HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Buhler USD 313 held a ribbon cutting for the new Ad Astra Academies located at 1800 East 23rd Ave. in Hutchinson on Friday.

The new building was purchased last year and remodeled to accommodate the needs of PreK-12 virtual students, 7-12 alternative students and adult learners.

"I said, 'I think there's going to be a real need for this coming out of COVID,'" Buhler USD 313 superintendent Cindy Couchman said.

Couchman gave a lot of credit to the school board for being so supportive during the process.

"I said I have no clue what it's going to look like, but they were so supportive," Couchman said. "They said 'if you feel like it's a need for kids, we want to meet whatever needs there are of kids to have' and that's how it started."

Couchman also said it was a rather easy process after that to get things going.

"Then we hired the right people," Couchman said. "Because that's what it's really about. You start a program and you hire the right people. Because it's about people in that program."

After the virtual school was decided upon, the school board went to Couchman and asked what else was needed.

"We said not only do we want to do a virtual school," Couchman said. "I think it would be great if we did an alternative school for some kids that are struggling with emotional needs, sometimes academic needs, sometimes they just need a different setting."

Couchman was very pleased with Landmark Architects of Hutchinson and Simpson Construction from Wichita for their work on the project.

"They hit every deadline," Couchman said. "It opened on time, we had kids here on Wednesday, so it was fantastic to see everyone here."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723820247358.jpeg" alt="Buhler USD 313 school board president Monte Cross cuts the ribbon at the opening of the new Ad Astra Academies building in Hutchinson on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)" />
 <figcaption>Buhler USD 313 school board president Monte Cross cuts the ribbon at the opening of the new Ad Astra Academies building in Hutchinson on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Buhler USD 313 held a ribbon cutting for the new Ad Astra Academies located at 1800 East 23rd Ave. in Hutchinson on Friday.The new building was purchased last year and remodeled to accommodate the needs of PreK-12 virtual students, 7-12 alternative students and adult learners."I said, 'I think there's going to be a real need for this coming out of COVID,'" Buhler USD 313 superintendent Cindy Couchman said.Couchman gave a lot of credit to the school board for being so supportive during the process."I said I have no clue what it's going to look like, but they were so supportive," Couchman said. "They said 'if you feel like it's a need for kids, we want to meet whatever needs there are of kids to have' and that's how it started."Couchman also said it was a rather easy process after that to get things going."Then we hired the right people," Couchman said. "Because that's what it's really about. You start a program and you hire the right people. Because it's about people in that program."After the virtual school was decided upon, the school board went to Couchman and asked what else was needed."We said not only do we want to do a virtual school," Couchman said. "I think it would be great if we did an alternative school for some kids that are struggling with emotional needs, sometimes academic needs, sometimes they just need a different setting."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723821881079.jpeg" alt="Buhler USD 313 Director of Ad Astra Virtual Academies Erica Shook shows guests around the new building at the ribbon cutting on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)" />
 <figcaption>Buhler USD 313 Director of Ad Astra Virtual Academies Erica Shook shows guests around the new building at the ribbon cutting on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)</figcaption>
 </figure>Couchman was very pleased with Landmark Architects of Hutchinson and Simpson Construction from Wichita for their work on the project."They hit every deadline," Couchman said. "It opened on time, we had kids here on Wednesday, so it was fantastic to see everyone here."

Ad Astra Academies ribbon cutting held

TOPEKA, Kan. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Kansas Christy Davis announced Friday that USDA is funding three projects to increase the availability of domestic biofuels that will create new market opportunities and jobs for Kansas farmers.

Today’s announcement is part of a larger national announcement that includes 25 other states.

The Hutch Post area project is in Sedgwick. A $145,500 grant will help create infrastructure to expand the sales and use of renewable fuels through Basgall Investments LLC’s fueling stations. This project will install four E15 dispensers at a fueling station in Sedgwick. This project projects to increase the amount of ethanol sold by 374,400 gallons per year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1564587252207.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Kansas Christy Davis announced Friday that USDA is funding three projects to increase the availability of domestic biofuels that will create new market opportunities and jobs for Kansas farmers.Today’s announcement is part of a larger national announcement that includes 25 other states.The Hutch Post area project is in Sedgwick. A $145,500 grant will help create infrastructure to expand the sales and use of renewable fuels through Basgall Investments LLC’s fueling stations. This project will install four E15 dispensers at a fueling station in Sedgwick. This project projects to increase the amount of ethanol sold by 374,400 gallons per year.

USDA to fund biofuels grant in Sedgwick

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Faculty have returned which means the start of the fall semester at Hutchinson Community College is just around the corner. With classes starting August 21, campus has been busy with students getting enrolled and last-minute preparations.

Like many of its peers, HutchCC is currently experiencing a positive trend. “Hutchinson Community College was very fortunate throughout the pandemic and in the years following to maintain strong enrollment,” shared HutchCC President Dr. Tricia Paramore. “Community colleges, including HutchCC, have been able to capitalize on the rising costs of a college degree by expanding scholarship opportunities, continuing to grow our partnerships with high schools, and continuing to utilize technology to grow our online offerings.”

Specifically at Hutchinson, several programs are at capacity with the start of the semester still more than a week away. Added Dr. Paramore, “We’re experiencing very strong enrollment in many areas such as Automation Engineering Technology, Welding and several Allied Health programs – nursing, radiology, physical therapy assistant, surgical technology and respiratory therapy. In addition, we currently have over 200 students on the waiting list for our CDL program.” Enrollment is up overall. Even with HutchCC’s 34 high school partners, dual credit enrollment is up 31.6% since 2021 with enrollment for this fall still in progress.

Many Kansas community colleges have dorms that are already full before the semester even begins. Hutchinson Community College is no exception. “We are currently at full capacity”, stated Shelby Branting, Director of Resident Life and Student Activities. “Our waiting list is increasing daily so anyone who’s interested in the potential of on-campus housing is encouraged to contact us sooner rather than later.”

While dorms may have a waiting list, many opportunities still exist at HutchCC’s main campus, its centers in McPherson and Newton, and through the college’s robust online program. Email <a href="mailto:MyFuture@hutchcc.edu">MyFuture@hutchcc.edu</a> or visit <a href="http://www.hutchcc.edu/starthere">www.hutchcc.edu/starthere</a> for more information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714515496313.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HutchCCHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Faculty have returned which means the start of the fall semester at Hutchinson Community College is just around the corner. With classes starting August 21, campus has been busy with students getting enrolled and last-minute preparations.Like many of its peers, HutchCC is currently experiencing a positive trend. “Hutchinson Community College was very fortunate throughout the pandemic and in the years following to maintain strong enrollment,” shared HutchCC President Dr. Tricia Paramore. “Community colleges, including HutchCC, have been able to capitalize on the rising costs of a college degree by expanding scholarship opportunities, continuing to grow our partnerships with high schools, and continuing to utilize technology to grow our online offerings.”Specifically at Hutchinson, several programs are at capacity with the start of the semester still more than a week away. Added Dr. Paramore, “We’re experiencing very strong enrollment in many areas such as Automation Engineering Technology, Welding and several Allied Health programs – nursing, radiology, physical therapy assistant, surgical technology and respiratory therapy. In addition, we currently have over 200 students on the waiting list for our CDL program.” Enrollment is up overall. Even with HutchCC’s 34 high school partners, dual credit enrollment is up 31.6% since 2021 with enrollment for this fall still in progress.Many Kansas community colleges have dorms that are already full before the semester even begins. Hutchinson Community College is no exception. “We are currently at full capacity”, stated Shelby Branting, Director of Resident Life and Student Activities. “Our waiting list is increasing daily so anyone who’s interested in the potential of on-campus housing is encouraged to contact us sooner rather than later.”While dorms may have a waiting list, many opportunities still exist at HutchCC’s main campus, its centers in McPherson and Newton, and through the college’s robust online program. Email <a href="mailto:MyFuture@hutchcc.edu">MyFuture@hutchcc.edu</a> or visit <a href="http://www.hutchcc.edu/starthere">www.hutchcc.edu/starthere</a> for more information.

HutchCC to start next week, enrollment strong

AP Sports Summary for Friday, August 16th, 2024:

Mauricio Pochettino negotiating to succeed Gregg Berhalter as U.S. soccer coach, AP source says

A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that Mauricio Pochettino and the U.S. Soccer Federation are working toward a deal for him to be the men's national team coach. Pochettino formerly coached Tottenham, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain. The person says Pochettino has agreed to become the U.S. coach but no final deal has been reached. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal wasn't complete. Pochettino is a 52-year-old from Argentina. He would succeed Gregg Berhalter, less than 22 months before the Americans host the 2026 World Cup. The USSF declined to comment.

Harbaugh says Kaepernick will not be a player or coach with the Chargers this season

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — If Colin Kaepernick wants to join the Los Angeles Chargers, it will not be until next year at the earliest. And it will only be as an assistant coach according to coach Jim Harbaugh. "I love Colin, but he's not going to be on the coaching staff, which is set for this year. And he's not going to be playing on the roster either," Harbaugh said after Thursday's practice. Harbaugh told USA Today Sports earlier this week that he reached out to Kaepernick about joining his Chargers' staff shortly after being named coach on Jan. 24. Kaepernick, who turns 37 on Nov. 3, still has hopes of returning to the playing field, despite not playing since 2016. He told Britain's "Sky Sports News" during the recent Paris Olympics that he is still training.

Weston Wilson becomes 1st Phillies rookie to hit for cycle

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Weston Wilson became the first rookie in franchise history to hit for the cycle. He became the ninth Phillies player to ever hit for the cycle, Wilson tripled and singled in the fourth; homered in the seventh and, then — with fans chanting "Double! Double!" — doubled to right in the eighth, with Alex Call failing on a diving attempt. Wilson had the 10th cycle in Phillies history — Chuck Klein did it twice — and he was the first home player to accomplish the feat at Citizens Bank Park since David Bell in 2004.

NBA schedule released. Among highlights: Celtics-Knicks on ring night, Durant going back to school

Boston will get its championship rings on Oct. 22, and the rival New York Knicks will be there for the celebration. The NBA schedule was released Thursday for the coming season, and Game 1 on the slate is the Celtics hosting the Knicks on opening night. The league released 1,200 of the 1,230 games on the schedule Thursday. The other 30 will be slotted in December, depending on how teams fare during the NBA Cup. Some were previously known, such as Miami and Washington playing in Mexico City on Nov. 2 and the San Antonio Spurs and Indiana Pacers playing a home-and-home in Paris on Jan. 23 and Jan. 25.

Kirk makes an ace and leads St. Jude. Matsuyama right behind with new caddie and no coach

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Chris Kirk is in the lead at the FedEx St. Jude Championship. Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele are in the mix as they have been all year. The surprise at the start of the PGA Tour postseason might have been Hideki Matsuyama. He's been through a lot the last week. He lost his wallet in London last week when someone snatched his bag. He also lost his caddie and coach for the start of the FedEx Cup playoffs. Their passports were in the stolen bag and they had to go back to Japan. All that and Matsuyama still shot 65.

Is freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith the next big thing for No. 2 Ohio State?

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Jeremiah Smith might be the next big thing for No. 2 Ohio State. The pass-catching prodigy from Miami Gardens, Florida, was the country's top-rated high school recruit when he signed with Ohio State in December and enrolled early amid a frenzy of hype. Since then, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Smith has shown flashes of being what everybody expects he'll be for the No. 2 Buckeyes. He's impressed coaches and teammates with his work ethic, route-running and acrobatic catches as he goes against the Buckeyes' experienced defensive backs in preseason practice. Smith is a cousin of Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith.

Notre Dame suspends men's swim team for one year after review finds NCAA gambling violations

Notre Dame has suspended its men's swimming program for at least one year after an external review found members of the team violated NCAA rules by wagering among themselves on results of their competitions. The review also found that team members failed to "treat one another with dignity and respect." Athletic director Pete Bevacqua said in a statement Thursday that not all team members participated in the poor conduct and that coach Chris Lindauer and his staff fully cooperated with the review. Members of the team will be permitted to transfer, though NCAA sanctions would follow those found to have broken rules against gambling.

Torrid NL West is baseball's hottest division race with Dodgers, Padres and Diamondbacks

PHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona Diamondbacks are in the midst of a stretch that most big-league clubs can only dream about, winners of six straight games, 20 of 25 since the All-Star break and 30 of 40 since late June. They're fitting in quite well in the NL West, which is home to three of the game's hottest teams. As pennant races around baseball heat up, the one out west looks like the best. San Diego has a 19-4 record since the All-Star break and Arizona is 20-5. The Dodgers aren't playing poorly at all with a 15-9 record, but they're struggling to hold their division lead.

American rider Sepp Kuss takes on leading role as he begins title defense in Spanish Vuelta

MADRID (AP) — This time the spotlight will be on Sepp Kuss from the start as he tries to retain his title in the Spanish Vuelta. Kuss won last year's race over Primoz Roglic and Jonas Vingegaard, who then were the top riders for Team Visma-Lease a Bike. Roglic has now switched to Team Red Bull Bora-Hansgrohe while Vingegaard has skipped the Vuelta to rest and prepare for the birth of his child. Kuss arrives in good form to repeat as champion, having won the Burgos Vuelta last week. The American did not participate in the Tour de France because of COVID-19.

Brewers' outfielder Christian Yelich to have season-ending back surgery

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers will have to continue their playoff push without Christian Yelich. Yelich is undergoing season-ending back surgery Friday, putting an end to the 2018 NL MVP's resurgent season. Yelich was leading the NL in batting average (.315) and on-base percentage (.406) when he went on the injured list in late July. But, he hasn't played since getting removed from a game at Chicago's Wrigley Field on July 23. Yelich has been dealing with back trouble for the last few years, and the issue landed him on the injured list twice this season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Friday, August 16th, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Friday, August 16th, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for Friday, August 16th, 2024:<div><iframe width="100%" height="95" src="https://embeds.audioboom.com/posts/8557133/embed?v=202301" style="background-color: transparent; display: block; padding: 0; width: 100%" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="allowtransparency" scrolling="no" title="Audioboom player" allow="autoplay" sandbox="allow-downloads allow-forms allow-popups allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-storage-access-by-user-activation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation"></iframe></div>Mauricio Pochettino negotiating to succeed Gregg Berhalter as U.S. soccer coach, AP source saysA person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that Mauricio Pochettino and the U.S. Soccer Federation are working toward a deal for him to be the men's national team coach. Pochettino formerly coached Tottenham, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain. The person says Pochettino has agreed to become the U.S. coach but no final deal has been reached. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal wasn't complete. Pochettino is a 52-year-old from Argentina. He would succeed Gregg Berhalter, less than 22 months before the Americans host the 2026 World Cup. The USSF declined to comment.Harbaugh says Kaepernick will not be a player or coach with the Chargers this seasonEL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — If Colin Kaepernick wants to join the Los Angeles Chargers, it will not be until next year at the earliest. And it will only be as an assistant coach according to coach Jim Harbaugh. "I love Colin, but he's not going to be on the coaching staff, which is set for this year. And he's not going to be playing on the roster either," Harbaugh said after Thursday's practice. Harbaugh told USA Today Sports earlier this week that he reached out to Kaepernick about joining his Chargers' staff shortly after being named coach on Jan. 24. Kaepernick, who turns 37 on Nov. 3, still has hopes of returning to the playing field, despite not playing since 2016. He told Britain's "Sky Sports News" during the recent Paris Olympics that he is still training.Weston Wilson becomes 1st Phillies rookie to hit for cyclePHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Weston Wilson became the first rookie in franchise history to hit for the cycle. He became the ninth Phillies player to ever hit for the cycle, Wilson tripled and singled in the fourth; homered in the seventh and, then — with fans chanting "Double! Double!" — doubled to right in the eighth, with Alex Call failing on a diving attempt. Wilson had the 10th cycle in Phillies history — Chuck Klein did it twice — and he was the first home player to accomplish the feat at Citizens Bank Park since David Bell in 2004.NBA schedule released. Among highlights: Celtics-Knicks on ring night, Durant going back to schoolBoston will get its championship rings on Oct. 22, and the rival New York Knicks will be there for the celebration. The NBA schedule was released Thursday for the coming season, and Game 1 on the slate is the Celtics hosting the Knicks on opening night. The league released 1,200 of the 1,230 games on the schedule Thursday. The other 30 will be slotted in December, depending on how teams fare during the NBA Cup. Some were previously known, such as Miami and Washington playing in Mexico City on Nov. 2 and the San Antonio Spurs and Indiana Pacers playing a home-and-home in Paris on Jan. 23 and Jan. 25.Kirk makes an ace and leads St. Jude. Matsuyama right behind with new caddie and no coachMEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Chris Kirk is in the lead at the FedEx St. Jude Championship. Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele are in the mix as they have been all year. The surprise at the start of the PGA Tour postseason might have been Hideki Matsuyama. He's been through a lot the last week. He lost his wallet in London last week when someone snatched his bag. He also lost his caddie and coach for the start of the FedEx Cup playoffs. Their passports were in the stolen bag and they had to go back to Japan. All that and Matsuyama still shot 65.Is freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith the next big thing for No. 2 Ohio State?COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Jeremiah Smith might be the next big thing for No. 2 Ohio State. The pass-catching prodigy from Miami Gardens, Florida, was the country's top-rated high school recruit when he signed with Ohio State in December and enrolled early amid a frenzy of hype. Since then, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Smith has shown flashes of being what everybody expects he'll be for the No. 2 Buckeyes. He's impressed coaches and teammates with his work ethic, route-running and acrobatic catches as he goes against the Buckeyes' experienced defensive backs in preseason practice. Smith is a cousin of Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith.Notre Dame suspends men's swim team for one year after review finds NCAA gambling violationsNotre Dame has suspended its men's swimming program for at least one year after an external review found members of the team violated NCAA rules by wagering among themselves on results of their competitions. The review also found that team members failed to "treat one another with dignity and respect." Athletic director Pete Bevacqua said in a statement Thursday that not all team members participated in the poor conduct and that coach Chris Lindauer and his staff fully cooperated with the review. Members of the team will be permitted to transfer, though NCAA sanctions would follow those found to have broken rules against gambling.Torrid NL West is baseball's hottest division race with Dodgers, Padres and DiamondbacksPHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona Diamondbacks are in the midst of a stretch that most big-league clubs can only dream about, winners of six straight games, 20 of 25 since the All-Star break and 30 of 40 since late June. They're fitting in quite well in the NL West, which is home to three of the game's hottest teams. As pennant races around baseball heat up, the one out west looks like the best. San Diego has a 19-4 record since the All-Star break and Arizona is 20-5. The Dodgers aren't playing poorly at all with a 15-9 record, but they're struggling to hold their division lead.American rider Sepp Kuss takes on leading role as he begins title defense in Spanish VueltaMADRID (AP) — This time the spotlight will be on Sepp Kuss from the start as he tries to retain his title in the Spanish Vuelta. Kuss won last year's race over Primoz Roglic and Jonas Vingegaard, who then were the top riders for Team Visma-Lease a Bike. Roglic has now switched to Team Red Bull Bora-Hansgrohe while Vingegaard has skipped the Vuelta to rest and prepare for the birth of his child. Kuss arrives in good form to repeat as champion, having won the Burgos Vuelta last week. The American did not participate in the Tour de France because of COVID-19.Brewers' outfielder Christian Yelich to have season-ending back surgeryMILWAUKEE (AP) — The NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers will have to continue their playoff push without Christian Yelich. Yelich is undergoing season-ending back surgery Friday, putting an end to the 2018 NL MVP's resurgent season. Yelich was leading the NL in batting average (.315) and on-base percentage (.406) when he went on the injured list in late July. But, he hasn't played since getting removed from a game at Chicago's Wrigley Field on July 23. Yelich has been dealing with back trouble for the last few years, and the issue landed him on the injured list twice this season.AP Sports SummaryBrief at 5:54 a.m. EDTMauricio Pochettino negotiating to succeed Gregg Berhalter as U.S. soccer coach, AP source saysA person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that Mauricio Pochettino and the U.S. Soccer Federation are working toward a deal for him to be the men's national team coach. Pochettino formerly coached Tottenham, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain. The person says Pochettino has agreed to become the U.S. coach but no final deal has been reached. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal wasn't complete. Pochettino is a 52-year-old from Argentina. He would succeed Gregg Berhalter, less than 22 months before the Americans host the 2026 World Cup. The USSF declined to comment.Harbaugh says Kaepernick will not be a player or coach with the Chargers this seasonEL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — If Colin Kaepernick wants to join the Los Angeles Chargers, it will not be until next year at the earliest. And it will only be as an assistant coach according to coach Jim Harbaugh. "I love Colin, but he's not going to be on the coaching staff, which is set for this year. And he's not going to be playing on the roster either," Harbaugh said after Thursday's practice. Harbaugh told USA Today Sports earlier this week that he reached out to Kaepernick about joining his Chargers' staff shortly after being named coach on Jan. 24. Kaepernick, who turns 37 on Nov. 3, still has hopes of returning to the playing field, despite not playing since 2016. He told Britain's "Sky Sports News" during the recent Paris Olympics that he is still training.Weston Wilson becomes 1st Phillies rookie to hit for cyclePHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Weston Wilson became the first rookie in franchise history to hit for the cycle. He became the ninth Phillies player to ever hit for the cycle, Wilson tripled and singled in the fourth; homered in the seventh and, then — with fans chanting "Double! Double!" — doubled to right in the eighth, with Alex Call failing on a diving attempt. Wilson had the 10th cycle in Phillies history — Chuck Klein did it twice — and he was the first home player to accomplish the feat at Citizens Bank Park since David Bell in 2004.NBA schedule released. Among highlights: Celtics-Knicks on ring night, Durant going back to schoolBoston will get its championship rings on Oct. 22, and the rival New York Knicks will be there for the celebration. The NBA schedule was released Thursday for the coming season, and Game 1 on the slate is the Celtics hosting the Knicks on opening night. The league released 1,200 of the 1,230 games on the schedule Thursday. The other 30 will be slotted in December, depending on how teams fare during the NBA Cup. Some were previously known, such as Miami and Washington playing in Mexico City on Nov. 2 and the San Antonio Spurs and Indiana Pacers playing a home-and-home in Paris on Jan. 23 and Jan. 25.Kirk makes an ace and leads St. Jude. Matsuyama right behind with new caddie and no coachMEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Chris Kirk is in the lead at the FedEx St. Jude Championship. Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele are in the mix as they have been all year. The surprise at the start of the PGA Tour postseason might have been Hideki Matsuyama. He's been through a lot the last week. He lost his wallet in London last week when someone snatched his bag. He also lost his caddie and coach for the start of the FedEx Cup playoffs. Their passports were in the stolen bag and they had to go back to Japan. All that and Matsuyama still shot 65.Is freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith the next big thing for No. 2 Ohio State?COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Jeremiah Smith might be the next big thing for No. 2 Ohio State. The pass-catching prodigy from Miami Gardens, Florida, was the country's top-rated high school recruit when he signed with Ohio State in December and enrolled early amid a frenzy of hype. Since then, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Smith has shown flashes of being what everybody expects he'll be for the No. 2 Buckeyes. He's impressed coaches and teammates with his work ethic, route-running and acrobatic catches as he goes against the Buckeyes' experienced defensive backs in preseason practice. Smith is a cousin of Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith.Notre Dame suspends men's swim team for one year after review finds NCAA gambling violationsNotre Dame has suspended its men's swimming program for at least one year after an external review found members of the team violated NCAA rules by wagering among themselves on results of their competitions. The review also found that team members failed to "treat one another with dignity and respect." Athletic director Pete Bevacqua said in a statement Thursday that not all team members participated in the poor conduct and that coach Chris Lindauer and his staff fully cooperated with the review. Members of the team will be permitted to transfer, though NCAA sanctions would follow those found to have broken rules against gambling.Torrid NL West is baseball's hottest division race with Dodgers, Padres and DiamondbacksPHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona Diamondbacks are in the midst of a stretch that most big-league clubs can only dream about, winners of six straight games, 20 of 25 since the All-Star break and 30 of 40 since late June. They're fitting in quite well in the NL West, which is home to three of the game's hottest teams. As pennant races around baseball heat up, the one out west looks like the best. San Diego has a 19-4 record since the All-Star break and Arizona is 20-5. The Dodgers aren't playing poorly at all with a 15-9 record, but they're struggling to hold their division lead.American rider Sepp Kuss takes on leading role as he begins title defense in Spanish VueltaMADRID (AP) — This time the spotlight will be on Sepp Kuss from the start as he tries to retain his title in the Spanish Vuelta. Kuss won last year's race over Primoz Roglic and Jonas Vingegaard, who then were the top riders for Team Visma-Lease a Bike. Roglic has now switched to Team Red Bull Bora-Hansgrohe while Vingegaard has skipped the Vuelta to rest and prepare for the birth of his child. Kuss arrives in good form to repeat as champion, having won the Burgos Vuelta last week. The American did not participate in the Tour de France because of COVID-19.Brewers' outfielder Christian Yelich to have season-ending back surgeryMILWAUKEE (AP) — The NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers will have to continue their playoff push without Christian Yelich. Yelich is undergoing season-ending back surgery Friday, putting an end to the 2018 NL MVP's resurgent season. Yelich was leading the NL in batting average (.315) and on-base percentage (.406) when he went on the injured list in late July. But, he hasn't played since getting removed from a game at Chicago's Wrigley Field on July 23. Yelich has been dealing with back trouble for the last few years, and the issue landed him on the injured list twice this season.

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Friday

Dr. Douglas Young, a man of compassion and care, passed away at his home in Park Hill, Oklahoma, on July 5, 2024. His legacy is one of dedication to his family, friends, and the thousands of patients he treated throughout more than 50 years in his medical career.

Douglas was born on March 31, 1942, in McPherson, Kansas, to Carl and Roma Young. After graduating from McPherson High School in 1960, he earned a B.S. degree in Pharmacy from the University of Kansas [K.U.],&nbsp; then supported his advanced medical studies working in that field before graduating from the K.U. School of Medicine in 1971.

Following graduation, Doug served as a General Medical Officer and Hospital Administrator for the U.S. Air Force in Sembach, Germany, for the next 3 years. Upon returning to Wichita, he completed his Residency in Internal Medicine at the K.U. School of Medicine in 1978. He then became Clinical Instructor of Medicine for the Medical School and Medical Director of Gerontology at Columbia Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, as well as a Physician at the Wichita Veterans Administration Hospital. Later, he joined the Wichita Clinic, where he practiced in the Internal Medicine Department and served as the Medical Director of Immediate Care until 2000. During his medical career in Wichita, he served as Medical Staff President at Columbia Wesley Medical Center as well as President of Sedgwick County Medical Society, awarded Outstanding Physician in Kansas in 1984,&nbsp; and served as a long-term Board of Director member of Kansas Foundation of Medical Care.

Doug moved to Oklahoma in 2000 where he worked in Wound Care and Internal Medicine Departments at St. Michael’s and Deaconess Hospitals in Oklahoma City. He then joined the Cherokee Nation in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, in 2007, founding and serving as Medical Director for the Cherokee Elder Care Program before joining Cherokee Nation Health Services as Staff Physician in Urgent Care for the next 14 years.

Doug's curiosity, love of learning, and passion for medicine were evident throughout his life. He never sought fame or fortune but made significant contributions, such as the Cherokee Elder Care Program and establishing new courses on drug interactions and elderly care for medical residents at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Wichita. Similarly, his dedication to helping those in need led to the establishment of Project Access in Wichita, a program connecting uninsured individuals with medical providers. During the last three years of his medical career, he served as the telehealth ‘Covid’ physician for the Cherokee Nation, impacting hundreds of Tribal patients and their families during the COVID epidemic.

Beyond medicine, Doug had a passion for life, art, and the history of Native Americans. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Ramona Kay. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sharilyn Young; sister, Carlene Berg (Jim), their three daughters Trina, Autumn, Heather, and their families; stepdaughter, Arriane Alexander; stepson, Tobin Gump (Bobbie), grandson Carson Gump; son, Charley Young (Teresa), their children Suzanna, Mila, Rowen and William; daughter, Jessica Goodpasture (Tim), their daughters Savannah and Josie; and daughter, Megan Young and her son Nicholas.

Donations in his name can be made to the University of Kansas School of Medicine, Wichita.

Personal condolences may be sent to the family at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stockhamfamily.com/" target="_blank">www.stockhamfamily.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714661521581.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Douglas Young, a man of compassion and care, passed away at his home in Park Hill, Oklahoma, on July 5, 2024. His legacy is one of dedication to his family, friends, and the thousands of patients he treated throughout more than 50 years in his medical career.Douglas was born on March 31, 1942, in McPherson, Kansas, to Carl and Roma Young. After graduating from McPherson High School in 1960, he earned a B.S. degree in Pharmacy from the University of Kansas [K.U.],&nbsp; then supported his advanced medical studies working in that field before graduating from the K.U. School of Medicine in 1971.Following graduation, Doug served as a General Medical Officer and Hospital Administrator for the U.S. Air Force in Sembach, Germany, for the next 3 years. Upon returning to Wichita, he completed his Residency in Internal Medicine at the K.U. School of Medicine in 1978. He then became Clinical Instructor of Medicine for the Medical School and Medical Director of Gerontology at Columbia Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, as well as a Physician at the Wichita Veterans Administration Hospital. Later, he joined the Wichita Clinic, where he practiced in the Internal Medicine Department and served as the Medical Director of Immediate Care until 2000. During his medical career in Wichita, he served as Medical Staff President at Columbia Wesley Medical Center as well as President of Sedgwick County Medical Society, awarded Outstanding Physician in Kansas in 1984,&nbsp; and served as a long-term Board of Director member of Kansas Foundation of Medical Care.Doug moved to Oklahoma in 2000 where he worked in Wound Care and Internal Medicine Departments at St. Michael’s and Deaconess Hospitals in Oklahoma City. He then joined the Cherokee Nation in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, in 2007, founding and serving as Medical Director for the Cherokee Elder Care Program before joining Cherokee Nation Health Services as Staff Physician in Urgent Care for the next 14 years.Doug's curiosity, love of learning, and passion for medicine were evident throughout his life. He never sought fame or fortune but made significant contributions, such as the Cherokee Elder Care Program and establishing new courses on drug interactions and elderly care for medical residents at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Wichita. Similarly, his dedication to helping those in need led to the establishment of Project Access in Wichita, a program connecting uninsured individuals with medical providers. During the last three years of his medical career, he served as the telehealth ‘Covid’ physician for the Cherokee Nation, impacting hundreds of Tribal patients and their families during the COVID epidemic.Beyond medicine, Doug had a passion for life, art, and the history of Native Americans. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Ramona Kay. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sharilyn Young; sister, Carlene Berg (Jim), their three daughters Trina, Autumn, Heather, and their families; stepdaughter, Arriane Alexander; stepson, Tobin Gump (Bobbie), grandson Carson Gump; son, Charley Young (Teresa), their children Suzanna, Mila, Rowen and William; daughter, Jessica Goodpasture (Tim), their daughters Savannah and Josie; and daughter, Megan Young and her son Nicholas.Donations in his name can be made to the University of Kansas School of Medicine, Wichita.Personal condolences may be sent to the family at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stockhamfamily.com/" target="_blank">www.stockhamfamily.com</a>.

Dr. Douglas Young |1942-2024|

LONDON (AP) — The World Health Organization has declared the mpox outbreaks in Congo and elsewhere in Africa a global emergency, with cases confirmed among children and adults in more than a dozen countries and a new form of the virus spreading. Few vaccine doses are available on the continent.

Earlier this week, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-is-mpox-monkey-pox-congo-emergency-415d11f9e62d104b4c40dd8fe8e80b47">announced</a>&nbsp;that the mpox outbreaks were a public health emergency, with more than 500 deaths, and called for international help to stop the virus’ spread.

“This is something that should concern us all ... The potential for further spread beyond Africa and beyond is very worrying,” said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

The Africa CDC previously said that mpox, also known as monkeypox, has been detected in 13 countries this year, and that more than 96% of all cases and deaths are in Congo. Cases are up 160% and deaths are up 19% compared with the same period last year. So far, there have been more than 14,000 cases and 524 people have died.

“We are now in a situation where (mpox) poses a risk to many more neighbors in and around central Africa,” said Salim Abdool Karim, a South African infectious diseases expert who chairs the Africa CDC emergency group. He noted that the new version of mpox spreading from Congo appears to have a death rate of about 3-4%.

During the global 2022 mpox outbreak that affected more than 70 countries, fewer than 1% of people died.

Michael Marks, a professor of medicine at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said declaring the mpox outbreaks in Africa an emergency is warranted if that might lead to more support to contain them.

“It’s a failure of the global community that things had to get this bad to release the resources needed,” he said.

Officials at the Africa CDC said nearly 70% of cases in Congo are in children younger than 15, who also accounted for 85% of deaths.

Jacques Alonda, an epidemiologist working in Congo with international charities, said he and other experts were particularly worried about the spread of mpox in camps for refugees in the country’s conflict-ridden east.

“The worst case I’ve seen is that of a six-week-old baby who was just two weeks old when he contracted mpox,” Alonda said, adding the baby has been in their care for a month. “He got infected because hospital overcrowding meant he and his mother were forced to share a room with someone else who had the virus, which was undiagnosed.”

Save the Children said Congo’s health system already had been “collapsing” under the strain of malnutrition, measles and cholera.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said officials were facing several outbreaks of mpox outbreaks in various countries with “different modes of transmission and different levels of risk.”

The U.N. health agency said mpox was recently identified for the first time in four East African countries: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. All of those outbreaks are linked to the one in Congo. In the Ivory Coast and South Africa, health authorities have reported outbreaks of a different and less dangerous version of mpox that spread worldwide in 2022.

Earlier this year, scientists reported the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mpox-congo-outbreak-who-fda17cea128f46e48110ad7adcd9e5de">emergence of a new form</a>&nbsp;of the deadlier form of mpox, which can kill up to 10% of people, in a Congolese mining town that they feared might spread more easily. Mpox mostly spreads via close contact with infected people, including through sex.

Unlike in previous mpox outbreaks, where lesions were mostly seen on the chest, hands and feet, the new form causes milder symptoms and lesions on the genitals. That makes it harder to spot, meaning people might also sicken others without knowing they’re infected.

In 2022, WHO declared mpox to be a global emergency after it spread to more than 70 countries that had not previously reported mpox, mostly affecting gay and bisexual men. Before that outbreak, the disease had mostly been seen in sporadic outbreaks in central and West Africa when people came into close contact with infected wild animals.

Western countries mostly shut down the spread of mpox with the help of vaccines and treatments, but very few of those have been available in Africa.

Marks of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine said that in the absence of mpox vaccines licensed in the West, officials could consider inoculating people against smallpox, a related disease. “We need a large supply of vaccine so that we can vaccinate populations most at risk,” he said, adding that would mean sex workers, children and adults living in outbreak regions.

Congolese authorities said they have asked for 4 million doses of mpox vaccine, Cris Kacita Osako, coordinator of Congo’s Monkeypox Response Committee, told The Associated Press. Osako said those would mostly be used for children under 18.

“The United States and Japan are the two countries that positioned themselves to give vaccines to our country,” Osako said.

Although WHO’s emergency declaration is meant to spur donor agencies and countries into action, the global response to previous emergency designations has been mixed.

Dr. Boghuma Titanji, an infectious diseases expert at Emory University, said the last WHO emergency declaration for mpox “did very little to move the needle” on getting things like diagnostic tests, medicines and vaccines to Africa.

“The world has a real opportunity here to act in a decisive manner and not repeat past mistakes, (but) that will take more than an (emergency) declaration,” Titanji said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666205866785.png" alt="This digitally-colorized electron microscopic (EM) image depicted monkeypox virus particles, obtained from a clinical sample associated with the 2003 prairie dog outbreak. It was a thin section image from of a human skin sample. On the left were mature, oval-shaped virus particles, and on the right were the crescents, and spherical particles of immature virions (Credit: CDC/ Cynthia S. Goldsmith, Russell Regnery, Hannah Bullock)." />
 <figcaption>This digitally-colorized electron microscopic (EM) image depicted monkeypox virus particles, obtained from a clinical sample associated with the 2003 prairie dog outbreak. It was a thin section image from of a human skin sample. On the left were mature, oval-shaped virus particles, and on the right were the crescents, and spherical particles of immature virions (Credit: CDC/ Cynthia S. Goldsmith, Russell Regnery, Hannah Bullock).</figcaption>
 </figure>LONDON (AP) — The World Health Organization has declared the mpox outbreaks in Congo and elsewhere in Africa a global emergency, with cases confirmed among children and adults in more than a dozen countries and a new form of the virus spreading. Few vaccine doses are available on the continent.Earlier this week, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-is-mpox-monkey-pox-congo-emergency-415d11f9e62d104b4c40dd8fe8e80b47">announced</a>&nbsp;that the mpox outbreaks were a public health emergency, with more than 500 deaths, and called for international help to stop the virus’ spread.“This is something that should concern us all ... The potential for further spread beyond Africa and beyond is very worrying,” said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.The Africa CDC previously said that mpox, also known as monkeypox, has been detected in 13 countries this year, and that more than 96% of all cases and deaths are in Congo. Cases are up 160% and deaths are up 19% compared with the same period last year. So far, there have been more than 14,000 cases and 524 people have died.“We are now in a situation where (mpox) poses a risk to many more neighbors in and around central Africa,” said Salim Abdool Karim, a South African infectious diseases expert who chairs the Africa CDC emergency group. He noted that the new version of mpox spreading from Congo appears to have a death rate of about 3-4%.During the global 2022 mpox outbreak that affected more than 70 countries, fewer than 1% of people died.Michael Marks, a professor of medicine at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said declaring the mpox outbreaks in Africa an emergency is warranted if that might lead to more support to contain them.“It’s a failure of the global community that things had to get this bad to release the resources needed,” he said.Officials at the Africa CDC said nearly 70% of cases in Congo are in children younger than 15, who also accounted for 85% of deaths.Jacques Alonda, an epidemiologist working in Congo with international charities, said he and other experts were particularly worried about the spread of mpox in camps for refugees in the country’s conflict-ridden east.“The worst case I’ve seen is that of a six-week-old baby who was just two weeks old when he contracted mpox,” Alonda said, adding the baby has been in their care for a month. “He got infected because hospital overcrowding meant he and his mother were forced to share a room with someone else who had the virus, which was undiagnosed.”Save the Children said Congo’s health system already had been “collapsing” under the strain of malnutrition, measles and cholera.WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said officials were facing several outbreaks of mpox outbreaks in various countries with “different modes of transmission and different levels of risk.”The U.N. health agency said mpox was recently identified for the first time in four East African countries: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. All of those outbreaks are linked to the one in Congo. In the Ivory Coast and South Africa, health authorities have reported outbreaks of a different and less dangerous version of mpox that spread worldwide in 2022.Earlier this year, scientists reported the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mpox-congo-outbreak-who-fda17cea128f46e48110ad7adcd9e5de">emergence of a new form</a>&nbsp;of the deadlier form of mpox, which can kill up to 10% of people, in a Congolese mining town that they feared might spread more easily. Mpox mostly spreads via close contact with infected people, including through sex.Unlike in previous mpox outbreaks, where lesions were mostly seen on the chest, hands and feet, the new form causes milder symptoms and lesions on the genitals. That makes it harder to spot, meaning people might also sicken others without knowing they’re infected.In 2022, WHO declared mpox to be a global emergency after it spread to more than 70 countries that had not previously reported mpox, mostly affecting gay and bisexual men. Before that outbreak, the disease had mostly been seen in sporadic outbreaks in central and West Africa when people came into close contact with infected wild animals.Western countries mostly shut down the spread of mpox with the help of vaccines and treatments, but very few of those have been available in Africa.Marks of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine said that in the absence of mpox vaccines licensed in the West, officials could consider inoculating people against smallpox, a related disease. “We need a large supply of vaccine so that we can vaccinate populations most at risk,” he said, adding that would mean sex workers, children and adults living in outbreak regions.Congolese authorities said they have asked for 4 million doses of mpox vaccine, Cris Kacita Osako, coordinator of Congo’s Monkeypox Response Committee, told The Associated Press. Osako said those would mostly be used for children under 18.“The United States and Japan are the two countries that positioned themselves to give vaccines to our country,” Osako said.Although WHO’s emergency declaration is meant to spur donor agencies and countries into action, the global response to previous emergency designations has been mixed.Dr. Boghuma Titanji, an infectious diseases expert at Emory University, said the last WHO emergency declaration for mpox “did very little to move the needle” on getting things like diagnostic tests, medicines and vaccines to Africa.“The world has a real opportunity here to act in a decisive manner and not repeat past mistakes, (but) that will take more than an (emergency) declaration,” Titanji said.<h2>___</h2>

WHO: Mpox outbreak a global health emergency; new form of virus spreads

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Zebby Matthews threw five crisp innings to win his major league debut for the Minnesota Twins, who hit Seth Lugo hard to hand the All-Star right-hander his worst start this season and beat the Kansas City Royals 13-3. Matthews allowed two runs on five hits with no walks and five strikeouts in the latest and most meaningful feat for the 24-year-old righty who started the season in Class A. The Twins had three homers and eight extra-base hits among 15 hits. Jose Miranda had three hits and two RBIs and Matt Wallner had three runs plus two hits and a walk.

CINCINNATI (AP) — Hunter Greene allowed one run through seven innings, Jeimer Candelario hit a two-run homer and the Cincinnati Reds beat the St. Louis Cardinals 4-1 to secure a win of the series between the NL Central rivals. The hard-throwing Greene (9-4) allowed four hits while striking out eight and walking one in notching his third straight win. Spencer Steer had a two-out, RBI single in the first inning. Ty France led off the second with a homer off the roof of the Cardinals bullpen in right, his 11th of the season. Candelario smashed his 19th homer with two outs in the sixth.

CHICAGO (AP) — Juan Soto has hit three home runs in a game for the first time in his career, connecting in three consecutive at-bats for the New York Yankees against the Chicago White Sox. The slugger started his outburst with a two-run shot to left field off starter Jonathan Cannon in the third inning. Soto tagged Cannon for a solo drive in the fifth, going the other way again. The four-time All-Star added his 33rd homer of the season in the seventh off left-handed reliever Fraser Ellard, pulling a drive to right that made it 4-0. With a chance to match the major league record of four home runs in a game, Soto walked in the ninth.

CHICAGO (AP) — New York Yankees third baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. appears headed to the injured list with a left elbow injury, manager Aaron Boone said Tuesday. The 26-year-old Chisholm has a probable ulnar collateral ligament injury and Boone said he will “likely” end up on the IL. He said more physicians are evaluating the elbow and that the club should have enough information to make a decision by Wednesday. Chisholm was hurt on a headfirst dive scoring in the fifth. He left during the seventh inning of Monday’s 12-2 loss to the White Sox but downplayed the injury after the game.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Cleveland Browns rookie defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. has been arrested and charged with domestic violence after a fight with his fiancee. Police in Avon, Ohio, say Hall was booked and arraigned at Avon Lake Municipal Court and was released after posting bond. The Browns say they are aware of the incident involving the second-round pick from Ohio State. According to an incident report, the woman told police that Hall struck her with a baby bottle, dragged her along a porch and driveway and held a gun to her temple. Police say they seized two handguns.

SAINT-QUENTIN-EN-YVELINES, France (AP) — Golf has been part of the Olympics for the last three Summer Games and continues to deliver big stars to the podium and memorable outcomes. Some of that is because of the small fields of 60 players, about half of whom don't get a regular diet on the big stage. The latest was Scottie Scheffler's remarkable comeback at Le Golf National to add Olympic gold to an already great year. And there was Lydia Ko, with an even greater storybook finish. The New Zealander now has medaled in all three Olympics and her gold got her into the LPGA Hall of Fame.

UNDATED (AP) — Tennessee has announced a long-term deal with travel-center giant Pilot that preserves the names of Neyland Stadium and Shields-Watkins Field while giving the Knoxville-based company prominent signage throughout the stadium, including on the playing surface. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but it will initially be for up to 20 years. Tennessee athletic director Danny White says the agreement could be described as a naming rights deal without a name change for the 101,915-seat stadium. The deal comes as big-time college sports schools search for new revenue to address rising costs, including more money going directly to athletes.

UNDATED (AP) — No. 10 Florida State got a taste of being back among the country's best programs in winning the ACC title last season. The Seminoles want even more this season. The undefeated program that won its first league crown since 2014 missed out on the College Football Playoff. Coach Mike Norvell and his players know a similar season would put them in the field for the expanded, 12-team playoff. Clemson was the league favorite last season before a 4-4 start ruined their championship dreams. But the Tigers were picked second behind Florida State this season.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Michigan coach Sherrone Moore says he looks forward to the release of his text messages with Connor Stalions, the former low-level recruiting staffer who resigned amid a sign-stealing scandal. Moore spoke with reporters on Tuesday for the first time since the NCAA alleged he violated rules. The allegations were included in a confidential notice that the governing body sent to the school. Two people who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity said Moore has been accused of deleting text message exchanges with Stalions. Moore has said he will continue to cooperate with the NCAA in its investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Wednesday, August 14th, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Wednesday, August 14th, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Zebby Matthews threw five crisp innings to win his major league debut for the Minnesota Twins, who hit Seth Lugo hard to hand the All-Star right-hander his worst start this season and beat the Kansas City Royals 13-3. Matthews allowed two runs on five hits with no walks and five strikeouts in the latest and most meaningful feat for the 24-year-old righty who started the season in Class A. The Twins had three homers and eight extra-base hits among 15 hits. Jose Miranda had three hits and two RBIs and Matt Wallner had three runs plus two hits and a walk.CINCINNATI (AP) — Hunter Greene allowed one run through seven innings, Jeimer Candelario hit a two-run homer and the Cincinnati Reds beat the St. Louis Cardinals 4-1 to secure a win of the series between the NL Central rivals. The hard-throwing Greene (9-4) allowed four hits while striking out eight and walking one in notching his third straight win. Spencer Steer had a two-out, RBI single in the first inning. Ty France led off the second with a homer off the roof of the Cardinals bullpen in right, his 11th of the season. Candelario smashed his 19th homer with two outs in the sixth.CHICAGO (AP) — Juan Soto has hit three home runs in a game for the first time in his career, connecting in three consecutive at-bats for the New York Yankees against the Chicago White Sox. The slugger started his outburst with a two-run shot to left field off starter Jonathan Cannon in the third inning. Soto tagged Cannon for a solo drive in the fifth, going the other way again. The four-time All-Star added his 33rd homer of the season in the seventh off left-handed reliever Fraser Ellard, pulling a drive to right that made it 4-0. With a chance to match the major league record of four home runs in a game, Soto walked in the ninth.CHICAGO (AP) — New York Yankees third baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. appears headed to the injured list with a left elbow injury, manager Aaron Boone said Tuesday. The 26-year-old Chisholm has a probable ulnar collateral ligament injury and Boone said he will “likely” end up on the IL. He said more physicians are evaluating the elbow and that the club should have enough information to make a decision by Wednesday. Chisholm was hurt on a headfirst dive scoring in the fifth. He left during the seventh inning of Monday’s 12-2 loss to the White Sox but downplayed the injury after the game.CLEVELAND (AP) — Cleveland Browns rookie defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. has been arrested and charged with domestic violence after a fight with his fiancee. Police in Avon, Ohio, say Hall was booked and arraigned at Avon Lake Municipal Court and was released after posting bond. The Browns say they are aware of the incident involving the second-round pick from Ohio State. According to an incident report, the woman told police that Hall struck her with a baby bottle, dragged her along a porch and driveway and held a gun to her temple. Police say they seized two handguns.SAINT-QUENTIN-EN-YVELINES, France (AP) — Golf has been part of the Olympics for the last three Summer Games and continues to deliver big stars to the podium and memorable outcomes. Some of that is because of the small fields of 60 players, about half of whom don't get a regular diet on the big stage. The latest was Scottie Scheffler's remarkable comeback at Le Golf National to add Olympic gold to an already great year. And there was Lydia Ko, with an even greater storybook finish. The New Zealander now has medaled in all three Olympics and her gold got her into the LPGA Hall of Fame.UNDATED (AP) — Tennessee has announced a long-term deal with travel-center giant Pilot that preserves the names of Neyland Stadium and Shields-Watkins Field while giving the Knoxville-based company prominent signage throughout the stadium, including on the playing surface. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but it will initially be for up to 20 years. Tennessee athletic director Danny White says the agreement could be described as a naming rights deal without a name change for the 101,915-seat stadium. The deal comes as big-time college sports schools search for new revenue to address rising costs, including more money going directly to athletes.UNDATED (AP) — No. 10 Florida State got a taste of being back among the country's best programs in winning the ACC title last season. The Seminoles want even more this season. The undefeated program that won its first league crown since 2014 missed out on the College Football Playoff. Coach Mike Norvell and his players know a similar season would put them in the field for the expanded, 12-team playoff. Clemson was the league favorite last season before a 4-4 start ruined their championship dreams. But the Tigers were picked second behind Florida State this season.ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Michigan coach Sherrone Moore says he looks forward to the release of his text messages with Connor Stalions, the former low-level recruiting staffer who resigned amid a sign-stealing scandal. Moore spoke with reporters on Tuesday for the first time since the NCAA alleged he violated rules. The allegations were included in a confidential notice that the governing body sent to the school. Two people who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity said Moore has been accused of deleting text message exchanges with Stalions. Moore has said he will continue to cooperate with the NCAA in its investigation.TUESDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal Cleveland 2 Chicago Cubs 1Final Washington 9 Baltimore 3Final Oakland 9 N.Y. Mets 4AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal Detroit 15 Seattle 1Final Houston 3 Tampa Bay 2Final Boston 9 Texas 4Final Minnesota 13 Kansas City 3Final N.Y. Yankees 4 Chicago White Sox 1Final Toronto 6 L.A. Angels 1NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal Cincinnati 4 St. Louis 1Final Miami 5 Philadelphia 0Final L.A. Dodgers 7 Milwaukee 2Final San Diego 3 Pittsburgh 0

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Wednesday

SALINA, Kan. — Kansas Wesleyan will launch its 26th intercollegiate sport in the fall of 2025, as the university announced Tuesday that women’s wrestling will begin competition that semester. A coach will be hired this fall, with assistant coaches to follow.

“It’s always exciting to add a new opportunity for our students,” said Ken Oliver, executive vice president of advancement and university operations. “This balances our athletic offerings by enabling a new, female-specific competition, and it’s a growing sport with a strong Midwest base. This decision, however, is about more than that. These types of additions give our students chances to compete and to learn the valuable life skills athletics can teach. Away from the mats, our university is investing in athletic facilities, we’re building new residence halls (and renovating existing ones), and this semester, we’ll have a new dining hall. All of this comes together to create an environment that puts the student first and helps them have a great experience as a Coyote.”

The program is the first KWU has added since Sept. 2020, when men’s volleyball joined the slate. Current offerings Esports, women’s flag football, and men’s and women’s bowling have also joined the Coyote Athletic Department in the past decade.

KWU’s team will practice in Muir Gym, using a suspension mat system. KWU will renovate a locker room for the team, as well.

There are 37 NAIA schools in the United States who offer women’s wrestling programs. More than one-third of them (14) are in Kansas, Missouri or Nebraska, and the Coyotes will become the sixth KCAC school to sponsor the sport. 2024 was the second year that the program held championship status in the NAIA.

“It’s always exciting to add a new sport,” said Athletic Director Miguel&nbsp;Paredes. “Women’s wrestling is on the rise nationally and is especially popular in the Midwest, but more than that, this is another addition to a fantastic Coyote experience. Our department has been at the forefront of adding emerging sports for years, and I’m pleased that this announcement continues that trend.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691416010742.jpeg" alt="Kwu logo" />
 <figcaption>Kwu logo</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Wesleyan UniversitySALINA, Kan. — Kansas Wesleyan will launch its 26th intercollegiate sport in the fall of 2025, as the university announced Tuesday that women’s wrestling will begin competition that semester. A coach will be hired this fall, with assistant coaches to follow.“It’s always exciting to add a new opportunity for our students,” said Ken Oliver, executive vice president of advancement and university operations. “This balances our athletic offerings by enabling a new, female-specific competition, and it’s a growing sport with a strong Midwest base. This decision, however, is about more than that. These types of additions give our students chances to compete and to learn the valuable life skills athletics can teach. Away from the mats, our university is investing in athletic facilities, we’re building new residence halls (and renovating existing ones), and this semester, we’ll have a new dining hall. All of this comes together to create an environment that puts the student first and helps them have a great experience as a Coyote.”The program is the first KWU has added since Sept. 2020, when men’s volleyball joined the slate. Current offerings Esports, women’s flag football, and men’s and women’s bowling have also joined the Coyote Athletic Department in the past decade.KWU’s team will practice in Muir Gym, using a suspension mat system. KWU will renovate a locker room for the team, as well.There are 37 NAIA schools in the United States who offer women’s wrestling programs. More than one-third of them (14) are in Kansas, Missouri or Nebraska, and the Coyotes will become the sixth KCAC school to sponsor the sport. 2024 was the second year that the program held championship status in the NAIA.“It’s always exciting to add a new sport,” said Athletic Director Miguel&nbsp;Paredes. “Women’s wrestling is on the rise nationally and is especially popular in the Midwest, but more than that, this is another addition to a fantastic Coyote experience. Our department has been at the forefront of adding emerging sports for years, and I’m pleased that this announcement continues that trend.”

KWU to add wrestling

Janis Ann Kliewer Boesker was born March 18, 1940 in Hillsboro, Kansas, the daughter of John and Lillie (Berg) Kliewer. She was raised on a farm with livestock and farmland north of Canton, Kansas with her sister Virginia and brother Donald. Janis was a student in a one room schoolhouse named Contention School in Battle Hill Township. She was the only student in her grade. She attended there for grades first through eighth and then attended Canton High School where she met her sweetheart Willard Boesker. After graduation she attended Salt City Business College in Hutchinson and was employed by The Hutchinson News for the next two years. She and Willard were united in marriage on May 20, 1961 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Canton.

In her youth Janis was involved in 4-H raising show steers. She was also an assistant cooking leader when her children were in 4-H during the 1970's.

Janis worked alongside Willard for over 30 years as secretary and bookkeeper in their business, Boesker Plumbing and Heating, until his untimely death on November 22, 1998.

She was a faithful member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church, LWML, the church quilting group and Ladies Aid. She had served on the Shiloh Manor Nursing Home Board of Directors, was a former member of the Dizzy Dames FCE, was Canton Library Board Treasurer and volunteered at the McPherson County Food Bank. She enjoyed baking and even won the chocolate cake contest at the county fair one year. Most of all she loved her family and was an instant friend to all that she met. Janis peacefully entered into eternal rest Saturday night, August 10, 2024 at Reflection Living in Hutchinson with her daughter Julie by her side. Survivors include her three sons, Darryl (Carla) Boesker of McPherson, Gary (Cheryl) Boesker of Canton and Michael Boesker of Columbus; her daughter, Julie (Tim) Ross, Hutchinson; one sister, Virginia (John) Crumpacker, Roxbury; eight grandchildren, Phillip (Brooke), Ryan (Jen), Kent, Tyler, Taylor and Tessa Boesker, Tiffany (Bryant) Baldwin and Chelsea (Matt) Craytor; six great-grandchildren, Carter, Baylor and Brecken Boesker, Tucker Baldwin and Ezekiel and Myles Craytor and a host of other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her brother Donald Kliewer and his wife Karen.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Canton. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. until service time Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at the church.

Memorials have been established with the church or The Lutheran Hour, in care of Olson's Mortuary, Canton.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723559440807.jpeg" alt="Janis Ann Boesker" />
 <figcaption>Janis Ann Boesker</figcaption>
 </figure>Janis Ann Kliewer Boesker was born March 18, 1940 in Hillsboro, Kansas, the daughter of John and Lillie (Berg) Kliewer. She was raised on a farm with livestock and farmland north of Canton, Kansas with her sister Virginia and brother Donald. Janis was a student in a one room schoolhouse named Contention School in Battle Hill Township. She was the only student in her grade. She attended there for grades first through eighth and then attended Canton High School where she met her sweetheart Willard Boesker. After graduation she attended Salt City Business College in Hutchinson and was employed by The Hutchinson News for the next two years. She and Willard were united in marriage on May 20, 1961 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Canton.In her youth Janis was involved in 4-H raising show steers. She was also an assistant cooking leader when her children were in 4-H during the 1970's.Janis worked alongside Willard for over 30 years as secretary and bookkeeper in their business, Boesker Plumbing and Heating, until his untimely death on November 22, 1998.She was a faithful member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church, LWML, the church quilting group and Ladies Aid. She had served on the Shiloh Manor Nursing Home Board of Directors, was a former member of the Dizzy Dames FCE, was Canton Library Board Treasurer and volunteered at the McPherson County Food Bank. She enjoyed baking and even won the chocolate cake contest at the county fair one year. Most of all she loved her family and was an instant friend to all that she met. Janis peacefully entered into eternal rest Saturday night, August 10, 2024 at Reflection Living in Hutchinson with her daughter Julie by her side. Survivors include her three sons, Darryl (Carla) Boesker of McPherson, Gary (Cheryl) Boesker of Canton and Michael Boesker of Columbus; her daughter, Julie (Tim) Ross, Hutchinson; one sister, Virginia (John) Crumpacker, Roxbury; eight grandchildren, Phillip (Brooke), Ryan (Jen), Kent, Tyler, Taylor and Tessa Boesker, Tiffany (Bryant) Baldwin and Chelsea (Matt) Craytor; six great-grandchildren, Carter, Baylor and Brecken Boesker, Tucker Baldwin and Ezekiel and Myles Craytor and a host of other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her brother Donald Kliewer and his wife Karen.A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Canton. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. until service time Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at the church.Memorials have been established with the church or The Lutheran Hour, in care of Olson's Mortuary, Canton.

Janis Ann Kliewer Boesker |1940-2024|

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump recounted his assassination attempt in vivid detail, promised the largest deportation in U.S. history and shared a plan to shut down the U.S. Education Department during a high-profile return to the social media platform formerly known as Twitter — a conversation that was plagued by technical glitches.

“If I had not turned my head, I would not be talking to you right now — as much as I like you," Trump told X’s owner Elon Musk.

Musk, a former Trump critic, said the Republican nominee's toughness, as demonstrated by his reaction to last month's shooting, was critical for national security.

“There’s some real tough characters out there," Musk said. "And if they don’t think the American president is tough, they will do what they want to do.”

The rare public conversation between Trump and Musk, which spanned more than two hours and was overwhelmingly friendly, revealed little new about Trump’s plans for a second term. The former president spent much of the discussion focused on his recent assassination attempt, illegal immigration and his plans to cut government regulations.

Still, the online meeting underscored just how much the U.S. political landscape has changed less than four years after Trump was permanently banned by the social media platform’s former leadership for spreading disinformation that sparked the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on Congress and undermined the very foundation of the American democracy.

Such disinformation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-twitter-trump-misinformation-election-lies-5137a88a58eaaca0e45ba043db911d15">has thrived at X</a>&nbsp;under Musk’s leadership, although it was largely ignored during his conversation with Trump save for a passing Trump reference to a “rigged election.”

The session was intended to serve as a way for the former president to reach potentially millions of voters directly. It was also an opportunity for X, a platform that relies heavily on politics, to redeem itself after some struggles.

With more than 878,000 users connected to the meeting more than 40 minutes after the scheduled start time, the interview had not yet begun. Many users received a message reading, “Details not available."

Trump's team posted that the “interview on X is being overwhelmed with listeners logging in.” And once the meeting began, Musk apologized for the late start and blamed a “massive attack” that overwhelmed the company's system. Trump’s voice sounded muffled at times.

“Not available????? I planned my whole day around this,” wrote conservative commentator Glenn Beck.

“Please let Elon know we can’t join,” billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman posted.

Ahead of the event, Musk posted on the platform that X was conducting “some system scaling tests” to handle what was anticipated to be a high volume of participants.

The rocky start was reminiscent of a May 2023 social media conversation between Musk and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. The Republican governor was using the social media platform as a way to officially announce his presidential bid,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/twitter-spaces-musk-desantis-presidential-f1d67097d0ec19616bd0b0d320cb27d1">a disastrous rollout</a>&nbsp;marred by technical glitches, overloaded by the more than 400,000 people who tried to dial in.

Trump's Democratic rival, Vice President Kamala Harris, noted that Trump mocked DeSantis at the time.

“Wow! The DeSanctus TWITTER launch is a DISASTER! His whole campaign will be a disaster. WATCH!” Trump wrote in a message reposted by Harris' campaign Monday.

Once the interview ended, Harris’ campaign responded with a statement saying, “Trump’s entire campaign is in service of people like Elon Musk and himself — self-obsessed rich guys who will sell out the middle class and who cannot run a livestream in the year 2024.”

Monday’s meeting highlighted the evolving personal relationship between Trump and Musk, two of the world’s most powerful men, who have shifted from being bitter rivals to unlikely allies over the span of one election season.

Musk, who described himself as a “moderate Democrat” until recently, suggested in 2022 that Trump was too old to be president again. Still, Musk&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1812256998588662068">formally endorsed</a>&nbsp;Trump two days after his assassination attempt last month.

During their talk, Trump welcomed the idea of Musk joining his next administration to help cut government waste. Musk volunteered to join a prospective “government efficiency commission.”

“You’re the greatest cutter,” Trump told Musk. “I need an Elon Musk — I need somebody that has a lot of strength and courage and smarts. I want to close up the Department of Education, move education back to the states.”

Even before his endorsement, the tech CEO had already been working privately to support a pro-Trump super PAC. The group, known as America PAC, is now under investigation by election officials for alleged misleading attempts to collect data from voters.

Meanwhile, Trump has softened his criticism of electric vehicles, citing Musk’s leadership of Tesla. And on Monday, at least, Trump returned to Musk’s social media platform in force. The former president made at least eight individual posts in the hours leading up to the Musk interview.

Long before he endorsed Trump, Musk turned increasingly toward the right in his posts and actions on the platform, also using X to try to sway political discourse around the world. He's gotten in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brazil-musk-x-twitter-moraes-bef06c0dbbb8ed87495b1afbb0edf211">dustup with a Brazilian judge</a>&nbsp;over censorship, railed against what he calls the “woke mind virus” and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-misinformation-immigrants-parole-biden-trump-musk-dbd634820b3f8d07b859b8a05b2b20a7">amplified false claims</a>&nbsp;that Democrats are secretly flying in migrants to vote in U.S. elections.

Musk has also reinstated previously banned accounts such as the conspiracy theorist Alex Jones and Trump, who was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-donald-trump-media-michael-flynn-social-media-f41b11060d7703e3a3136ddb5eefa055">kicked off the platform</a>&nbsp;— then known as Twitter — two days after the Jan. 6 violence, with the company citing “the risk of further incitement of violence.” By November 2022, Musk had bought the company, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-biden-twitter-inc-technology-congress-d88e3de4b3cc095926dc133f53dc3320">Trump’s account was reinstated</a>, although the former president refrained from tweeting until Monday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-media-social-donald-trump-2bc528a6c43fc943c08819f2376bb24a">insisting that he was happier</a>&nbsp;on his own Truth Social site, which he launched during the ban.

Trump's audience on X is legions larger than on Truth Social, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/truth-social-donald-trump-djt-ipo-digital-world-7437d5dcc491a1459a078195ae547987">became a publicly traded company</a>&nbsp;earlier this year. Trump has just over 7.5 million followers on Truth Social, while his mostly dormant X account is followed by 88 million. Musk's account, which hosted the interview, has more than 193 million followers.

In a reminder that the world was watching, the chat prompted a preemptive note of caution from Europe.

Thierry Breton, a French business executive and commissioner for internal market of the European Union, warned Musk of possible “amplification of harmful content” by broadcasting his interview with Trump. In a letter posted on X, Breton urged Musk to “ensure X’s compliance” with EU law, including the Digital Services Act, adopted in 2022 to address a number of issues including disinformation.

Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung urged the EU to “mind their own business instead of trying to meddle in the U.S. Presidential election.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723512136730.png" alt="Photo by Deputy Director of Communications, Donald J. Trump for President&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Deputy Director of Communications, Donald J. Trump for President&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump recounted his assassination attempt in vivid detail, promised the largest deportation in U.S. history and shared a plan to shut down the U.S. Education Department during a high-profile return to the social media platform formerly known as Twitter — a conversation that was plagued by technical glitches.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/cPUMFx9Qu5">pic.twitter.com/cPUMFx9Qu5</a>&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1823254086126608862?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“If I had not turned my head, I would not be talking to you right now — as much as I like you," Trump told X’s owner Elon Musk.Musk, a former Trump critic, said the Republican nominee's toughness, as demonstrated by his reaction to last month's shooting, was critical for national security.“There’s some real tough characters out there," Musk said. "And if they don’t think the American president is tough, they will do what they want to do.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Combined views of the conversation with <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> and subsequent discussion by other accounts now ~1 billion <a href="https://t.co/s8x8QmdmnY">https://t.co/s8x8QmdmnY</a>&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1823249070296797515?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The rare public conversation between Trump and Musk, which spanned more than two hours and was overwhelmingly friendly, revealed little new about Trump’s plans for a second term. The former president spent much of the discussion focused on his recent assassination attempt, illegal immigration and his plans to cut government regulations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723514711398.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Still, the online meeting underscored just how much the U.S. political landscape has changed less than four years after Trump was permanently banned by the social media platform’s former leadership for spreading disinformation that sparked the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on Congress and undermined the very foundation of the American democracy.Such disinformation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-twitter-trump-misinformation-election-lies-5137a88a58eaaca0e45ba043db911d15">has thrived at X</a>&nbsp;under Musk’s leadership, although it was largely ignored during his conversation with Trump save for a passing Trump reference to a “rigged election.”The session was intended to serve as a way for the former president to reach potentially millions of voters directly. It was also an opportunity for X, a platform that relies heavily on politics, to redeem itself after some struggles.It did not begin as planned.With more than 878,000 users connected to the meeting more than 40 minutes after the scheduled start time, the interview had not yet begun. Many users received a message reading, “Details not available."Trump's team posted that the “interview on X is being overwhelmed with listeners logging in.” And once the meeting began, Musk apologized for the late start and blamed a “massive attack” that overwhelmed the company's system. Trump’s voice sounded muffled at times.Trump supporters were openly frustrated.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723546138094.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“Not available????? I planned my whole day around this,” wrote conservative commentator Glenn Beck.“Please let Elon know we can’t join,” billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman posted.Ahead of the event, Musk posted on the platform that X was conducting “some system scaling tests” to handle what was anticipated to be a high volume of participants.The rocky start was reminiscent of a May 2023 social media conversation between Musk and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. The Republican governor was using the social media platform as a way to officially announce his presidential bid,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/twitter-spaces-musk-desantis-presidential-f1d67097d0ec19616bd0b0d320cb27d1">a disastrous rollout</a>&nbsp;marred by technical glitches, overloaded by the more than 400,000 people who tried to dial in.Trump's Democratic rival, Vice President Kamala Harris, noted that Trump mocked DeSantis at the time.“Wow! The DeSanctus TWITTER launch is a DISASTER! His whole campaign will be a disaster. WATCH!” Trump wrote in a message reposted by Harris' campaign Monday.Once the interview ended, Harris’ campaign responded with a statement saying, “Trump’s entire campaign is in service of people like Elon Musk and himself — self-obsessed rich guys who will sell out the middle class and who cannot run a livestream in the year 2024.”Monday’s meeting highlighted the evolving personal relationship between Trump and Musk, two of the world’s most powerful men, who have shifted from being bitter rivals to unlikely allies over the span of one election season.Musk, who described himself as a “moderate Democrat” until recently, suggested in 2022 that Trump was too old to be president again. Still, Musk&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1812256998588662068">formally endorsed</a>&nbsp;Trump two days after his assassination attempt last month.During their talk, Trump welcomed the idea of Musk joining his next administration to help cut government waste. Musk volunteered to join a prospective “government efficiency commission.”“You’re the greatest cutter,” Trump told Musk. “I need an Elon Musk — I need somebody that has a lot of strength and courage and smarts. I want to close up the Department of Education, move education back to the states.”Even before his endorsement, the tech CEO had already been working privately to support a pro-Trump super PAC. The group, known as America PAC, is now under investigation by election officials for alleged misleading attempts to collect data from voters.Meanwhile, Trump has softened his criticism of electric vehicles, citing Musk’s leadership of Tesla. And on Monday, at least, Trump returned to Musk’s social media platform in force. The former president made at least eight individual posts in the hours leading up to the Musk interview.Long before he endorsed Trump, Musk turned increasingly toward the right in his posts and actions on the platform, also using X to try to sway political discourse around the world. He's gotten in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brazil-musk-x-twitter-moraes-bef06c0dbbb8ed87495b1afbb0edf211">dustup with a Brazilian judge</a>&nbsp;over censorship, railed against what he calls the “woke mind virus” and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-misinformation-immigrants-parole-biden-trump-musk-dbd634820b3f8d07b859b8a05b2b20a7">amplified false claims</a>&nbsp;that Democrats are secretly flying in migrants to vote in U.S. elections.Musk has also reinstated previously banned accounts such as the conspiracy theorist Alex Jones and Trump, who was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-donald-trump-media-michael-flynn-social-media-f41b11060d7703e3a3136ddb5eefa055">kicked off the platform</a>&nbsp;— then known as Twitter — two days after the Jan. 6 violence, with the company citing “the risk of further incitement of violence.” By November 2022, Musk had bought the company, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-biden-twitter-inc-technology-congress-d88e3de4b3cc095926dc133f53dc3320">Trump’s account was reinstated</a>, although the former president refrained from tweeting until Monday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-media-social-donald-trump-2bc528a6c43fc943c08819f2376bb24a">insisting that he was happier</a>&nbsp;on his own Truth Social site, which he launched during the ban.Trump's audience on X is legions larger than on Truth Social, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/truth-social-donald-trump-djt-ipo-digital-world-7437d5dcc491a1459a078195ae547987">became a publicly traded company</a>&nbsp;earlier this year. Trump has just over 7.5 million followers on Truth Social, while his mostly dormant X account is followed by 88 million. Musk's account, which hosted the interview, has more than 193 million followers.In a reminder that the world was watching, the chat prompted a preemptive note of caution from Europe.Thierry Breton, a French business executive and commissioner for internal market of the European Union, warned Musk of possible “amplification of harmful content” by broadcasting his interview with Trump. In a letter posted on X, Breton urged Musk to “ensure X’s compliance” with EU law, including the Digital Services Act, adopted in 2022 to address a number of issues including disinformation.Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung urged the EU to “mind their own business instead of trying to meddle in the U.S. Presidential election.”

🎥 A billion combined views: The Trump-Musk full conversation

HESSTON, Kan. — If you are a parent or educator, you are cordially invited to attend a special training conference on Saturday, September 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.&nbsp; Garden Community Church is sponsoring this&nbsp;ReCharge! Christian Education conference&nbsp;to say thank you to each of the hard-working Christian Teachers and other workers who spend their time each week ministering to children, youth, &amp; adults.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

The keynote speaker is&nbsp;Dr. Paul Pettit, a Professor at Dallas Theological Seminary, who will speak on the topic, “TEACHING FOR LONG-TERM IMPACT.”&nbsp; Lunch will be provided, a good variety of door prizes will be shared, and we will recognize workers for their length of service, as well as provide “round table” time with others who teach in similar age ranges.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Dr. Pettit’s background includes experience as a sportscaster, author, and speaker.&nbsp; He is founder and director of Dynamic Dads, and teaches in the departments of Pastoral Ministries and Educational Ministries &amp; Leadership at Dallas Theological Seminary.&nbsp; He and wife Pamela, co-authored&nbsp;Congratulations, You're Gonna be a Dad!&nbsp; In addition Paul has written Dynamic Dads: How to be a Hero to Your Kids,&nbsp;Congratulations, You've Got 'Tweens.&nbsp; Foundations of Spiritual Formation), Christ-Centered Masculinity, Blessed are the Balanced, and One Body, One Spirit: Disability &amp; Community in the Church.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Paul holds degrees from the University of Kansas, Moody Bible Institute's Advanced Studies Program, and both the Master of Theology and Doctor of Ministry from Dallas Theological Seminary. He enjoys coaching emerging leaders. Dr. Pettit and his wife, Pamela (a&nbsp;Neo-Natal&nbsp;Nurse Practitioner) have five children and live in Dallas, Texas.&nbsp; 

Registration deadline is August 28.&nbsp; For additional information and to register, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.WellAble.One">www.WellAble.One</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723457861299.jpeg" alt="Garden Community Church" />
 <figcaption>Garden Community Church</figcaption>
 </figure>Garden Community ChurchHESSTON, Kan. — If you are a parent or educator, you are cordially invited to attend a special training conference on Saturday, September 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.&nbsp; Garden Community Church is sponsoring this&nbsp;ReCharge! Christian Education conference&nbsp;to say thank you to each of the hard-working Christian Teachers and other workers who spend their time each week ministering to children, youth, &amp; adults.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The keynote speaker is&nbsp;Dr. Paul Pettit, a Professor at Dallas Theological Seminary, who will speak on the topic, “TEACHING FOR LONG-TERM IMPACT.”&nbsp; Lunch will be provided, a good variety of door prizes will be shared, and we will recognize workers for their length of service, as well as provide “round table” time with others who teach in similar age ranges.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Dr. Pettit’s background includes experience as a sportscaster, author, and speaker.&nbsp; He is founder and director of Dynamic Dads, and teaches in the departments of Pastoral Ministries and Educational Ministries &amp; Leadership at Dallas Theological Seminary.&nbsp; He and wife Pamela, co-authored&nbsp;Congratulations, You're Gonna be a Dad!&nbsp; In addition Paul has written Dynamic Dads: How to be a Hero to Your Kids,&nbsp;Congratulations, You've Got 'Tweens.&nbsp; Foundations of Spiritual Formation), Christ-Centered Masculinity, Blessed are the Balanced, and One Body, One Spirit: Disability &amp; Community in the Church.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Paul holds degrees from the University of Kansas, Moody Bible Institute's Advanced Studies Program, and both the Master of Theology and Doctor of Ministry from Dallas Theological Seminary. He enjoys coaching emerging leaders. Dr. Pettit and his wife, Pamela (a&nbsp;Neo-Natal&nbsp;Nurse Practitioner) have five children and live in Dallas, Texas.&nbsp; Registration deadline is August 28.&nbsp; For additional information and to register, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.WellAble.One">www.WellAble.One</a>.

Christian Education conference September 14

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The next personalized license plate will feature the Flint Hills design after more than 30,000 Kansans&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/08/05/kansas-invites-voting-on-five-design-options-for-states-new-personalized-license-plate/">voted among five potential designs</a>.

Kansas Department of Revenue spokesman Zach Denny said the design was the “clear favorite,” receiving more than 56% of the vote.

The new design will be ready for purchase in 2025 for $45.50 at county treasurer’s offices.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevenue.gov/press/2020/pr01132020.html" target="_blank">“Powering the Future”</a>&nbsp;personalized plate, the 2020 design that featured a sunset and wind turbines, will no longer be available after Jan. 1, 2025. Kansans with the “Powering the Future” plate must replace their plate during their next renewal period to keep their personalized plate text, Denny said.

“We know how passionate Kansans are about license plates, and this initiative aims to give the public a direct say in selecting the next personalized plate design that will be featured on vehicles across the state for years to come,” KDOR Division of Vehicles director David Harper said in a statement at the beginning of the vote.

The new personalized plate, which is available along with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevenue.gov/dovplates.html" target="_blank">many distinctive plates</a>, comes after last year’s controversy around the standard plate design.

The first design for the state’s new standard plate was met with bipartisan criticism, with complaints that it looked too much like the University of Missouri’s colors and that it looked like the state of New York’s standard plate. Gov. Laura Kelly pulled the plate from production and allowed Kansans to vote on alternate designs. More than half the votes went to a design featuring the state Capitol.

As of January 2024, KDOR started to replace the old standard plate with the new one.

A KDOR statement said feedback during the voting process for the standard plate led to the decision to hold another vote for the personalized plate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723474905874.png" alt="&nbsp;Kansans voted for the new personalized license plate, with the design of the Flint Hills winning more than 56% of the vote.&nbsp; (Kansas Department of Revenue)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Kansans voted for the new personalized license plate, with the design of the Flint Hills winning more than 56% of the vote.&nbsp; (Kansas Department of Revenue)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a> TOPEKA — The next personalized license plate will feature the Flint Hills design after more than 30,000 Kansans&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/08/05/kansas-invites-voting-on-five-design-options-for-states-new-personalized-license-plate/">voted among five potential designs</a>.Kansas Department of Revenue spokesman Zach Denny said the design was the “clear favorite,” receiving more than 56% of the vote.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723544227052.png" alt=" The Kansas Department of Revenue is had Kansans take part in an online vote to select a new background for the state’s personalized license plates. There were five options. (Kansas Department of Revenue)" />
 <figcaption> The Kansas Department of Revenue is had Kansans take part in an online vote to select a new background for the state’s personalized license plates. There were five options. (Kansas Department of Revenue)</figcaption>
 </figure>The new design will be ready for purchase in 2025 for $45.50 at county treasurer’s offices.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevenue.gov/press/2020/pr01132020.html" target="_blank">“Powering the Future”</a>&nbsp;personalized plate, the 2020 design that featured a sunset and wind turbines, will no longer be available after Jan. 1, 2025. Kansans with the “Powering the Future” plate must replace their plate during their next renewal period to keep their personalized plate text, Denny said.“We know how passionate Kansans are about license plates, and this initiative aims to give the public a direct say in selecting the next personalized plate design that will be featured on vehicles across the state for years to come,” KDOR Division of Vehicles director David Harper said in a statement at the beginning of the vote.The new personalized plate, which is available along with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevenue.gov/dovplates.html" target="_blank">many distinctive plates</a>, comes after last year’s controversy around the standard plate design.The first design for the state’s new standard plate was met with bipartisan criticism, with complaints that it looked too much like the University of Missouri’s colors and that it looked like the state of New York’s standard plate. Gov. Laura Kelly pulled the plate from production and allowed Kansans to vote on alternate designs. More than half the votes went to a design featuring the state Capitol.As of January 2024, KDOR started to replace the old standard plate with the new one.A KDOR statement said feedback during the voting process for the standard plate led to the decision to hold another vote for the personalized plate.

Kansas reveals winning personalized license plate design

Patricia Kay Rupp, 80, of Moundridge, Kansas, passed away Sunday, August 11, 2024 at Pine Village in Moundridge. She was born on August 30, 1943 in Newton, Kansas, to Benjamin V. and Ruth (Schrag) Wedel.

She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Bethel College.

She was a member of the Eden Mennonite Church in rural Moundridge. Pat had previously attended West Zion Mennonite Church.

Pat worked as a Registered Nurse at Mercy Hospital. She later worked at Pine Village for 18 years, where she was the Director of Nursing. Pat was also the Director of Nursing for the Bethesda Home in Goessel and Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community in Buhler.

She was united in marriage to Mark Rupp on April 2, 1965 in Moundridge.

Pat enjoyed going to her book club in Moundridge and was involved with the Mennonite Historical Society and S.M.C.H.A.

She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Mark Rupp of Moundridge; son, William (Kim) Rupp of Moundridge; six grandchildren, Ian Scott (Chase), Emily Scott (Brent), Briana Rupp, Brayden Rupp, Megan Sizemore, and Jessika Board (Dennis); 10 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Pauletta (Stan) Brodhagen of Wichita, and Connie (Rex) Esau of Austin, TX.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Jackie Scott; sister, Cindy Jantzen; and daughter-in-law, Kim Rupp.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, August 15, 2024 at Eden Mennonite Church, Moundridge. Services can be livestreamed at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81751799704?pwd=E4TyniWQ4jSSMLm5Ohr4UOfs0aYuee.1, Meeting ID: 817 5179 9704, Passcode: 67107. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, August 14, at the Moundridge Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Pine Village or Eden Mennonite Church in care of Moundridge Funeral Home, PO Box 410, Moundridge, KS 67107.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714661521581.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Patricia Kay Rupp, 80, of Moundridge, Kansas, passed away Sunday, August 11, 2024 at Pine Village in Moundridge. She was born on August 30, 1943 in Newton, Kansas, to Benjamin V. and Ruth (Schrag) Wedel.She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Bethel College.She was a member of the Eden Mennonite Church in rural Moundridge. Pat had previously attended West Zion Mennonite Church.Pat worked as a Registered Nurse at Mercy Hospital. She later worked at Pine Village for 18 years, where she was the Director of Nursing. Pat was also the Director of Nursing for the Bethesda Home in Goessel and Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community in Buhler.She was united in marriage to Mark Rupp on April 2, 1965 in Moundridge.Pat enjoyed going to her book club in Moundridge and was involved with the Mennonite Historical Society and S.M.C.H.A.She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Mark Rupp of Moundridge; son, William (Kim) Rupp of Moundridge; six grandchildren, Ian Scott (Chase), Emily Scott (Brent), Briana Rupp, Brayden Rupp, Megan Sizemore, and Jessika Board (Dennis); 10 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Pauletta (Stan) Brodhagen of Wichita, and Connie (Rex) Esau of Austin, TX.Pat was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Jackie Scott; sister, Cindy Jantzen; and daughter-in-law, Kim Rupp.Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, August 15, 2024 at Eden Mennonite Church, Moundridge. Services can be livestreamed at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81751799704?pwd=E4TyniWQ4jSSMLm5Ohr4UOfs0aYuee.1, Meeting ID: 817 5179 9704, Passcode: 67107. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, August 14, at the Moundridge Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Pine Village or Eden Mennonite Church in care of Moundridge Funeral Home, PO Box 410, Moundridge, KS 67107.

Patricia Kay Rupp |1943-2024|

AP Sports Summary for Sunday, August 11th, 2024:

USOPC says it will appeal decision forcing US gymnast Jordan Chiles to return her bronze medal

PARIS (AP) — U.S. Olympic officials say they are appealing the decision that American gymnast Jordan Chiles must return the bronze medal she won in the Paris Olympics floor exercise. The Court of Arbitration for Sport had ruled that her score was changed improperly. The International Olympic Committee announced Sunday that it was reallocating the bronze from the women's floor final to Romanian Ana Barbosu after the International Gymnastics Federation said Saturday night it would respect the court's decision and elevate Barbosu to third. The decision came less than 24 hours after the Court of Arbitration for Sport voided a scoring appeal made by Team USA coach Cecile Landi during the competition that had vaulted Chiles onto the podium.

Inside the Stephen Curry flurry: How 4 shots sealed another gold for the US in Olympic basketball

PARIS (AP) — Stephen Curry had only five 3-pointers in his first four games of the Olympics combined. The shot just wasn't falling. And then came the medal round. The all-time 3-point king in NBA history found his stroke in the nick of time for the Americans, making 17 3-pointers in the last two games against Serbia and France to help lead the U.S. to its fifth consecutive gold medal. The last four of those came in the final 2:46 of the gold-medal game — a staggering display that anyone who watched will be hard-pressed to forget.

US women on cusp of record 8th consecutive gold medal in basketball with only France standing in way

PARIS (AP) — The U.S. women's basketball team isn't focused on its record Olympic winning streak or the history the team would make with one more victory. The Americans are simply concentrating on beating France and winning the gold medal at the Paris Games. With a victory on Sunday, the U.S. women's legacy would stretch to 61 consecutive wins in Olympic contests and a record eight straight gold medals. That would break a tie with the U.S. men's program that won seven in a row from 1936-68. A victory would give Diana Taurasi a sixth consecutive gold medal, making her the most decorated basketball player in Olympic history, breaking a tie with longtime teammate Sue Bird, who won five.

Paris and the Olympics have changed each other during their summer fling

PARIS (AP) — During the 2024 Olympics, crowds from Paris to Tahiti have surprised even themselves with their enthusiasm for two and a half weeks of sports. They've plunged into the party like Léon Marchand parting the waters for his four swimming golds. Now, they're saying "au revoir" — see you again — as the Games drew to a close Sunday. After the 100-year wait since Paris' last Games, no one can say when France's capital and the Olympics will next embrace. But they're both emerging changed — in some ways for the better — from their summer romance. As well as hitting high notes, Paris also experienced lows.

Chiefs WR Marquise Brown 'will miss some time' after dislocating a clavicle in 26-13 loss at Jaguars

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown was taken to a local hospital with a dislocated clavicle, a potentially significant setback for the two-time defending Super Bowl champions. Brown, who signed a one-year, $7 million contract in March, landed awkwardly on his shoulder following an 11-yard reception on the opening play of a 26-13 preseason loss at Jacksonville. Coach Andy Reid says "he'll miss some time." Reid says it's the same injury — a sternoclavicular joint dislocation — that sidelined former Chiefs receiver Tyreek Hill for four games early in 2019. Coincidentally, Hill was injured on the same field in the regular-season opener that year.

After another gold medal, the US men's basketball program will now catch its breath

PARIS (AP) — Grant Hill will be back for another stint as managing director of the U.S. senior men's national basketball team. That means he'll be overseeing the teams that will compete in the 2027 World Cup and 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. And there's a lot of work to do between now and then, but in the short term the program will now catch its collective breath. A fifth consecutive gold medal at the Olympics allows the Americans to take a bit of a break before gearing up for the future.

Golden Steph: Curry's late barrage seals another Olympic men's basketball title, as US beats France

PARIS (AP) — Stephen Curry was thinking about this two years ago, after winning his fourth NBA title. The only thing left for him to win was Olympic gold. And in the ultimate moment, he made sure that medal would be his. The U.S. is atop the international men's basketball world once again, after Curry scored 24 points and led the way to a 98-87 win over France in the final at the Paris Games on Saturday night. It was the fifth consecutive gold medal for the U.S. — and the 17th in 20 all-time appearances for the Americans at the games.

Diamondbacks' Ketel Marte leaves game with left ankle contusion

PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte left Saturday night's game against the Philadelphia Phillies with a left ankle contusion. Philadelphia catcher Garrett Stubbs lined a hit off third baseman Eugenio Suárez's glove and stretched it into a double. Stubbs' head-first slide landed him on the back of Marte's left leg as the fielder was on his knee, and he fell to the ground in pain. He eventually left the field under his own power with a trainer and was replaced by Kevin Newman.

USWNT wins its fifth Olympic gold medal in women's soccer with a 1-0 victory over Brazil in final

PARIS (AP) — The U.S. women's soccer team has won its fifth Olympic gold medal by beating Brazil 1-0 in the final at the Paris Games. Mallory Swanson's early second-half goal secured the win and closed out an undefeated run to the title in the team's first international campaign under new coach Emma Hayes. The Americans hadn't won Olympic gold since the 2012 London Games. The result is more heartbreak for Brazil and star Marta. The six-time world player of the year has never won a Women's World Cup or an Olympics. This is expected to be her last major international tournament. It was the third victory for the United States over Brazil in an Olympic final.

American relay teams win 2 golds in the last events of a dominant Olympic track meet for the US

SAINT-DENIS, France (AP) — The American men eked out a relay win in the 4x400 meters just 15 minutes before a star-studded U.S. women's team dominated the field Saturday night. Those were the final two golds of an Olympic track meet dominated by the United States. America won 14 golds and 34 overall medals. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Gabby Thomas - the gold medalists in the 400 hurdles and 200 meters - handed a 30-meter lead to Alexis Holmes, who didn't lose any ground. The 34 medals were the most for the U.S. at a non-boycotted Games since the early 20th century, when there were more events and fewer countries. The 14 golds are the most in a non-boycotted Olympics since 1968.

Here are the latest scores from today's sports events:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Sunday, August 11th, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Sunday, August 11th, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for Sunday, August 11th, 2024:<div><iframe width="100%" height="95" src="https://embeds.audioboom.com/posts/8554370/embed?v=202301" style="background-color: transparent; display: block; padding: 0; width: 100%" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="allowtransparency" scrolling="no" title="Audioboom player" allow="autoplay" sandbox="allow-downloads allow-forms allow-popups allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-storage-access-by-user-activation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation"></iframe></div>USOPC says it will appeal decision forcing US gymnast Jordan Chiles to return her bronze medalPARIS (AP) — U.S. Olympic officials say they are appealing the decision that American gymnast Jordan Chiles must return the bronze medal she won in the Paris Olympics floor exercise. The Court of Arbitration for Sport had ruled that her score was changed improperly. The International Olympic Committee announced Sunday that it was reallocating the bronze from the women's floor final to Romanian Ana Barbosu after the International Gymnastics Federation said Saturday night it would respect the court's decision and elevate Barbosu to third. The decision came less than 24 hours after the Court of Arbitration for Sport voided a scoring appeal made by Team USA coach Cecile Landi during the competition that had vaulted Chiles onto the podium.Inside the Stephen Curry flurry: How 4 shots sealed another gold for the US in Olympic basketballPARIS (AP) — Stephen Curry had only five 3-pointers in his first four games of the Olympics combined. The shot just wasn't falling. And then came the medal round. The all-time 3-point king in NBA history found his stroke in the nick of time for the Americans, making 17 3-pointers in the last two games against Serbia and France to help lead the U.S. to its fifth consecutive gold medal. The last four of those came in the final 2:46 of the gold-medal game — a staggering display that anyone who watched will be hard-pressed to forget.US women on cusp of record 8th consecutive gold medal in basketball with only France standing in wayPARIS (AP) — The U.S. women's basketball team isn't focused on its record Olympic winning streak or the history the team would make with one more victory. The Americans are simply concentrating on beating France and winning the gold medal at the Paris Games. With a victory on Sunday, the U.S. women's legacy would stretch to 61 consecutive wins in Olympic contests and a record eight straight gold medals. That would break a tie with the U.S. men's program that won seven in a row from 1936-68. A victory would give Diana Taurasi a sixth consecutive gold medal, making her the most decorated basketball player in Olympic history, breaking a tie with longtime teammate Sue Bird, who won five.Paris and the Olympics have changed each other during their summer flingPARIS (AP) — During the 2024 Olympics, crowds from Paris to Tahiti have surprised even themselves with their enthusiasm for two and a half weeks of sports. They've plunged into the party like Léon Marchand parting the waters for his four swimming golds. Now, they're saying "au revoir" — see you again — as the Games drew to a close Sunday. After the 100-year wait since Paris' last Games, no one can say when France's capital and the Olympics will next embrace. But they're both emerging changed — in some ways for the better — from their summer romance. As well as hitting high notes, Paris also experienced lows.Chiefs WR Marquise Brown 'will miss some time' after dislocating a clavicle in 26-13 loss at JaguarsJACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown was taken to a local hospital with a dislocated clavicle, a potentially significant setback for the two-time defending Super Bowl champions. Brown, who signed a one-year, $7 million contract in March, landed awkwardly on his shoulder following an 11-yard reception on the opening play of a 26-13 preseason loss at Jacksonville. Coach Andy Reid says "he'll miss some time." Reid says it's the same injury — a sternoclavicular joint dislocation — that sidelined former Chiefs receiver Tyreek Hill for four games early in 2019. Coincidentally, Hill was injured on the same field in the regular-season opener that year.After another gold medal, the US men's basketball program will now catch its breathPARIS (AP) — Grant Hill will be back for another stint as managing director of the U.S. senior men's national basketball team. That means he'll be overseeing the teams that will compete in the 2027 World Cup and 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. And there's a lot of work to do between now and then, but in the short term the program will now catch its collective breath. A fifth consecutive gold medal at the Olympics allows the Americans to take a bit of a break before gearing up for the future.Golden Steph: Curry's late barrage seals another Olympic men's basketball title, as US beats FrancePARIS (AP) — Stephen Curry was thinking about this two years ago, after winning his fourth NBA title. The only thing left for him to win was Olympic gold. And in the ultimate moment, he made sure that medal would be his. The U.S. is atop the international men's basketball world once again, after Curry scored 24 points and led the way to a 98-87 win over France in the final at the Paris Games on Saturday night. It was the fifth consecutive gold medal for the U.S. — and the 17th in 20 all-time appearances for the Americans at the games.Diamondbacks' Ketel Marte leaves game with left ankle contusionPHOENIX (AP) — Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte left Saturday night's game against the Philadelphia Phillies with a left ankle contusion. Philadelphia catcher Garrett Stubbs lined a hit off third baseman Eugenio Suárez's glove and stretched it into a double. Stubbs' head-first slide landed him on the back of Marte's left leg as the fielder was on his knee, and he fell to the ground in pain. He eventually left the field under his own power with a trainer and was replaced by Kevin Newman.USWNT wins its fifth Olympic gold medal in women's soccer with a 1-0 victory over Brazil in finalPARIS (AP) — The U.S. women's soccer team has won its fifth Olympic gold medal by beating Brazil 1-0 in the final at the Paris Games. Mallory Swanson's early second-half goal secured the win and closed out an undefeated run to the title in the team's first international campaign under new coach Emma Hayes. The Americans hadn't won Olympic gold since the 2012 London Games. The result is more heartbreak for Brazil and star Marta. The six-time world player of the year has never won a Women's World Cup or an Olympics. This is expected to be her last major international tournament. It was the third victory for the United States over Brazil in an Olympic final.American relay teams win 2 golds in the last events of a dominant Olympic track meet for the USSAINT-DENIS, France (AP) — The American men eked out a relay win in the 4x400 meters just 15 minutes before a star-studded U.S. women's team dominated the field Saturday night. Those were the final two golds of an Olympic track meet dominated by the United States. America won 14 golds and 34 overall medals. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Gabby Thomas - the gold medalists in the 400 hurdles and 200 meters - handed a 30-meter lead to Alexis Holmes, who didn't lose any ground. The 34 medals were the most for the U.S. at a non-boycotted Games since the early 20th century, when there were more events and fewer countries. The 14 golds are the most in a non-boycotted Olympics since 1968.AP-ScorecardHere are the latest scores from today's sports events:___INTERLEAGUE		L-A Angels	at	Washington	11:35 a.m.			Detroit	at	San Francisco	4:05 p.m.			N-Y Mets	at	Seattle	7:10 p.m.	___AMERICAN LEAGUE		Houston	at	Boston	1:35 p.m.			Texas	at	N-Y Yankees	1:35 p.m.			Oakland	at	Toronto	1:37 p.m.			Baltimore	at	Tampa Bay	1:40 p.m.			Cleveland	at	Minnesota	2:10 p.m.	___NATIONAL LEAGUE		San Diego	at	Miami	1:40 p.m.			Cincinnati	at	Milwaukee	2:10 p.m.			Atlanta	at	Colorado	3:10 p.m.			Philadelphia	at	Arizona	4:10 p.m.			Pittsburgh	at	L-A Dodgers	4:10 p.m.	___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE PRESEASON		Denver	at	Indianapolis	1 p.m.			Dallas	at	L.A. Rams	4:30 p.m.	___

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Sunday

Expiration of tax credits lowering premium costs likely to slash enrollment in 2026

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A record 171,000 Kansans enrolled this year in the subsidized health insurance marketplace under the Affordable Care Act, an increase more than 60,000 over the past two years.

The nonprofit, nonpartisan&nbsp;<a href="https://www.khi.org/articles/marketplace-enrollment-reached-record-high-for-third-consecutive-year/" target="_blank">Kansas Health Institute reported</a>&nbsp;Thursday that enrollment in Kansas for the 2024 plan year climbed 37.7% from the 124,000 total in 2023 and the 107,000 total in 2022. Nationally, enrollment in the ACA reached 21.5 million in 2024, a 31.1% rise from the previous year.

Twenty-two of Kansas’ 105 counties had more than 7.1% of the population enrolled in health insurance through the federally assisted marketplace, while six counties in Kansas enrolled less than 4% of the population in the marketplace insurance system.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723233797815.png" alt=" Kansas Health Institute, a nonpartisan and nonprofit health education organization in Topeka, says a record 171,000 Kansans secured health insurance in 2025 through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. About 93% received tax credits to lower monthly premium costs. (Screen capture from Kansas Health Institute’s YouTube channel)" />
 <figcaption> Kansas Health Institute, a nonpartisan and nonprofit health education organization in Topeka, says a record 171,000 Kansans secured health insurance in 2025 through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. About 93% received tax credits to lower monthly premium costs. (Screen capture from Kansas Health Institute’s YouTube channel)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Expiration of tax credits lowering premium costs likely to slash enrollment in 2026</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A record 171,000 Kansans enrolled this year in the subsidized health insurance marketplace under the Affordable Care Act, an increase more than 60,000 over the past two years.The nonprofit, nonpartisan&nbsp;<a href="https://www.khi.org/articles/marketplace-enrollment-reached-record-high-for-third-consecutive-year/" target="_blank">Kansas Health Institute reported</a>&nbsp;Thursday that enrollment in Kansas for the 2024 plan year climbed 37.7% from the 124,000 total in 2023 and the 107,000 total in 2022. Nationally, enrollment in the ACA reached 21.5 million in 2024, a 31.1% rise from the previous year.Twenty-two of Kansas’ 105 counties had more than 7.1% of the population enrolled in health insurance through the federally assisted marketplace, while six counties in Kansas enrolled less than 4% of the population in the marketplace insurance system.Enrollment growth was documented in southeast Kansas, including Allen County where 7.6% of the population this year took part in the subsidized insurance marketplace.“We just try to meet people where they’re at,” said Rhonda Culp, director of Care Coordination at Thrive Allen County. “We just try to do any type of community outreach events within our communities that we are serving. Those could be from fairs to back-to-school efforts, promotions. We do billboards, radio and newspaper ads. We also do social media ads.”Enrollment in the Kansas marketplace — eight companies offered 98 plans during 2024, and every county had at least two insurance options — was again fueled by tax credits substantially cutting monthly premiums. All eligible plans must include 10 health benefits, including preventative health services. The plans must cover preexisting conditions.Nine in 10, or 93.3%, of marketplace enrollees in Kansas took advantage of enhanced tax credits to lower premium payments in 2024. Overall, the average monthly premium paid by Kansans was $111, a $28 decrease compared to 2023.Enhanced financial assistance through the American Rescue Plan and the Inflation Reduction Act was extended through the 2025 plan year, but those tax credits weren’t made permanent. Without renewal of those special subsidies, enrollment in the Kansas marketplace in 2026 could return to 2021 levels and the number of Kansans without health insurance would rise.Molly Gotobed, director at Community Health Council of Wyandotte County, said collaborative efforts at the state and county levels helped link eligible families in Wyandotte County to ACA health care. In 2024, KHI’s report said, 7.4% of the county’s population, or 13,000 people, secured health insurance through the marketplace.She said outreach efforts including inserting marketplace information in utility bills sent to 77,000 residents of Wyandotte County. In addition, she said, managed care organizations contracted by the state to operate the state’s Medicaid programs referred people who could be eligible for marketplace insurance.“We worked with the Kansas chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics to do some large events,” Gotobed said.KHI reported 201,000 Kansans applied for a marketplace health plan in the 2024 benefit year and 192,000 were declared eligible. In the end, 171,376 completed the enrollment process by selecting a plan or were automatically re-enrolled in a plan. One of four Kansas enrollees were new consumers of the marketplace.Kansas enrollees receiving a tax credit on average paid $77 per month for health insurance premiums in 2024 compared to $97 in 2023. Enrollees without the tax credit, paid $578 per month during 2024 and $586 per month in 2023.Here is the age breakdown of Kansas marketplace enrollees during 2024: age 0-17, 15,228 individuals or 8.9% of the total in that age group; age 18-25, 17,469, 10.2%; age 26-34, 27,528, 16.1%; age 35-44, 33,778, 19.7%; age 45-54, 32,111, 18.7%; age 55-64, 43,611, 25.4%; and age 65 and above, 1,641, 1%.The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued a warning in May highlighting fraudulent ACA enrollment activity in 32 states, including Kansas. The Kansas Department of Insurance has identified 24 complaints pertaining to unauthorized enrollment activities by insurance agents tied to marketplace scams, the KHI report said.