<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab.</i>

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rRzLORiSwvM?si=gjhytMNkK585hsnD" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab.</i></p>

🎤Forward Ever: Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with U.S. Army Garrison Commander of Fort Riley, Col Michael J. Foote.</i>

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pDvY7Nmvjns?si=7A7-z3wmGqrybvW4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with U.S. Army Garrison Commander of Fort Riley, Col Michael J. Foote.</i></p>

🎤Forward Ever: Fort Riley Garrison Commander, Col. Michael Foote 

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad President and General Manager Ross Boelling.</i><br>

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W-soXIXjtDs?si=N0_49O7NxWvAx4iW" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad President and General Manager Ross Boelling.</i><br></p>

🎤Forward Ever: A&SV Railroad president Ross Boelling

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with U.S. Senator Roger Marshall.</i>&nbsp;

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rKCM-ZYibfo?si=3Yp0xymsJ9uhNLiV" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with U.S. Senator Roger Marshall.</i>&nbsp;</p>

🎤Forward Ever: U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Fort Hays State University</i>&nbsp;director of Strategic Affiliation Peter Laipson.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WuGGgyH8FQI?si=d3J8je81N3PmbuvT" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Fort Hays State University</i>&nbsp;director of Strategic Affiliation Peter Laipson.</p>

🎤Forward Ever: FHSU director of Strategic Affiliation Peter Laipson

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Kan. 110 District Rep. Ken Rahjes.</i>

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: 110 District Rep. Ken Rahjes" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=br6zm-1541579-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Kan. 110 District Rep. Ken Rahjes.</i></p>

🎤Forward Ever: Kan. 110 District Rep. Ken Rahjes

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Country Stampede marketing director Shelby Ebert.</i><br>

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1vLx27MX6tM?si=lJFOVPeAtwVvITvh" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Country Stampede marketing director Shelby Ebert.</i><br></p>

🎤 Forward Ever: Country Stampede marketing director Shelby Ebert

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with President of the Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association, Ed Cross.</i><br>

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/scdN3HUVJPs?si=8edODo1oeAHLRwFy" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with President of the Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association, Ed Cross.</i><br></p>

🎤 Forward Ever: KIOGA President Ed Cross

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with 2023 Motorcycle Cannonball winner Todd Cameron.</i>

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LGqQhSwz_Ag?si=_bHSPpRELuqeGxjv" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with 2023 Motorcycle Cannonball winner Todd Cameron.</i></p>

🎤 Forward Ever: 2023 Motorcycle Cannonball winner Todd Cameron

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with General Counsel and Litigation Director for the Kansas Justice Institute Sam MacRoberts.</i>

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Vr66UuhSK_c?si=x_j-HL8mHdhOeDfi" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with General Counsel and Litigation Director for the Kansas Justice Institute Sam MacRoberts.</i></p>

🎤 Forward Ever: Kansas Justice Institute litigation director Sam MacRoberts

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Camber President Bobby Eklofe.</i>

For reference, the list of gifts mentioned during the interview includes:&nbsp;

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6uRPueIKhvc?si=Rs55WchM2c_Cg94a" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Camber President Bobby Eklofe.</i></p><p>For reference, the list of gifts mentioned during the interview includes:&nbsp;</p><p>Rubix Cubes</p><p>Fidgets</p><p>Age-appropriate books</p><p>Basketballs</p><p>Footballs</p><p>Volleyballs</p><p>Soccer balls</p><p>Squishmellos</p><p>Stuffed animals</p><p>Dolls</p><p>Action figures</p><p>Board games</p><p>Playing cards</p><p>Uno</p><p>Phase 10</p><p>Fidget spinners</p><p>Bluetooth headphones</p><p>Underwear and socks</p>

🎤 Forward Ever: Camber President Bobby Eklofe

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann.</i>

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CQ70Q3uShRs?si=o-wQkZ6QLdeIZdU9" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann.</i></p>

🎤 Forward Ever: Rep. Tracey Mann

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Entrepreneur and inventor Mike Farmer.</i>

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6_t2AHbfg80?si=hYdF3La0wE5SDbxQ" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Entrepreneur and inventor Mike Farmer.</i></p>

🎤 Forward Ever: Entrepreneur and inventor Mike Farmer

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with the Director of Special Education at the&nbsp;Northwest Kansas Educational Service Center&nbsp;Kathy Kersenbrock-Ostmeyer.</i>

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CF8zD4rgubo?si=JvBi20A34kYIoW6T" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with the Director of Special Education at the&nbsp;Northwest Kansas Educational Service Center&nbsp;Kathy Kersenbrock-Ostmeyer.</i></p>

🎤 Forward Ever: Director of Special Education at NKESC Kathy Kersenbrock-Ostmeyer

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Historian and author Leo Oliva about the history of railroads in Kansas and his upcoming presentations.</i>

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Kansas railroad historian Leo Oliva" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=gsjwt-14cf260-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Historian and author Leo Oliva about the history of railroads in Kansas and his upcoming presentations.</i></p>

Forward Ever: Kansas railroad historian Leo Oliva

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with small game coordinator at Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Kent Fricke, about the decision to cancel fall turkey hunting season in Kansas.</i>

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W4KBYcSHtVo?si=VbaOHkwfjpLKQDE1" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with small game coordinator at Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Kent Fricke, about the decision to cancel fall turkey hunting season in Kansas.</i></p>

Forward Ever: KDWP's Kent Fricke discusses canceling turkey hunting season

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with the inaugural Limestone Preservation Award winners Jack and Kathie Crispin.</i><br>

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nP_jN_9URlU?si=ZqqKxZsG0lsSpv39" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with the inaugural Limestone Preservation Award winners Jack and Kathie Crispin.</i><br></p>

🎤 Forward Ever: Post Rock Limestone Preservation Award winners Jack, Kathie Crispin

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Steve Harwell, the longtime frontman of the Grammy-nominated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/28dcd9f7453f48388318514f52c6281a" target="_blank">pop rock band Smash Mouth</a>&nbsp;has died. He was 56.

The band’s manager, Robert Hayes, said Harwell “passed peacefully and comfortably” Monday morning surrounded by family and friends at his home in Boise, Idaho. The cause of death was acute liver failure, Hayes said in a statement.

Smash Mouth was known for hits including “All star” and “Then the morning comes.”

"Steve Harwell was a true American Original. A larger than life character who shot up into the sky like a Roman candle,” Hayes said. “Steve should be remembered for his unwavering focus and impassioned determination to reach the heights of pop stardom.”

Born in California in 1967, Harwell performed in a rap group called F.O.S. (Freedom of Speech) before forming Smash Mouth in 1994. The band released&nbsp;<a href="https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&amp;se=smash+mouth#search_section" target="_blank">two platinum albums</a>&nbsp;on Interscope Records, the ska-fueled 1997’s “Fush Yu Mang” and 1999’s “Astro Lounge.” The second album featured some of the band’s biggest hits, including the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.grammy.com/artists/smash-mouth/15922" target="_blank">Grammy-nominated</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&amp;se=smash+mouth#search_section" target="_blank">platinum single “All Star,”</a>&nbsp;which appeared in the movie “Shrek” alongside their cover of the Monkees’ “I’m a Believer.”

Humor was a driving force behind Smash Mouth’s success, and at the forefront was Harwell’s playful alt-rock voice and persona. He made a cameo in 2001 comedy film “Rat Race,” and had a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eater.com/2019/4/1/18290400/guy-fieri-smash-mouth" target="_blank">well-documented friendship</a>&nbsp;with the Food Network chef and host Guy Fieri.

“His only tools were his irrepressible charm and charisma, his fearlessly reckless ambition, and his king-size cajones,” Hayes said. “Steve lived a 100% full-throttle life. Burning brightly across the universe before burning out.”

“He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him,” he said.

Harwell left Smash Mouth in 2021 and the band continued to tour with Zach Goode as the singer. The band&nbsp;<a href="https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/smash-mouth-singer-steve-harwell-retires-health-issues-9644066/" target="_blank">released a statement</a>&nbsp;at the time saying Harwell had been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy eight years earlier and had suffered “nonstop serious medical setbacks including heart failure as well as acute Wernicke Encephalopathy.”

Hayes had released a statement on Sunday saying Harwell was in hospice care.

Harwell will be cremated in Boise and buried in San Jose, California, alongside his mother, Hayes said.

<p>LOS ANGELES (AP) — Steve Harwell, the longtime frontman of the Grammy-nominated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/28dcd9f7453f48388318514f52c6281a" target="_blank">pop rock band Smash Mouth</a>&nbsp;has died. He was 56.</p><p>The band’s manager, Robert Hayes, said Harwell “passed peacefully and comfortably” Monday morning surrounded by family and friends at his home in Boise, Idaho. The cause of death was acute liver failure, Hayes said in a statement.</p><p>Smash Mouth was known for hits including “All star” and “Then the morning comes.”</p><p>"Steve Harwell was a true American Original. A larger than life character who shot up into the sky like a Roman candle,” Hayes said. “Steve should be remembered for his unwavering focus and impassioned determination to reach the heights of pop stardom.”</p><p>Born in California in 1967, Harwell performed in a rap group called F.O.S. (Freedom of Speech) before forming Smash Mouth in 1994. The band released&nbsp;<a href="https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&amp;se=smash+mouth#search_section" target="_blank">two platinum albums</a>&nbsp;on Interscope Records, the ska-fueled 1997’s “Fush Yu Mang” and 1999’s “Astro Lounge.” The second album featured some of the band’s biggest hits, including the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.grammy.com/artists/smash-mouth/15922" target="_blank">Grammy-nominated</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&amp;se=smash+mouth#search_section" target="_blank">platinum single “All Star,”</a>&nbsp;which appeared in the movie “Shrek” alongside their cover of the Monkees’ “I’m a Believer.”</p><p>Humor was a driving force behind Smash Mouth’s success, and at the forefront was Harwell’s playful alt-rock voice and persona. He made a cameo in 2001 comedy film “Rat Race,” and had a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eater.com/2019/4/1/18290400/guy-fieri-smash-mouth" target="_blank">well-documented friendship</a>&nbsp;with the Food Network chef and host Guy Fieri.</p><p>“His only tools were his irrepressible charm and charisma, his fearlessly reckless ambition, and his king-size cajones,” Hayes said. “Steve lived a 100% full-throttle life. Burning brightly across the universe before burning out.”</p><p>“He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him,” he said.</p><p>Harwell left Smash Mouth in 2021 and the band continued to tour with Zach Goode as the singer. The band&nbsp;<a href="https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/smash-mouth-singer-steve-harwell-retires-health-issues-9644066/" target="_blank">released a statement</a>&nbsp;at the time saying Harwell had been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy eight years earlier and had suffered “nonstop serious medical setbacks including heart failure as well as acute Wernicke Encephalopathy.”</p><p>Hayes had released a statement on Sunday saying Harwell was in hospice care.</p><p>Harwell will be cremated in Boise and buried in San Jose, California, alongside his mother, Hayes said.</p>

Smash Mouth frontman Steve Harwell dies at 56

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Jason Sims, Motorcycle Cannonball organizer, about the upcoming event</i>

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cm_Q9p6k63E?si=uFztXVOfOP5pEXoH" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Jason Sims, Motorcycle Cannonball organizer, about the upcoming event</i></p>

🎤 Forward Ever: Mr. Motorcycle Cannonball, Jason Sims

LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jason-aldean">Jason Aldean</a>&nbsp;'s “Try That in a Small Town” is experiencing exponential growth following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jason-aldean-try-that-small-town-video-b164d61b0293318cefc4538206464ced">controversy over its music video</a>.

“Try That in a Small Town,” which was released in May, debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 this week just behind&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bts-beyond-story-book-review-8ac9f997817252d43bb9753de0e1c8e6">BTS’s Jung Kook</a>&nbsp;solo single “Seven,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2023-song-of-summer-predictions-411d7738986212bb7ffb06e8f3893408">featuring Latto</a>. The track experienced the biggest sales week for a country song in over 10 years.

According to Luminate, the song hit 11.7 million on-demand audio and video streams between July 14 and 20, marking a 1,000% increase from the previous week. Prior to the music video release on July 14, the track accounted for 987,000 streams in the U.S.

Digital song sales increased from 1,000 to 228,000, in those same weeks, respectively.

The music video for the song lasted just one weekend on Country Music Television before the network pulled it in response to an outcry over its setting and lyrics. When the network removed the video from its rotation, it had 350,000 views on YouTube. Now that number is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1_RKu-ESCY">now over 16 million</a>, and it is the No. 1 trending video under the “music” category.

In the visual, Aldean — who has been awarded country music&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d941899353c345d99116f3088e4c29af">artist of the decade</a>&nbsp;by the Academy of Country Music — performs in front of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFl4tmi8cbE">Maury County Courthouse</a>&nbsp;in Columbia, Tennessee. It is the site of the 1946 Columbia race riot and the 1927 mob lynching of an 18-year-old Black teenager named Henry Choate.

Aldean’s video received fervent criticism online, with some claiming the visual is a “dog whistle” and others labeling it&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/19/arts/music/jason-aldean-try-that-in-a-small-town-cmt.html">“pro-lynching.”</a>

“There is not a single lyric in the song that references race or points to it- and there isn’t a single video clip that isn’t real news footage -and while I can try and respect others to have their own interpretation of a song with music- this one goes too far,” Aldean wrote in a tweet posted Tuesday.

“Cuss out a cop, spit in his face / Stomp on the flag and light it up / Yeah, ya think you’re tough,” Aldean sings on the track, written by Neil Thrasher, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, and Kelley Lovelace. “Got a gun that my granddad gave me / They say one day they’re gonna round up / Well, that (expletive) might fly in the city, good luck / Try that in a small town.”

On Friday, July 21, while performing at Cincinnati's Riverbend Music Center, Aldean addressed the audience with “Cancel culture is a thing... which means try and ruin your life, ruin everything. One thing I saw this week was a bunch of country music fans that could see through a lot of the bulls---, all right?", according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dispatch.com/story/entertainment/2023/07/23/jason-aldean-defends-try-that-in-a-small-town-in-cincinnati-ohio/70452887007/">“The Columbus Dispatch.”</a>

For those wondering if he would play the song live, he said, “The answer is simple. The people have spoken and you guys spoke very, very loudly,” he said, before launching into the song.

<p>LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jason-aldean">Jason Aldean</a>&nbsp;'s “Try That in a Small Town” is experiencing exponential growth following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jason-aldean-try-that-small-town-video-b164d61b0293318cefc4538206464ced">controversy over its music video</a>.</p><p>“Try That in a Small Town,” which was released in May, debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 this week just behind&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bts-beyond-story-book-review-8ac9f997817252d43bb9753de0e1c8e6">BTS’s Jung Kook</a>&nbsp;solo single “Seven,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2023-song-of-summer-predictions-411d7738986212bb7ffb06e8f3893408">featuring Latto</a>. The track experienced the biggest sales week for a country song in over 10 years.</p><p>According to Luminate, the song hit 11.7 million on-demand audio and video streams between July 14 and 20, marking a 1,000% increase from the previous week. Prior to the music video release on July 14, the track accounted for 987,000 streams in the U.S.</p><p>Digital song sales increased from 1,000 to 228,000, in those same weeks, respectively.</p><p>The music video for the song lasted just one weekend on Country Music Television before the network pulled it in response to an outcry over its setting and lyrics. When the network removed the video from its rotation, it had 350,000 views on YouTube. Now that number is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1_RKu-ESCY">now over 16 million</a>, and it is the No. 1 trending video under the “music” category.</p><p>In the visual, Aldean — who has been awarded country music&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d941899353c345d99116f3088e4c29af">artist of the decade</a>&nbsp;by the Academy of Country Music — performs in front of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFl4tmi8cbE">Maury County Courthouse</a>&nbsp;in Columbia, Tennessee. It is the site of the 1946 Columbia race riot and the 1927 mob lynching of an 18-year-old Black teenager named Henry Choate.</p><p>Aldean’s video received fervent criticism online, with some claiming the visual is a “dog whistle” and others labeling it&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/19/arts/music/jason-aldean-try-that-in-a-small-town-cmt.html">“pro-lynching.”</a></p><p>“There is not a single lyric in the song that references race or points to it- and there isn’t a single video clip that isn’t real news footage -and while I can try and respect others to have their own interpretation of a song with music- this one goes too far,” Aldean wrote in a tweet posted Tuesday.</p><p>“Cuss out a cop, spit in his face / Stomp on the flag and light it up / Yeah, ya think you’re tough,” Aldean sings on the track, written by Neil Thrasher, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, and Kelley Lovelace. “Got a gun that my granddad gave me / They say one day they’re gonna round up / Well, that (expletive) might fly in the city, good luck / Try that in a small town.”</p><p>On Friday, July 21, while performing at Cincinnati's Riverbend Music Center, Aldean addressed the audience with “Cancel culture is a thing... which means try and ruin your life, ruin everything. One thing I saw this week was a bunch of country music fans that could see through a lot of the bulls---, all right?", according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dispatch.com/story/entertainment/2023/07/23/jason-aldean-defends-try-that-in-a-small-town-in-cincinnati-ohio/70452887007/">“The Columbus Dispatch.”</a></p><p>For those wondering if he would play the song live, he said, “The answer is simple. The people have spoken and you guys spoke very, very loudly,” he said, before launching into the song.</p>

Jason Aldean's 'Try That in a Small Town' rockets to No. 2 on charts after controversy

NASHVILLE (AP) —Country music star&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jason-aldean">Jason Aldean</a>&nbsp;'s latest <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1_RKu-ESCY&amp;t=10s">music video</a> for “Try That In A Small Town," lasted just one weekend on Country Music Television before the network pulled it in response to an outcry over its setting and lyrics.

In the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1_RKu-ESCY&amp;t=10s">video</a>, Aldean — who has been awarded country music&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d941899353c345d99116f3088e4c29af">artist of the decade</a>&nbsp;by the Academy of Country Music — performs in front of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFl4tmi8cbE">Maury County Courthouse</a>&nbsp;in Columbia, Tennessee. This is the site of the 1946 Columbia race riot and the 1927 mob lynching of an 18-year-old Black teenager named Henry Choate.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1_RKu-ESCY&amp;t=10s">Aldean's video,</a> which was released last Friday, has received fervent criticism online, with some claiming the visual is a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/laurkatrad/status/1680777937686077443">“dog whistle”</a>&nbsp;and others labeling it&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/19/arts/music/jason-aldean-try-that-in-a-small-town-cmt.html">“pro-lynching.”</a>

Interspersed between performance footage of Aldean are news clips of violent riots and flag burnings. A Fox News chyron reads: “State of emergency declared in Georgia."

“Cuss out a cop, spit in his face / Stomp on the flag and light it up / Yeah, ya think you’re tough,” Aldean, who is from Macon, Georgia, sings. "Got a gun that my granddad gave me / They say one day they’re gonna round up / Well, that shit might fly in the city, good luck / Try that in a small town."

“There is not a single lyric in the song that references race or points to it- and there isn’t a single <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1_RKu-ESCY&amp;t=10s">video clip</a> that isn’t real news footage -and while I can try and respect others to have their own interpretation of a song with music- this one goes too far,” Aldean wrote in a tweet posted Tuesday.

The production company behind <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1_RKu-ESCY&amp;t=10s">the video</a>, Tacklebox, said in a statement Wednesday that it picked a ”popular filming location outside of Nashville” that had been used on numerous productions, including holiday films starring Tanya Tucker and one starring Mario Lopez and Jana Kramer.

“Any alternative narrative suggesting the music video's location decision is false," the company said, adding that Aldean did not choose the location.

Aldean has long identified as conservative, and has been&nbsp;<a href="https://countrynow.com/jason-aldean-and-brittany-aldean-ring-in-new-year-with-donald-trump-at-mar-a-lago-party-dream-night/">a vocal supporter</a>&nbsp;of former President Donald Trump. “My political views have never been something I’ve hidden from,” he tweeted Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1_RKu-ESCY&amp;t=10s">The video</a> and its subsequent removal from CMT quickly blew up into one of the periodic culture war clashes, with several conservative figures speaking out in favor of Aldean — including Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem and Colorado Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert.

This isn't the first time Aldean has been at the center of controversy. In 2015, he made headlines for dressing as rapper Lil Wayne as a Halloween costume,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/613b0120a905418684fd0ab09cc83fce">wearing blackface makeup</a>&nbsp;and a wig with dreadlocks.

In 2017, the country singer was on stage at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-jason-aldean-las-vegas-mass-shooting-30c3bca1b28e616b8560818ee89a5917">the Route 91 Festival</a>&nbsp;in Las Vegas during the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. Over the years, Aldean has given conflicting statements about his stance on U.S. gun laws, though his music celebrates gun ownership.

“It’s too easy to get guns, first and foremost,” he told The Associated Press after the Las Vegas shooting. “When you can walk in somewhere and you can get one in 5 minutes, do a background check that takes 5 minutes, like how in-depth is that background check? Those are the issues I have. It’s not necessarily the guns themselves or that I don’t think people should have guns. I have a lot of them.”

“In the past 24 hours I have been accused of releasing a pro-lynching song (a song that has been out since May) and was subject to the comparison that I (direct quote) was not too pleased with the nationwide BLM protests," Aldean said on Twitter Tuesday. "These references are not only meritless, but dangerous."

A CMT spokesperson did not immediately respond to AP's request for comment.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689875863323.png" alt="Image from the video" />
                        <figcaption>Image from the video</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>NASHVILLE (AP) —Country music star&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jason-aldean">Jason Aldean</a>&nbsp;'s latest <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1_RKu-ESCY&amp;t=10s">music video</a> for “Try That In A Small Town," lasted just one weekend on Country Music Television before the network pulled it in response to an outcry over its setting and lyrics.</p><p>In the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1_RKu-ESCY&amp;t=10s">video</a>, Aldean — who has been awarded country music&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d941899353c345d99116f3088e4c29af">artist of the decade</a>&nbsp;by the Academy of Country Music — performs in front of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFl4tmi8cbE">Maury County Courthouse</a>&nbsp;in Columbia, Tennessee. This is the site of the 1946 Columbia race riot and the 1927 mob lynching of an 18-year-old Black teenager named Henry Choate.</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1_RKu-ESCY&amp;t=10s">Aldean's video,</a> which was released last Friday, has received fervent criticism online, with some claiming the visual is a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/laurkatrad/status/1680777937686077443">“dog whistle”</a>&nbsp;and others labeling it&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/19/arts/music/jason-aldean-try-that-in-a-small-town-cmt.html">“pro-lynching.”</a></p><p>Interspersed between performance footage of Aldean are news clips of violent riots and flag burnings. A Fox News chyron reads: “State of emergency declared in Georgia."</p><p>“Cuss out a cop, spit in his face / Stomp on the flag and light it up / Yeah, ya think you’re tough,” Aldean, who is from Macon, Georgia, sings. "Got a gun that my granddad gave me / They say one day they’re gonna round up / Well, that shit might fly in the city, good luck / Try that in a small town."</p><p>“There is not a single lyric in the song that references race or points to it- and there isn’t a single <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1_RKu-ESCY&amp;t=10s">video clip</a> that isn’t real news footage -and while I can try and respect others to have their own interpretation of a song with music- this one goes too far,” Aldean wrote in a tweet posted Tuesday.</p><p>The production company behind <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1_RKu-ESCY&amp;t=10s">the video</a>, Tacklebox, said in a statement Wednesday that it picked a ”popular filming location outside of Nashville” that had been used on numerous productions, including holiday films starring Tanya Tucker and one starring Mario Lopez and Jana Kramer.</p><p>“Any alternative narrative suggesting the music video's location decision is false," the company said, adding that Aldean did not choose the location.</p><p>Aldean has long identified as conservative, and has been&nbsp;<a href="https://countrynow.com/jason-aldean-and-brittany-aldean-ring-in-new-year-with-donald-trump-at-mar-a-lago-party-dream-night/">a vocal supporter</a>&nbsp;of former President Donald Trump. “My political views have never been something I’ve hidden from,” he tweeted Tuesday.</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1_RKu-ESCY&amp;t=10s">The video</a> and its subsequent removal from CMT quickly blew up into one of the periodic culture war clashes, with several conservative figures speaking out in favor of Aldean — including Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem and Colorado Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert.</p><p>This isn't the first time Aldean has been at the center of controversy. In 2015, he made headlines for dressing as rapper Lil Wayne as a Halloween costume,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/613b0120a905418684fd0ab09cc83fce">wearing blackface makeup</a>&nbsp;and a wig with dreadlocks.</p><p>In 2017, the country singer was on stage at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-jason-aldean-las-vegas-mass-shooting-30c3bca1b28e616b8560818ee89a5917">the Route 91 Festival</a>&nbsp;in Las Vegas during the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. Over the years, Aldean has given conflicting statements about his stance on U.S. gun laws, though his music celebrates gun ownership.</p><p>“It’s too easy to get guns, first and foremost,” he told The Associated Press after the Las Vegas shooting. “When you can walk in somewhere and you can get one in 5 minutes, do a background check that takes 5 minutes, like how in-depth is that background check? Those are the issues I have. It’s not necessarily the guns themselves or that I don’t think people should have guns. I have a lot of them.”</p><p>“In the past 24 hours I have been accused of releasing a pro-lynching song (a song that has been out since May) and was subject to the comparison that I (direct quote) was not too pleased with the nationwide BLM protests," Aldean said on Twitter Tuesday. "These references are not only meritless, but dangerous."</p><p>A CMT spokesperson did not immediately respond to AP's request for comment.</p>

Jason Aldean music video lasted 1 week on country music network

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Melinda Merrill on&nbsp;</i><i>Wilson's Czech Festival.</i>

For more information about the 2023 Czech Fest, including a full calendar of events, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://wilsonczechfest.com/">wilsonczechfest.com.</a>

-The original version of this identified Melinda Merrill as Director of the Czech Festival.&nbsp; The festival has wonderful volunteer committee that is co-chaired by Susan Kriley and Kate Schiermeyer. 

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1JfYJm30qLA" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Melinda Merrill on&nbsp;</i><i>Wilson's Czech Festival.</i></p><p>For more information about the 2023 Czech Fest, including a full calendar of events, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://wilsonczechfest.com/">wilsonczechfest.com.</a></p><p>-The original version of this identified Melinda Merrill as Director of the Czech Festival.&nbsp; The festival has wonderful volunteer committee that is co-chaired by Susan Kriley and Kate Schiermeyer. </p>

Correction: Forward Ever: Melinda Merrill on Wilson's Czech Fest 

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The category? “Proper Name.” The answer? Ryan Seacrest, who will become the new “Wheel of Fortune” host after Pat Sajak's retirement next year.

Seacrest and Sony Pictures Television announced Tuesday that Seacrest has signed a multiyear deal to host the long-running game show starting with Season 42. Sajak&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pat-sajak-retirement-wheel-of-fortune-d64841758855e579b3d6254b5314fc17">recently announced</a>&nbsp;the upcoming 41st season would be his last on the show.

It's the latest hosting gig for Seacrest, the popular “American Idol” host who also now rings in the new year for many on “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.”

“I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak," Seacrest said in a statement. “I can say, along with the rest of America, that it’s been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them.”

Seacrest in his statement also praised Vanna White, another mainstay of “Wheel of Fortune,” and signaled she would remain on the show after Sajak's retirement. Both White and Sajak have been on the show since the early 1980s.

"I can’t wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White,” Seacrest's statement said. He also said he was looking to learn as much as possible from Sajak during the transition period.

The show tapes in Southern California, where Seacrest also hosts a popular nationally syndicated morning drivetime radio show. In February, Seacrest announced he would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/television-tv-kelly-ripa-ryan-seacrest-dick-clark-fe381d4752a8ad18272a4707151deef0">leave the New York-based televised morning show</a>&nbsp;“Live with Kelly and Ryan” after six years. Kelly Ripa now hosts that show with her husband Mark Consuelos.

Sajak, 76, has presided over the game show, in which contestants guess letters to try to fill out words and phrases in pursuit of money and prizes, since 1981. He took over duties from Chuck Woolery, who was the show’s host when it debuted in 1975. The show started out as a daytime game show but became a syndicated nightly telecast in 1983, making Sajak and White the main faces of “Wheel of Fortune” for viewers for four decades.

<p>LOS ANGELES (AP) — The category? “Proper Name.” The answer? Ryan Seacrest, who will become the new “Wheel of Fortune” host after Pat Sajak's retirement next year.</p><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fwheeloffortune%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02AqUDV3TiwrBr8YgUCT26tWhipAi1KPjQKu9cDQ7iFjDvtVkPxSRpqcHS1pWPteT1l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="609" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div><p>Seacrest and Sony Pictures Television announced Tuesday that Seacrest has signed a multiyear deal to host the long-running game show starting with Season 42. Sajak&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pat-sajak-retirement-wheel-of-fortune-d64841758855e579b3d6254b5314fc17">recently announced</a>&nbsp;the upcoming 41st season would be his last on the show.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wheel of Fortune <a href="https://t.co/pQeTpWsPx7">pic.twitter.com/pQeTpWsPx7</a></p>&mdash; Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) <a href="https://twitter.com/RyanSeacrest/status/1673734940465283077?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>It's the latest hosting gig for Seacrest, the popular “American Idol” host who also now rings in the new year for many on “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.”</p><p>“I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak," Seacrest said in a statement. “I can say, along with the rest of America, that it’s been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them.”</p><p>Seacrest in his statement also praised Vanna White, another mainstay of “Wheel of Fortune,” and signaled she would remain on the show after Sajak's retirement. Both White and Sajak have been on the show since the early 1980s.</p><p>"I can’t wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White,” Seacrest's statement said. He also said he was looking to learn as much as possible from Sajak during the transition period.</p><p>The show tapes in Southern California, where Seacrest also hosts a popular nationally syndicated morning drivetime radio show. In February, Seacrest announced he would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/television-tv-kelly-ripa-ryan-seacrest-dick-clark-fe381d4752a8ad18272a4707151deef0">leave the New York-based televised morning show</a>&nbsp;“Live with Kelly and Ryan” after six years. Kelly Ripa now hosts that show with her husband Mark Consuelos.</p><p>Sajak, 76, has presided over the game show, in which contestants guess letters to try to fill out words and phrases in pursuit of money and prizes, since 1981. He took over duties from Chuck Woolery, who was the show’s host when it debuted in 1975. The show started out as a daytime game show but became a syndicated nightly telecast in 1983, making Sajak and White the main faces of “Wheel of Fortune” for viewers for four decades.</p>

Wheel of Fortune: Ryan Seacrest will host after Pat Sajak retires

🎤 Forward Ever: State Library of Kansas director of reference Cindy Roupe

<b>By LINDSEY BAHR</b><br><i>AP Film Writer</i>

LAS
 VEGAS — The words “impressive” and “awesome” were common refrains 
from a group of entertainment reporters who were among the first to see 
the upcoming DC superhero movie “The Flash.”

Warner Bros. screened
 the film for the first time at CinemaCon Tuesday for theater owners, 
exhibitors and reporters attending the annual trade show and industry 
conference.

Reviews are embargoed until a later date – the film, 
the studio said, is not completely finished – but viewers were able to 
post reactions on social media as soon as the credits rolled.

Brian
 Welk of Indiewire wrote that “it played very well,” pointing out that 
there were more than a few screams and gasps in the packed theater.

Film
 critic Jordan Hoffman tweeted that it was, “far more madcap than I 
expected. Really nailed what reading a 5-issue crossover comic book is 
like. Tons of Ezra Miller being zany and time paradox stuff. Nerds will 
lose their minds at the ending.”

“The Playlist’s” Greg Ellwood 
wrote that it was “very good” and that Miller was “great,” while Scott 
Mantz went a step further declaring that it’s “one of the very best DC 
movies, a perfect blend of action, heart &amp; humor.”

Erik Davis,
 of Fandango, wrote on Twitter that it is “tremendous" and that it is 
“without a doubt among the best superhero films ever made. An all-timer.
 Inventive storytelling, FANTASTIC action sequences, great cast. SO MANY
 nerdy details.”

Jason Guerrasio, of Business Insider, had a more 
tempered reaction, writing that it is “def not the best superhero movie 
ever made ... but it’s an impressive DC movie with lots of emotion and 
loads of surprises.”

“The Flash,” directed by Andy Muschietti, is 
one of the studio’s biggest films of the year. In the film, Barry Allen 
uses his superpowers to go back in time in an attempt to change the past
 and save his parents. But things go awry and he finds himself stuck in a
 very different reality where Michael Shannon's General Zod is back and 
Batman is not the Batman he knows (Ben Affleck's version). Widely 
available trailers have already revealed that the new Batman he 
encounters is Michael Keaton's version.

After the box office 
disappointment of “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” earlier this year, the hope
 is that “The Flash,” which reportedly carries a $200 million budget, 
will reach blockbuster heights when it opens in theaters on June 16.

The long-planned standalone about The Flash/Barry Allen has also been the subject of much discussion because of its star <a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-indictments-ezra-miller-theft-6a077b5f5b65ad58a3909266cfafc7a1">Ezra Miller</a>, who made headlines last year for a string of arrests and erratic behavior.

Miller
 was arrested twice last year in Hawaii, for disorderly conduct and 
harassment at a karaoke bar and then for second-degree assault. The 
parents of 18-year-old Tokata Iron Eyes, a Native American activist, 
last year filed a protection order against Miller, accusing the actor of
 grooming their child and other inappropriate behavior with her as a 
minor from the age of 12. Tokata Iron Eyes has disputed that.

Miller, who identifies as non-binary and goes by they/them pronouns, said last year that they were <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=ezra+miller+apnews&amp;rlz=1C1EJFC_enUS874US874&amp;oq=ezra+miller+&amp;aqs=chrome.0.69i59l2j0i433i512j69i57j46i433i512j69i61j69i60l2.2186j1j7&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">seeking mental health treatment</a>.

The
 development of a standalone Flash movie has been in the works for 
almost 10 years. In one plan, announced at Comic Con in 2014, an Ezra 
Miller Flash movie would have hit theaters in 2018. Muschietti wouldn’t 
even be attached to direct until 2019.

Warner Bros. has, 
throughout Miller’s personal troubles and the shelving of “Batgirl,” 
remained steadfast in its plans to release the “The Flash.”

And though <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=james+gunn+apnews&amp;rlz=1C1EJFC_enUS874US874&amp;oq=james+gunn+apnews&amp;aqs=chrome.0.69i59j0i512j0i395i512j69i60l3.3555j1j7&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">plans are already underway for a new future for DC Studios</a>,
 “The Flash” has been one that the new regime of James Gunn and Peter 
Safran have seemed particularly excited about. Gunn said it was, “One of
 the best superhero films I’ve ever seen.” And Warner Bros. Discovery 
president and CEO David Zaslav even boasted that Tom Cruise saw and 
loved the film so much that he called Muschietti himself to congratulate
 him.

<p><b>By LINDSEY BAHR</b><br><i>AP Film Writer</i></p><p>LAS
 VEGAS — The words “impressive” and “awesome” were common refrains 
from a group of entertainment reporters who were among the first to see 
the upcoming DC superhero movie “The Flash.”</p><p>Warner Bros. screened
 the film for the first time at CinemaCon Tuesday for theater owners, 
exhibitors and reporters attending the annual trade show and industry 
conference.</p><p>Reviews are embargoed until a later date – the film, 
the studio said, is not completely finished – but viewers were able to 
post reactions on social media as soon as the credits rolled.</p><p>Brian
 Welk of Indiewire wrote that “it played very well,” pointing out that 
there were more than a few screams and gasps in the packed theater.</p><p>Film
 critic Jordan Hoffman tweeted that it was, “far more madcap than I 
expected. Really nailed what reading a 5-issue crossover comic book is 
like. Tons of Ezra Miller being zany and time paradox stuff. Nerds will 
lose their minds at the ending.”</p><p>“The Playlist’s” Greg Ellwood 
wrote that it was “very good” and that Miller was “great,” while Scott 
Mantz went a step further declaring that it’s “one of the very best DC 
movies, a perfect blend of action, heart &amp; humor.”</p><p>Erik Davis,
 of Fandango, wrote on Twitter that it is “tremendous" and that it is 
“without a doubt among the best superhero films ever made. An all-timer.
 Inventive storytelling, FANTASTIC action sequences, great cast. SO MANY
 nerdy details.”</p><p>Jason Guerrasio, of Business Insider, had a more 
tempered reaction, writing that it is “def not the best superhero movie 
ever made ... but it’s an impressive DC movie with lots of emotion and 
loads of surprises.”</p><p>“The Flash,” directed by Andy Muschietti, is 
one of the studio’s biggest films of the year. In the film, Barry Allen 
uses his superpowers to go back in time in an attempt to change the past
 and save his parents. But things go awry and he finds himself stuck in a
 very different reality where Michael Shannon's General Zod is back and 
Batman is not the Batman he knows (Ben Affleck's version). Widely 
available trailers have already revealed that the new Batman he 
encounters is Michael Keaton's version.</p><p>After the box office 
disappointment of “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” earlier this year, the hope
 is that “The Flash,” which reportedly carries a $200 million budget, 
will reach blockbuster heights when it opens in theaters on June 16.</p><p>The long-planned standalone about The Flash/Barry Allen has also been the subject of much discussion because of its star <a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-indictments-ezra-miller-theft-6a077b5f5b65ad58a3909266cfafc7a1">Ezra Miller</a>, who made headlines last year for a string of arrests and erratic behavior.</p><p>Miller
 was arrested twice last year in Hawaii, for disorderly conduct and 
harassment at a karaoke bar and then for second-degree assault. The 
parents of 18-year-old Tokata Iron Eyes, a Native American activist, 
last year filed a protection order against Miller, accusing the actor of
 grooming their child and other inappropriate behavior with her as a 
minor from the age of 12. Tokata Iron Eyes has disputed that.</p><p>Miller, who identifies as non-binary and goes by they/them pronouns, said last year that they were <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=ezra+miller+apnews&amp;rlz=1C1EJFC_enUS874US874&amp;oq=ezra+miller+&amp;aqs=chrome.0.69i59l2j0i433i512j69i57j46i433i512j69i61j69i60l2.2186j1j7&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">seeking mental health treatment</a>.</p><p>The
 development of a standalone Flash movie has been in the works for 
almost 10 years. In one plan, announced at Comic Con in 2014, an Ezra 
Miller Flash movie would have hit theaters in 2018. Muschietti wouldn’t 
even be attached to direct until 2019.</p><p>Warner Bros. has, 
throughout Miller’s personal troubles and the shelving of “Batgirl,” 
remained steadfast in its plans to release the “The Flash.”</p><p>And though <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=james+gunn+apnews&amp;rlz=1C1EJFC_enUS874US874&amp;oq=james+gunn+apnews&amp;aqs=chrome.0.69i59j0i512j0i395i512j69i60l3.3555j1j7&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">plans are already underway for a new future for DC Studios</a>,
 “The Flash” has been one that the new regime of James Gunn and Peter 
Safran have seemed particularly excited about. Gunn said it was, “One of
 the best superhero films I’ve ever seen.” And Warner Bros. Discovery 
president and CEO David Zaslav even boasted that Tom Cruise saw and 
loved the film so much that he called Muschietti himself to congratulate
 him.</p>

Entertainment