By MIKE COURSON
 Great Bend Post

A cocktail hour that lends itself a little more to
conversation. That’s how Great Bend Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Megan
Barfield described the opening hour for the upcoming 104th Annual
Chamber Awards, scheduled for Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. Registration for the event is
now open. With 400-500 people typically in attendance, Barfield said that
growth has resulted in change of venue this year.

“Simply because of growing attendance, we are coming back
into Great Bend to the Events Center,” she said. “Our numbers just keep
growing, which is good. That means we’re reaching a lot of people through our
membership and engagement.”

The event is presented by Spectrum Partners LLC and The
University of Kansas Health System, and the cocktail hour is sponsored by
Equity Bank, but plenty of other sponsorship opportunities are still available.
That Saturday’s meal will include chicken fried steak or chicken, along with a
dessert, catered by A &amp; G Catering. A grazing table will be provided by
Proper Boards &amp; Picnics.

Corporate tables that seat 10 are available for $1,000.
Chamber members can purchase individual tickets for $85, or tickets for
non-chamber members are $100.

“They can go to greatbend.org, or they can call the office
at (620) 792-2401, and probably ask for Julie (Mazouch) if you’re looking at sponsorships,” Barfield said. “Or anyone who answers can help with
tickets.”

Four awards will be handed out on the evening. Dr. Ty
Brunswig was last year’s NextGen Leader of the Year, Paul Snapp was Citizen of
the Year, and MPIRE Realty Group was Business of the Year. Sheryl Cheely earned
the Legacy Award.

Corporate sponsorships still available for 104th Great Bend Chamber awards banquet

Panther Sports Powered by:&nbsp;Equity Bank. Sponsored in part by:&nbsp;GB Tarp Company, Advance Truck &amp; Diesel, Keller Real Estate &amp; Insurance, Innovative Livestock Services, The Fieldhouse, Marmie Auto Group, Magna Dry Cleaning Services, Freedom Claims Management, Great Bend Rec, Rosenberg Family Dentistry, Chris Ramsey - Shelter Insurance, Mitch Haney &amp; Associates, Farmer's Bank &amp; Trust, Scott's Welding Service, Kern Floor Service, Nex-Tech, Comfort Pro, The University of Kansas Health System - Great Bend Campus, People's Bank &amp; Trust, Sutherlands, The 10th Street Eyecare Center, Stone Sand Company and Stone Waste Management, Advanced Therapy &amp; Sports Medicine, Damm Pipe Testing, Great Bend Redi Mix, Insurance Planning, Edward Jones, Delgado's Mexican Restaurant, Mpire Realty, American Plains Coop, Cody Crook - Red Cedar Land Company, GB Tires, Animal Medical Center, Barton Community College, Dr. Chad Ohnmacht DDS, &amp; Watkins Calcara Chartered.

Watch: Panther Basketball Stream Tonight

Now is the time to finalize plans for kochia control. In western Kansas, kochia is among the first summer annual weeds to emerge in the spring. Recent research suggests that kochia can begin emerging in early February, with most kochia emerging by late April. Kochia seedlings have been observed as early as February 7 in southwest Kansas.

Good control of the first dense flush of kochia is essential for obtaining a good crop yield. Early-emerging seedlings use the limited spring soil moisture in dryland production fields. Kochia seedlings emerge in dense populations, making adequate herbicide coverage difficult. In addition, glyphosate-resistant kochia is prevalent across western Kansas, making kochia control even more challenging. For these reasons, it is important to apply preemergence herbicides in late winter or early spring to control kochia before it emerges.

Herbicide program components to effectively manage kochia at germination. To successfully manage kochia, an herbicide program needs two components:

1. a very soluble and effective herbicide that can be incorporated with very little precipitation, such as dicamba; and

2. an herbicide that has longer residual activity, which will require perhaps 0.75 inches or more precipitation for adequate incorporation, such as atrazine.

Precipitation events during late winter are often too small to activate longer-lasting residual herbicides, but dicamba may control kochia for 4 to 6 weeks until atrazine is incorporated.

The best time to apply herbicides for kochia control is prior to kochia emergence, generally January through the first week of March, but this depends on weather conditions. Later applications, for example, at the time of burndown, are more likely to occur after kochia emergence, which increases the risk of control failure. Fall-applied treatments can help ensure timely application; however, they are not likely to control later flushes of kochia effectively.

Other herbicides with good preemergence kochia activity include: mesotrione (Callisto, others), metribuzin (Sencor, others), saflufenacil (Sharpen), sulfentrazone (Spartan, others). Be sure to check product labels for crop-specific planting intervals. For example, sulfentrazone requires a 10 to 18-month rotation interval to corn.

The use of trade names is for clarity to readers and does not imply endorsement of a particular product, nor does exclusion imply non-approval. Always consult the herbicide label for the most current use requirements.

For more information on controlling kochia, see the 2026 Chemical Weed Control for Field Crops, Pastures, Rangeland, and Noncropland, K-State publication SRP1194.

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430

CAMPBELL: Pre-plant herbicide applications for kochia control

Barton Community College kicked off Career and Technical Education Month by hosting the 11th Annual Career Fair on campus Friday.

A total of 448 students in grades 8-12 attended the event, which highlighted Barton’s career and technical education programs through hands-on activities, classroom experiences, and interaction with faculty, staff, and community partners. The event offered students an engaging look at career pathways and training opportunities available through Barton.

Barton Director of Early College Opportunities Karly Little said hosting a Career Fair for students in grades 8–12 has been a key part of Barton’s CTE Month celebration for more than a decade. Since the first event in 2016, when approximately 200 students registered, the Career Fair has grown significantly.

“Each year, we include more programs, more activities, and more volunteers,” she said.&nbsp; “We have experimented yearly to meet any challenges or changes we see in order to help the event keep evolving.&nbsp; It’s all about helping students explore careers that they may not know about in some way, shape, or form, or introduce them to something new.”

February is recognized nationally as Career and Technical Education Month, and Barton’s Workforce Training and Community Education Division celebrates throughout the month by recognizing students, team members, and advisory board partners who support career technical programs. Career and technical education at Barton focuses on preparing youth and adults with the skills and training needed for today’s workforce.

Volunteers from across campus and area communities supported the event by leading student groups and assisting throughout the day in various ways.

Little said the Career Fair allows students to explore opportunities they never even dreamed of before.

“Sometimes people see employees, in various industries, without thinking about how they arrived there, or how just one instance can set someone on a path to a rewarding occupation,” she said. “My hope is that this event opens students’ eyes, or maybe even their parents’ eyes as well, to career paths they may never have considered. It excites me to think that somewhere on campus that day, a student might pick up a hammer for the first time, count and measure medications they’d never imagined working with, or feel the thrill of climbing into an ambulance simulator and discover the spark that lights up their future.”

Instructional programs were central to the Career Fair, welcoming students into classrooms and labs for interactive learning experiences. Faculty and program leaders collaborated with industry partners to engage students across a wide range of academic and technical fields.

Students were able to explore agriculture and commercial transportation; construction and energy trades; healthcare and allied health; computer science, STEM, and aviation; public service and emergency response; education and the arts; and business and communications.

To learn more or become a part of next year’s Career Fair, reach out to Little at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:littlek@bartonccc.edu">littlek@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 792-9294.

Barton celebrates Career and Technical Education Month with 11th annual Career Fair

The USD 428 Board of Education recognized Tacoa Underwood with a R.O.S.E. (Recognizing Outstanding Support of Education) Award during its meeting Monday evening.

The R.O.S.E. Award was created as part of the Board of Education’s ongoing efforts to honor individuals or groups whose actions make a meaningful impact on the school district. Recipients exemplify exceptional dedication, awareness, and support of USD 428 students and staff.

Underwood was presented the award by Jefferson Elementary School Principal Adam Niedens, alongside Superintendent Khris Thexton, for her quick thinking and selfless actions that ensured a student’s safety.

While serving as Jefferson Elementary School's crossing guard on 24th Street after school, Underwood observed a vehicle fail to stop at a red light as students were crossing. A student had already stepped several feet into the roadway when she recognized the danger. Without hesitation, Underwood placed herself at risk and quickly moved the student to safety, preventing a potentially serious accident.

“Tacoa’s awareness and courage reflect the very best of our school community,” said Superintendent Khris Thexton. “Her actions are exactly what the R.O.S.E. Award is meant to honor.”

On behalf of our staff, parents, and community, USD 428 extends its sincere gratitude to Tacoa Underwood for going above and beyond to prioritize student safety and for her unwavering commitment to protecting students.&nbsp;

This occurrence also serves as an opportunity to remind and encourage all drivers to remain alert and exercise extra caution near schools and in school zones, helping ensure the safety of students, staff, and families.&nbsp;&nbsp;

USD 428 Board of Education honors Tacoa Underwood with R.O.S.E. Award

Great Bend High School will celebrate its 2026 Winter Homecoming on&nbsp;Friday, Feb. 13, with an exciting evening of Panther basketball.

Homecoming festivities will take place during the basketball match-up featuring the&nbsp;Great Bend Panthers&nbsp;against the&nbsp;Garden City Buffaloes. The Varsity Girls basketball game will tip off at 6 p.m., followed by the Varsity Boys game at approximately 7:30 p.m.

The Homecoming Court will be introduced between games, with the Homecoming King and Queen crowned on center court at approximately 7 p.m.

Students, families, and community members are invited to join Great Bend High School for a night of celebration, tradition, and Panther pride.

For more information, please contact the Great Bend High School Activities Office at 620-793-1560.

Great Bend High School announces 2026 Winter Homecoming court

Booked in Wigern, Cody M. on a Barton County District Court case #26-25 for Driving Under the Influence. Bond set at $1,000.00 or 18 Hour OR.

Released Wigern, Cody M. on Barton County District Court cnse#26-25 for Driving Under the Influence. By posting $1,000.00 Surety Bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

Released Terry, Matthew A. on Barton County District Court case #202600137 for Driving While Suspended; 2nd Offense, Speeding, and Child Restraint; by order of the Court.

Booked Muckenthaler, Rebecca on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2024CR0312 for Probation Violation. Bond set at $10,000 cash or surety.

Released Muckenthaler, Rebecca on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2024CR0312 for Probation Violation with a $10,000.00 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

Booked Davis, Blake G. on Great Bend Municipal Court case #26-195 for Domestic Battery, Criminal Damage to Property, and Possession of THC. Bond is set at $1000.00 Cash or Surety.

Barton County Sheriff's Office Booking activity (2/9)

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 53. Breezy, with a north wind 19 to 24 mph decreasing to 11 to 16 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 37 mph. Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 28. North northeast wind 5 to 9 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. Light east wind becoming south southeast 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Wednesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35.

Thursday Partly sunny, with a high near 61. Thursday Night A 20 percent chance of showers after midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 33.

Friday A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52.

Tuesday's weather

Eagle Media in Great Bend produces the Great Bend Post Podcast, available wherever you consume your podcasts. Hear past shows, interviews and meetings from local guests in the Barton County area. Make sure to follow the Post Podcast to receive notifications of new episodes.

View Great Bend Post Podcast on Apple Podcasts&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/great-bend-post-podcast/id1693657426">HERE</a>. View Great Bend Post Podcast on Spotify&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4E0Vv03Pfyf9n37kFV4n5b">HERE</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙Follow the Great Bend Post Podcast - New Episodes

Many people receive Valentine’s Day gifts from loved ones, especially roses, but they decline shortly after Feb. 14. Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini offers guidelines to extend the life of floral arrangements and loose stems.

“For floral arrangements, keep the vase filled or floral foam soaked with warm water,” Domenghini said. “Add fresh, warm water daily and if the water turns cloudy, replace it immediately.”

Domenghini suggests recutting loose stems every time water is replaced by removing 1-2 inches with a sharp knife, under water to allow the stem to draw water instead of air.

“Keep flowers in a cool spot (65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit), away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, or near radiators,” Domenghini said.

For loose stems, begin by filling a clean, deep vase with water and add the flower food obtained from your florist.

“Remove leaves that will be below the waterline. Leaves in water will promote bacterial growth,” Domenghini said, “Stems should be cut immediately before putting them in water.”

If you cannot get flowers in a food solution right away, keep them cool, Domenghini added.

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus in Manhattan.K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.

BOOR: Tips for keeping Valentine's Day floral arrangements around longer

News from the Oil Patch, Feb. 9 by John P. Tretbar

Domestic crude-oil production dropped to a 15-month low last week, down from the record setting heights achieved in the last couple of months. Last week, the US Energy Information Administration published its lowest weekly production average since November of 2024. At just over 13.2 million barrels a day, output is down nearly half a million barrels a day from last week and a quarter-million barrels a day from the same week last year. Weekly production reports from EIA have held consistently over 13.5 million barrels a day since last September. By November, average output surpassed 13.8 million in each of nine consecutive weekly reports, a streak that ended three weeks ago.

Commercial crude inventories dipped 3.5 million barrels to just over 420 million as of January 30. The Energy Information Administration reports stockpiles are four percent below the five-year average for this time of year.

The government reports another 200-thousand barrels added the strategic stockpiles stored on our behalf in some caverns in Louisiana. The Strategic Petroleum Reserve tops out slightly over 415 million barrels, up 20 million barrels or five percent from a year ago.

At 6.2 million barrels a day, crude imports are up half a million daily barrels from a week ago but down 700-thousand barrels from the same week a year ago. The four week average is down 3.2%. The government says crude exports are down more than half a million barrels, but remain above four million barrels per day.

The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes is up five gas rigs and up one oil rig for a total of 551 rigs. The breakout for horizontal rigs is up five. Texas is up six rigs.

The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service is unchanged in Western Kansas at six active rigs. The tally east of Wichita is down two at five rigs. The totals are down 21 percent from a month ago and 26% lower than a year ago. On Friday, operators were drilling or about to start on a lease in Gove County and two in Rooks County.

As of this week, operators in Kansas have drilled 39 wells from spud to completion in 2026, down from 86 during the same period last year. So far this year, 15 active operators have drilled nearly 50-thousand total feet of well bore in Kansas. Last year at this time, 40 operators were listed, drilling nearly double that total footage. Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 13 new well-completions this week, 78 so far this year, compared to 143 by this time last year. There are four new completions west of Wichita including one in Ellis County and one in Gove County.

Kansas regulators approved five new drilling locations this week, all of them in Western Kansas, including one new permit in Stafford County and one in Rooks County. That's 45 new permits this year compared to 66 last year at this time.

State geologists recently upgraded online reporting on oil and gas in Kansas, and the newest numbers reflect a continuing decline in production. Only one of the top ten counties posted an increase. Statewide output through the first three quarters of last year drops to just over 70,000 barrels a day, from just over 73,000 daily barrels for all of 2024. Ellis County production drops to just over 5,400 barrels a day, down 210 barrels from the year before. Ranked second among counties, Haskell County averaged just a few barrels shy of five thousand barrels a day, up 599 barrels for the only countywide increase. Finney County drops to 4,100 barrels a day. Barton County checks in with 3,736 barrels per day, down by 110 barrels.&nbsp; Russell County drops to just over 3,300 barrels, and Stafford County dips to just over 2,300 barrels a day.

Cleanup continued after a massive drilling rig tipped over and crashed to the tundra in Alaska's North Slope. The huge ConocoPhillips rig is known as "the Beast." &nbsp;It toppled along a frozen gravel road within the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska. According to the Anchorage Daily News, a third-party firm is investigating the cause of the accident and subsequent fuel spill, but only when the weather makes it safe. Temperatures rose into the 30s the day of the incident but returned to subzero conditions afterward.

The recent nationwide cold snap dubbed "Winter Storm Fern" forced a huge draw on energy in the US.&nbsp; Fern spurred the largest weekly net natural gas withdrawal in Energy Department records. The numbers reflect increased demand for both space heating and electricity generation, as well as reduced supplies due to equipment freeze-offs and shut-ins. Natural gas spot prices for the week nearly doubled in some locations. In the week ending January 25, 2026, natural gas generation in the Lower 48 states increased 14% from the previous week while generation from solar, wind, and hydropower declined. Coal-fired electricity generation increased 31% from the previous week. EIA says during the week of Winter Storm Fern, Nuclear generation was nearly unchanged.Independent Oil and Gas Service notes some familiar names in its list of the top Kansas drillers last year. 

East of Wichita that's RJ Energy, Colt Energy, C&amp;G Drilling, McGown Drilling and TDR Construction. In Western Kansas, Duke Drilling leads the list with 73 wells drilled to total depth, followed by Murfin Drilling with 52 wells. Rounding out the top five were Discovery Drilling, Pickrell Drilling, and Sterling Drilling.

News from the Oil Patch: 'Fern' freezes, 'The Beast' topples, output hard put

Now is the time to recognize those who go above and beyond! You can nominate a School Hero! On the fourth Tuesday of each month, Eagle Media will select a Hero to recognize! The winner will also receive $500! Nominate a School Hero is presented by: <a href="https://opikan.com/">OPI</a> (Office Products Incorporated) &amp; Golden Belt Printing.&nbsp;

Any adult who works at a school in Barton County is eligible to be nominated. Admin, Teachers, Para's, Coaches, Maintenance, Cafeteria, etc.

Nominate a School Hero! Presented by: OPI & Golden Belt Printing

Big Bend Custom Engraving, Freedom Claims Management, Great Bend Redi Mix, Francis Financial, Medial Park Pharmacy, R&amp;R Roofing, Allstaff Chartered, Miller Plastics, Rosencrants Bemis Water Well Service, Great Bend Rec, Jimlo Glass Center, Haz Mat Response

Make a Difference Contest 

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas climb picked up more steam Monday night as the No. 9 Jayhawks&nbsp;knocked off top-ranked Arizona&nbsp;82-78.

Less than a month after falling out of&nbsp;The Associated Press Top 25, Kansas (19-5, 9-2 Big 12) has won eight in a row and clawed its way back into Big 12 title contention, trailing previously unbeaten Arizona (23-1, 10-1) by one game. Houston is currently in second, a half-game ahead of Kansas. The third-ranked Cougars face Utah on Tuesday night.

“We couldn’t lose this game,” senior guard Melvin Council Jr. said after knocking off Arizona. “We were just ready and prepared and we knew it was going to be a long game with a bunch of runs.”

Kansas trailed by as many as 11 points in the game and did not hold a lead until the clock read 9:32 in the second half. Four Jayhawks finished in double figures, led by Flory Bidunga and Council Jr, who scored 23 points apiece. Bidunga also grabbed 10 rebounds.

The Jayhawks played without freshman standout Darryn Peterson, who was&nbsp;experiencing flu-like symptoms&nbsp;and missed the game. Self revealed after the game that Peterson had missed practice on Sunday and didn’t know until about a half hour before the game that he would be unavailable. Despite missing 11 games, Peterson leads the Jayhawks in scoring, averaging 20.5 points.

“A lot of teams, this time of year, when you get to early February, they know where their ceiling is, and the great teams are operating pretty close to their ceiling, Kansas coach Bill Self said. “I don’t know where our ceiling is, and I know that we’re not close to it yet, though.”

The victory ended a 23-game winning streak for Arizona. It was the second-longest streak in Division I men’s basketball behind Miami (Ohio), which has won 24 straight.

With the win, Kansas improved to 2-2 against top-10 opponents this season. It was also the Jayhawks’ first win against the AP’s top-ranked team at Allen Fieldhouse.

“Kansas is a hell of a team,” Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd said after the game. “They beat the No. 1 team in the country at home tonight. They did a hell of a job and their coach did a hell of a job.”

Four Jayhawks finished the game in double figures, with Bryson Tiller scoring 18 and Jamari McDowell adding 10.

Brayden Burries led all scorers with 25 points for Arizona. Teammate Motiejus Krivas recorded a double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds, and Ivan Kharchenkov scored 13.

Kansas back in contention in Big 12 after beating No. 1 Arizona

Class 6A Boys 1. Shawnee Mission South 2. Olathe North 3. Wichita Heights 4. Mill Valley 5. Blue Valley Northwest 6. Blue Valley High 7. Maize 8. Derby 9. Olathe East 10. Blue Valley North Class 5A Boys 1. Kapaun Mt. Carmel 2. Maize South 3. Bonner Springs 4. Topeka West 5. KC Piper 6.&nbsp;Topeka Seaman 7. Hays 8. Emporia 9. Bishop Carroll 10. Shawnee Heights Class 4A Boys 1. Rock Creek 2. Atchison 3.&nbsp;Pratt 4. Concordia 5. Bishop Miege 6. Andale 7. Hugoton 8. Baldwin 9. Sante Fe Trail 10. Ottawa Class 3A Boys 1. Wichita Collegiate 2. Hesston 3. Holcomb 4. Burlington 5. Beloit 6. Silver Lake 7. Chaparral 8. Hiawatha 9. Riverton 10. Wichita Trinity Class 2A Boys 1. Sterling 2. Berean Academy 3. Moundridge 4. Salina Sacred Heart 5. Classical School of Wichita 6. Ell-Saline 7. Topeka - Cair Paravel Latin School 8. Thomas More Prep 9. Rossville 10. St. Mary's Class 1A-DI Boys 1. Little River 2. Olpe 3. South Central 4. Central Plains 5. Burden-Central 6. Pleasanton 7. Lawrence-Bishop Seabury Academy 8.&nbsp;Meade 9. St. John's/Tipton 10. Spearville Class 1A-DII Boys 1. Axtell 2. Hanover 3. Hartford 4. Lebo 5. Thunder Ridge 6. Wheatland/Grinnell 7. Wallace County 8. Victoria 9. Deerfield 10. Weskan -------------------------------- Class 6A Girls 1. Wichita Heights 2. Olathe South 3. Shawnee Mission South 4. Derby 5. Blue Valley North 6. Manhattan 7. Wichita East 8. Olathe North 9. Liberal 10. Washburn Rural Class 5A Girls 1. Andover 2. St. Thomas Aquinas 3.&nbsp;St. James Academy 4. Maize South 5. Hays 6. Kapaun Mt. Carmel 7. Shawnee Heights 8. KC Piper 9. Bishop Carroll 10. Goddard Eisenhower Class 4A Girls 1. Wellington 2. Eudora 3. Wamego 4. Independence 5. Bishop Miege 6. Rock Creek 7. Ottawa 8. Topeka Hayden 9. Santa Fe Trail 10. Clearwater Class 3A Girls 1. Silver Lake 2. Halstead 3. Holcomb 4. Osage City 5. Hiawatha 6. Goodland 7. Burlington 8. Southeast of Saline 9. Frontenac 10. Riverton Class 2A Girls 1. Eureka 2. Ellinwood 3. Hoxie 4. Moundridge 5. Salina Sacred Heart 6. Pitt-Colgan 7. Remington 8. Oakley 9. Hillsboro 10. Conway Springs Class 1A-DI 1. Little River 2. Centralia 3. Wabaunsee 4. Olpe 5. South Gray 6. Quinter 7. Pretty Prairie 8. St. John's-Tipton 9. Decatur Community 10. Hodgeman County Class 1A-DII 1. Hutch-Central Christian 2. Bucklin 3. Hanover 4. Linn 5. Ashland 6. Dighton 7. Marais des Cygnes Valley 8. Wheatland/Grinnell 9. Axtell 10. Lebo

KBCA High School BB Rankings (Feb. 10)

The Barton Community College softball team came up just short in a tightly contested road twinbill Monday afternoon, falling by scores of 4–3 and 1–0 at Northeastern Oklahoma A&amp;M College in Miami, Oklahoma.

The Cougars slip to 2–4 on the year heading into weekend travel to Denison, Texas, for a four-game slate at the THF Winter Blast, while NEO remained unbeaten, improving to 6–0.

Barton struck first in the opener, as&nbsp;Laney Wood&nbsp;opened her two-hit day out of the leadoff spot, followed by a single from&nbsp;Mollie Steiner&nbsp;before&nbsp;Carly Erpelding&nbsp;delivered an RBI single to put the Cougars on the board. NEO answered in the home half, taking advantage of a leadoff walk and single before pushing a run across on consecutive fielder's choices.

A pair of fourth-inning walks helped Barton regain the lead, with&nbsp;Karter Alvord&nbsp;and&nbsp;Kahli Fields&nbsp;coming around to score on Wood's second triple of the young season. The advantage was short-lived, however, as NEO responded in the bottom of the fifth. A walk and reach on a dropped third strike set the table before a pair of hits and a bases-loaded walk produced the deciding run. Barton put runners aboard in each of the final two innings but was unable to generate the tying score.

The nightcap turned into a defensive duel, as Barton was held hitless but still found ways to apply pressure by drawing walks and pushing runners into scoring position. The game's lone run crossed in the bottom of the fifth following a pair of walks, with the deciding run scoring on a passed ball. Barton mounted a final threat in the seventh, as Alvord and&nbsp;Morgan Thatcher&nbsp;reached on walks, but the Cougars could not break through in their final at-bat.

Across both games, Barton's pitching staff delivered steady performances that kept the Cougars within striking distance, while the defense answered with timely plays, including two double plays turned by Thatcher to erase potential scoring threats.&nbsp;Charley Wheeler&nbsp;logged 4.2 innings in the opener, scattering five hits and four runs, just one earned, to fall to 1–2 on the year.&nbsp;Peyton McCormick&nbsp;went the distance in game two, allowing just three hits and one unearned run, also slipping to 1–2.&nbsp;Ellie Crawford&nbsp;added an efficient 1.1 innings in the opener, striking out two without issuing a walk.

Missed chances loom large as Cougars drop pair of one-run games at NEO

CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) — Breezy Johnson is poised to earn her second gold of the Olympics. The American skier gave the U.S. a narrow edge in the team combined event on Tuesday. The event includes a downhill and a slalom run, with times added together. Johnson finished just ahead of Austria's Ariane Raedler and Italy's Laura Pirovano. Johnson's teammate, star Mikaela Shiffrin, will compete in the slalom run later Tuesday. Shiffrin is seeking vindication after not medaling in Beijing four years ago. There were no major crashes but U.S. skier Bella Wright lost her balance and missed a gate in the same spot where Lindsey Vonn broke her left leg in the women's downhill.

LIVIGNO, Italy (AP) — The Winter Olympics have become a platform for political debate in the U.S. American athletes face questions about President Donald Trump's immigration policies. Freestyle skier Hunter Hess expressed mixed emotions about representing the U.S., prompting criticism from Trump and others. On Monday, fellow athletes like Chloe Kim and Eileen Gu defended Hess, emphasizing unity. The Olympics often intersect with political issues, and recent events in the U.S. have heightened tensions. Athletes like Mikaela Shiffrin and Amber Glenn have spoken out, while others prefer to focus on their sports, avoiding political distractions.

CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) — Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych will be allowed to wear a black armband in competition at the Milan Cortina Games. The International Olympic Committee announced the decision on Tuesday. However, they will not allow him to wear a helmet commemorating Ukrainian athletes killed in the war with Russia. The IOC called this decision a compromise. Heraskevych said the IOC informed him on Monday night that the helmet violated rules against political statements. It is unclear if he will wear the armband. The IOC noted they have banned armbands before but are making an exception in this case.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — A fight broke out between the Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets in the third quarter of Monday night’s game, and four players were ejected. Charlotte’s Moussa Diabate and Miles Bridges were tossed, along with Detroit’s Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart. The Pistons won the game 110-104. Duren had the ball and was driving toward the basket with just over seven minutes left in the third period when he was fouled by Diabate. Duren turned around to get face-to-face with Diabate and the two appeared to butt heads. Duren then hit Diabate in the face with his open right hand, starting a confrontation that lasted more than 30 seconds. Hornets coach Charles Lee was ejected in the fourth quarter and had to be restrained from going after an official.

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Liverpool’s season has been far from perfect. Now coach Arne Slot says the remainder of the campaign will have to be near-faultless if the defending Premier League champion is to secure Champions League qualification. It says everything about Liverpool’s ever-worsening title defense that Slot is focusing on a top-four finish with 13 rounds still to play. But Sunday’s dramatic 2-1 loss to Manchester City was the Merseysiders’ eighth defeat in the league this season and left Liverpool 17 points adrift of first-place Arsenal.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Stephen Curry will sit out the All-Star Game in Los Angeles because of his troublesome right knee that sidelined the Golden State Warriors star for a fourth straight game against Memphis. Coach Steve Kerr announced before the game that Curry also wouldn’t play Wednesday at home against San Antonio and then would sit out the All-Star Game on Feb. 15 in hopes of a return for the Warriors after the break.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — An Alabama circuit judge has denied Alabama basketball player Charles Bediako’s motion for a preliminary injunction, ending the 7-foot center’s collegiate eligibility and his season with the Crimson Tide. County Circuit Court Judge Daniel Pruet cited that Bediako “failed to demonstrate that he is entitled to the injunctive relief that he seeks,” according to court documents. Bediako was playing under a temporary restraining order that allowed the former NBA G League player to join Alabama in the middle of the season despite questions regarding his collegiate eligibility. NCAA President Charlie Baker said in a statement that he was glad the court “upheld the rules of our members.”

MILAN (AP) — U.S. figure skater Ilia Malinin has become the first person to legally land a backflip on Olympic ice. He performed the move on Sunday, marking a significant moment in figure skating history. But he's not the first to do the move. The backflip was first landed by Terry Kubicka at the 1976 Olympics but was banned for being too dangerous. Surya Bonaly famously landed it on one blade at the 1998 Nagano Games, despite losing points. The move was legalized in 2024, allowing Malinin to debut it in competition. While Malinin receives praise, many are highlighting Bonaly's legacy and the racial inequalities she faced.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas climb picked up more steam Monday night as the No. 9 Jayhawks knocked off top-ranked Arizona 82-78. Less than a month after falling out of The Associated Press Top 25, Kansas (19-5, 9-2 Big 12) has won eight in a row and clawed its way back into Big 12 title contention, trailing previously unbeaten Arizona (23-1, 10-1) by one game. Houston is currently in second, a half-game ahead of Kansas. Kansas trailed by as many as 11 points in the game and did not hold a lead until the clock read 9:32 in the second half. Four Jayhawks finished in double figures, led by Flory Bidunga and Council Jr, who scored 23 points apiece. Bidunga also grabbed 10 rebounds.

NEW YORK (AP) — Rick Pitino has reached another milestone at the expense of his son. But two of his toughest wins lately have come against his own flesh and blood and nothing could make the Hall of Fame coach more proud. Zuby Ejiofor scored six of his 25 points in overtime and No. 17 St. John’s outlasted pesky Xavier 87-82 at Madison Square Garden for its 10th consecutive victory. With his 904th career win on the court, Pitino passed Roy Williams for third place in Division I history. It was Pitino’s second comeback victory in 17 days over his son, Richard, the first-year coach of the Musketeers. In the previous meeting, the elder Pitino earned his 900th win when the Johnnies rallied from 16 down at Xavier.

TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL Final	(9)Kansas	82	(1)Arizona	78	 Final	(17)St. John's	87	Xavier	82	 Final	(24)Louisville	118	North Carolina State	77

Tuesday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Flory Bidunga had a double-double and No. 9 Kansas defeated top-ranked and previously unbeaten Arizona 82-78 on Monday night.

Arizona (23-1, 10-1 Big 12) entered Allen Fieldhouse with the second-longest winning streak in Division I men’s basketball. The loss ended a 23-game run for the Wildcats, second to Miami (Ohio), which has won 24 straight.

Kansas (19-5, 9-2) played without freshman guard Darryn Peterson,&nbsp;who was a late scratch&nbsp;with flu-like symptoms. Peterson has missed 11 games with a combination of hamstring, calf and ankle issues.

Arizona held a three-point lead at halftime and led by as many as 11 before Kansas took its first lead of the game at the 9:32 mark in the second half.

Bidunga put the Jayhawks ahead with a layup, which capped a personal seven-point run. He finished with 23 points on 8-for-11 shooting and added 10 rebounds.

Arizona closed within one point with 34 seconds left in the game, but senior guard Melvin Council Jr. shot 3 of 4 from the line in the final minute and 10 of 11 in the game to help seal the victory for Kansas. He finished with 23 points. Tre White also added a pair of late free throws.

Four Kansas players scored double digits. Bryson Tiller finished with 18 points and Jamari McDowell added 10.

Freshman guard Brayden Burries led Arizona with 25 points. Motiejus Krivas scored 14 and Ivan Kharchenkov 13.

No. 9 Kansas beats top-ranked and previously undefeated Arizona 82-78

Saturday, February 7 @ Ness City Macksville Girls 47, Ness City 20 Ellinwood Boys 61, Macksville 33 Victoria Girls 2, Chase 0 FORFEIT Otis-Bison Boys 71, Chase 11 Monday, February 9 @ Ness City Girls 9th Place - Ness City 2, Chase 0 FORFEIT Boys 9th Place - Macksville 71, Chase 34 Tuesday, February 10 @ Offerle 3:00 #1 Ellinwood Girls vs Macksville 4:30 #1 Central Plains Boys vs Ellinwood 6:00 #2 Central Plains Girls&nbsp;Victoria 7:30 #3 Lacrosse Boys vs #6 Ness City Tuesday, February 10 @ Kinsley 3:00 #3 St. John Girls vs Otis-Bison 4:30 #2 St. John Boys vs&nbsp;Otis-Bison 6:00 #4 Kinsley Girls vs #5 Lacrosse 7:30 #4 Victoria Boys vs #5 Kinsley Thursday, February 12 (Consolation Bracket @ Offerle) 3:00 Ellinwood Girls/TBA loser vs Kinsley/Lacrosse loser 4:30 Central Plains Boys/TBA loser vs Victoria/Kinsley loser 6:00 Central Plains Girls/TBA loser vs St. John/Otis-Bison loser 7:30 St. John Boys/TBA loser vs LaCrosse/Ness City loser Thursday, February 12 (Championship Bracket @ Kinsley) 3:00 Ellinwood Girls/TBA winner vs Kinsley/Lacrosse winner 4:30 Central Plains Boys/TBA winner vs Victoria/Kinsley winner 6:00 Central Plains Girls/TBA winner vs St. John/Otis-Bison winner 7:30 St. John Boys/TBA winner vs LaCrosse/Ness City winner Friday, February 13&nbsp;(Consolation Bracket @ Offerle) 3:00 Girls 7th Place Game 4:30 Boys 7th Place Game 6:00 Girls 5th Place Game 7:30 Boys 5th Place Game Friday, February 13&nbsp;(Championship Bracket @ Kinsley) 3:00 Girls 3rd Place Game 4:30 Boys 3rd Place Game 6:00 Girls Championship 7:30 Boys Championship

Central Prairie League Tournament Scores & Schedule

Tuesday, February 10 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 5:45PM B104- H.S. Basketball - Dodge City G&amp;B @ Great Bend 5:45PM KHOK - H.S. Basketball - Haven G&amp;B @ Hoisington 5:45PM Hits 106.9 - H.S. Basketball - Larned G&amp;B @ Scott City Wednesday, February 11 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 1:45PM B104 - Cougar Basketball - Fort Hays Tech W&amp;M @ Barton Thursday, February 12 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day Friday, February 13 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 5:45PM B104- H.S. Basketball - Garden City G&amp;B @ Great Bend 5:45PM KHOK - H.S. Basketball - Hoisington G&amp;B @ Nickerson 5:45PM Hits 106.9 - H.S. Basketball - Pratt G&amp;B @ Larned 8:00PM 1590/95.5FM - NBA Rising Stars All-Star Game Saturday, February 14 11:30AM Hits 106.9 - Jayhawk Basketball - Kansas @ Iowa St.&nbsp;(KU Network) 11:30AM 1590/95.5FM - College Basketball - Kansas @ Iowa State (ESPN) 1:45PM KHOK -&nbsp;H.S. Basketball - Ellsworth G&amp;B @ Hoisington 1:45PM B104 - Cougar Basketball - Barton W&amp;M @ Garden City 4:00PM 1590/95.5FM - NBA All Star Saturday Night Sunday, February 15 3:00PM 1590/95.5FM - NBA All Star Game Monday, February 16 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day Tuesday, February 17 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 5:45PM B104- H.S. Basketball - Liberal G&amp;B @ Great Bend 5:45PM KHOK - H.S. Basketball - Hillsboro G&amp;B @ Hoisington 5:45PM Hits 106.9 - H.S. Basketball - Haven G&amp;B @ Larned&nbsp;&nbsp; Wednesday, February 18 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 5:15PM B104 - Cougar Basketball - Barton W&amp;M @ Butler 7:30PM Hits 106.9 - Jayhawk Basketball - Kansas @ Oklahoma St.&nbsp;

Eagle Radio and Hull Broadcasting PBP Schedule

AP Cincinnati Bearcats (12-12, 4-7 Big 12) at Kansas State Wildcats (10-13, 1-9 Big 12)

BOTTOM LINE: Kansas State faces Cincinnati after PJ Haggerty scored 30 points in Kansas State's 84-82 loss to the TCU Horned Frogs.

The Wildcats have gone 8-6 in home games. Kansas State is eighth in the Big 12 scoring 81.7 points while shooting 46.3% from the field.

The Bearcats are 4-7 in Big 12 play. Cincinnati is 0-3 in games decided by 3 points or fewer.

Kansas State averages 10.2 made 3-pointers per game, 2.7 more made shots than the 7.5 per game Cincinnati gives up. Cincinnati's 42.4% shooting percentage from the field this season is 3.0 percentage points lower than Kansas State has allowed to its opponents (45.4%).

The Wildcats and Bearcats face off Wednesday for the first time in conference play this season.

TOP PERFORMERS: Haggerty is averaging 23.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists for the Wildcats. David Castillo is averaging 1.9 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Day Day Thomas is shooting 40.3% from beyond the arc with 2.2 made 3-pointers per game for the Bearcats, while averaging 10.9 points and 3.7 assists. Baba is averaging 13.9 points, 9.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Wildcats: 1-9, averaging 72.9 points, 27.4 rebounds, 16.5 assists, 6.8 steals and 3.1 blocks per game while shooting 42.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 83.9 points per game.

Bearcats: 4-6, averaging 67.4 points, 31.3 rebounds, 15.3 assists, 6.1 steals and 2.9 blocks per game while shooting 42.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 69.6 points.

Cincinnati visits Kansas State following Haggerty's 30-point performance

RILEY COUNTY —A member of the Kansas State University men's basketball staff is under investigation for alleged violent crimes.

Just before 1:30a.m. Monday, 29-year-old Mark Vital was booked into the Riley County Jail on requested charges of&nbsp;&nbsp;domestic battery; knowing rude physical contact with family member or dating relationship, according to the Riley County Police Department arrest report. 

On Monday afternoon, K-State Athletics released a statement on the arrest.

"We are aware of Mark Vital's arrest on Sunday night. He has been removed from all team responsibilities until the judicial process runs its course."

Just after 3a.m. Monday, Vital met the requirement of a $2,000 bond and is no longer in custody.

He is in his first season as a graduate student manager at K-State, according to his online bio. Vital was a three-time All-Big 12 selection and a member of Baylor’s 2021 National Championship team where K-State head coach Jerome Tang was an assistant.&nbsp; Vital is working towards a master’s in counseling and student development at K-State.

K-State statement on arrest of basketball staffer

Western Athletic Conference Dodge City @ Great Bend Hays @ McPherson Liberal @ Lakin Central Kansas League Larned @ Scott City Haven @ Hoisington Halstead @ Nickerson Pratt @ Hesston Smoky Valley @ Hillsboro Central Prairie League St. John @ Otis-Bison LaCrosse @ Ness City Victoria @ Kinsley Other Area Games Stafford @ Norwich Russell @ TMP Sacred Heart @ Lyons Deerfield @ Pawnee Heights Minneapolis @ Ellsworth Attica @ Skyline Hodgeman County @ Kiowa County Canton-Galva @ Little River

Tuesday Area High School Basketball Schedule

JOHNSON COUNTY —A man who admitted his role in the drug deal death of a Kansas woman on February 14, 2023 is going to prison.

Last week, Johnson County Judge Jason Billam sentenced 21-year-old Treger Melique Samuels to 84-months in prison, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;

Samuels pleaded guilty to charges of distributing drugs causing the death of 20-year-old Ericka Grisby of Olathe.&nbsp; In June of 2025, police booked Samuels into the Johnson County Jail, according to online records.

Prison time for drug deal death of 20-year-old Kansas woman

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jurors in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/meta-instagram-youtube-social-media-addiction-los-angeles-1b409b31438e5ba46e2e8c064229b51a">landmark social media case</a>&nbsp;that seeks to hold tech companies responsible for harms to children got their first glimpse into what will be a lengthy trial characterized by dueling narratives from the plaintiffs and the two remaining defendants, Meta and YouTube.

At the core of the Los Angeles case is a 20-year-old identified only by the initials “KGM,” whose case could determine how thousands of similar lawsuits will play out. KGM and the cases of two other plaintiffs have been selected to be bellwether trials — essentially test cases for both sides to see how their arguments play out before a jury.

Comparing social media platforms to casinos and addictive drugs, lawyer Mark Lanier delivered opening statements Monday in the Los Angeles Superior Court trial that seeks to hold Instagram owner Meta and Google's YouTube responsible for addictive features and harms to children who use their products. Two other defendants, TikTok and Snap,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-media-trial-kids-addiction-meta-tiktok-youtube-d3a6bf617f2d11521675412ffb275031">have settled the case.</a>

Meta lawyer Paul Schmidt spoke of the disagreement within the scientific community over social media addiction, with some researchers believing it doesn’t exist, or that addiction is not the most appropriate way to describe heavy social media use.

Luis Li, the attorney representing YouTube and Google, delivered an opening statement on Tuesday focused on KGM's user data, saying the five-year average of her watch time is 29 minutes per day. He said KGM's average daily time spent on YouTube Shorts, watching vertical short form videos with the “infinite scroll” feature Lanier called into question Monday, was just 1 minute and 14 seconds.

He also told jurors that all of the YouTube features Lanier challenged in his opening statement could be disabled and modified to match users’ preferences.

“When you strip away all of the rhetoric ... what you are left with is a simple truth. Infinite scroll is not infinite,” Li said. “In some cases, in this case, before this court, before you, the jury, it’s as little as a minute and 14 seconds. It’s not social media addiction when it’s not social media and it’s not an addiction.”

Lanier, the plaintiff's lawyer, delivered lively first remarks Monday, where he said the case will be as “easy as ABC” — which stands for “addicting the brains of children.” He said Meta and Google, “two of the richest corporations in history,” have “engineered addiction in children’s brains.”

He presented jurors with a slew of internal emails, documents and studies conducted by Meta and YouTube, as well as YouTube’s parent company, Google. He emphasized the findings of a study Meta conducted called “Project Myst,” in which they surveyed 1,000 teens and their parents about their social media use. The two major findings, Lanier said, were that Meta knew children who experienced “adverse events” like trauma and stress were particularly vulnerable for addiction; and that parental supervision and controls made little impact.

He also highlighted internal Google documents that likened some company products to a casino, and internal communication between Meta employees in which one person said Instagram is “like a drug” and they are “basically pushers.”

Li was insistent that KGM is not addicted to YouTube, pointing to sworn testimony where she directly said she wasn’t addicted to it. He also displayed three large boxes containing about 10,000 pages of medical records, saying that within all of those records, jurors would not see a “single example” of KGM being addicted to YouTube, or a single treatment plan for an addiction to YouTube.

The sole reference to YouTube within those records is an instance where her provider noted KGM was using a YouTube video to assist with sleep at night when feeling anxious, he said.

Plaintiff grew up using YouTube, Instagram

KGM made a brief appearance on Monday during Lanier’s statement and she will return to testify later in the trial. Lanier spent time describing KGM's childhood, focusing particularly on what her personality was like before she began using social media. She started using YouTube at age 6 and Instagram at age 9, Lanier said. Before she graduated from elementary school, she had posted 284 videos on YouTube.

The outcome of the trial could have profound effects on the companies' businesses and how they will handle children using their platforms.

Lanier said the companies’ lawyers will “try to blame the little girl and her parents for the trap they built,” referencing the plaintiff. She was a minor when she said she became addicted to social media, which she claims had a detrimental impact on her mental health.

Lanier said that despite the public position of Meta and YouTube being that they work to protect children, their internal documents show an entirely different position, with explicit references to young children being listed as their target audiences.

“For a teenager, social validation is survival,” Lanier said. The defendants “engineered a feature that caters to a minor’s craving for social validation,” he added, speaking about “like” buttons and similar features.

In his opening statement representing Meta, Schmidt said the core question in the case is whether the platforms were a substantial factor in KGM’s mental health struggles. He spent much of his time going through the plaintiff’s health records, emphasizing that she had experienced many difficult circumstances in her childhood, including emotional abuse, body image issues and bullying.

Schmidt presented a clip from a video deposition from one of KGM‘s mental health providers, Dr. Thomas Suberman, who said social media was “not the through-line of what I recall being her main issues,” adding that her struggles seemed to largely stem from interpersonal conflicts and relationships. He painted a picture — with KGM’s own text messages and testimony pointing to a volatile home life — of a particularly troubled relationship with her mother.

Schmidt acknowledged that many mental health professionals do believe social media addiction can exist, but said three of KGM’s providers — all of whom believe in the form of addiction — have never diagnosed her with it, or treated her for it.

A reckoning for social media and youth harms

A slew of trials beginning this year seek to hold social media companies responsible for harming children's mental well-being. Executives, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, are expected to testify at the Los Angeles trial, which will last six to eight weeks. Experts have drawn similarities to the Big Tobacco trials that led to a 1998 settlement requiring cigarette companies to pay billions in health care costs and restrict marketing targeting minors.

A separate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/meta-new-mexico-child-exploitation-trial-19195fc680dba782fb971d68082e11a4">trial in New Mexico</a>, meanwhile, also kicked off with opening statements on Monday. In that trial, Meta is accused of failing to protect young users from sexual exploitation, following an undercover online investigation.

A federal bellwether trial beginning in June in Oakland, California, will be the first to represent school districts that have sued social media platforms over harms to children.

In addition, more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/instagram-facebook-children-teens-harms-lawsuit-attorney-general-1805492a38f7cee111cbb865cc786c28">40 state attorneys general have filed lawsuits</a>&nbsp;against Meta, claiming it is harming young people and contributing to the youth mental health crisis by deliberately designing features on Instagram and Facebook that addict children to its platforms. The majority of cases filed their lawsuits in federal court, but some sued in their respective states.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-lawsuit-youth-mental-health-2993f8e70d2e3d4eab9988df168fb948">TikTok</a>&nbsp;also faces similar lawsuits in more than a dozen states.

Ortutay reported from Oakland, California. Associated Press Writer Morgan Lee in Santa Fe, New Mexico, contributed to this story.

Google, Meta, push back on addiction claims in landmark social media trial

NEW YORK (AP) — The operator of Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus said that it will close eight Saks Fifth Avenue stores as well as its Neiman Marcus Boston store as it focuses on its most profitable businesses and pares down debt during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saks-bankruptcy-neiman-retail-69767dc507055d394b54488b71626835">its Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring</a>.

Saks Fifth Avenue’s locations to be shuttered include sites in Tulsa, Philadelphia; Columbus, Ohio; and Phoenix, the company said. That will leave parent company Saks Global with 25 Saks Fifth Avenue stores and 35 Neiman Marcus stores. The company will continue to operate its two Bergdorf Goodman stores.

The stores targeted for closing will remain open until the end of April, the company said.

Saks Global also said Tuesday it will be winding down 14 standalone Fifth Avenue Club personal styling suites on Saturday, though it will keep three standalone sites. It also will close its home site called Horchow.com, a business that Neiman Marcus acquired in the late 1980s. As of Feb. 19, shoppers will be redirected to the home category on NeimanMarcus.com, where they will find the full assortment previously available on Horchow.com.

The moves mark the initial phase of store closures across Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, the company said. Saks Global said the stores earmarked for closing represent a small part of its business and were not profitable.

“We are initiating a series of actions to reinforce Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman as the ultimate destinations for luxury with a seamless multichannel shopping experience,” Geoffroy van Raemdonck, CEO of Saks Global, said in a statement.

The moves follow Saks’ announcement last month that it would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saks-global-bankruptcy-saks-off-5th-88f6549b5b0def8ec69b9811bf214462">close most of its Saks Off 5th locations.</a>&nbsp;Saks Global operates 70 Saks Off 5th locations and plans to shutter all but 12 stores. The remaining outlets will serve primarily as a selling channel for residual inventory from Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman, it had said.

Last month, Saks Global also announced it was shuttering the remaining five Last Call stores, which are outlet locations that serve as a discount channel for Neiman Marcus.

Saks Global filed for Chapter 11 reorganization on Jan. 14, buffeted by rising competition and the massive debt it took on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saks-fifth-avenue-neiman-marcus-takeover-4dc8ee9f03ed05def9a54043e1205d00">to buy its rival in the luxury sector</a>, Neiman Marcus, just over a year ago.

Saks Global had secured roughly $500 million of the broader $1.75 billion financial package. That money will help to pay its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saks-neiman-marcus-bankruptcy-suppliers-7db914b38a80284f803067be78df5404">suppliers,</a>&nbsp;who have faced a pile of unpaid bills from the retailer and who are critical for keeping the store stocked with merchandise.

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