The Rock Chalkboard

Kenny Logan's confidence reminds of former Kansas safety
"I came here, did what I have to do," Lee told Phog.net before his junior season. "Now everybody knows me. Like, I’m talking about like Japan, China. Like, that’s crazy.”

3-star OL Joe Otting on Kansas visit: 'I love my relationships here'
Indeed, Otting spent much of his time at the camp around the Jayhawk's new O-line coach, Scott Fuchs. Known as both a teacher of O-line technique and motivator for college players, Fuchs took an especially hands-on approach when it came to the one-on-ones. After each rep, he had some words for the O-line prospects, either encouraging them or showing them what they needed to tighten up.

Lance Leipold made Kansas RBs coach Jonathan Wallace feel wanted
“You've got to be where your feet are, first and foremost," Wallace said. "Yeah, there is uncertainty and there are things. Does it make you uncomfortable? Sure. But what are you going to do in those moments?”

Why Kansas is built to withstand loss of 'generational talent' Pooka Williams
While Williams came to KU as a four-star prospect and projected immediate contributor, the Jayhawks added a prospect in 2021 with an even-higher ranking: four-star back Devin Neal. Williams was the No. 272-ranked prospect in the 247Sports Composite (class of 2018). Neal was the No. 211-ranked player in the Top247 this offseason.

3-star Allen Mitchell impresses at Kansas camp — this time at RB
"I think it went real well," Mitchell, a three-star running back, told Phog.net of the Kansas camp. "I learned a lot. I gained a lot. You know, getting back into contact with the running backs coach means a lot because I was offered as a wide receiver. So just working with him meant a lot."

Malik Newman lands with Utah Jazz for NBA Summer League
In the round of 32, Newman dropped 28 points on 8-for-14 shooting (8-for-8 FT), helping the Jayhawks past Seton Hall in a contest that got close late. He scored 17 points in the Sweet 16 against Clemson and then erupted for 32 points, seven assists and three steals in an overtime win over Duke that sent the Jayhawks to the Final Four — the third under coach Bill Self.

Bits o Chalk

United States vs. Canada - Football Match Report - August 2, 2021 - ESPN
The United States women's national team was knocked out of Olympic gold-medal contention after losing 1-0 to Canada in their semifinal Monday.

Simone Biles coming back to compete in beam final
TOKYO -- After previously withdrawing from the all-around competition and three event finals, Simone Biles will be competing in Tuesday's balance beam final at the Olympic Games.

A'ja Wilson leads U.S. women's basketball team past France, into Olympic quarterfinals
SAITAMA, Japan -- A'ja Wilson scored 22 points and Breanna Stewart added 17 to help the U.S. beat France 93-82 in women's Olympic basketball play Monday.

Man City target Harry Kane fails to report for Tottenham training, pushing for move - sources
Harry Kane failed to report to Tottenham Hotspur for preseason training on Monday morning as he attempts to force through a move away from the club, sources have told ESPN.

Sources - Chris Paul declines $44 million player option for next season
Phoenix Suns star Chris Paul has formally declined the $44 million player option on his contract for next season, but both Paul and the Suns are motivated to negotiate a new deal once talks can begin at 6 p.m. ET on Monday, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski on Sunday.

Eraser Dust

Mayor Bill Cole on Why Many Are Moving to Billings, Montana | Time
Billings, like many smaller cities, has experienced an influx of newcomers since the pandemic and remote work sent many Americans in search of cheaper housing and a less stressful lifestyle in homes with more space and shorter commutes. According to a Zillow study in April, 11% of Americans moved during the pandemic, which has generated a profound shift in priorities for many people. Many of the beneficiaries of such moves are sunny, warm-weather cities in Florida and Texas, but Billings has benefited from people leaving pricey housing markets in California and the Seattle area.

It's in and it's big: Senate unveils $1T infrastructure bill
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act clocked in at some 2,700 pages, and senators could begin amending it soon. Despite the hurry-up-and-wait during a rare weekend session, emotions bubbled over once the bill was produced Sunday night. The final product was not intended to stray from the broad outline senators had negotiated for weeks with the White House.

Florida's largest school district is worried about funding after governor bans mask mandates for schools - CNN
The order states that if the State Board of Education finds a school district board unwilling or unable to comply, it is able to withhold the transfer of state funds, discretionary grant funds or discretionary lottery funds.

About 99.999% of fully vaccinated Americans have not had a deadly Covid-19 breakthrough case, CDC data shows | St. Louis News Headlines | kmov.com
(CNN) -- More than 99.999% of people fully vaccinated against Covid-19 have not had a breakthrough case resulting in hospitalization or death, according to the latest data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

German court sets trial date for former Nazi guard, aged 100
BERLIN (AP) — A German court has set a trial date for a 100-year-old man who is charged with 3,518 counts of accessory to murder on allegations he served as a Nazi SS guard at a concentration camp on the outskirts of Berlin during World War II.

Researchers paint bleak picture of forest fires beyond 2030 | TheHill
The devastating fire seasons plaguing California’s Sierra Nevada may be a thing of the past after 2030, and that has scientists worried.

Their main concern? The area might not have enough trees left by the next decade.

Whitefish considers tightening short-term rental rules | Daily Inter Lake
"Short-term rentals are having a significant impact on the landscape of our town," council member Ben Davis said during a work session last week. "I don't have any moral issue with short-term rentals, but it's the collateral impacts on the town that rubs me. There is a whole economy in short-term rentals and people making money on it, and there are a lot of people in the community being impacted by it in terms of high housing prices and traffic."