– Wayne Byers Show – Morning – Jun 25

CSi Weather…

REST OF TODAY…Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of showers. Highs in the mid 70s. Temperature falling through the afternoon.Northeast winds 5 to 15 mph.

.TONIGHT…Cloudy with chance of rain showers and slight chance

of thunderstorms. Lows in the upper 50s. Northeast winds 5 to

10 mph shifting to the northwest after midnight. Chance of

precipitation 50 percent.

.SATURDAY…Partly sunny with a 40 percent chance of rain showers

and thunderstorms in the Jamestown area, 50 percent in the Valley City area . Highs in the upper 70s. North winds 5 to

10 mph.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of rain

showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 50s. North winds 5 to

10 mph.

.SUNDAY…Mostly sunny with chance of rain showers and slight

chance of thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 70s. North winds

10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation 50 percent.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of rain

showers and thunderstorms in the evening in the Jamestown area. Lows in the mid 50s.

.MONDAY…Sunny. Highs in the lower 80s.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 50s.

.TUESDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 80s.

.TUESDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 50s.

.WEDNESDAY…Sunny. Highs in the mid 80s.

.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 50s.

.THURSDAY…Sunny. Highs in the upper 80s.

NDDoH

COIVID-19 Stats 11:00a.m.

Thurs. Jun. 24, 2021

Barnes

New Positives 0

Total Positives 1423

Active: 1

Recovered: 1392

Stutsman

New Positives 0

Total Positives 3462

Active 1

Recovered 1392

Bismarck (NDDoH) – The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) announced Thursday that it has confirmed the delta variant of the COVID-19 virus has been detected in North Dakota. The case occurred in an adult who was not hospitalized.

“This variant is more easily transmitted from person to person and early data is indicating that this variant can cause serious disease, especially in those who are not vaccinated,” said Kirby Kruger, disease control and forensic pathology section chief for the NDDoH. “This variant, because of its increased infectivity, is predicted to become the predominate virus variant circulating in the United States. Additionally, early evidence from a laboratory setting is showing that previous infection with COVID-19 may not protect against this variant.”

Early data is showing that mRNA vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna) available in the United States are 88% effective against symptomatic infection and are highly effective in protecting against severe disease and hospitalizations due to illness caused by the delta variant.

“We are encouraging all North Dakotans who are eligible to receive the vaccine to choose to get vaccinated,” said Molly Howell, immunization director for the NDDoH. “The COVID-19 vaccines are the best tool we have to slow the emergence of this variant and all other variants of this virus. Data collected through the end of May indicates that unvaccinated North Dakotans are five times more likely to be hospitalized due to COVID-19 then those who are vaccinated. North Dakotans are encouraged to discuss COVID-19 vaccination with a trusted health care provider.”

To date surveillance for variants has detected 1078 variants of concern in North Dakota.

Variant Lineage	World Health Organization Label	Number in ND	Percent
B.1.1.7	Alpha	941	87.3%
B.1.427/B.1.429	Epsilon	108	10.0%
P.1	Gamma	26	2.4%
B.1.351	Beta	2	<1%
B.1.617.2	Delta	1	<1%
Totals		1078	100%

Ninety-seven variants of concern have been identified among people hospitalized and 10 variants among people who have died.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which had previously classified the delta virus as a variant of interest, has now classified it as a variant of concern, indicating increased transmissibility, more severe disease, reduction in antibodies after infection or vaccination, decreased effectiveness of treatment, or potential for laboratory detection failures.

The CDC estimates that nearly 32% of the variants in Region VIII, which includes North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and Utah, are the delta variant. The predominate variant in Region VIII and in North Dakota remains the alpha variant also known as the United Kingdom variant or B.1.1.7.

Jamestown (City) On Friday June 25, 2021; there will be a street closure on 3rd St NE (off the corner of 9th Ave NE) in the west bound lane. This closure will take place from 9:00 AM to approximately 4:00 PM.

Construction signing will be put in place by the contractor.

Motorists should use extreme caution in this area and use alternate routes, if possible.

Jamestown (City) On Friday, June 25, 2021, there will be street closures and/or partial closures in the Southeast (SE) part of town on 17th Street SE, the Frontier Village, and the south intersection of Circle Drive and 12th Avenue SE.

Construction signing will be put in place by the Contractor.

This construction work is scheduled to be completed by the end of the day.

Motorists should use extreme caution in this area and use alternate routes, if possible.

Jamestown (NDFU) – The public was invited to a grand opening celebration of the James River Farmers Union Camp on Thursday, June 24, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the new facility, located at the Jamestown Reservoir.

Situated on 19 acres, the facility features a state-of-the-art lodge with indoor gymnasium, STEM classroom, game room and co-op store, in addition to a dormitory, boathouse, outdoor volleyball court, softball field and other features.

North Dakota Farmers Union President Mark Watne, says “This facility gives our summer camp program a physical presence in the eastern part of the state and complements our camp facility in western North Dakota on the Heart Butte Reservoir. We are excited for all the cooperative learning and fun kids will have here. Investing in youth education is the greatest asset of our state and organization.”

More than 1,200 kids in grades 3-12 attend Farmers Union camp every summer. Cooperative education and leadership skill development are hallmarks of Farmers Union Camp, which incorporates traditional camp activities – such as swimming and singing around a campfire – into learning.

Education & Camp Director Bri Sorensen has been instrumental in organizing and developing the Farmers Union Youth Program including summer camp. She says they’ll start taking on their first campers in July.

Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown City Council’s Police & Fire, and Public Works, Committees met in joint session, Thursday evening at City Hall.

POLICE & FIRE COMMITTEE:

INFORMATIONAL: Community Correction annual report and contract by Director, Sarah Frohlich. She asked that the current contract be extended another year. An informational booklet was given to the committee for review. She will be certified in alcohol education as part of the corrections duties. She said with cases, 56 total cases were monitored in 2020, with about half that amount so far this year. She said work sites are on schedule. Sentencing by the court for community service has changed according to state law.

The committee recommends City Council renew the current Community Service Agreement for an additional one-year term as allowed in Section 3 of the current 2020 agreement, the additional term expiring December 31, 2022, and authorize the Mayor and City Administrator to sign the amendment to renew the agreement.

INFORMATIONAL: Police department and municipal court general update, training.

Police Chief Scott Edinger said, the School Resource Officer has undergone additional training.

He added officers have also had advanced training.

Discussed was the engineer’s probable cost of a future south Public Safety Building. Travis Dillman said the information is vague at this time, without land acquisition costs not available.

Chief Edinger said, the preliminary floor plan has basic ideas in the documentation. No land acquisition costs are included at this time. He added an architect will also need to hired.

He talked about evidence collection and retention items, that continue to increase, and the property needs to kept, with over 3500 items collected and stored, at this time. He said right now five locations are being used, but not up to standards. The Police Department is also holding the items under more security. He said the Public Safety Building could also be used as a backup to the Dispatch Center.

INFORMATIONAL:

Fire Department update, inspections, training.

Before that City Fire Chief Jim Reuther said the southside fire hall is in poor condition structurally. He said the location is not allowing fire units to access the Business Loop due to traffic in a timely manner. He said the location of a Public Safety Building is important, and that a committee be formed in the planning. Mayor Heinrich said the building costs may have to come to a public vote, once the information has been established.

Council Member Steele said land acquisition needs to be known as the first step, in the planning process, and forming a committee. The consideration of Public Safety Building will be on next month’s Police & Fire Committee agenda.

Chief Reuther, went on to report that, training continues on operating the Ladder 1 truck. He added fire inspections are continuing.

Considered recommending the City Council amend the City Code to integrate the adopted policy to follow the Stutsman County burn ban and authorize the City Attorney’s Office to write the amendment. Reuther suggests amending the City Code, which was recommended by the committee.

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE:

Considered recommending approval of the specifications and authorizing advertisements for proposals for the City Hall roof project budgeted in the 2021 Public Building Site Fund.

City Building Inspector, Tom Blackmore said the present cedar roofing is deteriorated.

The committee recommends, approval and be budgeted for.

The committee recommends, approval of Change Order No. 5 – Final Balancing Change Order, to Scherbenske Inc., for the State Hospital Water Line Replacement Project, District 20-62. The change order is a negative $408.

The committee recommends approval of Change Order No. 1 – Final Balancing Change Order, to Naastad Brothers, Inc., on the University of Jamestown Storm Sewer Improvement Project, District 21-71, with five items that needed to be changed after the project got started due to unknowns.

The committee recommends, approving the Change Order of an additional $9,000, an increase of 2.3 percent.

Considered the request from Arnie Falk (Farmers Market) to place signs on City property.

He said advertising on social media has been use, however he points out that some customers do not have access to the internet, and social media, to advertise to. He said sign locations are near Central Valley Health, along with across from the Gladstone and at Highways 10 &20.

Also considered is placing signs on NDDOT right of ways.

The committee recommends, approving requesting waiving for 60 days, the placing of Farmers Market signs for 60 days. The Farmers Market is now located south of the railroad tracks, near the Civic Center parking lot.

INFORMATIONAL: A public hearing is scheduled at the July 6, 2021, regular City Council meeting, to consider the request to vacate a part of 19th Ave NE adjacent to Lots 3, 4 and 5, Block 2, replat of Block 2, Hillcrest Park Addition, to the City of Jamestown, Stutsman County, North Dakota.

INFORMATIONAL: City Engineer project updates were given. Striping of the pavement on the road diet, project, the final markings, will be inlayed with reflective tape, to last longer that just painting.

INFORMATIONAL: Recycling collection update. Ralph Friebel from Recycling North Dakota passed along the fact that one of the trucks was destroyed by fire last week and is looking to be replaced.

INFORMATIONAL: Garbage collection update. Sanitation Foreman Shwan O’Neill said the bulk item pick ups are starting to increase, with a minimal charge to residents, to pick up the items, according to schedules. He said a new city garbage truck has arrived, to be put into service.

The meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 67 followed by replays.

Jamestown The 14th Annual Running of the Pink was held on Saturday, June,2021 in both an in-person and virtual event. Organizer Tara Kapp says this year’s run raised $28,933.31, including Casey Stoudt’s match of$10,000.

The event has raised money for Women’s Way and No Excuses, both programs focused on eliminating barriers to breast and cervical cancer screenings.

Kapp adds, “A special thank you to Robin [Iszler] and the staff at Central Valley Health District for donating your slice of the event proceeds directly to No Excuses through [the] Jamestown Regional Medical Center. Women’s Way through CVH continues to receive federal funding to assist those in need of necessary screenings so with their coffers full, they opted to donate their portion.

Kapp thanked everyone who dedicated time and money through volunteerism, sponsorship, participation and/or general donations, saying, you make a difference. You touch lives around you in a most positive way. You continue to join our army in the fight against breast and cervical cancer.”

Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown Shrine Parade is scheduled for Saturday Jun 26, through a section of Jamestown.

The parade starts at 10:30 – a.m. from City Hall going west on First Street to Second Avenue and South on Second Avenue to Eighth Street Southeast, then east for one block, and then back north on Third Avenue ending back to City Hall.

Spokesperson Cory Bayer say, candy will be handed out, rather than thrown from the parade units.

He adds about 15 to 20 parade units will participate representing the Shriners.

Jamestown (JDRA Website) Jamestown Drag Racing Association announces the 2021 Drag Races are planned at Jamestown Regional Airport Jun 26 and 27, 2021

Gates open at 7:00 AM. Tickets are $10.00 for adults, children 6 and under are free!

9:00 AM Time Trials Begin / 1:00 PM Eliminations Begin

Times are approximate. Single elimination. All cars must pass safety inspection and all NDHRA safety rules apply. Must have helmet and seat belt minimum. Each day is a separate, full race day. No camping on airport grounds. No alcohol on airport grounds and no alcohol shall be consumed by racers prior to or during race.

Registration.

Thanks for showing interest in our event! We’d love to have you join us for the upcoming race. Before you register, we ask that you take a look at our list of rules and guidelines in order to help you better understand how our drag races are held and what policies are in effect on race day.

We hope that it covers any questions you may have but if you don’t find the answer you are looking for please feel free to contact us by using either the form below or via Facebook. On race day if you have any questions you’ll be able to spot our JDRA staff in the bright orange t-shirts who will try their best to help you or get you to the appropriate person.

Again, we truly appreciate the support from you, the racers, the race crew and of course the fans that come out each year. Our association is made up of a volunteer crew that work hard on planning these races each year. We hope that you enjoy our race and know that we’ve done our best to ensure a low-cost, high energy event.

Valley City (CSi) Due to rain last weekend the Dakota Riders Hill Climb as part of Rally in the Valley has been postponed to this Sunday June 27.

The Climb starts at 10am sharp. No glass containers, no pets no firearms, no attitudes. Riders under 18 years old need parents notarized permission. More information at 701-840-0123.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A panel led by Republican North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum has taken no action on settlement offers from some of the energy companies that owe the state for unpaid oil and gas royalties. The Land Board met with lawyers Thursday to discuss the settlement offers. Land Commissioner Jodi Smith says the money owed to the state is in “the hundreds of millions” of dollars and most would be used to benefit public education. Burgum signed legislation this year that reduces the amount of interest and penalties the state can charge companies for unpaid royalties. Burgum has declined to comment on the offers.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota agriculture officials are asking the federal government to give farmers and ranchers more flexibility in dealing with drought conditions that have parched the state. This week’s U.S. Drought Monitor map shows exceptional drought, the worst of four categories, covers about 18% of the state. The next category, extreme drought, blankets another 46% of North Dakota. All of the state is in some form of drought. Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring wants federal permission to let farmers plant cover crops on land they can’t use for cash crops. The government typically doesn’t allow farmers to collect a crop insurance payment while also profiting from a cover crop.

NEW TOWN, N.D. (AP) — Oil pumped from Native American lands in the U.S. increased almost tenfold since 2009 to more than 130 million barrels annually, bringing new wealth to a handful of tribes. Other tribes left out of the drilling boom have become increasingly outspoken against fossil fuels as climate change’s impacts grow worse. Drilling on tribal lands is overseen by the federal government and burning that oil produces greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to millions of vehicles. With huge reserves of fossil fuels on tribal lands still untapped, the Biden administration faces competing pressures to help develop them even as it seeks to curb emissions.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin is set to learn his fate as a Minnesota judge sentences him for murder in the death of George Floyd. The 45-year-old Chauvin faces decades in prison, with several legal experts predicting a sentence of 20 to 25 years. He still faces a federal trial on civil rights charges in Floyd’s death. Friday’s hearing will take place at a county courthouse that no longer has the concrete barricades, razor wire and National Guard members that were in place as the city and nation held its breath for the verdict in Chauvin’s trial.

In Sports…

Jamestown (UJ) The 35th Annual Jimmie Scramble took place Saturday, June 19, at the Jamestown Country Club. Like previous years, the format was a four-person Scramble and featured record-breaking numbers across the board.

A record number of golfers, 94 on the Friday night shootout event and 244 on Saturday’s Scramble, participated in the events. The golf event and online silent auction grossed a record $66,000. All proceeds from these two events help support athletic scholarships and program operating budgets at the University of Jamestown.

Assistant Athletic Director Jim Klemann says, “The Jimmie Scramble has become a great tradition, and its impact on our UJ student-athletes and athletic programs is tremendous. We are incredibility grateful for the support from our UJ alumni, friends, and sponsors.”

The Scramble was split into two divisions, with each placing the top three teams.

Participants:

Shootout: 94 players (47 two-player teams)

Scramble: 244 players (61 four-player teams)

Gross Division: No Handicaps Calculated

First: Brian Meyer, Alan Anderson, Tyler Lamp, Chris Nogosek gross score: 52

Second: Brent Giesler, Michael Nogosek, Troy Roaldson, Shane Ost gross score: 54

Third: Matt Eggl, Jordan Padilla, Brennen Grubb, Doug Eggl gross score: 55

Net Division: Handicaps Calculated

First: Greg Ulland, Dustin Jensen, Jeremy Rahm, Tracy Gustafson net score: 50.7

Second: Bryan Wenzel, Meghan Wenzel, Marshal Burgess, Garrett McNeil net score: 51.65

Third: Steve Schmitz, Sean Rinkenberger, Terry Olson, Trenton Olson net score: 53.7

Women’s Division:

First: Carrie Orn, Brietta Iverson, Brandie Ulland, Mary Jensen net score: 70

Shootout Winners:

Steve Sedler and Shawn Taft score: 67

Prize Winners:

Hole One—Closest Second Shot: Nick Nelson

Hole Two—Longest Drive: Natalie Lonnberg/Cody Vogler

Hole Three—Longest Putt: Natalie Lonnberg

Hole Four—Closest to the Hole: Dawn Zinkie/Steve Sedler

Hole Six—Longest Drive Closest to Line: Tracy Gustafson/Jason Bitz

Hole Seven—Closest to the River in Fairway: Danny White

Hole Eight—Closest to the Pin: Paige Argent/Shane Piatz

Hole Nine—Longest Putt: Drew Serres

Hole 12—Closest to Pin: Tara Lipetzky/Todd Steinwand

Hole 13—Closest Second Shot: Shane Ost

Hole 14—Closest to the Hole: Sierra Bennion/Brandon Stahlhut

Hole 15—Longest Drive: Sierra Bennion/Scott Nune

Hole 16—Longest Putt: Bill Malone

Hole 17—Longest Drive: Sierra Bennion/Brandon Stahlhut

Hole 18—Longest Putt: Natalie Lonnberg/Brian Wenzel

Photos from the event can be viewed at uj.edu/ScramblePhotos.

Jamestown (UJ) The University of Jamestown has announced the resignation of four Jimmies coaches.

UJ Director of HR Becky Knodel said “We appreciate everything that these individuals have done for the University! Please join me in thanking all of them for their hard work and their dedicated service to the University, and wish them the best of luck in their new endeavors.”

Assistant Women’s Basketball coach Janay Morton has accepted a position at the Minnesota State University Mankato. In her letter of resignation, Janay said “I greatly appreciate my time here in Jamestown and wish the program the best in its future seasons to come.”

Assistant Football Coach Charles Alexander, will be headed to Bemidji State to take a similar position. Charles said “I would like to thank the University of Jamestown for welcoming me and making UJ feel like family. BEAT VALLEY!”

Head Men’s and Women’s Track & Field Coach and Assistant Athletic Director Meghan Kuehl will also be leaving UJ. She says, in her resignation letter, “Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of the University of Jamestown family. We were absolutely best to move here.”

Head Men’s Soccer Coach Tommy Nienhaus, stated, “The last year was especially tough on myself and family and what this school and community did for us is unforgettable. The people are what make this place special.”

SEATTLE (AP) — The expansion Seattle Kraken have hired Dave Hakstol as the franchise’s first coach. Hakstol takes over the team that will play its first NHL season beginning in the fall. It’s his second NHL head-coaching job after three plus seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers from 2015-19. Hakstol coached the Flyers to two playoff appearances and was fired midway through his fourth season after no series victories. The longtime college coach at North Dakota spent the past two seasons as a Toronto Maple Leafs assistant. Hakstol got the job over former Arizona coach Rick Tocchet and others who interviewed multiple times.

NBA PLAYOFFS…

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Clippers have avoided an 0-3 deficit in the NBA’s Western Conference Finals.

The Clippers are within 2-1 of Phoenix after Paul George scored 27 points in their 106-92 win over the Suns. George also had 15 rebounds and eight assists to help L.A. win without Kawhi (kah-WY’) Leonard, who remained out with a sprained knee.

Reggie Jackson added 23 points for the Clippers, and Ivica Zubac (ih-VEET’-sah ZOO’-bahts) provided 15 points while tying his career playoff high with 16 rebounds.

Los Angeles took control with the biggest run of the game, a 21-3 spurt that left the Clippers leading 71-56 in the third. Terance Mann got it going with six straight points and Jackson scored four in a row.

Suns guard Chris Paul made his series debut after coming out of COVID-19 protocol, finished with 15 points and 12 assists. Deandre Ayton had a team-high 18 points for Phoenix.

Game 4 is Saturday in Los Angeles.

NBA-PACERS-CARLISLE

Pacers bring back Carlisle

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Longtime Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle is returning to coach the Pacers, 14 years after his dismissal by Indiana.

Carlisle will get a chance to make a quick fix with the same organization he led from 2003 to 2007 and took to the Eastern Conference finals in his first season with the team.

He guided the Mavericks to the 2011 NBA championship and has won 1033 regular-season games over 13 seasons with Dallas, Indiana, and Detroit.

NHL PLAYOFFS..

MONTREAL (AP) — The Montreal Canadiens are going to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 1993, the last time a Canadian-based team won the title.

Artturi Lehkonen (ahr-TOOR’-ee LEH’-koh-nehn) scored 1:39 into overtime and Carey Price stopped 37 shots as the Canadiens knocked out the Golden Knights, 3-2 in Game 6 of the semifinals. Nick Suzuki gained the Vegas zone and slipped a pass to his left to Lehkonen, who lifted a shot beating Robin Lehner high on the short side. The goal came after Price stopped former teammate Max Paccioretty (pash-uh-REH’-tee).

Cole Caufield and captain Shea Weber also scored for the Habs, who have won 11 of 13 since they trailed three games to one in the opening round against the Maple Leafs.

Montreal will make its playoff-leading 35th Stanley Cup Final appearance with a shot to add to its 24 championships. The Canadiens will take on the winner of Friday’s Game 7 between the Lightning and Islanders.

Should the Isles prevail on Friday, the Stanley Cup Final will be a matchup of No. 4 seeds.

— An unidentified former Blackhawks player says in a lawsuit against the team that a then-assistant coach sexually assaulted him in 2010 during a playoff run to a Stanley Cup title and that the team did nothing after he informed a now-retired employee. Chicago’s WBEZ reported that former assistant coach Bradley Aldrich was convicted in 2013 in Michigan of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a student. The former player’s attorney says inaction by the Blackhawks helped enable Aldrich to go on and assault the Michigan student, and possibly others. An attorney for Aldrich told WBEZ his client denied the allegations in the lawsuit.

MLB..

— Eddie Rosario broke an eighth-inning tie with a two-run single to push the Indians past the Twins, 4-1. Rosario spent six seasons with the Twins and was playing his first game in Minnesota since he signed with Cleveland in the offseason. Minnesota starter Jose Berríos (beh-REE’-ohs) allowed one run on four hits with two walks and nine strikeouts over 6 1/3 innings.

UNDATED (AP) — And now there are seven.

The Chicago Cubs have authored the seventh no-hitter of the major league season, doing it against the defending World Series champs. Zach Davies combined with three relievers on the no-no as the Cubs beat the Dodgers, 4-0.

The Cubs did it despite eight walks, five from Davies over the first six innings. Craig Kimbrel also walked a batter, but he also struck out three in the ninth to end it.

The seven no-hitters tie a modern major league record. It’s the 17th thrown by the Cubs, and second in as many seasons.

Javier Baez hit a first-inning homer off Walker Buehler (BYOO’-lur) who lost for the first time in eight decisions this season. Wilsson Contreras added a two-run blast in the sixth to give Davies breathing room.

In other major league action:

— Tony Santillan earned his first career victory and Nick Castellanos (kas-tee-AH’-nohs) smacked a two-run home run as the Reds topped the Braves, 5-3. Santillan gave up just one run over six innings, a Freddie Freeman homer in the top of the first. Castellanos drove in four runs.

— The Nationals are finally back at .500 after Kyle Schwarber crushed two more homers in a 7-3 defeat of the Marlins. Schwarber has homered 12 times since June 12 and became the fourth player in major league history with eight home runs and 15 RBI in a five-game span. Juan Soto had two doubles and two RBI to back Joe Ross, who was reached for just four hits over seven shutout innings of the Nats’ fifth win in a row.

— Bryan Reynolds had a three-run homer among his three hits to help the Pirates beat the Cardinals for the first time in their last 10 meetings, 8-2. Adam Frazier and Phillip Evans also homered for Pittsburgh in its first win over St. Louis since Sept. 18, 2020. Winning pitcher Chad Kuhl allowed one run and three hits with two strikeouts and three walks in six innings.

— Carlos Correa had three hits, walked twice and drove in three runs as the Astros rolled to their 11th win in a row, 12-3 over the Tigers. Yordan (yohr-DAHN’) Alvarez put the capper on the rout with a grand slam in the ninth to finish with five RBIs. Luis García won his fourth straight start, allowing two runs and seven hits in six innings.

— Chris Bassitt allowed one run and five hits over seven innings as the Athletics downed the Rangers, 5-1 to gain a split of their four-game series. Bassitt is 8-0 with a 2.95 ERA in 14 starts since losing his first two appearances. Jed Lowrie drove in runs with a single and a no-doubt home run.

— Homers by Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez and Luke Voit powered the Yankees to their seventh win in nine games, 8-1 over the Royals. Judge opened the scoring with a first-inning blast and finished with three hits. Sanchez went deep for the second straight game, a three-run shot in the sixth to break the game open.

— Two hits were enough for the Rays as Manuel Margot (mahn-WEHL’ mahr-GOH’) scored on a wild pitch in the bottom of the ninth to complete their 1-0 win over the Red Sox. Margot rapped a two-out single, stole second and went to third on a throwing error by catcher Christian Vázquez before coming home with the winning run. Nick Pivetta, Josh Taylor and Darwinzon Hernandez combined to no-hit Toronto until Kevin Kiermaier’s one-out double in the eighth.

— Lourdes Gurriel (gur-ee-EHL’) Jr. belted his first career grand slam in a six-run first that catapulted the Blue Jays past the Orioles, 9-0. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. smacked his major league-leading 24th home run as Toronto handed Baltimore its 20th consecutive road loss, tying the 1916 Athletics for the second-longest in American League history. Anthony Kay tied his career high with eight strikeouts in five innings and combined with four relievers on a seven-hitter.

MLB-NEWS

Oakland’s Fiers likely not throwing another month

UNDATED (AP) — Athletics right-hander Mike Fiers (FY’-urz) likely won’t throw for at least another four weeks after an injection for his sprained right elbow.

Manager Bob Melvin says that Fiers won’t need surgery after he felt discomfort when trying to resume throwing this week. Fiers has made only two starts this season and hasn’t pitched since May 6. Fiers missed the first 22 games of the season because of a lumbar strain before his debut April 30.

PGA-TRAVELERS CHAMPIONSHIP

Kodaira, Hickock lead in Connecticut

CROMWELL, Conn. (AP) — Satoshi Kodaira and Kramer Hickok each shot a PGA Tour career-best 7-under 63 for a share of the first-round lead in the Travelers Championship.

Kodaira took the lead at 8 under in the afternoon after making the turn onto the front nine birdie-eagle-birdie, but a bogey on the par-3 eighth dropped him back into a tie with Hickok.

Talor Gooch was a stroke behind Hickok after the morning rounds.

Defending champion and former world No. 1 Dustin Johnson stumbled at the start with a bogey on the second hole and then a double on No. 3. He finished with a pair of birdies to end the day at 70 at TPC River Highlands.

LPGA-WOMEN’S PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

Salas leads LPGA major

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. (AP) — Lizette Salas opened with a 5-under 67 for the early lead in the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.

Salas had one of five rounds in the 60s from the early wave, with four players at 69. Nelly Korda was among those at 70 after making a long birdie putt on the 18th.

PGA TOUR CHAMPIONS-BRIDGESTONE

Stricker off to great start at Firestone

AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Steve Stricker shot a 7-under 63 at Firestone Country Club to take a four-stroke lead through one round of the Bridgestone Senior Players Championship.

Stricker had a bogey-free round on the South Course, opening with a 5-under 30 on the back nine. The 54-year-old U.S. Ryder Cup captain added birdies on Nos. 3 and 8.

Stricker is seeking his seventh Tour Champions victory and third major.

Ken Duke and Paul Broadhurst are tied for second.

WIMBLEDON-HALEP OUT

2019 champion Simona Halep out of Wimbledon with calf injury

WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — Reigning Wimbledon champion Simona Halep has withdrawn from the Grand Slam tournament because of an injured left calf.

Halep is ranked No. 3 but would have been seeded second at the All England Club because second-ranked Naomi Osaka pulled out of Wimbledon earlier.

Halep tore her calf during a match at the Italian Open in May and sat out the French Open. Wimbledon was last played in 2019 when Halep beat Serena Williams 6-2, 6-2 in the final. The draw is being held today for the grass-court major. Play is scheduled to begin Monday.

OLYMPICS-VIRUS OUTBREAK

Local coronavirus fears ahead of Tokyo Games

UNDATED (AP) — The head of the Imperial Palace in Japan says Emperor Naruhito is “extremely worried” that the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics could accelerate the spread of the coronavirus.

The games will bring thousands of foreign athletes, officials, sponsors and journalists to Japan during a pandemic despite caution raised by experts about the risk of infections and the public’s persistent calls for cancellation or further postponement.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is determined to hold the Olympics despite widespread concern and opposition.

COLLEGE ATHLETES-KENTUCKY

Kentucky to allow college athletes to earn off likeness

FRANKFORT, K.Y. (AP) — Gov. Andy Beshear has signed an executive order allowing college athletes in Kentucky to make money through the use of their name, image or likeness.

The Democratic governor says he took the action as a matter of fairness for college athletes. He says the law will take effect July 1 and will spare Kentucky’s colleges from being at a competitive disadvantage with rivals in other states that will have laws enabling athletes to profit off their name, image or likeness.

US TRACK TRIALS-TRANSGENDER

Eligibility rule keeps transgender runner out of trials

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — Transgender runner CeCe Telfer will not be allowed to compete in the women’s 400-meter hurdles at U.S. Olympic trials this week because Telfer has not met the conditions World Athletics established in its eligibility regulations for certain women’s events.

Among those requirements was that their testosterone levels had to be below 5 nonomoles per liter for a span of 12 months.

Telfer’s manager, David McFarland, said Telfer would respect the decision.

In world and national news…

SURFSIDE, Fla. (AP) — Florida fire teams worked through the night in hopes of finding survivors in the Miami-area building collapse that has left nearly 100 people missing. Only one death has been reported, but officials fear that number may skyrocket as they dig into the rubble of the Champlain Towers South. The 12-story building collapsed early Thursday. More than 100 people were accounted for, including 35 pulled from the wreckage. The Champlain drew people from around the globe, some to visit, some to live. South American officials said 22 people from four countries were missing. Israel reported 20 missing citizens. There are also an undetermined number of Americans unaccounted for.

TOKYO (AP) — Global shares are mostly rising, buoyed by the rally on Wall Street that came after U.S. President Joe Biden announced a bipartisan deal on infrastructure spending. Benchmarks in France and Germany are slipping in early trading while rising in Britain. Shares finished higher in Japan, China, South Korea and Australia. A recovery in the U.S. economy is a boon for the export-driven Asian region. Although the vaccine rollout in Asia has lagged behind most parts of the U.S. and Europe, Asian economies are likely to benefit from an overseas recovery. The U.S. infrastructure plan is to cost $973 billion over five years.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has announced a bipartisan agreement on a pared-down but still huge infrastructure plan. The agreement with a group of Republican and Democratic senators on Thursday would make a start on his top legislative priority and validate his efforts to reach across the political aisle. However, Biden acknowledged that Democrats will likely have to tackle much of his remaining agenda alone. The first package, with around a trillion dollars in new and existing spending, has rare bipartisan backing and could open the door to the president’s more sweeping $4 trillion proposals later on.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A police officer who was injured in the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection and has pushed for an independent commission to investigate the attack will meet with House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy on Friday. That’s according to two people familiar with the plans who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the private meeting. Officer Michael Fanone has said for weeks he wanted to meet with McCarthy, who’s opposed a commission and remained loyal to former President Donald Trump. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Thursday she’s creating a special committee to investigate the attack by a mob of Trump supporters who sought to interrupt the certification of Joe Biden’s presidential election victory.

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. (AP) — Former Vice President Mike Pence is defending his role in certifying the results of the 2020 election and says he is proud of his own actions on Jan. 6. The comments Thursday night at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library were Pence’s strongest rebuttal to date of former President Donald Trump’s continued insistence that he somehow possessed the ability to unilaterally overturn Democrat Joe Biden’s victory, even though the Constitution granted him no such power. Pence says there is “almost no idea more un-American than the notion that any one person could choose the American president.”