By Scott Carlson North Platte Post

LINCOLN, Neb.-Lincoln police are searching for a missing girl and they need to public to help locate her.

Police said Natalie Davis, 12, was last seen this morning, July 28, around 8:30 am in the 3700 block of San Mateo Lane (just west of 40th Street between Yankee Hill and Pine Lake Road). 

 Natalie is a white female, 5’1” tall, 105 lbs., brown hair and eyes, and was last seen wearing a grey T-shirt, pink shorts, and pink sandals with socks, carrying a large black and white purse. 

 If you have seen Natalie, please call 402-441-6000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627501715334.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Scott Carlson North Platte PostLINCOLN, Neb.-Lincoln police are searching for a missing girl and they need to public to help locate her.Police said Natalie Davis, 12, was last seen this morning, July 28, around 8:30 am in the 3700 block of San Mateo Lane (just west of 40th Street between Yankee Hill and Pine Lake Road). Natalie is a white female, 5’1” tall, 105 lbs., brown hair and eyes, and was last seen wearing a grey T-shirt, pink shorts, and pink sandals with socks, carrying a large black and white purse. If you have seen Natalie, please call 402-441-6000.

Lincoln police search for missing 12-year-old

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The family of a white Nebraska bar owner who killed himself after being charged in the fatal shooting of a Black man during 2020 protests over racial injustice is suing local prosecutors, saying their comments led to his suicide. 

The Omaha World-Herald reports that the parents of Jake Gardner sued the Douglas County Attorney's Office, its top prosecutor and a special prosecutor in federal court on Monday. 

The lawsuit accuses special prosecutor Frederick Franklin and Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine of violating Gardner’s constitutional rights and accuses Franklin of implying that Gardner was a racist. 

Gardner had been charged with manslaughter and other felonies in the May 30, 2020, shooting death of 22-year-old James Scurlock.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627501460634.png" alt="Gardner" />
 <figcaption>Gardner</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The family of a white Nebraska bar owner who killed himself after being charged in the fatal shooting of a Black man during 2020 protests over racial injustice is suing local prosecutors, saying their comments led to his suicide. The Omaha World-Herald reports that the parents of Jake Gardner sued the Douglas County Attorney's Office, its top prosecutor and a special prosecutor in federal court on Monday. The lawsuit accuses special prosecutor Frederick Franklin and Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine of violating Gardner’s constitutional rights and accuses Franklin of implying that Gardner was a racist. Gardner had been charged with manslaughter and other felonies in the May 30, 2020, shooting death of 22-year-old James Scurlock.

Family's suit alleges prosecutors' comments led to suicide

NEWCASTLE, Neb. (AP) — A northeastern Nebraska school is closing its doors because of a lack of students. 

The Sioux City Journal reports that the Hartington-Newcastle School Board voted in June to close the Newcastle building, which most recently had taught only 18 children in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and first-grade classes.

 School officials cited the dwindling population of students from Newcastle, a village of around 325 that lies about 107 miles northwest of Omaha. 

Starting this fall, all students will attend classes in Hartington, about a half-hour drive from Newcastle. 

That will consist of only three first-graders and a handful of pre-kindergarten students.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620174158277.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEWCASTLE, Neb. (AP) — A northeastern Nebraska school is closing its doors because of a lack of students. The Sioux City Journal reports that the Hartington-Newcastle School Board voted in June to close the Newcastle building, which most recently had taught only 18 children in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and first-grade classes. School officials cited the dwindling population of students from Newcastle, a village of around 325 that lies about 107 miles northwest of Omaha. Starting this fall, all students will attend classes in Hartington, about a half-hour drive from Newcastle. That will consist of only three first-graders and a handful of pre-kindergarten students.

Northeastern Nebraska school to closing for lack of students

MORRIS COUNTY—Two people died in an accident just after 12:30a.m. Wednesday in Morris County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Yamaha motorcycle was traveling northeast on Dam Road one mile north of Council Grove.

The driver failed to negotiate the curb where the road curves to the left. The motorcycle struck a guard rail. The driver and passenger were ejected.&nbsp;&nbsp;Max Hamilton Byram, 28 and Jordan Patricia Leeann Kelly, 20, both of Council Grove were pronounced dead at the scene and transported to&nbsp;Swayer Funeral Home. 

They were not wearing helmets, according to the KHP. The agency was not sure who was driving the motorcycle.

MORRIS COUNTY—Two people died in an accident just after 12:30a.m. Wednesday in Morris County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Yamaha motorcycle was traveling northeast on Dam Road one mile north of Council Grove.The driver failed to negotiate the curb where the road curves to the left. The motorcycle struck a guard rail. The driver and passenger were ejected.&nbsp;&nbsp;Max Hamilton Byram, 28 and Jordan Patricia Leeann Kelly, 20, both of Council Grove were pronounced dead at the scene and transported to&nbsp;Swayer Funeral Home. They were not wearing helmets, according to the KHP. The agency was not sure who was driving the motorcycle.

Kan. man, woman dead after motorcycle crash

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — Four people killed last week in a Springfield house fire were a mother and her four children, fire officials said.

The Springfield Fire Department identified the victims in a news release as 40-year-old Marlana Young, 13-year-old Nevaeh Young, 11-year-old Rayden Young, and 6-year-old Samantha Young.

Fire crews were called to the blaze early Friday morning and learned several people were inside the home. Firefighters pulled the four from the burning home and rushed them in critical condition to a Springfield hospital, where Marlana Young and Samantha died shortly after arriving.

The two other children died a day later from their injuries, officials said.

Investigators are still trying to determine how the fire started.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — Four people — including three children — have died from injuries received in a house fire at Springfield, officials there said.

Crews were called to the fire early Friday morning and learned that several people were inside the home, the Springfield Fire Department said in a news release. Arriving firefighters pulled a 40-year-old woman and three children — a 13-year-old girl, 11-year-old boy and 6-year-old girl — from the burning home and rushed them in critical condition to a Springfield hospital, where the woman and 6-year-old died shortly after arriving.

Fire officials said Sunday that the 13-year-old and 11-year-old had later died a day later from their injuries.

Authorities have not released their names or said how the fire started.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627491483866.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — Four people killed last week in a Springfield house fire were a mother and her four children, fire officials said.The Springfield Fire Department identified the victims in a news release as 40-year-old Marlana Young, 13-year-old Nevaeh Young, 11-year-old Rayden Young, and 6-year-old Samantha Young.Fire crews were called to the blaze early Friday morning and learned several people were inside the home. Firefighters pulled the four from the burning home and rushed them in critical condition to a Springfield hospital, where Marlana Young and Samantha died shortly after arriving.The two other children died a day later from their injuries, officials said.Investigators are still trying to determine how the fire started.--------SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — Four people — including three children — have died from injuries received in a house fire at Springfield, officials there said.Crews were called to the fire early Friday morning and learned that several people were inside the home, the Springfield Fire Department said in a news release. Arriving firefighters pulled a 40-year-old woman and three children — a 13-year-old girl, 11-year-old boy and 6-year-old girl — from the burning home and rushed them in critical condition to a Springfield hospital, where the woman and 6-year-old died shortly after arriving.Fire officials said Sunday that the 13-year-old and 11-year-old had later died a day later from their injuries.Authorities have not released their names or said how the fire started.

Officials ID 3 children, mother killed in Missouri house fire

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Staff and inmates at South Dakota prisons are no longer required to wear masks following an order from Gov. Kristi Noem lifting the requirement. 

The Republican governor’s move comes as virus cases have seen a recent uptick. 

It defies a recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that masks still be worn in facilities like prisons. 

Among neighboring states, South Dakota is the only one to lift a mask requirement in prisons. 

The Argus Leader reports Noem’s move was spurred by a meeting she had with employees at the state penitentiary in Sioux Falls.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627315782482.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Staff and inmates at South Dakota prisons are no longer required to wear masks following an order from Gov. Kristi Noem lifting the requirement. The Republican governor’s move comes as virus cases have seen a recent uptick. It defies a recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that masks still be worn in facilities like prisons. Among neighboring states, South Dakota is the only one to lift a mask requirement in prisons. The Argus Leader reports Noem’s move was spurred by a meeting she had with employees at the state penitentiary in Sioux Falls.

South Dakota governor lifts mask requirement in prisons

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Omaha police have arrested a man accused of attacking and shooting another man in the neck with a BB gun for wearing a face mask. 

The Omaha World-Herald reports the incident happened Tuesday in the vestibule of a midtown grocery store as one man was leaving and another was entering. 

Police say one of the men was not wearing a mask and ran up to and spit on the other man, who was wearing a mask. 

A fight ensued, and police say the unmasked man pulled out a BB-gun replica of a pistol and shot the other man. 

The injured man said when he demanded to know why he was attacked, the unmasked man responded, “You're on the other team.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615984896927.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Omaha police have arrested a man accused of attacking and shooting another man in the neck with a BB gun for wearing a face mask. The Omaha World-Herald reports the incident happened Tuesday in the vestibule of a midtown grocery store as one man was leaving and another was entering. Police say one of the men was not wearing a mask and ran up to and spit on the other man, who was wearing a mask. A fight ensued, and police say the unmasked man pulled out a BB-gun replica of a pistol and shot the other man. The injured man said when he demanded to know why he was attacked, the unmasked man responded, “You're on the other team.”

Omaha police arrest man accused of attack over mask-wearing

KANSAS CITY (AP)—McCormick is voluntarily recalling some seasonings due to<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/voluntary-recall-notice-mccormick-italian-seasoning-products-and-franks-redhot-buffalo-ranch#recall-announcement"> possible salmonella contamination. </a>

The company said this week that it’s recalling McCormick Perfect Pinch Italian Seasoning, McCormick Culinary Italian Seasoning and Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Ranch Seasoning. No illnesses have been reported to date in relation to the recalled products. 

McCormick said that the potential risk was brought to its attention by the Food and Drug Administration during routine testing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627480869640.png" alt="The product was shipped to Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and 30 other states-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The product was shipped to Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and 30 other states-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP)—McCormick is voluntarily recalling some seasonings due to<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/voluntary-recall-notice-mccormick-italian-seasoning-products-and-franks-redhot-buffalo-ranch#recall-announcement"> possible salmonella contamination. </a>The company said this week that it’s recalling McCormick Perfect Pinch Italian Seasoning, McCormick Culinary Italian Seasoning and Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Ranch Seasoning. No illnesses have been reported to date in relation to the recalled products. McCormick said that the potential risk was brought to its attention by the Food and Drug Administration during routine testing.

McCormick recalls some seasonings due to salmonella concern

(AP)-Restaurant delivery companies like DoorDash and Uber Eats are rapidly expanding their services to grocers, convenience stores, pharmacies, pet stores and even department stores. 

The move has been spurred by skyrocketing consumer demand during the pandemic. 

On Wednesday, Uber Eats unveiled its newest delivery option that will let users order flowers as part of a partnership with ProFlowers, an FTD subsidiary. 

Delivery companies say the partnerships will help them keep the customers they gained in the pandemic. 

Adding new stores could also help the companies make a profit after years of losses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627479072604.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>(AP)-Restaurant delivery companies like DoorDash and Uber Eats are rapidly expanding their services to grocers, convenience stores, pharmacies, pet stores and even department stores. The move has been spurred by skyrocketing consumer demand during the pandemic. On Wednesday, Uber Eats unveiled its newest delivery option that will let users order flowers as part of a partnership with ProFlowers, an FTD subsidiary. Delivery companies say the partnerships will help them keep the customers they gained in the pandemic. Adding new stores could also help the companies make a profit after years of losses.

Delivery apps expand reach to meet customer demands

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — The nation’s reckoning on race has given new momentum to efforts to help U.S. homeowners somehow disassociate their properties with historic, racially restrictive property covenants. 

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 10 states this year passed or are currently considering a wide range of bills concerning restrictive covenants that are based upon race or religion. 

Three states passed such legislation in 2020. 

Even though the U.S. Supreme Court in 1948 ruled that racially restrictive housing covenants were unenforceable under the U.S. Constitution, many still remain today, often to the surprise of homeowners.

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — The nation’s reckoning on race has given new momentum to efforts to help U.S. homeowners somehow disassociate their properties with historic, racially restrictive property covenants. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 10 states this year passed or are currently considering a wide range of bills concerning restrictive covenants that are based upon race or religion. Three states passed such legislation in 2020. Even though the U.S. Supreme Court in 1948 ruled that racially restrictive housing covenants were unenforceable under the U.S. Constitution, many still remain today, often to the surprise of homeowners.

State lawmakers work to strip old 'whites only' covenants

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas teacher accused of alleged sex crimes made his first court appearance in the case Monday.

Shawn Wingfield, 48, was charged with two counts of sexual exploitation of a child, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In June, police in Wichita were alerted to a concerning text messages sent by 48-year-old Shawn Wingfield, according to Officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;

USD 259 listed Wingfield as a gifted-6 teacher at Wichita Northwest High School. His linkdin profile said he also was involved with debate and forensics.

Further investigation into the text messages led police to arrest Wingfield on Saturday and he was booked&nbsp; into the Sedgwick County Jail <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=305200">on requested</a> charges of sexual exploitation of a child.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, Wingfield wrote on social media," This morning, for reasons involving personal health and well being, I resigned from Wichita Public Schools. Without going into details, I have come to believe that this is not only the best decision for myself, but also for the district and my students. And while I do regret the timing of this decision so close to the start of the new school year, I believe that to stay any longer would prove to be a greater inconvenience to everyone in the end."

On Saturday Wingfield&nbsp; wrote on social media, "Time for me to check out for a while.  A little earlier than I had hoped.  See everyone, I hope, on the other side."

&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=305200">He remains jailed on a $50,000 </a>bond, according to online jail records&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627476996042.png" alt="Wingfield" />
 <figcaption>Wingfield</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas teacher accused of alleged sex crimes made his first court appearance in the case Monday.Shawn Wingfield, 48, was charged with two counts of sexual exploitation of a child, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In June, police in Wichita were alerted to a concerning text messages sent by 48-year-old Shawn Wingfield, according to Officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;USD 259 listed Wingfield as a gifted-6 teacher at Wichita Northwest High School. His linkdin profile said he also was involved with debate and forensics.Further investigation into the text messages led police to arrest Wingfield on Saturday and he was booked&nbsp; into the Sedgwick County Jail <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=305200">on requested</a> charges of sexual exploitation of a child.&nbsp;Earlier this month, Wingfield wrote on social media," This morning, for reasons involving personal health and well being, I resigned from Wichita Public Schools. Without going into details, I have come to believe that this is not only the best decision for myself, but also for the district and my students. And while I do regret the timing of this decision so close to the start of the new school year, I believe that to stay any longer would prove to be a greater inconvenience to everyone in the end."On Saturday Wingfield&nbsp; wrote on social media, "Time for me to check out for a while. A little earlier than I had hoped. See everyone, I hope, on the other side."&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=305200">He remains jailed on a $50,000 </a>bond, according to online jail records&nbsp;

Kan. teacher charged with sex crimes after text message investigation

RENO COUNTY —A Kansas man was injured in an accident during a sewer line project in Hutchinson.

Just before 5p.m. Tuesday, fire crews were dispatched for a trench rescue incident at 1707 East Blanchard Avenue in Hutchinson, according to Fire Chief Steven Beer.

First arriving fire units found a 24-year-old male buried up to his waist in a 12’x12’x8’ deep hole that had collapsed on him.

He was buried in a wet slurry mix and was unable to extricate himself. Fire crews immediately requested mutual aid from Newton and Sedgwick County Fire Departments due to the high heat and labor-intensive operations.

The man was in the hole replacing a 4-inch sewer line when the collapse occurred. It took fire crews 3 hours and 12 minutes to safely extricate him from the hole. No other injuries occurred.

Fire crews battled a low ground water table which in turn had created a large amount of water seeping into the collapsed hole. Fire crews worked in 30-minute shifts, were then rehydrated, and placed back in the work rotation to keep crews fresh. Once extricated, the individual was transported by Reno County EMS to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, according to Beer. Authorities did have have an update on his condition early Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627476881358.jpeg" alt="Photo: Hutchinson Fire Dept." />
 <figcaption>Photo: Hutchinson Fire Dept.</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY —A Kansas man was injured in an accident during a sewer line project in Hutchinson.Just before 5p.m. Tuesday, fire crews were dispatched for a trench rescue incident at 1707 East Blanchard Avenue in Hutchinson, according to Fire Chief Steven Beer.First arriving fire units found a 24-year-old male buried up to his waist in a 12’x12’x8’ deep hole that had collapsed on him.He was buried in a wet slurry mix and was unable to extricate himself. Fire crews immediately requested mutual aid from Newton and Sedgwick County Fire Departments due to the high heat and labor-intensive operations.The man was in the hole replacing a 4-inch sewer line when the collapse occurred. It took fire crews 3 hours and 12 minutes to safely extricate him from the hole. No other injuries occurred.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627476922240.jpeg" alt="Photo: Hutchinson Fire Dept." />
 <figcaption>Photo: Hutchinson Fire Dept.</figcaption>
 </figure>Fire crews battled a low ground water table which in turn had created a large amount of water seeping into the collapsed hole. Fire crews worked in 30-minute shifts, were then rehydrated, and placed back in the work rotation to keep crews fresh. Once extricated, the individual was transported by Reno County EMS to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, according to Beer. Authorities did have have an update on his condition early Wednesday.

Rescue crews free man from hole in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is strongly considering requiring federal employees to show proof they’ve been vaccinated against the coronavirus or otherwise submit to regular testing and wear a mask — a potentially major shift in policy that reflects growing concerns about the spread of the more infectious delta variant.

The possible vaccine mandate for federal employees — regardless of the rate of transmission in their area — is one option under consideration by the Biden administration, according to a person familiar with the plans who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss deliberations that have yet to be made public. The White House is expected to announce its final decision after completing a policy review this week.

According to an analysis from the federal Office of Management and Budget, in 2020 there were more than 4.2 million federal workers nationwide, including those in the military.

President Joe Biden suggested Tuesday that expanding that mandate to the entire federal workforce was “under consideration,” but offered no further details. The Department of Veterans Affairs on Monday became the first federal agency to require vaccinations, for its health workers.

The broader requirement under consideration would be the most significant shift by the Biden administration this week as the White House grapples with a surge in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations nationwide driven by the spread of the delta variant and breakthrough infections among vaccinated Americans.

On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reversed its masking guidelines and said that all Americans living in areas with substantial or high coronavirus transmission rates should wear masks indoors, regardless of their vaccination status.

And just like that, masks were back at the White House.

By Tuesday afternoon, when the latest CDC data found that Washington, D.C., is facing substantial rates of transmission, White House staff were asked to begin wearing masks indoors starting Wednesday. Press were asked to follow suit, and those staff and reporters remaining in the White House were already masking up.

An aide for Vice President Kamala Harris passed out masks to the reporters covering her events earlier that day, asking them to put them on before walking in to her meeting with Native American leaders on voting rights.

Masks will also be required again at the U.S. House.

Citing the new CDC guidance, the Capitol’s Attending Physician Brian P. Monahan issued a memo late Tuesday reinstating the mask requirement for all individuals, vaccinated and not, when entering the House chamber or other interior spaces in the complex when others are present. Fines that had been established under previous House rules can be imposed for offenders, though exceptions will be allowed when lawmakers are recognized to speak during proceedings.

For the Senate, with far fewer members, the masks are being recommended but not required for the chamber and other indoor spaces.

“All individuals should wear a well-fitted, medical-grade filtration mask,” Monahan wrote in a similar letter obtained by The Associated Press.

Biden dismissed concerns that the new masking guidance from the CDC could create confusion among Americans, saying those who remain unvaccinated are the ones who are “sowing enormous confusion.”

“The more we learn, the more we learn about this virus and the delta variation, the more we have to be worried and concerned. And there’s only one thing we know for sure — if those other 100 million people got vaccinated, we’d be in a very different world,” he told reporters after speaking to intelligence community employees at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence on Tuesday.

But the whiplash on masking and vaccinations — just the day before, White House press secretary Jen Psaki had avoided questions over why the administration had yet to require vaccines for federal workers — reflects the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus.

Various state and local governments, private companies, hospital administrators and universities across the nation have reverted to indoor mask mandates and instituted vaccine mandates in recent months, but just 60% of American adults have been completely vaccinated, and the latest wave of the coronavirus is hitting those communities with low vaccination rates particularly hard. The nation is averaging more than 57,000 cases a day and 24,000 COVID-19 hospitalizations.

But the Biden administration had thus far avoided embracing a vaccine mandate for its own employees — in part because officials are wary of further politicizing an already fraught issue by coming down too hard on the side of vaccine mandates.

Psaki acknowledged Tuesday that administration officials are aware of the risk that Biden’s support for vaccine mandates could harden opposition to vaccines among his detractors.

“The president certainly recognizes that he is not always the right voice to every community about the benefits of getting vaccinated, which is why we have invested as much as we have in local voices and empowering local, trusted voices,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627469104760.png" alt="President Joe Biden suggested Tuesday that expanding that mandate to the entire federal workforce was “under consideration,” but offered no further details. The Department of Veterans Affairs on Monday became the first federal agency to require vaccinations, for its health workers.-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Joe Biden suggested Tuesday that expanding that mandate to the entire federal workforce was “under consideration,” but offered no further details. The Department of Veterans Affairs on Monday became the first federal agency to require vaccinations, for its health workers.-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is strongly considering requiring federal employees to show proof they’ve been vaccinated against the coronavirus or otherwise submit to regular testing and wear a mask — a potentially major shift in policy that reflects growing concerns about the spread of the more infectious delta variant.The possible vaccine mandate for federal employees — regardless of the rate of transmission in their area — is one option under consideration by the Biden administration, according to a person familiar with the plans who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss deliberations that have yet to be made public. The White House is expected to announce its final decision after completing a policy review this week.According to an analysis from the federal Office of Management and Budget, in 2020 there were more than 4.2 million federal workers nationwide, including those in the military.President Joe Biden suggested Tuesday that expanding that mandate to the entire federal workforce was “under consideration,” but offered no further details. The Department of Veterans Affairs on Monday became the first federal agency to require vaccinations, for its health workers.The broader requirement under consideration would be the most significant shift by the Biden administration this week as the White House grapples with a surge in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations nationwide driven by the spread of the delta variant and breakthrough infections among vaccinated Americans.On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reversed its masking guidelines and said that all Americans living in areas with substantial or high coronavirus transmission rates should wear masks indoors, regardless of their vaccination status.And just like that, masks were back at the White House.By Tuesday afternoon, when the latest CDC data found that Washington, D.C., is facing substantial rates of transmission, White House staff were asked to begin wearing masks indoors starting Wednesday. Press were asked to follow suit, and those staff and reporters remaining in the White House were already masking up.An aide for Vice President Kamala Harris passed out masks to the reporters covering her events earlier that day, asking them to put them on before walking in to her meeting with Native American leaders on voting rights.Masks will also be required again at the U.S. House.Citing the new CDC guidance, the Capitol’s Attending Physician Brian P. Monahan issued a memo late Tuesday reinstating the mask requirement for all individuals, vaccinated and not, when entering the House chamber or other interior spaces in the complex when others are present. Fines that had been established under previous House rules can be imposed for offenders, though exceptions will be allowed when lawmakers are recognized to speak during proceedings.For the Senate, with far fewer members, the masks are being recommended but not required for the chamber and other indoor spaces.“All individuals should wear a well-fitted, medical-grade filtration mask,” Monahan wrote in a similar letter obtained by The Associated Press.Biden dismissed concerns that the new masking guidance from the CDC could create confusion among Americans, saying those who remain unvaccinated are the ones who are “sowing enormous confusion.”“The more we learn, the more we learn about this virus and the delta variation, the more we have to be worried and concerned. And there’s only one thing we know for sure — if those other 100 million people got vaccinated, we’d be in a very different world,” he told reporters after speaking to intelligence community employees at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence on Tuesday.But the whiplash on masking and vaccinations — just the day before, White House press secretary Jen Psaki had avoided questions over why the administration had yet to require vaccines for federal workers — reflects the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus.Various state and local governments, private companies, hospital administrators and universities across the nation have reverted to indoor mask mandates and instituted vaccine mandates in recent months, but just 60% of American adults have been completely vaccinated, and the latest wave of the coronavirus is hitting those communities with low vaccination rates particularly hard. The nation is averaging more than 57,000 cases a day and 24,000 COVID-19 hospitalizations.But the Biden administration had thus far avoided embracing a vaccine mandate for its own employees — in part because officials are wary of further politicizing an already fraught issue by coming down too hard on the side of vaccine mandates.Psaki acknowledged Tuesday that administration officials are aware of the risk that Biden’s support for vaccine mandates could harden opposition to vaccines among his detractors.“The president certainly recognizes that he is not always the right voice to every community about the benefits of getting vaccinated, which is why we have invested as much as we have in local voices and empowering local, trusted voices,” she said.

Biden considers vaccine mandate for all federal workers

TOKYO (AP) — Simone Biles will not defend her Olympic title.

The American gymnastics superstar withdrew from Thursday’s all-around competition to focus on her mental well-being.

USA Gymnastics said in a statement on Wednesday that the 24-year-old is opting to not compete. The decision comes a day after Biles removed herself from the team final following one rotation because she felt she wasn’t mentally ready.

Jade Carey, who finished ninth in qualifying, will take Biles’ place in the all-around. Carey initially did not qualify because she was the third-ranking American behind Biles and Sunisa Lee. International Gymnastics Federation rules limit countries to two athletes per event in the finals.

The organization said Biles will be evaluated daily before deciding if she will participate in next week’s individual events. Biles qualified for the finals on all four apparatuses, something she didn’t even do during her five-medal haul in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

The 24-year-old came to Tokyo as arguably the face of the Games following the retirement of swimmer Michael Phelps and sprinter Usain Bolt. She topped qualifying on Sunday despite piling up mandatory deductions on vault, floor and beam following shaky dismounts.

She posted on social media on Monday that she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders. The weight became too heavy after vaulting during team finals. She lost herself in mid-air and completed 1 1/2 twists instead of 2 1/2. She consulted with U.S. team doctor Marcia Faustin before walking off the field of play.

When she returned, she took off her bar grips, hugged teammates Sunisa Lee, Grace McCallum and Jordan Chiles and turned into the team’s head cheerleader as the U.S. claimed silver behind the Russian Olympic Committee.

“Once I came out here (to compete), I was like, ‘No mental is, not there so I just need to let the girls do it and focus on myself,’” Biles said following the medal ceremony.

The decision opens the door wide open for the all-around, a title that was long considered a foregone conclusion. Rebeca Andrade of Brazil finished second to Biles during qualifying, followed by Lee and Russians Angelina Melnikova and Vladislava Urazova. The four were separated by three-tenths of a point on Sunday.

Carey now finds herself in the final, capping a remarkable journey for the 21-year-old from Phoenix. She spent two years traveling the globe in an effort to pile up enough points on the World Cup circuit to earn an individual nominative spot, meaning she would be in the Olympics but technically not be part of the four-woman U.S. team.

Carey posted the second-best score on vault and the third-best on floor during qualifying, earning trips to the event finals in the process. Now she finds herself competing for an all-around medal while replacing the athlete considered the greatest of all-time in the sport

TOKYO (AP) — Simone Biles will not defend her Olympic title.The American gymnastics superstar withdrew from Thursday’s all-around competition to focus on her mental well-being.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">After further medical evaluation, Simone Biles has withdrawn from the final individual all-around competition. We wholeheartedly support Simone’s decision and applaud her bravery in prioritizing her well-being. Her courage shows, yet again, why she is a role model for so many. <a href="https://t.co/6ILdtSQF7o">pic.twitter.com/6ILdtSQF7o</a>&mdash; USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAGym/status/1420266286441922562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>USA Gymnastics said in a statement on Wednesday that the 24-year-old is opting to not compete. The decision comes a day after Biles removed herself from the team final following one rotation because she felt she wasn’t mentally ready.Jade Carey, who finished ninth in qualifying, will take Biles’ place in the all-around. Carey initially did not qualify because she was the third-ranking American behind Biles and Sunisa Lee. International Gymnastics Federation rules limit countries to two athletes per event in the finals.The organization said Biles will be evaluated daily before deciding if she will participate in next week’s individual events. Biles qualified for the finals on all four apparatuses, something she didn’t even do during her five-medal haul in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.The 24-year-old came to Tokyo as arguably the face of the Games following the retirement of swimmer Michael Phelps and sprinter Usain Bolt. She topped qualifying on Sunday despite piling up mandatory deductions on vault, floor and beam following shaky dismounts.She posted on social media on Monday that she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders. The weight became too heavy after vaulting during team finals. She lost herself in mid-air and completed 1 1/2 twists instead of 2 1/2. She consulted with U.S. team doctor Marcia Faustin before walking off the field of play.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We’re thinking of you, Simone. ❤️ Your strength and courage to focus on your wellbeing is something we can all learn from. Thank you for being the leader you are. <a href="https://t.co/Jnaa96AKse">pic.twitter.com/Jnaa96AKse</a>&mdash; Team USA (@TeamUSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/TeamUSA/status/1420306841351819265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>When she returned, she took off her bar grips, hugged teammates Sunisa Lee, Grace McCallum and Jordan Chiles and turned into the team’s head cheerleader as the U.S. claimed silver behind the Russian Olympic Committee.“Once I came out here (to compete), I was like, ‘No mental is, not there so I just need to let the girls do it and focus on myself,’” Biles said following the medal ceremony.The decision opens the door wide open for the all-around, a title that was long considered a foregone conclusion. Rebeca Andrade of Brazil finished second to Biles during qualifying, followed by Lee and Russians Angelina Melnikova and Vladislava Urazova. The four were separated by three-tenths of a point on Sunday.Carey now finds herself in the final, capping a remarkable journey for the 21-year-old from Phoenix. She spent two years traveling the globe in an effort to pile up enough points on the World Cup circuit to earn an individual nominative spot, meaning she would be in the Olympics but technically not be part of the four-woman U.S. team.Carey posted the second-best score on vault and the third-best on floor during qualifying, earning trips to the event finals in the process. Now she finds herself competing for an all-around medal while replacing the athlete considered the greatest of all-time in the sport

Superstar Simone Biles withdraws from all-around competition

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement with Starostka-Lewis LLC for alleged violations of the federal Clean Water Act, including unauthorized discharges of pollutants from the company’s residential construction site in Lincoln, Nebraska, into an adjacent stream. Under the terms of the settlement, the company agreed to pay a civil penalty of $60,009.

According to EPA, Starostka-Lewis LLC violated terms of a Clean Water Act permit issued to the company for its Dominion at Stevens Creek residential construction site. EPA inspected the site in 2019 and alleges that, among other permit violations, the company failed to implement practices to limit the release of construction pollution into streams and other waters. EPA says those failures resulted in discharges of sediment and construction-related pollutants into a tributary to Stevens Creek and Waterford Lake.

In the settlement documents, Starostka-Lewis certified that it took the necessary steps to return to compliance.

Under the Clean Water Act, companies that propose to disturb an acre or more of land in proximity to protected water bodies are required to obtain stormwater construction permits and to follow the requirements outlined in those permits in order to reduce pollution runoff. Failure to obtain a permit or to follow the requirements of a permit may violate federal law.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592424714240.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement with Starostka-Lewis LLC for alleged violations of the federal Clean Water Act, including unauthorized discharges of pollutants from the company’s residential construction site in Lincoln, Nebraska, into an adjacent stream. Under the terms of the settlement, the company agreed to pay a civil penalty of $60,009.According to EPA, Starostka-Lewis LLC violated terms of a Clean Water Act permit issued to the company for its Dominion at Stevens Creek residential construction site. EPA inspected the site in 2019 and alleges that, among other permit violations, the company failed to implement practices to limit the release of construction pollution into streams and other waters. EPA says those failures resulted in discharges of sediment and construction-related pollutants into a tributary to Stevens Creek and Waterford Lake.In the settlement documents, Starostka-Lewis certified that it took the necessary steps to return to compliance.Under the Clean Water Act, companies that propose to disturb an acre or more of land in proximity to protected water bodies are required to obtain stormwater construction permits and to follow the requirements outlined in those permits in order to reduce pollution runoff. Failure to obtain a permit or to follow the requirements of a permit may violate federal law.

Lincoln construction company fined $60K by EPA

WASHINGTON (AP) — The signs and banners are dotted along suburban commercial strips and hanging in shop windows and restaurants, evidence of a new desperation among America’s service-industry employers: “Now Hiring, $15 an hour.” 

It is hardly the official federal minimum wage — at $7.25, that level hasn’t been raised since 2009 — but for many lower-skilled workers, $15 an hour has increasingly become a reality. 

Businesses, particularly in the restaurant, retail and travel industries, have been offering up a $15 wage to try to fill enough jobs to meet surging demand from consumers who are increasingly traveling, shopping, attending entertainment events and eating out.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627417624055.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The signs and banners are dotted along suburban commercial strips and hanging in shop windows and restaurants, evidence of a new desperation among America’s service-industry employers: “Now Hiring, $15 an hour.” It is hardly the official federal minimum wage — at $7.25, that level hasn’t been raised since 2009 — but for many lower-skilled workers, $15 an hour has increasingly become a reality. Businesses, particularly in the restaurant, retail and travel industries, have been offering up a $15 wage to try to fill enough jobs to meet surging demand from consumers who are increasingly traveling, shopping, attending entertainment events and eating out.

$15 wage becoming a norm as employers struggle to fill jobs

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A private LGBTQ event that was to be held at the Lincoln Children's Museum has been canceled following a barrage of threats — including death threats — against the museum and the nonprofit group putting on the event. 

The Lincoln Journal Star reports that the children’s museum announced the change Monday in a social media post, saying both it and OutNebraska faced a flood of threats after revealing plans to hold a private drag queen story hour Saturday after business hours. 

Lincoln Police Officer Luke Bonkiewicz says police are investigating the threats. 

Bonkiewicz declined to give details about the threats, but said they caused concern for the safety and well-being of potential attendees of the now-canceled event.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627417485282.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A private LGBTQ event that was to be held at the Lincoln Children's Museum has been canceled following a barrage of threats — including death threats — against the museum and the nonprofit group putting on the event. The Lincoln Journal Star reports that the children’s museum announced the change Monday in a social media post, saying both it and OutNebraska faced a flood of threats after revealing plans to hold a private drag queen story hour Saturday after business hours. Lincoln Police Officer Luke Bonkiewicz says police are investigating the threats. Bonkiewicz declined to give details about the threats, but said they caused concern for the safety and well-being of potential attendees of the now-canceled event.

LGBTQ event at children's museum canceled following threats

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The fuel needle is moving closer to “empty” at some U.S. airports.

American Airlines says it’s running into fuel shortages at some smaller and mid-size airports, and in some cases the airline will add refueling stops or fly fuel into locations where the supply is tight.

The airline said that the shortages showed up first in the West, where they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-government-and-politics-fires-environment-and-nature-29b3eb2572c64109ecce45258a93f78c">could affect efforts to fight wildfires.</a>&nbsp;They are now being reported in other parts of the country and will last through mid-August, according to a company memo to pilots on Monday. It asked pilots to conserve fuel by, for example, leaving one engine off while taxiing.

American said fuel supplies are being squeezed at “several” airports, which it didn’t name, mostly because of a shortage of tanker trucks or drivers.

Delta Air Lines, meanwhile, said Reno, Nevada, is the most affected location. Delta said pipelines have been devoting more space to gasoline and diesel and less to jet fuel during the pandemic. Nevada politicians worry that the situation could&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-government-and-politics-nevada-coronavirus-pandemic-de990bb6053cab4b938d56bbd1186e10">limit the flow of tourism dollars</a>.

Southwest said the fuel situation hasn’t affected its flights, but it has added more fuel on some planes to limit the amount needed at airports with shortages.

Trade group Airlines for America said it is talking to federal authorities and pipeline operators about the situation, which it said mostly affects smaller airports in the West.

The jet fuel supply is being taxed by a strong recovery in travel, which means more planes in the air. U.S. air travel has reached about 80% of its pre-pandemic levels, with about 2 million people a day are flying in the U.S., double the number in early March.

The American Airlines memo to pilots was reported earlier by CNBC.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The fuel needle is moving closer to “empty” at some U.S. airports.American Airlines says it’s running into fuel shortages at some smaller and mid-size airports, and in some cases the airline will add refueling stops or fly fuel into locations where the supply is tight.The airline said that the shortages showed up first in the West, where they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-government-and-politics-fires-environment-and-nature-29b3eb2572c64109ecce45258a93f78c">could affect efforts to fight wildfires.</a>&nbsp;They are now being reported in other parts of the country and will last through mid-August, according to a company memo to pilots on Monday. It asked pilots to conserve fuel by, for example, leaving one engine off while taxiing.American said fuel supplies are being squeezed at “several” airports, which it didn’t name, mostly because of a shortage of tanker trucks or drivers.Delta Air Lines, meanwhile, said Reno, Nevada, is the most affected location. Delta said pipelines have been devoting more space to gasoline and diesel and less to jet fuel during the pandemic. Nevada politicians worry that the situation could&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-government-and-politics-nevada-coronavirus-pandemic-de990bb6053cab4b938d56bbd1186e10">limit the flow of tourism dollars</a>.Southwest said the fuel situation hasn’t affected its flights, but it has added more fuel on some planes to limit the amount needed at airports with shortages.Trade group Airlines for America said it is talking to federal authorities and pipeline operators about the situation, which it said mostly affects smaller airports in the West.The jet fuel supply is being taxed by a strong recovery in travel, which means more planes in the air. U.S. air travel has reached about 80% of its pre-pandemic levels, with about 2 million people a day are flying in the U.S., double the number in early March.The American Airlines memo to pilots was reported earlier by CNBC.

Airlines cite concerns about fuel shortages at some airports

TOKYO (AP) — Simone Biles arrived in Tokyo as the star of the U.S. Olympic movement and perhaps the Games themselves. She convinced herself she was prepared for the pressure. That she was ready to carry the burden of outsized expectations.

Only, as the women’s gymnastics team final approached on Tuesday night, something felt off. And the athlete widely considered the Greatest of All Time in her sport knew it.

So rather than push through the doubts that crept into her head as she’s done so many times in the past, Biles decided enough was enough. She was done. For now.

The American star withdrew from the competition following one rotation, opening the door for the team of Russian athletes to win gold for the first time in nearly three decades.

Jordan Chiles, Sunisa Lee and Grace McCallum guided the U.S. to silver while Biles cheered from the sideline in a white sweatsuit, at peace with a decision that revealed a shift not only in Biles but perhaps the sport she’s redefined.

“We also have to focus on ourselves, because at the end of the day we’re human, too,” Biles said. “So, we have to protect our mind and our body, rather than just go out there and do what the world wants us to do.”

The Americans — fueled by an uneven bars routine by Lee that not even Biles could match — drew within eight-tenths of a point through three rotations. ROC, however, never wavered on floor. And they erupted when 21-year-old Angelina Melnikova’s score assured them of the top spot on the podium for the first time since the Unified Team won in Barcelona in 1992.

The victory came a day after ROC men’s team edged Japan for the top spot in the men’s final. Great Britain edged Italy for bronze.

“The impossible is possible now,” Melnikova said.

In the five years since Biles and the U.S. put on a dazzling display on their way to gold in Rio de Janeiro, gymnastics has undergone a reckoning. The tectonic plates in a sport where obedience, discipline and silence were long considered as important as talent and artistry are moving.

Biles has become an outspoken advocate for athlete’s rights and the importance of proper mental health. There was a time, there were many times actually, where she felt she wasn’t right and just powered through because that’s what people expected of her.

Not anymore. And the stand she took could resonate far beyond the color of any medal she may win in Tokyo.

Biles is the latest in a series of high-profile athletes, including tennis star Naomi Osaka, who have used their platforms to discuss their mental heath struggles. A subject that was once taboo has become far more accepted and embraced.

U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland applauded Biles for prioritizing her “mental wellness over all else” and offered the organization’s full support. USA Gymnastics women’s program vice-president called Biles’ act “incredibly selfless.”

Biles posted on social media Monday that she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders after an uncharacteristically sloppy showing during qualifying left the Americans looking up at the ROC on the scoreboard.

The tension affected her practice. It affected her confidence. And when she stepped onto the vault runway, it finally found its way to her performance, too.

She was scheduled to do an “Amanar” vault that requires a roundoff back handspring onto the table followed by 2 1/2 twists. Biles instead did just 1 1/2 twists with a big leap forward after landing. She sat down and talked to U.S. team doctor Marcia Faustin, then headed to the back while the rest of the Americans moved on to uneven bars without her.

When Biles returned several minutes later, she hugged her teammates and took off her bar grips. And just like that, her night was over.

“To see her kind of go out like that is very sad because this Olympic Games, I feel like, is kind of hers,” Lee said.

Biles is scheduled to defend her Olympic title in the all-around final on Thursday. She also qualified for all four event finals later in the Games. She said she will regroup on Wednesday before deciding whether to continue.

Biles’ abrupt absence forced the Americans to scramble a bit. The finals are a three-up/three-count format, meaning each country enters three of their four athletes on an apparatus, with all three scores counting.

Chiles stepped in to take Biles’ place on uneven bars and balance beam. The 20-year-old who made the team with her steady consistency pulled off a solid bars routine and drilled her balance beam set two days after falling twice on the event.

Thanks in part to a little help from ROC — which counted a pair of falls on beam — the U.S. drew within striking distance heading to floor, the final rotation.

Without Biles and her otherworldly tumbling, the U.S. needed to be near perfect to close the gap. It didn’t happen. Chiles stumbled to the mat at the end of her second pass, and any chance the U.S. had of chasing down ROC went right along with it.

Not that Chiles or the rest of the Americans particularly cared. The gold might be gone, but something more significant may have happened instead. It’s a tradeoff they can live with.

“This medal is definitely for (Biles),” said Chiles. “If it wasn’t if it wasn’t for her, we wouldn’t be here where we are right now. We wouldn’t be a silver medalist because of who she is as a person.”

Chiles then turned to her good friend. Biles helped convince her to move to Houston to train alongside her two years ago, a decision that turned Chiles into an Olympian. In an empty arena in the middle of Japan with the world watching, Chiles did for Biles what Biles has done for so many for so long. She had her back.

“Kudos to you girl,” Chiles said. “This is all for you.”

TOKYO (AP) — Simone Biles came to Tokyo as the star of the U.S. Olympic movement and perhaps the Games themselves. It all came to a stunning halt in the women’s gymnastics final on Tuesday night with an uncertain vault.

In a flash, the rest of the American star’s Games came into question. And the United States’ long run at the top of the sport came to an end.

The team representing the Russia Olympic Committee surged past the shorthanded U.S. to the top of the podium, posting a score of 169.258 to win the country’s first Olympic team gold in nearly 30 years.

The Americans, with Biles serving as head cheerleader while clad in a white sweatsuit and dealing with what USA Gymnastics called a “medical issue,” hung on for silver.

Grace McCallum, Sunisa Lee and Jordan Chiles drew the U.S. within eight-tenths of a point through three rotations. ROC, however, never wavered on floor. And they erupted when 21-year-old Angelina Melnikova’s score assured them of the top spot on the podium.

The victory came a day after ROC men’s team edged Japan for the top spot in the men’s final.

The U.S. entered the finals hoping to bounce back from a shaky performance in qualifying, when the Americans came in second to the ROC. It marked the first time in 11 years the U.S. found itself looking up at the scoreboard at someone else.

The team declined to talk to the media afterward, though the 24-year-old did post on social media that she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders and that the Olympics were “no joke.”

Yet, something happened during the first rotation. She attempted an Amanar vault during warmups only to roll out of it upon landing. The code for that vault posted when she saluted the judges, but in midair things went awry.

The vault requires a roundoff back handspring onto the table followed by 2 1/2 twists. Biles instead did just 1 1/2 twists with a big leap forward after landing. She sat down and talked to U.S. team doctor Marcia Faustin, then headed to the back while her teammates moved on to uneven bars without her.

When Biles returned several minutes later, she hugged her teammates and took off her bar grips. And just like that, the greatest of all-time’s night was over.

USA Gymnastics did not specify the nature of Biles’ medical issue, saying in a statement she “will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions.”

Biles is scheduled to defend her Olympic title in the all-around final on Thursday. She also qualified for all four event finals later in the Games.

Whether she will get that opportunity remains to be seen.

Biles’ abrupt absence forced the Americans to scramble a bit. The finals are a three-up/three-count format, meaning each country puts three of their four athletes up on an apparatus, with all three scores counting.

Thanks in part to a little help from ROC — which recorded a pair of falls on beam — the U.S. drew within striking distance heading to floor, the final rotation.

Yet the Americans — without Biles and her otherworldly tumbling — needed to be near perfect to close the gap. It didn’t happen. Chiles stumbled to the mat at the end of her second pass, and any chance the U.S. had of chasing down ROC went right along with it.

TOKYO (AP) — Reigning Olympic gymnastics champion Simone Biles is out of the team finals after apparently suffering an injury during the vault.

The 24-year-old U.S. star, considered to be the greatest gymnast of all time, huddled with a trainer after landing her vault. She then exited the competition floor with the team doctor.

Biles returned several minutes later with her right leg wrapped. She took off her bar grips, and hugged teammates Grace McCallum, Sunisa Lee and Jordan Chiles before putting on a jacket and sweatpants.&nbsp;Chiles replaced Biles on uneven bars and balance bream.

The Americans will be forced to finish the rest of the competition without her, severely hampering their bid to claim a third straight Olympic title.

Biles arrived in Tokyo as the unquestioned star of the Games but struggled, at least by her high standards, during qualifying.

TOKYO (AP) — Simone Biles arrived in Tokyo as the star of the U.S. Olympic movement and perhaps the Games themselves. She convinced herself she was prepared for the pressure. That she was ready to carry the burden of outsized expectations.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Official statement: &quot;Simone Biles has withdrawn from the team final competition due to a medical issue. She will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions.&quot; Thinking of you, Simone! <a href="https://t.co/QA1GYHwWTv">pic.twitter.com/QA1GYHwWTv</a>&mdash; USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAGym/status/1419992728352526339?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Only, as the women’s gymnastics team final approached on Tuesday night, something felt off. And the athlete widely considered the Greatest of All Time in her sport knew it.So rather than push through the doubts that crept into her head as she’s done so many times in the past, Biles decided enough was enough. She was done. For now.The American star withdrew from the competition following one rotation, opening the door for the team of Russian athletes to win gold for the first time in nearly three decades.Jordan Chiles, Sunisa Lee and Grace McCallum guided the U.S. to silver while Biles cheered from the sideline in a white sweatsuit, at peace with a decision that revealed a shift not only in Biles but perhaps the sport she’s redefined.“We also have to focus on ourselves, because at the end of the day we’re human, too,” Biles said. “So, we have to protect our mind and our body, rather than just go out there and do what the world wants us to do.”The Americans — fueled by an uneven bars routine by Lee that not even Biles could match — drew within eight-tenths of a point through three rotations. ROC, however, never wavered on floor. And they erupted when 21-year-old Angelina Melnikova’s score assured them of the top spot on the podium for the first time since the Unified Team won in Barcelona in 1992.The victory came a day after ROC men’s team edged Japan for the top spot in the men’s final. Great Britain edged Italy for bronze.“The impossible is possible now,” Melnikova said.Perhaps in more ways than one.In the five years since Biles and the U.S. put on a dazzling display on their way to gold in Rio de Janeiro, gymnastics has undergone a reckoning. The tectonic plates in a sport where obedience, discipline and silence were long considered as important as talent and artistry are moving.Biles has become an outspoken advocate for athlete’s rights and the importance of proper mental health. There was a time, there were many times actually, where she felt she wasn’t right and just powered through because that’s what people expected of her.Not anymore. And the stand she took could resonate far beyond the color of any medal she may win in Tokyo.Biles is the latest in a series of high-profile athletes, including tennis star Naomi Osaka, who have used their platforms to discuss their mental heath struggles. A subject that was once taboo has become far more accepted and embraced.U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland applauded Biles for prioritizing her “mental wellness over all else” and offered the organization’s full support. USA Gymnastics women’s program vice-president called Biles’ act “incredibly selfless.”Biles posted on social media Monday that she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders after an uncharacteristically sloppy showing during qualifying left the Americans looking up at the ROC on the scoreboard.The tension affected her practice. It affected her confidence. And when she stepped onto the vault runway, it finally found its way to her performance, too.She was scheduled to do an “Amanar” vault that requires a roundoff back handspring onto the table followed by 2 1/2 twists. Biles instead did just 1 1/2 twists with a big leap forward after landing. She sat down and talked to U.S. team doctor Marcia Faustin, then headed to the back while the rest of the Americans moved on to uneven bars without her.When Biles returned several minutes later, she hugged her teammates and took off her bar grips. And just like that, her night was over.“To see her kind of go out like that is very sad because this Olympic Games, I feel like, is kind of hers,” Lee said.Biles is scheduled to defend her Olympic title in the all-around final on Thursday. She also qualified for all four event finals later in the Games. She said she will regroup on Wednesday before deciding whether to continue.Biles’ abrupt absence forced the Americans to scramble a bit. The finals are a three-up/three-count format, meaning each country enters three of their four athletes on an apparatus, with all three scores counting.Chiles stepped in to take Biles’ place on uneven bars and balance beam. The 20-year-old who made the team with her steady consistency pulled off a solid bars routine and drilled her balance beam set two days after falling twice on the event.Thanks in part to a little help from ROC — which counted a pair of falls on beam — the U.S. drew within striking distance heading to floor, the final rotation.Without Biles and her otherworldly tumbling, the U.S. needed to be near perfect to close the gap. It didn’t happen. Chiles stumbled to the mat at the end of her second pass, and any chance the U.S. had of chasing down ROC went right along with it.Not that Chiles or the rest of the Americans particularly cared. The gold might be gone, but something more significant may have happened instead. It’s a tradeoff they can live with.“This medal is definitely for (Biles),” said Chiles. “If it wasn’t if it wasn’t for her, we wouldn’t be here where we are right now. We wouldn’t be a silver medalist because of who she is as a person.”Chiles then turned to her good friend. Biles helped convince her to move to Houston to train alongside her two years ago, a decision that turned Chiles into an Olympian. In an empty arena in the middle of Japan with the world watching, Chiles did for Biles what Biles has done for so many for so long. She had her back.“Kudos to you girl,” Chiles said. “This is all for you.”-------TOKYO (AP) — Simone Biles came to Tokyo as the star of the U.S. Olympic movement and perhaps the Games themselves. It all came to a stunning halt in the women’s gymnastics final on Tuesday night with an uncertain vault.In a flash, the rest of the American star’s Games came into question. And the United States’ long run at the top of the sport came to an end.The team representing the Russia Olympic Committee surged past the shorthanded U.S. to the top of the podium, posting a score of 169.258 to win the country’s first Olympic team gold in nearly 30 years.The Americans, with Biles serving as head cheerleader while clad in a white sweatsuit and dealing with what USA Gymnastics called a “medical issue,” hung on for silver.Grace McCallum, Sunisa Lee and Jordan Chiles drew the U.S. within eight-tenths of a point through three rotations. ROC, however, never wavered on floor. And they erupted when 21-year-old Angelina Melnikova’s score assured them of the top spot on the podium.The victory came a day after ROC men’s team edged Japan for the top spot in the men’s final.Great Britain edged Italy for bronzeThe U.S. entered the finals hoping to bounce back from a shaky performance in qualifying, when the Americans came in second to the ROC. It marked the first time in 11 years the U.S. found itself looking up at the scoreboard at someone else.The team declined to talk to the media afterward, though the 24-year-old did post on social media that she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders and that the Olympics were “no joke.”Yet, something happened during the first rotation. She attempted an Amanar vault during warmups only to roll out of it upon landing. The code for that vault posted when she saluted the judges, but in midair things went awry.The vault requires a roundoff back handspring onto the table followed by 2 1/2 twists. Biles instead did just 1 1/2 twists with a big leap forward after landing. She sat down and talked to U.S. team doctor Marcia Faustin, then headed to the back while her teammates moved on to uneven bars without her.When Biles returned several minutes later, she hugged her teammates and took off her bar grips. And just like that, the greatest of all-time’s night was over.USA Gymnastics did not specify the nature of Biles’ medical issue, saying in a statement she “will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions.”Biles is scheduled to defend her Olympic title in the all-around final on Thursday. She also qualified for all four event finals later in the Games.Whether she will get that opportunity remains to be seen.Biles’ abrupt absence forced the Americans to scramble a bit. The finals are a three-up/three-count format, meaning each country puts three of their four athletes up on an apparatus, with all three scores counting.Chiles stepped in to take Biles’ place on uneven bars and balance beam. The 20-year-old who made the team with her steady consistency pulled off a solid bars routine and drilled her balance beam set two days after falling twice on the event.Thanks in part to a little help from ROC — which recorded a pair of falls on beam — the U.S. drew within striking distance heading to floor, the final rotation.Yet the Americans — without Biles and her otherworldly tumbling — needed to be near perfect to close the gap. It didn’t happen. Chiles stumbled to the mat at the end of her second pass, and any chance the U.S. had of chasing down ROC went right along with it.---------TOKYO (AP) — Reigning Olympic gymnastics champion Simone Biles is out of the team finals after apparently suffering an injury during the vault.The 24-year-old U.S. star, considered to be the greatest gymnast of all time, huddled with a trainer after landing her vault. She then exited the competition floor with the team doctor.Biles returned several minutes later with her right leg wrapped. She took off her bar grips, and hugged teammates Grace McCallum, Sunisa Lee and Jordan Chiles before putting on a jacket and sweatpants.&nbsp;Chiles replaced Biles on uneven bars and balance bream.The Americans will be forced to finish the rest of the competition without her, severely hampering their bid to claim a third straight Olympic title.Biles arrived in Tokyo as the unquestioned star of the Games but struggled, at least by her high standards, during qualifying.