 42. Actor Brandon Victor Dixon is 41. Actor David Lim is 39. Actor Cush Jumbo is 37. Actor Skylar Astin is 35. Former tennis player Melanie Oudin is 31.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">Shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">Shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Friday, Sept. 23, the 266th day of 2022. There are 99 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Sept. 23, 1952, Sen. Richard M. Nixon, R-Calif., salvaged his vice-presidential nomination by appearing on television from Los Angeles to refute allegations of improper campaign fundraising in what became known as the "Checkers" speech.On this date:In 1780, British spy John Andre was captured along with papers revealing Benedict Arnold's plot to surrender West Point to the British.In 1806, the Lewis and Clark expedition returned to St. Louis more than two years after setting out for the Pacific Northwest.In 1955, a jury in Sumner, Mississippi, acquitted two white men, Roy Bryant and J.W. Milam, of murdering Black teenager Emmett Till. (The two men later admitted to the crime in an interview with Look magazine.)In 1957, nine Black students who'd entered Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas were forced to withdraw because of a white mob outside.In 1962, "The Jetsons," an animated cartoon series about a Space Age family, premiered as the ABC television network's first program in color.In 1987, Sen. Joseph Biden, D-Del., withdrew from the Democratic presidential race following questions about his use of borrowed quotations and the portrayal of his academic record.In 1999, the Mars Climate Orbiter apparently burned up as it attempted to go into orbit around the Red Planet.In 2001, President George W. Bush returned the American flag to full staff at Camp David, symbolically ending a period of national mourning following the 9/11 attacks.In 2002, Gov. Gray Davis signed a law making California the first state to offer workers paid family leave.In 2011, after 41 years, the soap opera "All My Children" broadcast its final episode on ABC-TV.In 2016, President Barack Obama vetoed a bill to allow the families of 9/11 victims to sue the government of Saudi Arabia, arguing it undermined national security. (Both the House and Senate voted to override the veto.)In 2020, President Donald Trump refused to commit to a peaceful transfer of power if he were to lose the election, telling reporters, "We're going to have to see what happens."Ten years ago: The Libyan militia suspected in the Sept. 11 attack on the U.S. diplomatic compound that killed the U.S. ambassador and three other Americans said it had disbanded on orders of the country's president. "Homeland" won the Emmy Award for best drama series, and its stars Claire Danes and Damian Lewis each won leading actor awards; "Modern Family" received four awards, including a three-peat as best comedy series.Five years ago: President Donald Trump tweeted that NBA star Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors was no longer invited to the White House because Curry had said he didn't want to make such a visit with his championship team; NBA star LeBron James responded with a tweet calling Trump a "bum" and saying, "Going to the White House was a great honor until you showed up!" Large amounts of federal aid began moving into Puerto Rico to help communities still without fresh water, fuel, electricity or phone service in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.One year ago: Opening a major new phase in the U.S. vaccination drive against COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention endorsed booster shots for millions of older or otherwise vulnerable Americans. In an effort to combat climate change, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a rule sharply limiting domestic production and use of hydrofluorocarbons, highly potent greenhouse gases commonly used in refrigerators and air conditioners. A gunman attacked a grocery store east of Memphis, Tennessee, killing one person and wounding 14 others before taking his own life; he'd been asked to leave his job at the store earlier in the day.Today's Birthdays: Singer Julio Iglesias is 79. Actor Paul Petersen (TV: "The Donna Reed Show") is 77. Actor/singer Mary Kay Place is 75. Rock star Bruce Springsteen is 73. Director/playwright George C. Wolfe is 68. Rock musician Leon Taylor (The Ventures) is 67. Actor Rosalind Chao is 65. Golfer Larry Mize is 64. Actor Jason Alexander is 63. Actor Chi McBride is 61. Actor Erik Todd Dellums is 58. Actor LisaRaye is 56. Singer Ani DiFranco is 52. Rock singer Sam Bettens (K's Choice) is 50. Recording executive Jermaine Dupri is 50. Actor Kip Pardue is 46. Actor Anthony Mackie is 44. Pop singer Erik-Michael Estrada (TV: "Making the Band") is 43. Actor Aubrey Dollar is 42. Actor Brandon Victor Dixon is 41. Actor David Lim is 39. Actor Cush Jumbo is 37. Actor Skylar Astin is 35. Former tennis player Melanie Oudin is 31.

Today in History - September 23

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

A northeast Kansas man was arrested in north Salina Wednesday on requested criminal trespass and theft charges.

Earlier this month, the Salina Police Department had received complaints from the City of Salina that someone was driving on the flood control dike on the north side of the city. Motorized vehicles driven by private citizens are not allowed on the dike.

The complaints also included specific vehicle and license plate information. From that, police determined that the 2022 Toyota Tacoma pickup, valued at $34,000, was being rented from Hertz, Salina Police Captain Gary Hanus said this morning. The pickup originally had been rented Aug. 24 and was supposed to have been returned on Aug. 31.

Hanus said an officer then called Hertz on Sept. 15 and was told that the pickup return date had been changed to Sept. 16. When an officer contacted Hertz on Wednesday, a company representative said that the pickup had not yet been returned and that the man who was renting the pickup had turned off his credit card. At that point, Hertz reported the pickup as being stolen.

Later on Wednesday, a patrol officer saw the now stolen pickup in the parking lot at Pilot Travel Center, 1944 N. Ninth Street, and made contact with the occupant, who was identified as Michael A. Flanagan, 76, of Axtell, Kan., Hanus said. Flanagan also was the person who had rented the pickup.

Flanagan was booked into the Saline County Jail on the following requested charges, Hanus said.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA northeast Kansas man was arrested in north Salina Wednesday on requested criminal trespass and theft charges.Earlier this month, the Salina Police Department had received complaints from the City of Salina that someone was driving on the flood control dike on the north side of the city. Motorized vehicles driven by private citizens are not allowed on the dike.The complaints also included specific vehicle and license plate information. From that, police determined that the 2022 Toyota Tacoma pickup, valued at $34,000, was being rented from Hertz, Salina Police Captain Gary Hanus said this morning. The pickup originally had been rented Aug. 24 and was supposed to have been returned on Aug. 31.Hanus said an officer then called Hertz on Sept. 15 and was told that the pickup return date had been changed to Sept. 16. When an officer contacted Hertz on Wednesday, a company representative said that the pickup had not yet been returned and that the man who was renting the pickup had turned off his credit card. At that point, Hertz reported the pickup as being stolen.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663848527250.jpeg" alt="Michael Flanagan. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Michael Flanagan. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Later on Wednesday, a patrol officer saw the now stolen pickup in the parking lot at Pilot Travel Center, 1944 N. Ninth Street, and made contact with the occupant, who was identified as Michael A. Flanagan, 76, of Axtell, Kan., Hanus said. Flanagan also was the person who had rented the pickup.Flanagan was booked into the Saline County Jail on the following requested charges, Hanus said.●Two counts of criminal trespass●Theft

NE Kansas man arrested on requested trespass, theft charges

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas teen accused in a fatal shooting Sept. 15 made his first court appearance on Tuesday.&nbsp; Laquavion Bentley, 19 of Wichita, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and criminal threat, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

He was originally booked on a requested charge of 2nd degree murder, according to Wichita Police.&nbsp; The investigation of the shooting death continues.

Just after 1:30 a.m. Sept. 15, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 4500 block of South Hydraulic. Upon arrival, Officers located 21-year-old Devin Bills unconscious and not breathing with two gunshot wounds to his upper body, according to Officer Juan&nbsp;Rebolledo.

Officers began life-saving measures. EMS pronounced Bills deceased on the scene.

The investigation revealed that Bills and several other people were outside the residence hanging out when a verbal argument ensued, and shots were fired. Bentley fled the scene in a vehicle. 

Attorneys in the case are scheduled to discuss future dates October 6. <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20075063">Bentley remains jailed </a>on a $500,000 bond, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663353219108.png" alt="Bentley-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Bentley-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas teen accused in a fatal shooting Sept. 15 made his first court appearance on Tuesday.&nbsp; Laquavion Bentley, 19 of Wichita, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and criminal threat, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.He was originally booked on a requested charge of 2nd degree murder, according to Wichita Police.&nbsp; The investigation of the shooting death continues.Just after 1:30 a.m. Sept. 15, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 4500 block of South Hydraulic. Upon arrival, Officers located 21-year-old Devin Bills unconscious and not breathing with two gunshot wounds to his upper body, according to Officer Juan&nbsp;Rebolledo.Officers began life-saving measures. EMS pronounced Bills deceased on the scene.The investigation revealed that Bills and several other people were outside the residence hanging out when a verbal argument ensued, and shots were fired. Bentley fled the scene in a vehicle. Attorneys in the case are scheduled to discuss future dates October 6. <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20075063">Bentley remains jailed </a>on a $500,000 bond, according to the district attorney's office.

Police continue to investigate suspect for role in Sept. 15 killing

With another week of volleyball action in the books around the state, the Kansas Volleyball Association has released its 2022 week three rankings for all seven classifications across the state of Kansas.

With another week shaking up the rankings let's take a look at all 70 teams that made the cut

Class 6A 1. Washburn Rural (7-1) 2. Olathe West (18-2) 3. Blue Valley (9-4) 4. Blue Valley North (11-3) 5. Olathe Northwest (8-4) 6. Blue Valley West (9-5) 7. Blue Valley Northwest (8-5) 8. Olathe South (7-3) 9. Hutchinson (15-2) 10. Shawnee Mission Northwest (9-7)

Class 5A 1. St. James Academy (12-0) 2. St. Thomas Aquinas (14-1) 3. Mill Valley (8-1) 4. Andover Central (16-1) 5. Maize South (6-2) 6. Lansing (8-2) 7. Spring Hill (11-4) 8. Topeka-Seaman (8-4) 9. Bishop Carroll (8-2) 10. Kapaun Mt. Carmel (12-5)

Class 4A 1. Andale (16-0) 2. Circle (10-1) 3. Baldwin (13-1) 4. Bishop Miege (5-7) 5. Rock Creek (11-3) 6. Clay Center (10-6) 7. Paola (8-4) 8. Chanute (10-5) 9. Tonganoxie (6-4) 10. Pratt (11-7)

Class 3A 1. Nemeha Central (17-1) 2. Heritage Christian (11-3) 3. Beloit (18-3) 4. Cheney (11-2) 5. Trinity Academy (9-0) 6. Riverton (10-0) 7. Royal Valley (14-3) 8. Eureka (16-1) 9. Goodland (11-1) 10. Smoky Valley (15-5)

Class 2A 1. Hillsboro (14-1) 2. Sedgwick (17-0) 3. Ellinwood (13-1) 4. Inman (14-2) 5. Smith Center (9-2) 6. Garden Plain (7-4) 7. Jackson Heights (10-1) 8. St. Mary's (8-3) 9. Maranatha Christian (12-5) 10. Valley Heights (8-3)

Class 1A – Division 1 1. Little River (12-1) 2. Pretty Prairie (14-2) 3. Spearville (9-2) 4. Doniphan West (13-2) 5. Macksville (16-1) 6. South Gray (10-4) 7. Centralia (14-3) 8. St. Paul (17-1) 9. Sylvan-Lucas (15-2) 10. Kiowa County (10-3)

Class 1A – Division 2 1. Attica (11-0) 2. Lebo (16-1) 3. Hanover (15-2) 4. St. John's-Tipton (11-2) 5. St. Francis (13-3) 6. Greeley County (12-4) 7. Golden Plains (12-5) 8. Wheatland-Grinnell (10-6) 9. Rural-Vista (6-4) 10. Ingalls (7-5)

With another week of volleyball action in the books around the state, the Kansas Volleyball Association has released its 2022 week three rankings for all seven classifications across the state of Kansas.With another week shaking up the rankings let's take a look at all 70 teams that made the cutClass 6A 1. Washburn Rural (7-1) 2. Olathe West (18-2) 3. Blue Valley (9-4) 4. Blue Valley North (11-3) 5. Olathe Northwest (8-4) 6. Blue Valley West (9-5) 7. Blue Valley Northwest (8-5) 8. Olathe South (7-3) 9. Hutchinson (15-2) 10. Shawnee Mission Northwest (9-7) Class 5A 1. St. James Academy (12-0) 2. St. Thomas Aquinas (14-1) 3. Mill Valley (8-1) 4. Andover Central (16-1) 5. Maize South (6-2) 6. Lansing (8-2) 7. Spring Hill (11-4) 8. Topeka-Seaman (8-4) 9. Bishop Carroll (8-2) 10. Kapaun Mt. Carmel (12-5)Class 4A 1. Andale (16-0) 2. Circle (10-1) 3. Baldwin (13-1) 4. Bishop Miege (5-7) 5. Rock Creek (11-3) 6. Clay Center (10-6) 7. Paola (8-4) 8. Chanute (10-5) 9. Tonganoxie (6-4) 10. Pratt (11-7)Class 3A 1. Nemeha Central (17-1) 2. Heritage Christian (11-3) 3. Beloit (18-3) 4. Cheney (11-2) 5. Trinity Academy (9-0) 6. Riverton (10-0) 7. Royal Valley (14-3) 8. Eureka (16-1) 9. Goodland (11-1) 10. Smoky Valley (15-5) Class 2A 1. Hillsboro (14-1) 2. Sedgwick (17-0) 3. Ellinwood (13-1) 4. Inman (14-2) 5. Smith Center (9-2) 6. Garden Plain (7-4) 7. Jackson Heights (10-1) 8. St. Mary's (8-3) 9. Maranatha Christian (12-5) 10. Valley Heights (8-3)Class 1A – Division 1 1. Little River (12-1) 2. Pretty Prairie (14-2) 3. Spearville (9-2) 4. Doniphan West (13-2) 5. Macksville (16-1) 6. South Gray (10-4) 7. Centralia (14-3) 8. St. Paul (17-1) 9. Sylvan-Lucas (15-2) 10. Kiowa County (10-3) Class 1A – Division 2 1. Attica (11-0) 2. Lebo (16-1) 3. Hanover (15-2) 4. St. John's-Tipton (11-2) 5. St. Francis (13-3) 6. Greeley County (12-4) 7. Golden Plains (12-5) 8. Wheatland-Grinnell (10-6) 9. Rural-Vista (6-4) 10. Ingalls (7-5)

2022 KVA Rankings: Week Three

Today is Thursday, Sept. 22, the 265th day of 2022. There are 100 days left in the year. Autumn arrives at 3:20 p.m. EDT.

On Sept. 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, declaring all slaves in rebel states should be free as of January 1, 1863.

In 1776, during the Revolutionary War, Capt. Nathan Hale, 21, was hanged as a spy by the British in New York.

In 1911, pitcher Cy Young, 44, gained his 511th and final career victory as he hurled a 1-0 shutout for the Boston Rustlers against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Forbes Field.

In 1949, the Soviet Union exploded its first atomic bomb.

In 1961, the Interstate Commerce Commission issued rules prohibiting racial discrimination on interstate buses.

In 1975, Sara Jane Moore attempted to shoot President Gerald R. Ford outside a San Francisco hotel, but missed.

In 1980, the Persian Gulf conflict between Iran and Iraq erupted into full-scale war.

In 1985, rock and country music artists participated in "Farm Aid," a concert staged in Champaign, Illinois, to help the nation's farmers.

In 1993, 47 people were killed when an Amtrak passenger train fell off a bridge and crashed into Big Bayou Canot near Mobile, Alabama. (A tugboat pilot lost in fog had pushed a barge into the railroad bridge, knocking the tracks 38 inches out of line just minutes before the train arrived.)

In 1994, the situation comedy "Friends" debuted on NBC-TV.

In 1995, an AWACS plane carrying U.S. and Canadian military personnel crashed on takeoff from Elmendorf Air Force Base near Anchorage, Alaska, killing all 24 people aboard.

In 2014, the United States and five Arab nations launched airstrikes against the Islamic State group in Syria, sending waves of planes and Tomahawk cruise missiles against an array of targets.

In 2020, U.S. deaths from the coronavirus topped 200,000, by far the highest confirmed death toll from the virus in the world at that point, according to a count by Johns Hopkins University.

Ten years ago: President Barack Obama campaigned before a crowd of 18,000 in Wisconsin, the home state of GOP vice-presidential candidate Paul Ryan. In the aftermath of the killing of the U.S. ambassador and three other Americans, residents of the Libyan city of Benghazi protested at the compounds of several militias, vowing to rid themselves of armed factions and Islamic extremists.

Five years ago: As the scale of the damage from Hurricane Maria started to become clearer, Puerto Rican officials said they could not contact more than half of the communities in the U.S. territory, where all power had been knocked out to the island's 3.4 million people. President Donald Trump said NFL owners should fire players who kneel during the national anthem. The federal government told election officials in 21 states that hackers had targeted their systems before the 2016 presidential election. Sen. John McCain declared his opposition to the GOP's last-ditch effort to repeal and replace "Obamacare," the second time in three months McCain had emerged as the destroyer of his party's signature promise to voters.

One year ago: At a virtual "vaccine summit" on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, President Joe Biden said the United States was doubling, to 1 billion doses, its purchases of Pfizer's COVID-19 shots to share with the world. Bargainers from both parties said bipartisan congressional talks on overhauling policing practices had ended without agreement; the effort had begun after killings of unarmed Black people by officers sparked protests across the U.S.

Today's Birthdays: Dancer/choreographer/singer Toni Basil is 79. Actor Paul Le Mat is 77. Musician King Sunny Adé is 76. Capt. Mark Phillips is 74. Rock singer David Coverdale (Deep Purple, Whitesnake) is 71. Actor Shari Belafonte is 68. Singer Debby Boone is 66. Country singer June Forester (The Forester Sisters) is 66. Singer Nick Cave is 65. Rock singer Johnette Napolitano is 65. Actor Lynn Herring is 65. Classical crossover singer Andrea Bocelli is 64. Singer-musician Joan Jett is 64. Actor Scott Baio is 62. Actor Catherine Oxenberg is 61. Actor Bonnie Hunt is 61. Actor Rob Stone is 60. Actor Dan Bucatinsky (TV: "24: Legacy") is 57. Musician Matt Sharp is 53. Rock musician Dave Hernandez is 52. Rapper Mystikal is 52. R&amp;B singer Big Rube (Society of Soul) is 51. Actor James Hillier (TV: "The Crown") is 49. Actor Mireille Enos is 47. Actor Daniella Alonso is 44. Actor Michael Graziadei is 43. Actor Ashley Eckstein is 41. Actor Katie Lowes is 40. Rock musician Will Farquarson (Bastille) is 39. Actor Tatiana Maslany is 37. Actor Ukweli Roach (TV: "Blindspot") is 36. Actor Tom Felton is 35. Actor Teyonah Parris is 35. Actor Juliette Goglia is 27. Actor Dalya Knapp is 12.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Thursday, Sept. 22, the 265th day of 2022. There are 100 days left in the year. Autumn arrives at 3:20 p.m. EDT.Today's Highlight in History:On Sept. 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, declaring all slaves in rebel states should be free as of January 1, 1863.On this date:In 1776, during the Revolutionary War, Capt. Nathan Hale, 21, was hanged as a spy by the British in New York.In 1911, pitcher Cy Young, 44, gained his 511th and final career victory as he hurled a 1-0 shutout for the Boston Rustlers against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Forbes Field.In 1949, the Soviet Union exploded its first atomic bomb.In 1961, the Interstate Commerce Commission issued rules prohibiting racial discrimination on interstate buses.In 1975, Sara Jane Moore attempted to shoot President Gerald R. Ford outside a San Francisco hotel, but missed.In 1980, the Persian Gulf conflict between Iran and Iraq erupted into full-scale war.In 1985, rock and country music artists participated in "Farm Aid," a concert staged in Champaign, Illinois, to help the nation's farmers.In 1993, 47 people were killed when an Amtrak passenger train fell off a bridge and crashed into Big Bayou Canot near Mobile, Alabama. (A tugboat pilot lost in fog had pushed a barge into the railroad bridge, knocking the tracks 38 inches out of line just minutes before the train arrived.)In 1994, the situation comedy "Friends" debuted on NBC-TV.In 1995, an AWACS plane carrying U.S. and Canadian military personnel crashed on takeoff from Elmendorf Air Force Base near Anchorage, Alaska, killing all 24 people aboard.In 2014, the United States and five Arab nations launched airstrikes against the Islamic State group in Syria, sending waves of planes and Tomahawk cruise missiles against an array of targets.In 2020, U.S. deaths from the coronavirus topped 200,000, by far the highest confirmed death toll from the virus in the world at that point, according to a count by Johns Hopkins University.Ten years ago: President Barack Obama campaigned before a crowd of 18,000 in Wisconsin, the home state of GOP vice-presidential candidate Paul Ryan. In the aftermath of the killing of the U.S. ambassador and three other Americans, residents of the Libyan city of Benghazi protested at the compounds of several militias, vowing to rid themselves of armed factions and Islamic extremists.Five years ago: As the scale of the damage from Hurricane Maria started to become clearer, Puerto Rican officials said they could not contact more than half of the communities in the U.S. territory, where all power had been knocked out to the island's 3.4 million people. President Donald Trump said NFL owners should fire players who kneel during the national anthem. The federal government told election officials in 21 states that hackers had targeted their systems before the 2016 presidential election. Sen. John McCain declared his opposition to the GOP's last-ditch effort to repeal and replace "Obamacare," the second time in three months McCain had emerged as the destroyer of his party's signature promise to voters.One year ago: At a virtual "vaccine summit" on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, President Joe Biden said the United States was doubling, to 1 billion doses, its purchases of Pfizer's COVID-19 shots to share with the world. Bargainers from both parties said bipartisan congressional talks on overhauling policing practices had ended without agreement; the effort had begun after killings of unarmed Black people by officers sparked protests across the U.S.Today's Birthdays: Dancer/choreographer/singer Toni Basil is 79. Actor Paul Le Mat is 77. Musician King Sunny Adé is 76. Capt. Mark Phillips is 74. Rock singer David Coverdale (Deep Purple, Whitesnake) is 71. Actor Shari Belafonte is 68. Singer Debby Boone is 66. Country singer June Forester (The Forester Sisters) is 66. Singer Nick Cave is 65. Rock singer Johnette Napolitano is 65. Actor Lynn Herring is 65. Classical crossover singer Andrea Bocelli is 64. Singer-musician Joan Jett is 64. Actor Scott Baio is 62. Actor Catherine Oxenberg is 61. Actor Bonnie Hunt is 61. Actor Rob Stone is 60. Actor Dan Bucatinsky (TV: "24: Legacy") is 57. Musician Matt Sharp is 53. Rock musician Dave Hernandez is 52. Rapper Mystikal is 52. R&amp;B singer Big Rube (Society of Soul) is 51. Actor James Hillier (TV: "The Crown") is 49. Actor Mireille Enos is 47. Actor Daniella Alonso is 44. Actor Michael Graziadei is 43. Actor Ashley Eckstein is 41. Actor Katie Lowes is 40. Rock musician Will Farquarson (Bastille) is 39. Actor Tatiana Maslany is 37. Actor Ukweli Roach (TV: "Blindspot") is 36. Actor Tom Felton is 35. Actor Teyonah Parris is 35. Actor Juliette Goglia is 27. Actor Dalya Knapp is 12.

Today in History - September 22

Today is Wednesday, Sept. 21, the 264th day of 2022. There are 101 days left in the year.

On Sept. 21, 1981, the Senate unanimously confirmed the nomination of Sandra Day O'Connor to become the first female justice on the Supreme Court.

In 1792, the French National Convention voted to abolish the monarchy.

In 1937, "The Hobbit," by J.R.R. Tolkien, was first published by George Allen &amp; Unwin, Ltd. of London.

In 1938, a hurricane struck parts of New York and New England, causing widespread damage and claiming some 700 lives.

In 1957, the legal mystery-drama "Perry Mason," starring Raymond Burr, premiered on CBS-TV.

In 1961, the first Boeing CH-47 Chinook military helicopter made its first hovering flight.

In 1973, the U.S. Senate confirmed Henry Kissinger to be Secretary of State.

In 1982, National Football League players began a 57-day strike, their first regular-season walkout ever.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">Shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">Shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Wednesday, Sept. 21, the 264th day of 2022. There are 101 days left in the year.Today's Highlights in History:On Sept. 21, 1981, the Senate unanimously confirmed the nomination of Sandra Day O'Connor to become the first female justice on the Supreme Court.On this date:In 1792, the French National Convention voted to abolish the monarchy.In 1937, "The Hobbit," by J.R.R. Tolkien, was first published by George Allen &amp; Unwin, Ltd. of London.In 1938, a hurricane struck parts of New York and New England, causing widespread damage and claiming some 700 lives.In 1957, the legal mystery-drama "Perry Mason," starring Raymond Burr, premiered on CBS-TV.In 1961, the first Boeing CH-47 Chinook military helicopter made its first hovering flight.In 1973, the U.S. Senate confirmed Henry Kissinger to be Secretary of State.In 1982, National Football League players began a 57-day strike, their first regular-season walkout ever.In 1985, in North Korea and South Korea, family members who had been separated for decades were allowed to visit each other as both countries opened their borders in an unprecedented family-reunion program.In 1989, Hurricane Hugo crashed into Charleston, South Carolina (the storm was blamed for 56 deaths in the Caribbean and 29 in the United States). Twenty-one students in Alton, Texas, died when their school bus, hit by a soft-drink delivery truck, careened into a water-filled pit.In 1996, President Bill Clinton signed the Defense of Marriage Act denying federal recognition of same-sex marriages, a day after saying the law should not be used as an excuse for discrimination, violence or intimidation against gays and lesbians. (Although never formally repealed, DoMA was effectively overturned by U.S. Supreme Court decisions in 2013 and 2015.)In 2001, Congress again opened the federal coffers to those harmed by terrorism, providing $15 billion to the airline industry, which was suffering mounting economic losses since the Sept. 11 attacks.In 2011, Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer, two Americans jailed in Iran as spies, left Tehran for the Gulf state of Oman, closing a high-profile drama that brought more than two years of hope and heartbreak for their families. The state of Texas executed Lawrence Russell Brewer for his role in the gruesome dragging death of James Byrd Jr.Ten years ago: People lined up to buy Apple's iPhone5 as it went on sale in the United States and several other countries. A man was bitten multiple times after leaping from a monorail into a tiger exhibit at the Bronx Zoo in New York.Five years ago: Millions on Puerto Rico faced the prospect of weeks or months without power in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly to discuss the ongoing crisis involving North Korea. Facebook said it would provide congressional investigators with the contents of 3,000 ads that had been bought by a Russian agency; it had already released the ads to federal authorities investigating Russian interference in the U.S. presidential election.One year ago: In his first address before the U.N. General Assembly, President Joe Biden urged the world's nations to address the global issues of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and human rights abuses. A coroner confirmed that human remains found in remote northern Wyoming were those of Gabby Petito, a 22-year-old who disappeared while on a cross-country road trip with a boyfriend, Brian Laundrie. (Laundrie's body would be found in a Florida swamp in October; the FBI later said he had admitted killing Petito in a notebook that was discovered near his body.) Melvin Van Peebles, a playwright, musician and movie director whose work ushered in the "blaxploitation" films of the 1970s, died at his New York home; he was 89.Today's Birthdays: Author-comedian Fannie Flagg is 81. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer is 79. Former Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear is 78. Musician Don Felder is 75. Author Stephen King is 75. Basketball Hall of Famer Artis Gilmore is 73. Actor-comedian Bill Murray is 72. Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is 65. Movie producer-writer Ethan Coen is 65. Actor-comedian Dave Coulier is 63. Actor David James Elliott is 62. Actor Serena Scott Thomas is 61. Actor Nancy Travis is 61. Actor Rob Morrow is 60. Actor Angus Macfadyen is 59. Retired MLB All-Star Cecil Fielder is 59. Actor Cheryl Hines is 57. Country singer Faith Hill is 55. Rock musician Tyler Stewart (Barenaked Ladies) is 55. Country singer Ronna Reeves is 54. Actor-talk show host Ricki Lake is 54. Rapper Dave (De La Soul) is 54. Actor Billy Porter is 53. Actor Rob Benedict is 52. Actor James Lesure is 51. Actor Alfonso Ribeiro is 51. Actor Luke Wilson is 51. Actor Paulo Costanzo is 44. Actor Bradford Anderson is 43. Actor Autumn Reeser is 42. TV personality Nicole Richie is 41. Actor Maggie Grace is 39. Actor Joseph Mazzello is 39. Actor Ahna O'Reilly is 38. Rapper Wale is 38. R&amp;B singer Jason Derulo is 36. Actor Ryan Guzman is 35. Actor Nikolas Brino is 24.