12-team college football playoff arrives after 100 years, a few billion dollars and many detours

It took more than 100 years, a few billion dollars and the cold, hard realization that you can't fight progress forever. And now, finally, college football has what the rest of sports have: a legitimate postseason tournament. The first-of-its-kind 12-team College Football Playoff kicks off Friday and Saturday with four first-round games on campuses steeped in gridiron tradition: Texas, Penn State, Notre Dame and Ohio State. Winners advance to play over the New Year's holiday, and the tournament concludes Jan. 20 with the national title game.

It took more than 100 years, a few billion dollars and the cold, hard realization that you can't fight progress forever. And now, finally, college football has what the rest of sports have — a legitimate postseason tournament.

The first 12-team College Football Playoff kicks off Friday and Saturday with four first-round games on campuses steeped in gridiron tradition: Texas (hosting Clemson), Penn State (SMU), Notre Dame (Indiana) and Ohio State (Tennessee).

The winners advance to play over the New Year's holiday — Arizona State, Boise State, Georgia and Oregon are waiting — and the tournament concludes Jan. 20 with the national title game in Atlanta.

The concept of a postseason tournament is old hat for virtually every other major sport in the United States (including the lower levels of college football), but this postseason is a novel one for the top level of the game. Not surprisingly for an endeavor that took a century to create, it is teeming with prickly details that will ultimately shape the future of the playoff itself.

Can the college game compete with the NFL?

A deal struck decades ago as part of the NFL's anti-trust exemption deems Saturdays as college territory, prohibiting the league from televising games on college football's biggest day. But that ban is only in effect through mid-December, which is when the NFL jumps in.

On Saturday, it has a pair of standout games: Texans-Chiefs on NBC and Steelers-Ravens on Fox. The CFP has chosen to counterprogram those games with SMU-Penn State and Clemson-Texas, both of which were sublicensed to TNT as part of ESPN's original deal to broadcast the playoff.

How will this go? College football's most-watched game this season grabbed 16.6 million viewers, while last year's title game, when the playoff only consisted of four teams, drew 25 million.

A regular-season NFL game between the Bills and Rams earlier this month drew 24 million viewers and the NFL averaged around 38.5 million viewers for its first round of playoff games last season.

Does it matter? ESPN is signed to the deal (topping out at $1.3 billion a year) through 2031, though if the ratings tank, it might be compelled to look for friendlier TV windows and avoid the ratings behemoth that is the NFL.

"I think it's important for them to get a reasonable rating," said Dan Durbin, the director of the Institute of Sports, Media and Society at USC. "I don't think beating the NFL really even counts."

We can trace it back to the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California. Organizers of the annual parade wanted a way to pay for all those flower-covered floats cruising down Colorado Boulevard.

In 1902, they invited Michigan and Stanford to play (the Wolverines won 49-0). In 1916, it was Washington State and Brown, and from there, the game became an annual affair.

Other cities followed suit, mostly in warm-weather areas. By 1937, the Rose, Orange (Miami), Sugar (New Orleans) and Cotton (Dallas) were annual bowls, By the 1940s and '50s, the games had contractual tie-ins with conferences, which pledged to send their teams there.

The games entrenched themselves in the local tourism economy and, so, also became dug into the fabric of college football itself. While virtually all sports had moved toward some sort of playoff tournament by the 1960s, college football stood pat and the bowl games served as its postseason.

AP and other polls declared national champions for decades

The Associated Press started its poll of sports writers in 1936 and began awarding its national championship to whoever was ranked first at the end of each season. In 1968, the AP moved its final poll to after the bowls were over.

Other polls followed — more than 20 different systems or rankings have come and gone since the late 1800s — and for decades, those organizations crowned national champions. They often differed, including 11 seasons where AP and the coaches/UPI polls declared different champions.

Because the bowl games were locked into inviting teams from certain conferences, the top two teams in the sport often never played each other.

"In college football, you had so many teams, so many conferences that it's just been unwieldy to try to create a real postseason," Durbin said.

The alphabet soup of determining a champion

That remains true to this day, even with the expanded playoffs.

The seeds of change were planted after back-to-back seasons with split titles in 1990 and 1991 made it clear something needed to be done. Over the ensuing 35 years, a cocktail of conference realignment, ever-growing TV contracts and, most recently, the financial realities of a sport that will soon share millions with its players spawned new ways for the sport to tackle its playoff problem.

In the 1990s, a two-decade period of systems — the Bowl Alliance, Bowl Coalition and Bowl Championship Series — tried to pair the two best teams in the country to play for the title. Rankings were based on a combination of polls, computer rankings and strength of schedule — a formula that has been tweaked many times but remains a sore spot to this day.

The BCS turned into the College Football Playoff in 2014 with a four-team postseason that felt like progress.

One problem was that the gap grew even wider between what mattered and what didn't — three playoff games vs. dozens of bowl games that looked more and more like exhibitions, especially if players with NFL prospects opted out.

Another was the selection process. The March Madness selection committee in college basketball isn't truly in jeopardy of sidelining the eventual national champion if it makes a bad choice for, say, the last two teams in a 68-team field.

Not so in football, where the field is smaller, every game means more and the financial stakes are higher. The SEC and Big Ten, for instance, receive around $22 million in playoff TV money before a single game is played. There is a pool of about $115 million available to the conferences based on the results of the playoff.

Last year, when the football committee chose one-loss Alabama over undefeated Florida State for the fourth and final spot, it triggered investigations and threats.

The road to 12 teams was already paved by then, but it has been equally as fraught. Some reveled in the fact that the first team out of the bracket this time was the very Alabama program that was chosen a year earlier.

Will this work, and what might change soon?

There is also the issue of automatic bids that go to conference winners, which have not only put Boise State and Arizona State (teams ranked eighth and 10th in the latest AP Top 25) into the tournament but given them two of the four first-round byes.

There is the issue of travel — how many fans can afford to go to three neutral-site games to watch their team chase a championship? With scant time to prepare, can the schools and the CFP pull off campus games without a hitch? Oh, what about the lack of students on campus this week?

The eventual champion will also end up playing 16, maybe 17, games, carving into classroom time that's supposed to still mean something at the college level.

Within a year or two, this tournament will likely expand to 14 teams. The issue of "access" — which conferences get in and how many teams they are allowed — will top that debate. There is also growing separation between the SEC and Big Ten and the rest of college football that makes many in the sport uneasy.

Before all that, it's time to buckle up. College football's first wild ride through the playoffs will last a full month.

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734704373519.jpeg" alt="FILE - The trophy is displayed during media day ahead of the national championship NCAA College Football Playoff game between Washington and Michigan Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - The trophy is displayed during media day ahead of the national championship NCAA College Football Playoff game between Washington and Michigan Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>12-team college football playoff arrives after 100 years, a few billion dollars and many detoursBy EDDIE PELLS AP National WriterIt took more than 100 years, a few billion dollars and the cold, hard realization that you can't fight progress forever. And now, finally, college football has what the rest of sports have: a legitimate postseason tournament. The first-of-its-kind 12-team College Football Playoff kicks off Friday and Saturday with four first-round games on campuses steeped in gridiron tradition: Texas, Penn State, Notre Dame and Ohio State. Winners advance to play over the New Year's holiday, and the tournament concludes Jan. 20 with the national title game.It took more than 100 years, a few billion dollars and the cold, hard realization that you can't fight progress forever. And now, finally, college football has what the rest of sports have — a legitimate postseason tournament.The first 12-team College Football Playoff kicks off Friday and Saturday with four first-round games on campuses steeped in gridiron tradition: Texas (hosting Clemson), Penn State (SMU), Notre Dame (Indiana) and Ohio State (Tennessee).The winners advance to play over the New Year's holiday — Arizona State, Boise State, Georgia and Oregon are waiting — and the tournament concludes Jan. 20 with the national title game in Atlanta.The concept of a postseason tournament is old hat for virtually every other major sport in the United States (including the lower levels of college football), but this postseason is a novel one for the top level of the game. Not surprisingly for an endeavor that took a century to create, it is teeming with prickly details that will ultimately shape the future of the playoff itself.Can the college game compete with the NFL?A deal struck decades ago as part of the NFL's anti-trust exemption deems Saturdays as college territory, prohibiting the league from televising games on college football's biggest day. But that ban is only in effect through mid-December, which is when the NFL jumps in.On Saturday, it has a pair of standout games: Texans-Chiefs on NBC and Steelers-Ravens on Fox. The CFP has chosen to counterprogram those games with SMU-Penn State and Clemson-Texas, both of which were sublicensed to TNT as part of ESPN's original deal to broadcast the playoff.How will this go? College football's most-watched game this season grabbed 16.6 million viewers, while last year's title game, when the playoff only consisted of four teams, drew 25 million.A regular-season NFL game between the Bills and Rams earlier this month drew 24 million viewers and the NFL averaged around 38.5 million viewers for its first round of playoff games last season.Does it matter? ESPN is signed to the deal (topping out at $1.3 billion a year) through 2031, though if the ratings tank, it might be compelled to look for friendlier TV windows and avoid the ratings behemoth that is the NFL."I think it's important for them to get a reasonable rating," said Dan Durbin, the director of the Institute of Sports, Media and Society at USC. "I don't think beating the NFL really even counts."Why did this take 100 years?We can trace it back to the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California. Organizers of the annual parade wanted a way to pay for all those flower-covered floats cruising down Colorado Boulevard.In 1902, they invited Michigan and Stanford to play (the Wolverines won 49-0). In 1916, it was Washington State and Brown, and from there, the game became an annual affair.Other cities followed suit, mostly in warm-weather areas. By 1937, the Rose, Orange (Miami), Sugar (New Orleans) and Cotton (Dallas) were annual bowls, By the 1940s and '50s, the games had contractual tie-ins with conferences, which pledged to send their teams there.The games entrenched themselves in the local tourism economy and, so, also became dug into the fabric of college football itself. While virtually all sports had moved toward some sort of playoff tournament by the 1960s, college football stood pat and the bowl games served as its postseason.AP and other polls declared national champions for decadesThe Associated Press started its poll of sports writers in 1936 and began awarding its national championship to whoever was ranked first at the end of each season. In 1968, the AP moved its final poll to after the bowls were over.Other polls followed — more than 20 different systems or rankings have come and gone since the late 1800s — and for decades, those organizations crowned national champions. They often differed, including 11 seasons where AP and the coaches/UPI polls declared different champions.Because the bowl games were locked into inviting teams from certain conferences, the top two teams in the sport often never played each other."In college football, you had so many teams, so many conferences that it's just been unwieldy to try to create a real postseason," Durbin said.The alphabet soup of determining a championThat remains true to this day, even with the expanded playoffs.The seeds of change were planted after back-to-back seasons with split titles in 1990 and 1991 made it clear something needed to be done. Over the ensuing 35 years, a cocktail of conference realignment, ever-growing TV contracts and, most recently, the financial realities of a sport that will soon share millions with its players spawned new ways for the sport to tackle its playoff problem.In the 1990s, a two-decade period of systems — the Bowl Alliance, Bowl Coalition and Bowl Championship Series — tried to pair the two best teams in the country to play for the title. Rankings were based on a combination of polls, computer rankings and strength of schedule — a formula that has been tweaked many times but remains a sore spot to this day.The beginnings of a 'real' playoffThe BCS turned into the College Football Playoff in 2014 with a four-team postseason that felt like progress.One problem was that the gap grew even wider between what mattered and what didn't — three playoff games vs. dozens of bowl games that looked more and more like exhibitions, especially if players with NFL prospects opted out.Another was the selection process. The March Madness selection committee in college basketball isn't truly in jeopardy of sidelining the eventual national champion if it makes a bad choice for, say, the last two teams in a 68-team field.Not so in football, where the field is smaller, every game means more and the financial stakes are higher. The SEC and Big Ten, for instance, receive around $22 million in playoff TV money before a single game is played. There is a pool of about $115 million available to the conferences based on the results of the playoff.Last year, when the football committee chose one-loss Alabama over undefeated Florida State for the fourth and final spot, it triggered investigations and threats.The road to 12 teams was already paved by then, but it has been equally as fraught. Some reveled in the fact that the first team out of the bracket this time was the very Alabama program that was chosen a year earlier.Will this work, and what might change soon?There is also the issue of automatic bids that go to conference winners, which have not only put Boise State and Arizona State (teams ranked eighth and 10th in the latest AP Top 25) into the tournament but given them two of the four first-round byes.There is the issue of travel — how many fans can afford to go to three neutral-site games to watch their team chase a championship? With scant time to prepare, can the schools and the CFP pull off campus games without a hitch? Oh, what about the lack of students on campus this week?The eventual champion will also end up playing 16, maybe 17, games, carving into classroom time that's supposed to still mean something at the college level.Within a year or two, this tournament will likely expand to 14 teams. The issue of "access" — which conferences get in and how many teams they are allowed — will top that debate. There is also growing separation between the SEC and Big Ten and the rest of college football that makes many in the sport uneasy.Before all that, it's time to buckle up. College football's first wild ride through the playoffs will last a full month.___Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

🏈 12-team CFP arrives after 100 years, a few billion dollars and many detours

Patricia “Pat” Flickinger, 85, of Hutchinson, died December 17, 2024, at Legend of Hutchinson. She was born October 8, 1939, in Hutchinson, to John and Oma (Leach) Barrett.

Pat graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1957. On April 25, 1959, she married Clyde A. Flickinger in Hutchinson at her family home. They shared nearly 53 years of marriage before his death on April 11, 2012.

She loved sharing life and work on the farm with Clyde and their four boys. She learned to show her love of family with food making meals where no one went hungry; in fact, EVERYONE went home with leftovers. She enjoyed keeping her family smiling with her joyful spirit and a love of playing games.&nbsp;

Pat expressed her faith by being involved in the Ladies Aid at Sterling Evangelical Bible Church where she was a member for many years. She was an avid thrifter and in retirement combined her faith and passion for thrifting into an act of service by becoming a member of the board of directors for Hutchinson Etcetera Shop. In addition, she was a member of the Medford EHU ladies’ group. Pat loved to sew and always had a quilt and a multitude of sewing projects in the works. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading.&nbsp;

Pat is survived by: sons, Bart Flickinger (Kris Ehling) of Wichita, Troy (Kristy) Flickinger of Hutchinson, Kyle (Lesa) Flickinger of Sterling, and Chris (Dana) Flickinger of Wichita; 20 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.&nbsp;

She was preceded in death by: her parents; husband, Clyde Flickinger; and three siblings.&nbsp;

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Monday, December 23, 2024, at Elliott Mortuary Chapel with Clark Comley officiating. Burial will follow at Sterling Community Cemetery.&nbsp;

Friends may sign her memorial book 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday&nbsp;through Saturday at Elliott Mortuary. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday at Elliott Mortuary. The casket will only be open during the family visitation Sunday evening.

<a href="https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTczNDYzODA2MjM0MjAwOSZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==">Click here to view service</a>

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Sterling Community Thrift whose proceeds serve the schools and children of the Sterling community, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734706172958.jpeg" alt="Patricia “Pat” Flickinger" />
 <figcaption>Patricia “Pat” Flickinger</figcaption>
 </figure>Patricia “Pat” Flickinger, 85, of Hutchinson, died December 17, 2024, at Legend of Hutchinson. She was born October 8, 1939, in Hutchinson, to John and Oma (Leach) Barrett.Pat graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1957. On April 25, 1959, she married Clyde A. Flickinger in Hutchinson at her family home. They shared nearly 53 years of marriage before his death on April 11, 2012.She loved sharing life and work on the farm with Clyde and their four boys. She learned to show her love of family with food making meals where no one went hungry; in fact, EVERYONE went home with leftovers. She enjoyed keeping her family smiling with her joyful spirit and a love of playing games.&nbsp;Pat expressed her faith by being involved in the Ladies Aid at Sterling Evangelical Bible Church where she was a member for many years. She was an avid thrifter and in retirement combined her faith and passion for thrifting into an act of service by becoming a member of the board of directors for Hutchinson Etcetera Shop. In addition, she was a member of the Medford EHU ladies’ group. Pat loved to sew and always had a quilt and a multitude of sewing projects in the works. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading.&nbsp;Pat is survived by: sons, Bart Flickinger (Kris Ehling) of Wichita, Troy (Kristy) Flickinger of Hutchinson, Kyle (Lesa) Flickinger of Sterling, and Chris (Dana) Flickinger of Wichita; 20 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.&nbsp;She was preceded in death by: her parents; husband, Clyde Flickinger; and three siblings.&nbsp;Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Monday, December 23, 2024, at Elliott Mortuary Chapel with Clark Comley officiating. Burial will follow at Sterling Community Cemetery.&nbsp;Friends may sign her memorial book 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday&nbsp;through Saturday at Elliott Mortuary. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday at Elliott Mortuary. The casket will only be open during the family visitation Sunday evening.<a href="https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTczNDYzODA2MjM0MjAwOSZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==">Click here to view service</a>In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Sterling Community Thrift whose proceeds serve the schools and children of the Sterling community, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Patricia “Pat” Flickinger |1939-2024|

TOPEKA, Kan. — Governor Laura Kelly, on behalf of the Kansas Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (KCJCC), announced on Thursday the 2025 grant awards for the Federal Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program.

The JAG funds are provided to criminal justice system partners to address crime and improve public safety across Kansas. Specifically, the JAG awards made to local and state agencies fund programs designed to reduce and prevent crime, assist with equipment and technology needs and provide crime victim services.

The JAG program represents a collaborative partnership among federal, state and local governments to create safer communities and improve criminal justice systems. It provides critical funding to support a range of program areas such as law enforcement, corrections, drug treatment and enforcement, technology improvement, prevention activities, crime victim services, and mental health programs.

The KCJCC oversees the criminal justice federal funding made available to Kansas through the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance.&nbsp; The KCJCC membership is representative of the Governor, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Corrections, the Superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol, and the Director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

A total of $1,924,842 was awarded to 26 agencies. 

Hutch Post area agencies awarded include the Kingman County Sheriff's Office that was awarded&nbsp;$167,766 and&nbsp;Pratt Police Department. That department was awarded $10,495.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730206744597.jpeg" alt="Kansas Governor Laura Kelly" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Governor Laura Kelly</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. — Governor Laura Kelly, on behalf of the Kansas Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (KCJCC), announced on Thursday the 2025 grant awards for the Federal Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program.The JAG funds are provided to criminal justice system partners to address crime and improve public safety across Kansas. Specifically, the JAG awards made to local and state agencies fund programs designed to reduce and prevent crime, assist with equipment and technology needs and provide crime victim services.The JAG program represents a collaborative partnership among federal, state and local governments to create safer communities and improve criminal justice systems. It provides critical funding to support a range of program areas such as law enforcement, corrections, drug treatment and enforcement, technology improvement, prevention activities, crime victim services, and mental health programs.The KCJCC oversees the criminal justice federal funding made available to Kansas through the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance.&nbsp; The KCJCC membership is representative of the Governor, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Corrections, the Superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol, and the Director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.A total of $1,924,842 was awarded to 26 agencies. Hutch Post area agencies awarded include the Kingman County Sheriff's Office that was awarded&nbsp;$167,766 and&nbsp;Pratt Police Department. That department was awarded $10,495.

JAG grant awardees announced

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22HALELUYA%20HADERO%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By HALELUYA HADERO AP Business Writer</a>

Workers at seven Amazon facilities&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/amazon-com-inc-new-york-queens-new-york-city-labor-c88e88d9e91f4a89821499355204265c">went on strike</a>&nbsp;Thursday, an effort by the Teamsters union to pressure the e-commerce company&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-teamsters-delivery-union-ups-0b9a9e2fc06dbb18cb23c476e0c19230">for a labor agreement</a>&nbsp;during a key shopping period.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/teamsters-endorse-presidential-election-2d29668ace1ce239b7b6b209409bb6f5">The Teamsters</a>&nbsp;said the workers, who voted to authorize strikes in recent days, joined picket lines after Amazon ignored a Sunday deadline the union set for contract negotiations. The union called it the largest strike yet against the company in the U.S., although Amazon said it did not expect the labor action to impact its operations.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters claims it represents nearly 10,000 workers at 10 Amazon facilities, a small portion of the 800,000 workers employed in the company's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-warehouse-worker-injuries-senate-committee-eb5b72dd501be0bcce9d919c34731290">U.S. warehouses</a>. The union hasn't said how many workers would participate in the strike or how long the walkout would last.

“Amazon is pushing its workers closer to the picket line by failing to show them the respect they have earned,” Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien said in a statement.

The strikes happening Thursday are taking place at seven delivery stations, where packages are prepared for delivery vehicles and then given to contractors who drop off them off to customers every day. They include three locations in Southern California, and one each in San Francisco, New York City, Atlanta, Georgia, and Skokie, Illinois, according to the union’s announcement.

Two people were taken into custody at the demonstration in the New York City borough of Queens, according to the New York Police Department. Police did not say why the arrests were made. They said the individuals were given criminal court summons and then released.

The biggest warehouse affiliated with the Teamsters is located in the New York City borough of Staten Island. In 2022, thousands of workers at the warehouse, known as JFK8, voted to be represented by the nascent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-labor-union-election-35b63f38aa1c7f82bc86c21936e02a78">Amazon Labor Union</a>. Workers then choose to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-labor-union-teamsters-265a207af185c14a96d3910c6efd4382">affiliate with the Teamsters</a>&nbsp;this past summer.

The National Labor Relations Board certified that election to unionize, but Amazon has refused to bargain on a contract. In the process, the company has filed a lawsuit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-nlrb-unconstitutional-spacex-elon-musk-ab42977117d883e97110a7bf8e8b257f">challenging the constitutionality</a>&nbsp;of the labor board.

At the facilities striking Thursday, workers unionized with the Teamsters by demonstrating majority support but without holding government-administered elections. They include Amazon-employed warehouse workers in San Francisco, and subcontracted delivery drivers elsewhere.

Under labor law, companies can recognize unions without elections being held, but the practice is rare, said John Logan, director of labor and employment studies at San Francisco State University.

Amazon workers in more locations are “prepared to join” the fight, the Teamsters said, noting that employees at the Staten Island warehouse and at a company air hub in California also have authorized strikes.

When asked about the strike Thursday, Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said: “What you see here are almost entirely outsiders, not Amazon employees or partners, and the suggestion otherwise is just another lie from the Teamsters.”

“The truth is that they were unable to get enough support from our employees and partners and have brought in outsiders to come and harass and intimidate our team, which is inappropriate and dangerous,” Nantel said.

Seattle-based Amazon has said it does not consider delivery drivers like the ones on strike to be its employees. Under the company's business model, the drivers work for third-party businesses, called Delivery Service Partners, who deliver millions of packages daily. Amazon has accused the union, which says it represents some of the drivers, of “intentionally” misleading the public.

“This is another attempt to push a false narrative,” Nantel said.

But the Teamsters have argued Amazon essentially controls everything the drivers do and should be classified as their employer. U.S. labor regulators&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-nlrb-delivery-drivers-3214680ef8c8b060184964412f378128">have sided with the union</a>&nbsp;in filings made before the NLRB. In September, Amazon boosted pay for the drivers amid the growing pressure.

Though Amazon says it does not expect the strike to impact its operations, a walkout — especially one that lasts many days — could delay shipments in some metro areas.

Shares of Amazon.com Inc. rose about 1.3% Thursday but were slightly down in after-hours trading.

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22HALELUYA%20HADERO%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By HALELUYA HADERO AP Business Writer</a>Workers at seven Amazon facilities&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/amazon-com-inc-new-york-queens-new-york-city-labor-c88e88d9e91f4a89821499355204265c">went on strike</a>&nbsp;Thursday, an effort by the Teamsters union to pressure the e-commerce company&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-teamsters-delivery-union-ups-0b9a9e2fc06dbb18cb23c476e0c19230">for a labor agreement</a>&nbsp;during a key shopping period.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fteamsters%2Fvideos%2F1371318457574724%2F&show_text=false&width=267&t=1" width="267" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fteamsters%2Fvideos%2F1321080029048017%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=1" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div><a href="https://apnews.com/article/teamsters-endorse-presidential-election-2d29668ace1ce239b7b6b209409bb6f5">The Teamsters</a>&nbsp;said the workers, who voted to authorize strikes in recent days, joined picket lines after Amazon ignored a Sunday deadline the union set for contract negotiations. The union called it the largest strike yet against the company in the U.S., although Amazon said it did not expect the labor action to impact its operations.The International Brotherhood of Teamsters claims it represents nearly 10,000 workers at 10 Amazon facilities, a small portion of the 800,000 workers employed in the company's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-warehouse-worker-injuries-senate-committee-eb5b72dd501be0bcce9d919c34731290">U.S. warehouses</a>. The union hasn't said how many workers would participate in the strike or how long the walkout would last.“Amazon is pushing its workers closer to the picket line by failing to show them the respect they have earned,” Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien said in a statement.The strikes happening Thursday are taking place at seven delivery stations, where packages are prepared for delivery vehicles and then given to contractors who drop off them off to customers every day. They include three locations in Southern California, and one each in San Francisco, New York City, Atlanta, Georgia, and Skokie, Illinois, according to the union’s announcement.Two people were taken into custody at the demonstration in the New York City borough of Queens, according to the New York Police Department. Police did not say why the arrests were made. They said the individuals were given criminal court summons and then released.The biggest warehouse affiliated with the Teamsters is located in the New York City borough of Staten Island. In 2022, thousands of workers at the warehouse, known as JFK8, voted to be represented by the nascent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-labor-union-election-35b63f38aa1c7f82bc86c21936e02a78">Amazon Labor Union</a>. Workers then choose to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-labor-union-teamsters-265a207af185c14a96d3910c6efd4382">affiliate with the Teamsters</a>&nbsp;this past summer.The National Labor Relations Board certified that election to unionize, but Amazon has refused to bargain on a contract. In the process, the company has filed a lawsuit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-nlrb-unconstitutional-spacex-elon-musk-ab42977117d883e97110a7bf8e8b257f">challenging the constitutionality</a>&nbsp;of the labor board.At the facilities striking Thursday, workers unionized with the Teamsters by demonstrating majority support but without holding government-administered elections. They include Amazon-employed warehouse workers in San Francisco, and subcontracted delivery drivers elsewhere.Under labor law, companies can recognize unions without elections being held, but the practice is rare, said John Logan, director of labor and employment studies at San Francisco State University.Amazon workers in more locations are “prepared to join” the fight, the Teamsters said, noting that employees at the Staten Island warehouse and at a company air hub in California also have authorized strikes.When asked about the strike Thursday, Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said: “What you see here are almost entirely outsiders, not Amazon employees or partners, and the suggestion otherwise is just another lie from the Teamsters.”“The truth is that they were unable to get enough support from our employees and partners and have brought in outsiders to come and harass and intimidate our team, which is inappropriate and dangerous,” Nantel said.Seattle-based Amazon has said it does not consider delivery drivers like the ones on strike to be its employees. Under the company's business model, the drivers work for third-party businesses, called Delivery Service Partners, who deliver millions of packages daily. Amazon has accused the union, which says it represents some of the drivers, of “intentionally” misleading the public.“This is another attempt to push a false narrative,” Nantel said.But the Teamsters have argued Amazon essentially controls everything the drivers do and should be classified as their employer. U.S. labor regulators&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-nlrb-delivery-drivers-3214680ef8c8b060184964412f378128">have sided with the union</a>&nbsp;in filings made before the NLRB. In September, Amazon boosted pay for the drivers amid the growing pressure.Though Amazon says it does not expect the strike to impact its operations, a walkout — especially one that lasts many days — could delay shipments in some metro areas.Shares of Amazon.com Inc. rose about 1.3% Thursday but were slightly down in after-hours trading.-------

Delivery drivers join Amazon worker strike in the middle of Christmas rush

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — If you attended camp as a camper, director, or counselor, Cosmosphere invites you to join the Cosmosphere Camp Alumni Association!&nbsp;Our mission is to create a worldwide connection among alumni who remain committed to the Cosmosphere’s mission to inspire the future through space exploration. By joining the alumni network, you become part of a community that continues to foster curiosity, innovation, and lifelong learning.

Register at&nbsp;<a href="https://gwjizybab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-W65QijKlSI6041rkIyJVx9nXOwP7diIn85XveGKGBZIndL96MIfNIibow0JiiPss8OvOua2vpyYJIhJArnZQzQfXRIUbqrifJ-qCugLt42Y0lhzVvEUWYNr7Wd7MDzndNHdaCJJiQD5hte_rbKhQscHU3HjrDTu&amp;c=gDOki4yG0stdNYK6ctGrvOQCtmzO0TQgaNHRBuzeS8xsu9NJZXAFew==&amp;ch=8iAlprCaZ2F1j3pD_aS8URtGxbWc8H3LX1Pp5HTs6Lb3rmx3WLB5SA==" target="_blank">cosmo.org/alumni</a>&nbsp;to receive regular updates on our Alumni Reunion in 2025, new programs, other special events and gatherings, and opportunities for alumni to get involved.

Please spread the word and share the website with other alumni!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734603852673.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>CosmosphereHUTCHINSON, Kan. — If you attended camp as a camper, director, or counselor, Cosmosphere invites you to join the Cosmosphere Camp Alumni Association!&nbsp;Our mission is to create a worldwide connection among alumni who remain committed to the Cosmosphere’s mission to inspire the future through space exploration. By joining the alumni network, you become part of a community that continues to foster curiosity, innovation, and lifelong learning.Register at&nbsp;<a href="https://gwjizybab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-W65QijKlSI6041rkIyJVx9nXOwP7diIn85XveGKGBZIndL96MIfNIibow0JiiPss8OvOua2vpyYJIhJArnZQzQfXRIUbqrifJ-qCugLt42Y0lhzVvEUWYNr7Wd7MDzndNHdaCJJiQD5hte_rbKhQscHU3HjrDTu&amp;c=gDOki4yG0stdNYK6ctGrvOQCtmzO0TQgaNHRBuzeS8xsu9NJZXAFew==&amp;ch=8iAlprCaZ2F1j3pD_aS8URtGxbWc8H3LX1Pp5HTs6Lb3rmx3WLB5SA==" target="_blank">cosmo.org/alumni</a>&nbsp;to receive regular updates on our Alumni Reunion in 2025, new programs, other special events and gatherings, and opportunities for alumni to get involved. Please spread the word and share the website with other alumni!

Are you a Cosmosphere Camp Alumni? 

Roberta D. “Dixie” Cody, 92, formerly of Bartlesville, OK, passed away peacefully, December 15, 2024, at her daughter’s home in Arlington, KS. She was born February 7, 1932, in Ames, IA, to Loren D. and Lillian (Osgood) Buttolph.

On August 8, 1952, she married Robert M. “Bob” Cody, in Los Angeles, CA. They shared over 66 years of marriage prior to his death on October 18, 2018.&nbsp;

Dixie and her family moved often due to her father’s military service when she was young. She graduated from Leavenworth High School in 1949 and from the University of Cincinnati in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. During the 1980’s, Bob’s career with Phillips 66, brought them to Norway for six years. In that time Dixie learned to read Norwegian fluently and passably speak it. Those years offered many new experiences and opportunities through traveling. Once the couple returned to the United States they spent the next 32 years in Bartlesville, OK. Dixie worked as the director of volunteers for R.S.V.P. She enjoyed volunteering and helping others. Dixie volunteered for the Red Cross, immunization clinics, mother and children’s classes, clown ministry and being a tour guide. She liked reading historical fiction books and mystery novels. Dixie had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and adventure. She believed that every person had an interesting story.

Dixie is survived by: children; Ron Cody of Overland Park, KS, Rhonda (Nathan) Stillwell of Arlington, KS and Randy (Kay) Cody of Fort Worth, TX; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and brother, Dan (Sharon) Buttolph of Lindale, TX.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; husband, Bob Cody; daughter, Roberta “Robbi” Cody; brother, Dick Buttolph, sister, Diane Creasey; and daughter-in-law, Donna Jean Cody.

Memorial service will be 11:00 am. Monday, December 23, 2024, at Abbyville Community Church, 201 W. Avenue G, Abbyville, KS, with Pastor Keith Dellenbach officiating. She has been cremated and will be buried alongside her husband and daughter at the Lerado Cemetery in a private family service.&nbsp;

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to COW-COH (Children of War – Children of Hope), Lindale, TX, Open Door Health Services, Hutchinson, KS, or Washington County SPCA, Bartlesville, OK, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734603607153.png" alt="Roberta D. “Dixie” Cody" />
 <figcaption>Roberta D. “Dixie” Cody</figcaption>
 </figure>Roberta D. “Dixie” Cody, 92, formerly of Bartlesville, OK, passed away peacefully, December 15, 2024, at her daughter’s home in Arlington, KS. She was born February 7, 1932, in Ames, IA, to Loren D. and Lillian (Osgood) Buttolph.On August 8, 1952, she married Robert M. “Bob” Cody, in Los Angeles, CA. They shared over 66 years of marriage prior to his death on October 18, 2018.&nbsp;Dixie and her family moved often due to her father’s military service when she was young. She graduated from Leavenworth High School in 1949 and from the University of Cincinnati in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. During the 1980’s, Bob’s career with Phillips 66, brought them to Norway for six years. In that time Dixie learned to read Norwegian fluently and passably speak it. Those years offered many new experiences and opportunities through traveling. Once the couple returned to the United States they spent the next 32 years in Bartlesville, OK. Dixie worked as the director of volunteers for R.S.V.P. She enjoyed volunteering and helping others. Dixie volunteered for the Red Cross, immunization clinics, mother and children’s classes, clown ministry and being a tour guide. She liked reading historical fiction books and mystery novels. Dixie had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and adventure. She believed that every person had an interesting story.Dixie is survived by: children; Ron Cody of Overland Park, KS, Rhonda (Nathan) Stillwell of Arlington, KS and Randy (Kay) Cody of Fort Worth, TX; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and brother, Dan (Sharon) Buttolph of Lindale, TX.She was preceded in death by: her parents; husband, Bob Cody; daughter, Roberta “Robbi” Cody; brother, Dick Buttolph, sister, Diane Creasey; and daughter-in-law, Donna Jean Cody.Memorial service will be 11:00 am. Monday, December 23, 2024, at Abbyville Community Church, 201 W. Avenue G, Abbyville, KS, with Pastor Keith Dellenbach officiating. She has been cremated and will be buried alongside her husband and daughter at the Lerado Cemetery in a private family service.&nbsp;In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to COW-COH (Children of War – Children of Hope), Lindale, TX, Open Door Health Services, Hutchinson, KS, or Washington County SPCA, Bartlesville, OK, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Roberta D. “Dixie” Cody |1932-2024|

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate passed a defense bill Wednesday that authorizes significant pay raises for junior enlisted service members, aims to counter China's growing power and boosts overall military spending to $895 billion while also stripping coverage of transgender medical treatments for children of military members.

The annual defense authorization bill usually gains strong bipartisan support and has not failed to pass Congress in nearly six decades, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-military-nominations-holds-tommy-tuberville-e38d853526de044ac59338d32d7a0e10">the Pentagon policy measure in recent years</a>&nbsp;has become a battleground for cultural issues. Republicans this year sought to tack on to the legislation priorities for social conservatives, contributing to a months-long negotiation over the bill and a falloff in support from Democrats.

Still, the bill passed comfortably 85-14, sending it to President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>. Eleven senators who caucus with Democrats, as well as three Republicans, voted against the legislation. Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted with the majority.

The bill "isn't perfect, but it still includes some very good things that Democrats fought for,” said Senate Majority Leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/charles-schumer">Chuck Schumer</a>, D-N.Y., in a floor speech. “It has strong provisions to stand up against the Chinese Communist Party here on a national security basis.”

In the House, a majority of Democrats voted against the bill last week after House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;insisted on adding the provision to ban the military health system from providing transgender medical care for children. The legislation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/military-pay-raise-transgender-care-defense-bill-53c929ef534d906f721426f41b23a53c">easily passed by a vote</a>&nbsp;of 281-140.

Senate Republican leaders argued that its 1% increase for defense spending was not enough, especially at a time of global unrest and challenges to American dominance. Senate Republicans had argued for a generational boost to defense spending this year, but are planning another push for more defense funding once they control the White House and Congress next year.

“We are currently experiencing the most dangerous national security moments since World War II,” said Republican Sen. Roger Wicker, who will chair the Senate Armed Services Committee next year. He has pushed for larger boosts to defense funding that would break spending caps that were agreed to in the bipartisan deal to suspend the nation's debt ceiling last year.

The annual defense authorization bill directs key Pentagon policy, but it would still need to be backed up with an appropriations package.

Senate Republican leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mitch-mcconnell">Mitch McConnell</a>&nbsp;of Kentucky said in a floor speech this week that without the topline increase “major bill provisions like a pay raise for enlisted servicemembers will come at the expense of investments in the critical weapons systems and munitions that deter conflict and keep them safe.”

The legislation provides for a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members and a 4.5% increase for others. Lawmakers said those were key to improving the quality of life of service members at a time when many military families rely on food banks and other government assistance programs to make ends meet.

“It includes major quality of life improvements, enhancing things like childcare, housing, medical services, employment support for military spouses and much more,” said Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jack-reed">Jack Reed</a>, D-R.I., who chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee.

The legislation also directs resources towards a more confrontational approach to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-military-taiwan-corruption-defense-9c1f0e145a250f2b8bd7f6f3dd4b7083">China</a>, including establishing a fund that could be used to send military resources to Taiwan in much the same way that the U.S. has backed Ukraine. It also invests in new military technologies, including artificial intelligence, and bolsters the U.S. production of ammunition.

The U.S. has also moved in recent years to ban the military from purchasing Chinese products, and the defense bill extended that with prohibitions on Chinese goods from garlic in military commissaries to drone technology.

The Chinese foreign ministry responded to that move last week by calling the bans laughable.

“I don’t think it could ever occur to garlic that it would pose a ‘major threat’ to the U.S.,” said Mao Ning, a ministry spokeswoman. “From drones to cranes, from refrigerators to garlic, more and more Chinese-made products have been accused by the US of ‘posing national security risks’. But has the US shown any reliable evidence or rationale to back up those accusations?”

But in Congress, Republican and Democratic lawmakers have been mostly united in their stance that China is a rising threat. Instead, it was culture war issues that divided lawmakers on the bill, which took months to negotiate.

The Republican-controlled House had passed a version of the bill in June that would have banned the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pentagon-tuberville-military-access-aee3557cd6bf6cb6a72852a10c4563e1"></a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-biden-lloyd-austin-government-and-politics-dc6a0317775596ffc7945acc79b7559e">Defense Department's policy</a>&nbsp;of reimbursing costs for service members who travel to another state for an abortion, ended gender affirming care for transgender troops and weeded out diversity initiatives in the military.

Most of those provisions did not make it into the final package, though Republicans are expecting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-pete-hegseth-defense-pentagon-transition-74d056e44c3cd14a1a9ae97704cda53e">Donald Trump to make sweeping</a>&nbsp;changes to Pentagon policy when he enters office in January.

The bill also still prohibits funding for teaching&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-is-critical-race-theory-08f5d0a0489c7d6eab7d9a238365d2c1">critical race theory</a>&nbsp;in the military and prohibits TRICARE health plans from covering gender dysphoria treatment for children under 18 if that treatment could result in “sterilization.”

Mike Zamore, the director of policy and government affairs at the American Civil Liberties Union, urged Biden to veto the bill, saying it was “forcing thousands of active-duty service members to choose between their careers in the military and the future of their transgender children.”

In a floor speech, Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tammy-baldwin">Tammy Baldwin</a>, D-Wis., said she has always voted for the NDAA, but would not do so this year. She said that the policy change for transgender children would affect between 6,000 and 7,000 families, according to estimates her office has received.

“The NDAA has embodied the idea that there is more that brings us together than separates us, that our service members and national defense are not to be politicized. That we put our country over a party when the chips are on the table," she said. “Unfortunately, this year that was ignored — all to gut the rights of our service members to get the health care they need for their children.”

Associated Press writer Didi Tang contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734556522043.png" alt="File photo The Department of Defense logo&nbsp; (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)" />
 <figcaption>File photo The Department of Defense logo&nbsp; (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate passed a defense bill Wednesday that authorizes significant pay raises for junior enlisted service members, aims to counter China's growing power and boosts overall military spending to $895 billion while also stripping coverage of transgender medical treatments for children of military members.The annual defense authorization bill usually gains strong bipartisan support and has not failed to pass Congress in nearly six decades, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-military-nominations-holds-tommy-tuberville-e38d853526de044ac59338d32d7a0e10">the Pentagon policy measure in recent years</a>&nbsp;has become a battleground for cultural issues. Republicans this year sought to tack on to the legislation priorities for social conservatives, contributing to a months-long negotiation over the bill and a falloff in support from Democrats.Still, the bill passed comfortably 85-14, sending it to President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>. Eleven senators who caucus with Democrats, as well as three Republicans, voted against the legislation. Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted with the majority.The bill "isn't perfect, but it still includes some very good things that Democrats fought for,” said Senate Majority Leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/charles-schumer">Chuck Schumer</a>, D-N.Y., in a floor speech. “It has strong provisions to stand up against the Chinese Communist Party here on a national security basis.”In the House, a majority of Democrats voted against the bill last week after House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;insisted on adding the provision to ban the military health system from providing transgender medical care for children. The legislation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/military-pay-raise-transgender-care-defense-bill-53c929ef534d906f721426f41b23a53c">easily passed by a vote</a>&nbsp;of 281-140.Senate Republican leaders argued that its 1% increase for defense spending was not enough, especially at a time of global unrest and challenges to American dominance. Senate Republicans had argued for a generational boost to defense spending this year, but are planning another push for more defense funding once they control the White House and Congress next year.“We are currently experiencing the most dangerous national security moments since World War II,” said Republican Sen. Roger Wicker, who will chair the Senate Armed Services Committee next year. He has pushed for larger boosts to defense funding that would break spending caps that were agreed to in the bipartisan deal to suspend the nation's debt ceiling last year.The annual defense authorization bill directs key Pentagon policy, but it would still need to be backed up with an appropriations package.Senate Republican leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mitch-mcconnell">Mitch McConnell</a>&nbsp;of Kentucky said in a floor speech this week that without the topline increase “major bill provisions like a pay raise for enlisted servicemembers will come at the expense of investments in the critical weapons systems and munitions that deter conflict and keep them safe.”The legislation provides for a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members and a 4.5% increase for others. Lawmakers said those were key to improving the quality of life of service members at a time when many military families rely on food banks and other government assistance programs to make ends meet.“It includes major quality of life improvements, enhancing things like childcare, housing, medical services, employment support for military spouses and much more,” said Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jack-reed">Jack Reed</a>, D-R.I., who chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee.The legislation also directs resources towards a more confrontational approach to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-military-taiwan-corruption-defense-9c1f0e145a250f2b8bd7f6f3dd4b7083">China</a>, including establishing a fund that could be used to send military resources to Taiwan in much the same way that the U.S. has backed Ukraine. It also invests in new military technologies, including artificial intelligence, and bolsters the U.S. production of ammunition.The U.S. has also moved in recent years to ban the military from purchasing Chinese products, and the defense bill extended that with prohibitions on Chinese goods from garlic in military commissaries to drone technology.The Chinese foreign ministry responded to that move last week by calling the bans laughable.“I don’t think it could ever occur to garlic that it would pose a ‘major threat’ to the U.S.,” said Mao Ning, a ministry spokeswoman. “From drones to cranes, from refrigerators to garlic, more and more Chinese-made products have been accused by the US of ‘posing national security risks’. But has the US shown any reliable evidence or rationale to back up those accusations?”But in Congress, Republican and Democratic lawmakers have been mostly united in their stance that China is a rising threat. Instead, it was culture war issues that divided lawmakers on the bill, which took months to negotiate.The Republican-controlled House had passed a version of the bill in June that would have banned the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pentagon-tuberville-military-access-aee3557cd6bf6cb6a72852a10c4563e1"></a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-biden-lloyd-austin-government-and-politics-dc6a0317775596ffc7945acc79b7559e">Defense Department's policy</a>&nbsp;of reimbursing costs for service members who travel to another state for an abortion, ended gender affirming care for transgender troops and weeded out diversity initiatives in the military.Most of those provisions did not make it into the final package, though Republicans are expecting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-pete-hegseth-defense-pentagon-transition-74d056e44c3cd14a1a9ae97704cda53e">Donald Trump to make sweeping</a>&nbsp;changes to Pentagon policy when he enters office in January.The bill also still prohibits funding for teaching&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-is-critical-race-theory-08f5d0a0489c7d6eab7d9a238365d2c1">critical race theory</a>&nbsp;in the military and prohibits TRICARE health plans from covering gender dysphoria treatment for children under 18 if that treatment could result in “sterilization.”Mike Zamore, the director of policy and government affairs at the American Civil Liberties Union, urged Biden to veto the bill, saying it was “forcing thousands of active-duty service members to choose between their careers in the military and the future of their transgender children.”In a floor speech, Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tammy-baldwin">Tammy Baldwin</a>, D-Wis., said she has always voted for the NDAA, but would not do so this year. She said that the policy change for transgender children would affect between 6,000 and 7,000 families, according to estimates her office has received.“The NDAA has embodied the idea that there is more that brings us together than separates us, that our service members and national defense are not to be politicized. That we put our country over a party when the chips are on the table," she said. “Unfortunately, this year that was ignored — all to gut the rights of our service members to get the health care they need for their children.”___Associated Press writer Didi Tang contributed to this report.

Moran, Marshall vote yes: Senate sends $895 billion defense bill to Biden

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As an institutional member of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA), the Cosmosphere is pleased to announce that its president and chief executive officer, Jim Remar, has been elected to the NAA’s Board of Directors. 

Founded in 1905, the NAA is the oldest aviation club in the United States. The mission of the nonprofit organization is “to oversee the advancement of the art, sport, and science of aviation and space flight,” which it achieves by promoting and officiating aviation competitions and record attempts, maintaining U.S. aerospace records, and educating the public on topics related to aviation and space flight, among other methods.

“I am honored to have been elected to serve on the Board of Directors for the oldest and most respected aviation club in the United States,” said Remar. “The mission of the NAA is in lock-step with the Cosmosphere’s mission of inspiring the future through space exploration. I look forward to helping to shape the future of U.S. aviation and space flight in this role.” 

Remar’s term on the NAA Board of Directors will begin on January 1, 2025.

For more information about the NAA, visit <a href="http://naa.aero">naa.aero</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734537962192.jpeg" alt="Jim Remar-Photo Courtesy Cosmosphere" />
 <figcaption>Jim Remar-Photo Courtesy Cosmosphere</figcaption>
 </figure>CHUCK CLARY CosmosphereHUTCHINSON, Kan. — As an institutional member of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA), the Cosmosphere is pleased to announce that its president and chief executive officer, Jim Remar, has been elected to the NAA’s Board of Directors. Founded in 1905, the NAA is the oldest aviation club in the United States. The mission of the nonprofit organization is “to oversee the advancement of the art, sport, and science of aviation and space flight,” which it achieves by promoting and officiating aviation competitions and record attempts, maintaining U.S. aerospace records, and educating the public on topics related to aviation and space flight, among other methods.“I am honored to have been elected to serve on the Board of Directors for the oldest and most respected aviation club in the United States,” said Remar. “The mission of the NAA is in lock-step with the Cosmosphere’s mission of inspiring the future through space exploration. I look forward to helping to shape the future of U.S. aviation and space flight in this role.” Remar’s term on the NAA Board of Directors will begin on January 1, 2025.For more information about the NAA, visit <a href="http://naa.aero">naa.aero</a>.

Remar to join NAA Board

Washington, D.C. -&nbsp;U.S. Senator Roger Marshall who sits on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee met with President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Trumps choice to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation Kash Patel.

" I had a great meeting with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the next Secretary of Health and Human Services. I strongly support many of his goals, especially as it relates to Making America Healthy Again (MAHA). 

As a nation, we must prioritize addressing chronic disease, improving nutrition and food policy, ensuring vaccine and drug safety, empowering the physician-patient relationship, and leaving our world cleaner, safer, and healthier for future generations. I look forward to supporting his nomination and helping in the Trump Administration's mission to build a stronger and healthier America."

I had a great meeting with our next FBI Director

" Kash Patel is the man to turn things around and restore the FBI. He's a man of integrity, committed to truth and justice, with an exceptional resume. He will ensure the FBI is working to protect the American people instead of being politically weaponized against them.

Kansas Senior U.S. Senator also met with President Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence, former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734473282160.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Washington, D.C. -&nbsp;U.S. Senator Roger Marshall who sits on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee met with President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Trumps choice to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation Kash Patel." I had a great meeting with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the next Secretary of Health and Human Services. I strongly support many of his goals, especially as it relates to Making America Healthy Again (MAHA). As a nation, we must prioritize addressing chronic disease, improving nutrition and food policy, ensuring vaccine and drug safety, empowering the physician-patient relationship, and leaving our world cleaner, safer, and healthier for future generations. I look forward to supporting his nomination and helping in the Trump Administration's mission to build a stronger and healthier America."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734452495966.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>I had a great meeting with our next FBI Director" Kash Patel is the man to turn things around and restore the FBI. He's a man of integrity, committed to truth and justice, with an exceptional resume. He will ensure the FBI is working to protect the American people instead of being politically weaponized against them.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Always great to see my friend Senator <a href="https://twitter.com/JerryMoran?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JerryMoran</a> ! We discussed bringing strong leadership to the world stage under President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> and delivering on his America First peace through strength national security agenda. 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/PnHY0S8exH">pic.twitter.com/PnHY0S8exH</a>&mdash; Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) <a href="https://twitter.com/EliseStefanik/status/1869083134995931139?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Kansas Senior U.S. Senator also met with President Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence, former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and

RFK Jr. met with Kansas U.S. Senator on Capitol Hill

MOLLY M. CARVER Bethany College

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Bethany College has announced a groundbreaking 2+2 articulation agreement with Hutchinson Community College (HutchCC) that will provide students with a seamless pathway to earn an Associate of Arts in Animation from HutchCC and transfer to Bethany College to complete a Bachelor of Arts in 3D Computer Animation. 

The formal signing of the agreement took place on December 11, 2024, at Hutchinson Community College, marking the&nbsp;beginning of an exciting collaboration between the two institutions.

“This partnership exemplifies our commitment to creating accessible, high-quality educational opportunities for students while supporting their professional aspirations in a rapidly growing industry,” said Interim Bethany College President&nbsp;Steve Eckman. “Together, Bethany and HutchCC are providing a unique pathway for students to combine the foundational expertise of HutchCC with the specialized, industry-connected program at Bethany.”

The 2+2 program allows students to complete the first two years of their education at HutchCC, earning an Associate of Arts in Animation. Students can then transfer to Bethany College for the remaining two years to pursue a Bachelor of Arts majoring in 3D Computer Animation. This program provides students with a cost-effective and structured way to prepare for exciting careers in digital arts, animation, and related fields.

“Our faculty have worked on such major films such as The Book of Life and on AAA game titles for Lost Boys Interactive, as well as many other award-winning short films bringing real-world expertise into the classroom,” said Sarah Mathia, Assistant Professor of Art and Director of Art and Digital Media at Bethany College.

“Through this partnership, students will gain access to cutting-edge labs, a dynamic curriculum, and mentorship from professional artists, positioning them for success in this highly competitive field.”

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that multimedia artists and animators will see a 5% growth in demand from 2023 to 2033, with median annual wages exceeding $78,000. This agreement equips students with the skills and credentials&nbsp;needed to excel in this growing field while offering a unique opportunity to study digital arts in rural Kansas.

Bethany College has a long tradition of providing students with an education combining faith, service, and academic excellence. Its digital arts program offers majors in 3D Computer Animation, Art Teaching (PreK-12), Pre-Professional Art Therapy, Studio Art, Studio Art: Graphic Design Focus, Video Game Design, and Visual Art Administration. Students at Bethany benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, a tight-knit community, and a focus on fostering creativity and innovation.

Bethany College Registrar Mark Bandré, who played a pivotal role in developing this agreement, expressed his excitement about its potential. “This collaboration has been years in the making, and it’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of so many individuals at both institutions,” Bandré said. “We look forward to seeing students thrive as they take advantage of this unique opportunity.”

The partnership also paves the way for future collaborations between the two institutions, with leaders from both colleges expressing interest in expanding similar pathways for other programs.

For more information about Bethany College and the 2+2 articulation agreement with Hutchinson Community College, visit <a href="http://bethanylb.edu">bethanylb.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734451263905.jpeg" alt="Mel Whiteside, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Hutch CC, Hutch CC President Tricia Paramore, and Bethany College Registrar Mark Bandré sign the formal agreement at Hutchinson Community College. " />
 <figcaption>Mel Whiteside, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Hutch CC, Hutch CC President Tricia Paramore, and Bethany College Registrar Mark Bandré sign the formal agreement at Hutchinson Community College. </figcaption>
 </figure>MOLLY M. CARVER Bethany CollegeHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Bethany College has announced a groundbreaking 2+2 articulation agreement with Hutchinson Community College (HutchCC) that will provide students with a seamless pathway to earn an Associate of Arts in Animation from HutchCC and transfer to Bethany College to complete a Bachelor of Arts in 3D Computer Animation. The formal signing of the agreement took place on December 11, 2024, at Hutchinson Community College, marking the&nbsp;beginning of an exciting collaboration between the two institutions.“This partnership exemplifies our commitment to creating accessible, high-quality educational opportunities for students while supporting their professional aspirations in a rapidly growing industry,” said Interim Bethany College President&nbsp;Steve Eckman. “Together, Bethany and HutchCC are providing a unique pathway for students to combine the foundational expertise of HutchCC with the specialized, industry-connected program at Bethany.”The 2+2 program allows students to complete the first two years of their education at HutchCC, earning an Associate of Arts in Animation. Students can then transfer to Bethany College for the remaining two years to pursue a Bachelor of Arts majoring in 3D Computer Animation. This program provides students with a cost-effective and structured way to prepare for exciting careers in digital arts, animation, and related fields.“Our faculty have worked on such major films such as The Book of Life and on AAA game titles for Lost Boys Interactive, as well as many other award-winning short films bringing real-world expertise into the classroom,” said Sarah Mathia, Assistant Professor of Art and Director of Art and Digital Media at Bethany College.“Through this partnership, students will gain access to cutting-edge labs, a dynamic curriculum, and mentorship from professional artists, positioning them for success in this highly competitive field.”The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that multimedia artists and animators will see a 5% growth in demand from 2023 to 2033, with median annual wages exceeding $78,000. This agreement equips students with the skills and credentials&nbsp;needed to excel in this growing field while offering a unique opportunity to study digital arts in rural Kansas.Bethany College has a long tradition of providing students with an education combining faith, service, and academic excellence. Its digital arts program offers majors in 3D Computer Animation, Art Teaching (PreK-12), Pre-Professional Art Therapy, Studio Art, Studio Art: Graphic Design Focus, Video Game Design, and Visual Art Administration. Students at Bethany benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, a tight-knit community, and a focus on fostering creativity and innovation.Bethany College Registrar Mark Bandré, who played a pivotal role in developing this agreement, expressed his excitement about its potential. “This collaboration has been years in the making, and it’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of so many individuals at both institutions,” Bandré said. “We look forward to seeing students thrive as they take advantage of this unique opportunity.”The partnership also paves the way for future collaborations between the two institutions, with leaders from both colleges expressing interest in expanding similar pathways for other programs.For more information about Bethany College and the 2+2 articulation agreement with Hutchinson Community College, visit <a href="http://bethanylb.edu">bethanylb.edu</a>.

HutchCC, Bethany coming together for future animators

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A 15-year-old student opened fire inside a study hall at a small Christian school in Wisconsin,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-school-shooting-498c8ad26d299602553201ad639a4a5c">killing a teacher and teenager</a>&nbsp;and prompting a swarm of police officers responding to a second grader's 911 call.

The girl also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/school-shooting-wisconsin-things-to-know-3df4f40327e70aa863c4b5b36fd0a04b">wounded six others in Monday's shooting</a>&nbsp;at Abundant Life Christian School, including two students who were in critical condition, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said. A teacher and three students were taken to a hospital with less serious injuries, and two of them were later released.

“Every child, every person in that building is a victim and will be a victim forever. ... We need to figure out and try to piece together what exactly happened," Barnes said.

Police said the shooter, identified as Natalie Rupnow, was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound when officers arrived and died en route to a hospital. Barnes declined to offer additional details about the shooter, partly out of respect for the family.

Abundant Life is a nondenominational Christian school — prekindergarten through high school — with approximately 420 students in Madison, the state capital.

Barbara Wiers, the school's director of elementary and school relations, said when they practice safety routines, leaders always announce that it's a drill. That didn’t happen Monday, just a week before Christmas break.

“When they heard, ‘Lockdown, lockdown,’ they knew it was real,” she said.

Wiers said the school does not have metal detectors but uses other security measures including cameras.

A motive for the shooting was not immediately known, nor was it clear if the victims were targeted, Barnes said.

“I don’t know why, and I feel like if we did know why, we could stop these things from happening,” he told reporters.

Barnes said police were talking with the shooter’s father and other family members, who were cooperating, and searching the shooter's home.

“He lost someone as well," Barnes said of the shooter's father. "And so we’re not going to rush the information. We’ll take our time and make sure we do our due diligence.”

The first 911 call to report an active shooter came in shortly before 11 a.m. First responders who were in training just 3 miles (about 5 kilometers) away dashed to the school for an actual emergency, Barnes said. They arrived three minutes after the initial call.

Investigators believe the shooter used a 9mm pistol, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the ongoing investigation.

Police blocked off roads around the school, and federal agents were at the scene to assist local law enforcement. No shots were fired by police.

Children and families were reunited at a health clinic about a mile (1.6 kilometers) from the school. Parents pressed children against their chests while others squeezed hands and shoulders as they walked side by side.

Abundant Life asked for prayers in a brief Facebook post. Wiers said they're still deciding whether they will resume classes this week.

Bethany Highman, the mother of a student, rushed to the school and learned over FaceTime that her daughter was OK.

“As soon as it happened, your world stops for a minute. Nothing else matters,” Highman said. “There’s nobody around you. You just bolt for the door and try to do everything you can as a parent to be with your kids.”

In a statement, President Joe Biden cited the tragedy in calling on Congress to pass universal background checks, a national red flag law and certain gun restrictions.

“We can never accept senseless violence that traumatizes children, their families, and tears entire communities apart,” Biden said. He spoke with Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers and Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway and offered his support.

Evers said it's “unthinkable” that a child or teacher would go to school and never return home.

The school shooting was&nbsp;<a href="https://projects.apnews.com/features/2023/mass-killings/index.html">the latest</a>&nbsp;among dozens across the U.S. in recent years, including especially deadly ones in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/newtown">Newtown, Connecticut</a>;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/parkland-florida-school-shooting">Parkland, Florida</a>; and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/uvalde-school-shooting">Uvalde, Texas</a>.

The shootings have set off fervent debates about gun control and frayed the nerves of parents whose children are growing up accustomed to doing active shooter drills in their classrooms. But school shootings have done little to move the needle on national gun laws.

Firearms were the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/mental-health/issue-brief/child-and-teen-firearm-mortality-in-the-u-s-and-peer-countries/">leading cause of death</a>&nbsp;among children in 2020 and 2021, according to KFF, a nonprofit that researches health care issues.

Rhodes-Conway said the country needs to do more to prevent gun violence.

“I hoped that this day would never come to Madison,” she said.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A 15-year-old student opened fire inside a study hall at a small Christian school in Wisconsin,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-school-shooting-498c8ad26d299602553201ad639a4a5c">killing a teacher and teenager</a>&nbsp;and prompting a swarm of police officers responding to a second grader's 911 call.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FALCSMadison%2Fposts%2Fpfbid021XqZpznjnXn97m8wTgZnvMsjwz5QqTnF2c3PEr89bitSD21jmBY3wMsqDhpcSrr7l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="240" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>The girl also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/school-shooting-wisconsin-things-to-know-3df4f40327e70aa863c4b5b36fd0a04b">wounded six others in Monday's shooting</a>&nbsp;at Abundant Life Christian School, including two students who were in critical condition, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said. A teacher and three students were taken to a hospital with less serious injuries, and two of them were later released.“Every child, every person in that building is a victim and will be a victim forever. ... We need to figure out and try to piece together what exactly happened," Barnes said.Police said the shooter, identified as Natalie Rupnow, was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound when officers arrived and died en route to a hospital. Barnes declined to offer additional details about the shooter, partly out of respect for the family.Abundant Life is a nondenominational Christian school — prekindergarten through high school — with approximately 420 students in Madison, the state capital.Barbara Wiers, the school's director of elementary and school relations, said when they practice safety routines, leaders always announce that it's a drill. That didn’t happen Monday, just a week before Christmas break.“When they heard, ‘Lockdown, lockdown,’ they knew it was real,” she said.Wiers said the school does not have metal detectors but uses other security measures including cameras.A motive for the shooting was not immediately known, nor was it clear if the victims were targeted, Barnes said.“I don’t know why, and I feel like if we did know why, we could stop these things from happening,” he told reporters.Barnes said police were talking with the shooter’s father and other family members, who were cooperating, and searching the shooter's home.“He lost someone as well," Barnes said of the shooter's father. "And so we’re not going to rush the information. We’ll take our time and make sure we do our due diligence.”The first 911 call to report an active shooter came in shortly before 11 a.m. First responders who were in training just 3 miles (about 5 kilometers) away dashed to the school for an actual emergency, Barnes said. They arrived three minutes after the initial call.Investigators believe the shooter used a 9mm pistol, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the ongoing investigation.Police blocked off roads around the school, and federal agents were at the scene to assist local law enforcement. No shots were fired by police.Children and families were reunited at a health clinic about a mile (1.6 kilometers) from the school. Parents pressed children against their chests while others squeezed hands and shoulders as they walked side by side.Abundant Life asked for prayers in a brief Facebook post. Wiers said they're still deciding whether they will resume classes this week.Bethany Highman, the mother of a student, rushed to the school and learned over FaceTime that her daughter was OK.“As soon as it happened, your world stops for a minute. Nothing else matters,” Highman said. “There’s nobody around you. You just bolt for the door and try to do everything you can as a parent to be with your kids.”In a statement, President Joe Biden cited the tragedy in calling on Congress to pass universal background checks, a national red flag law and certain gun restrictions.“We can never accept senseless violence that traumatizes children, their families, and tears entire communities apart,” Biden said. He spoke with Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers and Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway and offered his support.Evers said it's “unthinkable” that a child or teacher would go to school and never return home.The school shooting was&nbsp;<a href="https://projects.apnews.com/features/2023/mass-killings/index.html">the latest</a>&nbsp;among dozens across the U.S. in recent years, including especially deadly ones in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/newtown">Newtown, Connecticut</a>;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/parkland-florida-school-shooting">Parkland, Florida</a>; and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/uvalde-school-shooting">Uvalde, Texas</a>.The shootings have set off fervent debates about gun control and frayed the nerves of parents whose children are growing up accustomed to doing active shooter drills in their classrooms. But school shootings have done little to move the needle on national gun laws.Firearms were the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/mental-health/issue-brief/child-and-teen-firearm-mortality-in-the-u-s-and-peer-countries/">leading cause of death</a>&nbsp;among children in 2020 and 2021, according to KFF, a nonprofit that researches health care issues.Rhodes-Conway said the country needs to do more to prevent gun violence.“I hoped that this day would never come to Madison,” she said.___

Police: Wisconsin school shooter was 15-year-old girl

LANDOVER, Md. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President-elect Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;huddled with allies and a Republican cause célèbre at Saturday's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/army-navy-preview-bryson-daily-fdf749eac409eac5293288ccd044c2fc">Army-Navy football game,</a>&nbsp;taking in one of the most storied rivalries in college sports while spotlighting his emerging national security team.

Trump was joined by Vice President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jd-vance">JD Vance</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-pete-hegseth-defense-pentagon-transition-74d056e44c3cd14a1a9ae97704cda53e">embattled Pentagon pick Pete Hegseth</a>, potential&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hegseth-pentagon-desantis-senate-allegations-3cb8c7d7bb555ed075cbbb4e8dad0741">backup defense secretary option</a>&nbsp;Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, and others to watch Navy beat Army 31-13 in the 125th matchup between the service academies.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/daniel-perry-chokehold-vance-army-navy-227774aa980f18ee1c9647492e1dcfbe">Daniel Penny</a>, a military veteran who was acquitted of criminally negligent homicide this past week in the chokehold death of an agitated subway rider in New York, also was a guest in the president's suite. Penny was invited by Vance, who accused prosecutors of trying to “ruin" Penny's life by charging the Marine veteran in the death of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jordan-neely-daniel-penny-subway-chokehold-funeral-1bc99d85bc399c4e22a07039876a24d4">Jordan Neely</a>&nbsp;in 2023.

Trump arrived at Northwest Stadium just before kickoff and was greeted warmly by the crowd, which erupted in cheers when the president-elect, Vance and Elon Musk, who Trump has appointed to help lead a proposed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-president-elon-musk-vivek-ramaswamy-2f0f76bb6440231f2504b77cb117d988">Department of Government Efficiency</a>, appeared on the scoreboard video screen.

The president, who was seated with his entourage in a stadium suite, mouthed “thank you” and the crowd erupted in a chant of “USA, USA!”

Trump, who attended Army-Navy games as president-elect in 2016 and during his first term, has been making an increasing number of public appearances before his inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025. He was accompanied by his family and Vance on Thursday as he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-stock-exchange-time-nyse-bell-ringing-91a59ff0f4ce77c0c6f87e55a38c6c75">rang the opening bell for the New York Stock Exchange</a>&nbsp;after being recognized as Time magazine's person of the year.

Trump spent the weeks after the Nov. 5 election holed up at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida assembling a team to help lead his next administration.

He and his aides have become bullish about Hegseth's chances of winning Senate confirmation. The Army combat veteran and former Fox News host's chances of becoming defense secretary had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-pete-hegseth-defense-pentagon-transition-74d056e44c3cd14a1a9ae97704cda53e">appeared in peril</a>&nbsp;amid allegations of excessive drinking,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hegseth-sexual-assault-13540626e4b0b1399a0ecab5a592f515">sexual assault</a>&nbsp;and his views on women in combat.

DeSantis, a former Navy lawyer who competed against Trump for the Republican presidential nomination, is among the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hegseth-pentagon-desantis-senate-allegations-3cb8c7d7bb555ed075cbbb4e8dad0741">possible replacement candidates</a>&nbsp;Trump has considered if Hegseth's bid fizzles.

But Saturday's game offered Trump a chance to display his commitment to Hegseth's nomination. The embattled nominee even stood with Trump and Vance for the playing of the national anthem.

The mood appeared celebratory for Trump and his team on Saturday.

Hegseth along with fellow Army veterans Rep. Mike Waltz, Trump's incoming national security adviser, and Tulsi Gabbard, Trump's pick to serve as director of national intelligence, posted a short video on X shortly before the game to make their allegiances clear.

“We love our Navy, except today” said Waltz, a retired Army National Guard colonel who did multiple combat tours in Afghanistan, the Middle East and Africa.

Trump also spent time during the game with Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, whose future could be on shaky ground in the new Trump administration.

Biden last year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-cq-brown-jr-air-force-1e348527cc3c95f66eb3cd6ebaa0e6f0">tapped Brown</a>&nbsp;for a four-year term as the nation’s highest-ranking military officer, but military leaders serve at the pleasure of the president.

Brown, a combat pilot and just the second Black officer to serve as chairman, spoke out after the police killing of George Floyd, a touchstone moment in the Black Lives Matter movement, about the bias he faced in his own life and career.

But Trump has expressed disdain for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/diversity-equity-inclusion-higher-education-597b65d8f06062cff60b2e185281870a">equity and diversity programs</a>. And his defense secretary pick Hegseth has decried a “woke” agenda that he argues is undermining U.S. military strength. Hegseth, days before he was announced as Trump's Pentagon nominee, called for firing Brown and generals that have promoted diversity policies in a podcast hosted by Shawn Ryan, a former Navy SEAL.

Trump also made time for Republican lawmakers that he'll need to get his agenda through Congress.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., was among the lawmakers that chatted up Trump at the game. He brought with him a contingent of other GOP lawmakers, incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Pennsylvania Sen.-elect David McCormick, that vied for face time with the incoming president weeks before Republicans take control of the White House and both branches of Congress.

Johnson, who could be seen talking with the president-elect before kickoff, had said he would discuss with Trump plans for a legislative package that could move through Congress next year with a simple majority in the face of expected Democratic opposition.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/daniel-perry-chokehold-vance-army-navy-227774aa980f18ee1c9647492e1dcfbe">Vance brought Penny,</a>&nbsp;a fellow Marine veteran, as his guest. Penny was cleared of criminally negligent homicide in Neely's death after a judge had dismissed a more serious manslaughter charge last week because the jury deadlocked on that count.

The case was a flashpoint in the long-standing debates over racial justice and as well as failures by New York City to address homelessness and mental illness, both of which Neely had struggled with.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734224270414.jpeg" alt="Photo by Dan Scavino, Jr.&nbsp;Incoming Assistant to POTUS and Deputy Chief of Staff" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Dan Scavino, Jr.&nbsp;Incoming Assistant to POTUS and Deputy Chief of Staff</figcaption>
 </figure>LANDOVER, Md. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President-elect Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;huddled with allies and a Republican cause célèbre at Saturday's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/army-navy-preview-bryson-daily-fdf749eac409eac5293288ccd044c2fc">Army-Navy football game,</a>&nbsp;taking in one of the most storied rivalries in college sports while spotlighting his emerging national security team.Trump was joined by Vice President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jd-vance">JD Vance</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-pete-hegseth-defense-pentagon-transition-74d056e44c3cd14a1a9ae97704cda53e">embattled Pentagon pick Pete Hegseth</a>, potential&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hegseth-pentagon-desantis-senate-allegations-3cb8c7d7bb555ed075cbbb4e8dad0741">backup defense secretary option</a>&nbsp;Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, and others to watch Navy beat Army 31-13 in the 125th matchup between the service academies.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President-elect Trump and VP-elect JD Vance at Army-Navy game. <a href="https://t.co/7wMh4VVCTg">pic.twitter.com/7wMh4VVCTg</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1868061574046666795?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><a href="https://apnews.com/article/daniel-perry-chokehold-vance-army-navy-227774aa980f18ee1c9647492e1dcfbe">Daniel Penny</a>, a military veteran who was acquitted of criminally negligent homicide this past week in the chokehold death of an agitated subway rider in New York, also was a guest in the president's suite. Penny was invited by Vance, who accused prosecutors of trying to “ruin" Penny's life by charging the Marine veteran in the death of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jordan-neely-daniel-penny-subway-chokehold-funeral-1bc99d85bc399c4e22a07039876a24d4">Jordan Neely</a>&nbsp;in 2023.Trump arrived at Northwest Stadium just before kickoff and was greeted warmly by the crowd, which erupted in cheers when the president-elect, Vance and Elon Musk, who Trump has appointed to help lead a proposed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-president-elon-musk-vivek-ramaswamy-2f0f76bb6440231f2504b77cb117d988">Department of Government Efficiency</a>, appeared on the scoreboard video screen.The president, who was seated with his entourage in a stadium suite, mouthed “thank you” and the crowd erupted in a chant of “USA, USA!”Trump, who attended Army-Navy games as president-elect in 2016 and during his first term, has been making an increasing number of public appearances before his inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025. He was accompanied by his family and Vance on Thursday as he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-stock-exchange-time-nyse-bell-ringing-91a59ff0f4ce77c0c6f87e55a38c6c75">rang the opening bell for the New York Stock Exchange</a>&nbsp;after being recognized as Time magazine's person of the year.Trump spent the weeks after the Nov. 5 election holed up at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida assembling a team to help lead his next administration.He and his aides have become bullish about Hegseth's chances of winning Senate confirmation. The Army combat veteran and former Fox News host's chances of becoming defense secretary had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-pete-hegseth-defense-pentagon-transition-74d056e44c3cd14a1a9ae97704cda53e">appeared in peril</a>&nbsp;amid allegations of excessive drinking,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hegseth-sexual-assault-13540626e4b0b1399a0ecab5a592f515">sexual assault</a>&nbsp;and his views on women in combat.DeSantis, a former Navy lawyer who competed against Trump for the Republican presidential nomination, is among the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hegseth-pentagon-desantis-senate-allegations-3cb8c7d7bb555ed075cbbb4e8dad0741">possible replacement candidates</a>&nbsp;Trump has considered if Hegseth's bid fizzles.But Saturday's game offered Trump a chance to display his commitment to Hegseth's nomination. The embattled nominee even stood with Trump and Vance for the playing of the national anthem.The mood appeared celebratory for Trump and his team on Saturday.Hegseth along with fellow Army veterans Rep. Mike Waltz, Trump's incoming national security adviser, and Tulsi Gabbard, Trump's pick to serve as director of national intelligence, posted a short video on X shortly before the game to make their allegiances clear.“We love our Navy, except today” said Waltz, a retired Army National Guard colonel who did multiple combat tours in Afghanistan, the Middle East and Africa.“Go Army!" Gabbard added.Trump also spent time during the game with Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, whose future could be on shaky ground in the new Trump administration.Biden last year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-cq-brown-jr-air-force-1e348527cc3c95f66eb3cd6ebaa0e6f0">tapped Brown</a>&nbsp;for a four-year term as the nation’s highest-ranking military officer, but military leaders serve at the pleasure of the president.Brown, a combat pilot and just the second Black officer to serve as chairman, spoke out after the police killing of George Floyd, a touchstone moment in the Black Lives Matter movement, about the bias he faced in his own life and career.But Trump has expressed disdain for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/diversity-equity-inclusion-higher-education-597b65d8f06062cff60b2e185281870a">equity and diversity programs</a>. And his defense secretary pick Hegseth has decried a “woke” agenda that he argues is undermining U.S. military strength. Hegseth, days before he was announced as Trump's Pentagon nominee, called for firing Brown and generals that have promoted diversity policies in a podcast hosted by Shawn Ryan, a former Navy SEAL.Trump also made time for Republican lawmakers that he'll need to get his agenda through Congress.House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., was among the lawmakers that chatted up Trump at the game. He brought with him a contingent of other GOP lawmakers, incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Pennsylvania Sen.-elect David McCormick, that vied for face time with the incoming president weeks before Republicans take control of the White House and both branches of Congress.Johnson, who could be seen talking with the president-elect before kickoff, had said he would discuss with Trump plans for a legislative package that could move through Congress next year with a simple majority in the face of expected Democratic opposition.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/daniel-perry-chokehold-vance-army-navy-227774aa980f18ee1c9647492e1dcfbe">Vance brought Penny,</a>&nbsp;a fellow Marine veteran, as his guest. Penny was cleared of criminally negligent homicide in Neely's death after a judge had dismissed a more serious manslaughter charge last week because the jury deadlocked on that count.The case was a flashpoint in the long-standing debates over racial justice and as well as failures by New York City to address homelessness and mental illness, both of which Neely had struggled with.“Daniel’s a good guy, and New York’s mob district attorney tried to ruin his life for having a backbone,” Vance said in a post on X on Friday. “I’m grateful he accepted my invitation and hope he’s able to have fun and appreciate how much his fellow citizens admire his courage.”___Madhani reported from West Palm Beach, Florida. Associated Press writer Farnoush Amiri contributed to this report.