NEW YORK (AP) — The Nielsen company says the NBA Finals series between two stories franchises reached 24% more viewers than the 2021 Finals. 

Nearly 14 million people watched the Golden State Warriors clinch its fourth championship since 2015 with a Game 6 victory over the Boston Celtics, the franchise with the most NBA titles overall. 

The series as a whole averaged 12.3 million viewers, beating the 9.91 million who watched 2021's Milwaukee-Phoenix series. 

The first game of hockey's Stanley Cup Finals between Colorado and Tampa Bay was seen by 4.2 million people.

 All of these sports events were seen on ABC, leading the network to an easy win in the weekly ratings.

NEW YORK (AP) — The Nielsen company says the NBA Finals series between two stories franchises reached 24% more viewers than the 2021 Finals. Nearly 14 million people watched the Golden State Warriors clinch its fourth championship since 2015 with a Game 6 victory over the Boston Celtics, the franchise with the most NBA titles overall. The series as a whole averaged 12.3 million viewers, beating the 9.91 million who watched 2021's Milwaukee-Phoenix series. The first game of hockey's Stanley Cup Finals between Colorado and Tampa Bay was seen by 4.2 million people. All of these sports events were seen on ABC, leading the network to an easy win in the weekly ratings.

NBA Finals viewership up 24 percent over 2021

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

The people have asked for it, and now they shall receive. Demand for a steakhouse in Great Bend has existed for some time, and Dennis Crouse plans to deliver with the opening of Tellers 1872 later this summer.

"Every time you see a post on Facebook about a new restaurant coming to town, everyone says why can't we get an American buffet?" said Tellers' general manager. "Why can't we have a steakhouse? Why can't we get prime rib? Why can't we get a nice meal? We're giving them a little bit of both."

The new steakhouse will be located behind Re-Perks, with a Lakin-Street entrance just east of Main Street. The restaurant will have different lunch and dinner options.

"It's basically going to be a steakhouse and a lunch buffet," the general manager said. "We're going to do a lunch buffet Monday through Friday. We'll always have fried chicken on the buffet and one other meat, and the sides, and a salad bar."

Patrons will have a variety of menu options in the evening, including steak, pork chops, and chicken fried steak. Prime rib will be available every night. Riggs said the steakhouse will also offer fabulous deserts and tableside service. 

At this time, Tellers has not set an opening date due to construction, but Riggs said it will be worth the wait.

"It's going to be a really nice dining room," he said. "I'm really excited to see them finish it."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655744760894.jpeg" alt="The new steakhouse restaurant in Great Bend plans to open later this summer inside the Zarah Mall at the Lakin &amp; Main intersection." />
 <figcaption>The new steakhouse restaurant in Great Bend plans to open later this summer inside the Zarah Mall at the Lakin &amp; Main intersection.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe people have asked for it, and now they shall receive. Demand for a steakhouse in Great Bend has existed for some time, and Dennis Crouse plans to deliver with the opening of Tellers 1872 later this summer."Every time you see a post on Facebook about a new restaurant coming to town, everyone says why can't we get an American buffet?" said Tellers' general manager. "Why can't we have a steakhouse? Why can't we get prime rib? Why can't we get a nice meal? We're giving them a little bit of both."The new steakhouse will be located behind Re-Perks, with a Lakin-Street entrance just east of Main Street. The restaurant will have different lunch and dinner options."It's basically going to be a steakhouse and a lunch buffet," the general manager said. "We're going to do a lunch buffet Monday through Friday. We'll always have fried chicken on the buffet and one other meat, and the sides, and a salad bar."Patrons will have a variety of menu options in the evening, including steak, pork chops, and chicken fried steak. Prime rib will be available every night. Riggs said the steakhouse will also offer fabulous deserts and tableside service. At this time, Tellers has not set an opening date due to construction, but Riggs said it will be worth the wait."It's going to be a really nice dining room," he said. "I'm really excited to see them finish it."

New steakhouse coming soon to downtown Great Bend

NEW YORK (AP) — Nobel Peace laureate Dmitry Muratov says he was not expecting the medal he was auctioning off to help Ukrainian child refugees sell for the record amount of $103.5 million. 

Bidding in the auction ended in New York on Monday, which is World Refugee Day. 

The sale shatters the old $4.76 million record for a Nobel. 

The identity of the buyer isn't immediately known. 

Muratov was awarded the medal in October 2021. 

He helped found the independent Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta and was the publication’s editor-in-chief when it shut down in March amid a Kremlin clampdown after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

NEW YORK (AP) — Nobel Peace laureate Dmitry Muratov says he was not expecting the medal he was auctioning off to help Ukrainian child refugees sell for the record amount of $103.5 million. Bidding in the auction ended in New York on Monday, which is World Refugee Day. The sale shatters the old $4.76 million record for a Nobel. The identity of the buyer isn't immediately known. Muratov was awarded the medal in October 2021. He helped found the independent Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta and was the publication’s editor-in-chief when it shut down in March amid a Kremlin clampdown after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Nobel sold for Ukrainian kids shatters record at $103.5M

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Hank Williams Jr. is unleashing his alter ego Thunderhead Hawkins on a new record of raunchy blues songs. 

“Rich White Honky Blues” shows the Country Music Hall of Famer's early influences from blues that later helped him develop his blue-collar Southern country rock sound. 

The album is a sexualized romp through material by Robert Johnson, Lightnin’ Hopkins, R.L. Burnside and Muddy Waters, as well as Williams’ own original tunes. 

Williams said that the album has a feeling of being in a south Alabama juke joint.

 The last song on the album is “Jesus Won't You Come By Here,” which Williams says is too hard for him to sing now since the death of his wife in March.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Hank Williams Jr. is unleashing his alter ego Thunderhead Hawkins on a new record of raunchy blues songs. “Rich White Honky Blues” shows the Country Music Hall of Famer's early influences from blues that later helped him develop his blue-collar Southern country rock sound. The album is a sexualized romp through material by Robert Johnson, Lightnin’ Hopkins, R.L. Burnside and Muddy Waters, as well as Williams’ own original tunes. Williams said that the album has a feeling of being in a south Alabama juke joint. The last song on the album is “Jesus Won't You Come By Here,” which Williams says is too hard for him to sing now since the death of his wife in March.

Hank Jr. unleashes Thunderhead Hawkins on bawdy blues record

NEW YORK (AP) — Joel Whitburn, who turned his fascination with the Billboard charts into a career cataloging the history of charted music that kept gatekeepers honest about the performance of hits, has died. 

Whitburn published more than 100 total entries of series like “Top Pop Singles,” “Top 40 Hits,” “Top 40 Albums” and “Top 40 Country Hits,” helping the whole industry with reliable chart stats and records. His books were crucial to DJs, publicists and chart nerds. 

Whitburn also was a collector and kept 150,000 singles, albums and CDs, including every record ever listed in the Billboard Hot 100.

NEW YORK (AP) — Joel Whitburn, who turned his fascination with the Billboard charts into a career cataloging the history of charted music that kept gatekeepers honest about the performance of hits, has died. He was 82. Whitburn published more than 100 total entries of series like “Top Pop Singles,” “Top 40 Hits,” “Top 40 Albums” and “Top 40 Country Hits,” helping the whole industry with reliable chart stats and records. His books were crucial to DJs, publicists and chart nerds. Whitburn also was a collector and kept 150,000 singles, albums and CDs, including every record ever listed in the Billboard Hot 100.

Pioneering pop music chart analyst Joel Whitburn dies at 82

CHEVY CHASE, Md. (AP) — Political commentator and columnist Mark Shields, who shared his insight into American politics and wit on “PBS NewsHour” for decades, has died. 

“PBS NewsHour” spokesman Nick Massella says Shields died Saturday morning of kidney failure at his home in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Shields was a regular on the “PBS NewsHour" show starting in 1987, the year the show began. 

He stepped down from his regular Friday night discussion segment with David Brooks in December 2020. 

His tenure spanned six presidencies. Niece Carolyn Ryan, managing editor of The New York Times, tweeted that Shields was “a special guy: full of heart and wisdom and love. Love of politics, sports, and so many people.”

CHEVY CHASE, Md. (AP) — Political commentator and columnist Mark Shields, who shared his insight into American politics and wit on “PBS NewsHour” for decades, has died. He was 85. “PBS NewsHour” spokesman Nick Massella says Shields died Saturday morning of kidney failure at his home in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Shields was a regular on the “PBS NewsHour" show starting in 1987, the year the show began. He stepped down from his regular Friday night discussion segment with David Brooks in December 2020. His tenure spanned six presidencies. Niece Carolyn Ryan, managing editor of The New York Times, tweeted that Shields was “a special guy: full of heart and wisdom and love. Love of politics, sports, and so many people.”

Political commentator and columnist Mark Shields dies at 85

“Lightyear” did not go to infinity (or beyond) in its first weekend in theaters. 

Pixar’s first major theatrical release since March 2020 blasted off with $51 million in its first weekend in North America, according to studio estimates on Sunday. 

It opened lower than expected and failed to conquer “Jurassic World: Dominion” which held on to the first-place spot with $58.7 million its second weekend. 

And in its fourth weekend, “Top Gun: Maverick” dropped only slightly, bringing in an additional $44 million. 

Its domestic total is now at $466.2 million. Globally, the high-flying sequel has grossed over $885 million.

“Lightyear” did not go to infinity (or beyond) in its first weekend in theaters. Pixar’s first major theatrical release since March 2020 blasted off with $51 million in its first weekend in North America, according to studio estimates on Sunday. It opened lower than expected and failed to conquer “Jurassic World: Dominion” which held on to the first-place spot with $58.7 million its second weekend. And in its fourth weekend, “Top Gun: Maverick” dropped only slightly, bringing in an additional $44 million. Its domestic total is now at $466.2 million. Globally, the high-flying sequel has grossed over $885 million.

‘Lightyear’ stays earthbound, ‘Jurassic World’ holds No. 1

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — How better to celebrate an 80th birthday than by singing about “Glory Days” onstage with Bruce Springsteen, and being serenaded by some 60,000 well-wishers? 

That was Paul McCartney's idea of a good time. Yes, the cute Beatle’ turns 80 this weekend, and he'll likely be resting after wrapping up a short American tour Thursday night at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. 

A Jersey rock royal, Jon Bon Jovi, stopped by to deliver a fistful of balloons and lead the audience in a verse of “Happy Birthday.'' McCartney offered 28 songs in a nearly three-hour nonstop set.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — How better to celebrate an 80th birthday than by singing about “Glory Days” onstage with Bruce Springsteen, and being serenaded by some 60,000 well-wishers? That was Paul McCartney's idea of a good time. Yes, the cute Beatle’ turns 80 this weekend, and he'll likely be resting after wrapping up a short American tour Thursday night at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. A Jersey rock royal, Jon Bon Jovi, stopped by to deliver a fistful of balloons and lead the audience in a verse of “Happy Birthday.'' McCartney offered 28 songs in a nearly three-hour nonstop set.

McCartney marks 80th birthday with Springsteen, 60,000 pals

Baseball, art and music kicked off the weekend Friday in Hays as the Larks celebrated First Responders and the Hays Arts Council hosted their Summer Art Walk.

Take a look at some of the festivities below.

Baseball, art and music kicked off the weekend Friday in Hays as the Larks celebrated First Responders and the Hays Arts Council hosted their Summer Art Walk.Take a look at some of the festivities below.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655577360330.jpeg" alt="Hays Arts Center. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays Arts Center. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655577377575.jpeg" alt="Union Pacific Park. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Union Pacific Park. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655577388560.jpeg" alt="Anthony and the Animals. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Anthony and the Animals. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655577401269.jpeg" alt="Hays Community Theatre. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays Community Theatre. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655577414884.jpeg" alt="Hays Community Theatre. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays Community Theatre. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655577425853.jpeg" alt="Art Car. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Art Car. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655577437865.jpeg" alt="Custom Creations. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Custom Creations. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655577450720.jpeg" alt="Hays Public Libary. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays Public Libary. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655577461155.jpeg" alt="Hays Arts Center Annex.&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays Arts Center Annex.&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655577477440.jpeg" alt="Hays Arts Center. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays Arts Center. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655577490505.jpeg" alt="Larks Park. Prior to Friday's game, Area first responders were recognized. Cprl. Brandon Bell (above) and Sgt. Jason Boncyznski, (below center) were specifically named for their recent life-saving efforts.&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Larks Park. Prior to Friday's game, Area first responders were recognized. Cprl. Brandon Bell (above) and Sgt. Jason Boncyznski, (below center) were specifically named for their recent life-saving efforts.&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655577500260.jpeg" alt="Larks Park. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Larks Park. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655577522284.jpeg" alt="Larks Park. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Larks Park. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655577540554.jpeg" alt="Larks Park. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Larks Park. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655577554574.jpeg" alt="Larks Park. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Larks Park. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

📷 Area residents turn out for weekend events

NEW YORK (AP) — Beyoncé has revealed the title and release date for her next album, with the 16-track “Renaissance” set to drop July 29. The superstar began listing the music and products on her website and several streaming services, including Tidal and Spotify, also announced the Beyoncé release. 

Beyoncé tipped off fans that something important was coming when she removed her profile photos across all her social media platforms last week. “Renaissance” would be the follow-up to 2016’s “Lemonade,” but the artist has been hard at work of late, featured on rapper Megan Thee Stallion’s remix of “Savage” and opening the 2022 Academy Awards with a performance of her song “Be Alive.”

NEW YORK (AP) — Beyoncé has revealed the title and release date for her next album, with the 16-track “Renaissance” set to drop July 29. The superstar began listing the music and products on her website and several streaming services, including Tidal and Spotify, also announced the Beyoncé release. Beyoncé tipped off fans that something important was coming when she removed her profile photos across all her social media platforms last week. “Renaissance” would be the follow-up to 2016’s “Lemonade,” but the artist has been hard at work of late, featured on rapper Megan Thee Stallion’s remix of “Savage” and opening the 2022 Academy Awards with a performance of her song “Be Alive.”

Beyoncé announces new album 'Renaissance' to drop July 29

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Authorities across much of the Muslim world have barred Disney’s latest animated film “Lightyear” from being played at cinemas after the inclusion of a brief kiss between a lesbian couple. 

That's according to The Walt Disney Co., which is premiering the film on Thursday and Friday across the world. 

Thirteen nations and the Palestinian territory barred the Pixar film that has actor Chris Evans voicing the inspiration for the astronaut hero Buzz Lightyear from the “Toy Story” movies. 

The nations involved in the ban include: Bahrain, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria and the United Arab Emirates.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Authorities across much of the Muslim world have barred Disney’s latest animated film “Lightyear” from being played at cinemas after the inclusion of a brief kiss between a lesbian couple. That's according to The Walt Disney Co., which is premiering the film on Thursday and Friday across the world. Thirteen nations and the Palestinian territory barred the Pixar film that has actor Chris Evans voicing the inspiration for the astronaut hero Buzz Lightyear from the “Toy Story” movies. The nations involved in the ban include: Bahrain, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria and the United Arab Emirates.

Disney's 'Lightyear' banned in Muslim world for lesbian kiss

NEW YORK (AP) — A planned New York City concert by would-be presidential assassin John Hinckley Jr. has been canceled even as Hinckley was freed from federal court oversight. 

The Market Hotel in Brooklyn cited “very real and worsening threats and hate” in its announcement on social media Wednesday that it was canceling the July 8 concert. 

Hinckley sings and plays guitar. The now 67-year-old Hinckley was found not guilty by reason of insanity in the shooting of President Ronald Reagan in Washington in 1981. 

Hinckley spent decades in a psychiatric hospital and was later released to live with his mother. 

He was freed Wednesday from court oversight.

NEW YORK (AP) — A planned New York City concert by would-be presidential assassin John Hinckley Jr. has been canceled even as Hinckley was freed from federal court oversight. The Market Hotel in Brooklyn cited “very real and worsening threats and hate” in its announcement on social media Wednesday that it was canceling the July 8 concert. Hinckley sings and plays guitar. The now 67-year-old Hinckley was found not guilty by reason of insanity in the shooting of President Ronald Reagan in Washington in 1981. Hinckley spent decades in a psychiatric hospital and was later released to live with his mother. He was freed Wednesday from court oversight.

NYC guitar concert by Hinckley, who shot Reagan, is canceled

NEW YORK (AP) — After a glittering career stuffed with No. 1 hits — not to mention a two-year pandemic delay — Mariah Carey was finally inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame on Thursday, but not before challenging her new fellow members to do better by women. 

She noted that out of the 439 total inductees into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, only 32 have been women until now. 

Carey was the headliner, following the inductions of the weirdly cool producers the Neptunes, the British electro-pop band Eurythmics, psychedelic bluesman Steve Miller and the iconic Isley Brothers. 

Special guests included Smokey Robinson, Leslie Odom Jr. Questlove, Jon Batiste and Usher.

NEW YORK (AP) — After a glittering career stuffed with No. 1 hits — not to mention a two-year pandemic delay — Mariah Carey was finally inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame on Thursday, but not before challenging her new fellow members to do better by women. She noted that out of the 439 total inductees into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, only 32 have been women until now. Carey was the headliner, following the inductions of the weirdly cool producers the Neptunes, the British electro-pop band Eurythmics, psychedelic bluesman Steve Miller and the iconic Isley Brothers. Special guests included Smokey Robinson, Leslie Odom Jr. Questlove, Jon Batiste and Usher.

Mariah Carey, Neptunes, Lennox in Songwriters Hall of Fame

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Arts Council executive director Brenda Meder shares details about the coming Hays Summer Art Walk.

<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

<div><iframe title="Summer art walk set for Friday" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=tsd5d-125104e-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Arts Council executive director Brenda Meder shares details about the coming Hays Summer Art Walk. <a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

🎙Post Podcast: Summer art walk set for Friday

NEW YORK (AP) — James Patterson is apologizing for saying that white male writers are being subjected to “just another of form of racism” during an interview with The Sunday Times in London.

 Facing widespread criticism on social media, the best-selling author tweeted Tuesday that he “absolutely” does not “believe that racism is practiced against white writers." 

Patterson himself has thrived like few others, publishing multiple bestsellers each year, including novels and children’s books.

 He is ranked with J.K. Rowling and a handful of others as among the world’s richest writers.

NEW YORK (AP) — James Patterson is apologizing for saying that white male writers are being subjected to “just another of form of racism” during an interview with The Sunday Times in London. Facing widespread criticism on social media, the best-selling author tweeted Tuesday that he “absolutely” does not “believe that racism is practiced against white writers." Patterson himself has thrived like few others, publishing multiple bestsellers each year, including novels and children’s books. He is ranked with J.K. Rowling and a handful of others as among the world’s richest writers.

James Patterson sorry for saying white writers face racism

NEW YORK (AP) — The twin concerts for Foo Fighters’ late drummer Taylor Hawkins will include Miley Cyrus, Liam Gallagher, Joan Jett, Mark Ronson, members of Queen, The Police, Rush, Kiss, The Pretenders, Motley Crue, Queens of the Stone Age, Rage Against The Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Supergrass and comedian Dave Chappelle. 

The shows will take place Sept. 3 at London’s Wembley Stadium and Sept. 27 at The Kia Forum in Inglewood, California. 

Both concerts will benefit charities chosen by the Hawkins family. Hawkins died March 25 during a South American tour with the rock band. 

NEW YORK (AP) — The twin concerts for Foo Fighters’ late drummer Taylor Hawkins will include Miley Cyrus, Liam Gallagher, Joan Jett, Mark Ronson, members of Queen, The Police, Rush, Kiss, The Pretenders, Motley Crue, Queens of the Stone Age, Rage Against The Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Supergrass and comedian Dave Chappelle. The shows will take place Sept. 3 at London’s Wembley Stadium and Sept. 27 at The Kia Forum in Inglewood, California. Both concerts will benefit charities chosen by the Hawkins family. Hawkins died March 25 during a South American tour with the rock band. He was 50.

Members of Queen, the Police, Rush to honor Taylor Hawkins

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Dolly Parton is donating $1 million to pediatric infectious disease research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. 

The new gift is one of several Parton has made to the center over the years, including a $1 million gift in April 2020 for COVID vaccine research. 

The medical center said in a Wednesday news release that Parton’s new gift will support a variety of ongoing research.

 That includes investigating how viruses and bacteria cause disease and how to best prevent and treat infections. 

Parton says she supports the work because she loves children and wants to "keep as many of them as I can as healthy and safe as possible.”

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Dolly Parton is donating $1 million to pediatric infectious disease research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. The new gift is one of several Parton has made to the center over the years, including a $1 million gift in April 2020 for COVID vaccine research. The medical center said in a Wednesday news release that Parton’s new gift will support a variety of ongoing research. That includes investigating how viruses and bacteria cause disease and how to best prevent and treat infections. Parton says she supports the work because she loves children and wants to "keep as many of them as I can as healthy and safe as possible.”

Dolly Parton gives $1M to infectious disease research, again

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Microsoft has officially sent Internet Explorer into retirement.

 As of Wednesday, Microsoft will no longer support the once-dominant browser that legions of web surfers loved to hate — and a few still claim to adore. 

Its launch in 1995 signaled the beginning of the end of the web's first widely popular browser, Netscape Navigator. 

IE’s market share peaked in the early 2000s at over 90%.

 But it began to fade as users found faster, less crash-prone alternatives. 

Today, Google's Chrome browser dominates with about 65% of the worldwide browser market share. IE’s heir, Microsoft Edge, lags with about 4%.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Microsoft has officially sent Internet Explorer into retirement. As of Wednesday, Microsoft will no longer support the once-dominant browser that legions of web surfers loved to hate — and a few still claim to adore. Its launch in 1995 signaled the beginning of the end of the web's first widely popular browser, Netscape Navigator. IE’s market share peaked in the early 2000s at over 90%. But it began to fade as users found faster, less crash-prone alternatives. Today, Google's Chrome browser dominates with about 65% of the worldwide browser market share. IE’s heir, Microsoft Edge, lags with about 4%.

So long, Internet Explorer. The browser retires today

There's always room for another Taylor in the music industry. Great Bend-native Taylor Fugitt grew up listening to her father, Ricky, perform live country music. Now she's recorded a song of her own. That first single, "Count on the Whiskey," is available through various streaming services, including Apple Music.

"It is so exciting," Taylor said. "It is probably, besides being a mom, easily one of the most rewarding things - something I've dreamed about since I was in sixth grade writing songs on the playground, to now having actually having something I get to hear on the radio. It's just really great to share something that is so special to me and have other people enjoy it as much as I do."

Ricky has been a staple of area live country music performances. Taylor grew up watching him perform and caught the bug herself in high school.

"When I was little, going to his things and watching him as I grew up, it was a really big deal," she said. "I've just always loved music. As I got older, especially hitting choir in high school, I realized how much I enjoyed the performance aspect of it. I went through a lot after graduation and throughout college, and music just became a really big outlet for me. I just started pouring everything into my songs. Now I'm going to make the best out of it by turning it into some pretty good music."

Taylor graduated from Great Bend High School in 2016, and from Wichita State in 2020, all the while fine-tuning her own catalog of music.

"I did stuff in high school, especially through choir with Mrs. (Susan) Stambaugh and the Madrigals," Taylor said. "When I went to college it was more small things here and there, acoustic-type deals and playing to my living room walls. I have a couple of friends who are in the music business. Here in this past year, now that my kid got a little bit older, I really just started working hard on finishing up some songs for an upcoming EP that will be released soon. I just got in the studio and made it happen."

Living in Wichita, Taylor headed south to Wellington to record her first single at Greenjeans Studios. Carter Green produced the album and added instrumentals to Taylor's acoustic guitar and vocals.

"He was a giant help," she said. "I wrote the music and melody. I went in there and sang the track and played the acoustic guitar, and he did the rest of the instrumentation for the album. He's insanely talented."

"Count on the Whiskey" has been featured on Wichita radio and has also been played on Nebraska's 93.1 The River's Edge.

Check out the full single below.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655322605184.jpeg" alt="Great Bend native Taylor Fugitt" />
 <figcaption>Great Bend native Taylor Fugitt</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThere's always room for another Taylor in the music industry. Great Bend-native Taylor Fugitt grew up listening to her father, Ricky, perform live country music. Now she's recorded a song of her own. That first single, "Count on the Whiskey," is available through various streaming services, including Apple Music."It is so exciting," Taylor said. "It is probably, besides being a mom, easily one of the most rewarding things - something I've dreamed about since I was in sixth grade writing songs on the playground, to now having actually having something I get to hear on the radio. It's just really great to share something that is so special to me and have other people enjoy it as much as I do."Ricky has been a staple of area live country music performances. Taylor grew up watching him perform and caught the bug herself in high school."When I was little, going to his things and watching him as I grew up, it was a really big deal," she said. "I've just always loved music. As I got older, especially hitting choir in high school, I realized how much I enjoyed the performance aspect of it. I went through a lot after graduation and throughout college, and music just became a really big outlet for me. I just started pouring everything into my songs. Now I'm going to make the best out of it by turning it into some pretty good music."Taylor graduated from Great Bend High School in 2016, and from Wichita State in 2020, all the while fine-tuning her own catalog of music."I did stuff in high school, especially through choir with Mrs. (Susan) Stambaugh and the Madrigals," Taylor said. "When I went to college it was more small things here and there, acoustic-type deals and playing to my living room walls. I have a couple of friends who are in the music business. Here in this past year, now that my kid got a little bit older, I really just started working hard on finishing up some songs for an upcoming EP that will be released soon. I just got in the studio and made it happen."Living in Wichita, Taylor headed south to Wellington to record her first single at Greenjeans Studios. Carter Green produced the album and added instrumentals to Taylor's acoustic guitar and vocals."He was a giant help," she said. "I wrote the music and melody. I went in there and sang the track and played the acoustic guitar, and he did the rest of the instrumentation for the album. He's insanely talented.""Count on the Whiskey" has been featured on Wichita radio and has also been played on Nebraska's 93.1 The River's Edge.Check out the full single below.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/av5hxse0/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>

Listen: Great Bend-native Taylor Fugitt releases country single

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Julie Andrews has reflected on her life and career at the American Film Institute, which last week gave her its life achievement award. 

The Oscar winners says she's “been the most lucky lady” after her lengthy career in films like “Mary Poppins,” “The Sound of Music” and her upcoming voice acting in “Minions: The Rise of Gru.” 

The ceremony included tributes from Andrews' co-stars from throughout her career, including Carol Burnett, Hector Elizondo and Steve Carell. 

Also celebrated was Andrews' 41-year marriage to director Blake Edwards. 

The ceremony airs Thursday at 8 p.m. Eastern and Pacific on the cable network TNT.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Julie Andrews has reflected on her life and career at the American Film Institute, which last week gave her its life achievement award. The Oscar winners says she's “been the most lucky lady” after her lengthy career in films like “Mary Poppins,” “The Sound of Music” and her upcoming voice acting in “Minions: The Rise of Gru.” The ceremony included tributes from Andrews' co-stars from throughout her career, including Carol Burnett, Hector Elizondo and Steve Carell. Also celebrated was Andrews' 41-year marriage to director Blake Edwards. The ceremony airs Thursday at 8 p.m. Eastern and Pacific on the cable network TNT.

Julie Andrews at AFI honor: 'I've been the most lucky lady'

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A reality show inspired by Netflix’s hit series “Squid Game” is coming to the streaming service, but with less dire consequences for contestants. 

In the South Korean-produced drama, players’ lives were at stake. With “Squid Game: The Challenge,” Netflix says the “worst fate" is going home without winning. 

The 10-episode competition will include 456 players vying for $4.56 million. 

They’ll compete in games inspired by the drama series along with new challenges to whittle the field down.

 The reality show version of “Squid Game” will be filmed in Britain and is seeking English-speaking players from any part of the world.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A reality show inspired by Netflix’s hit series “Squid Game” is coming to the streaming service, but with less dire consequences for contestants. In the South Korean-produced drama, players’ lives were at stake. With “Squid Game: The Challenge,” Netflix says the “worst fate" is going home without winning. The 10-episode competition will include 456 players vying for $4.56 million. They’ll compete in games inspired by the drama series along with new challenges to whittle the field down. The reality show version of “Squid Game” will be filmed in Britain and is seeking English-speaking players from any part of the world.

'Squid Game' adapted as non-fatal reality series for Netflix

NEW YORK (AP) — Director Joseph Kosinski's sci-fi prison thriller “Spiderhead" is in many wants the opposite of his “Top Gun: Maverick.” 

It’s a talky, interior film made during the pandemic that will be streaming on Netflix this Friday, not filling IMAX screens.

 But chief among its quirky pleasures is Chris Hemsworth’s leading performance as the researcher who presides as a benevolent, ’80s-yacht-rock-dancing tyrant over the Spiderhead Penitentiary and Research Center. 

There he cheerfully conducts experiments in which he drugs prisoners to chemically raise or lower their moods, appetites and verbal acuity. 

The “Thor” actor's deft balancing act in “Spiderhead” showcases a range well beyond the MCU.

NEW YORK (AP) — Director Joseph Kosinski's sci-fi prison thriller “Spiderhead" is in many wants the opposite of his “Top Gun: Maverick.” It’s a talky, interior film made during the pandemic that will be streaming on Netflix this Friday, not filling IMAX screens. But chief among its quirky pleasures is Chris Hemsworth’s leading performance as the researcher who presides as a benevolent, ’80s-yacht-rock-dancing tyrant over the Spiderhead Penitentiary and Research Center. There he cheerfully conducts experiments in which he drugs prisoners to chemically raise or lower their moods, appetites and verbal acuity. The “Thor” actor's deft balancing act in “Spiderhead” showcases a range well beyond the MCU.

Chris Hemsworth finds a rich groove in 'Spiderhead'

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs will be honored for his career achievements at the BET Awards this month. 

The network announced Monday that Combs will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award on June 26. 

The award is given to an individual who shaped culture through their careers and “transformative leaders that consistently inspire generations.” 

Past recipients include Prince, Whitney Houston, Queen Latifah, Samuel L. Jackson, Lionel Richie, Anita Baker and New Edition. 

Combs is the founder of Bad Boy Records and a three-time Grammy winner who has worked with a slew of top-tier artists including Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige and Usher. 

Taraji P. Henson will host the live show from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs will be honored for his career achievements at the BET Awards this month. The network announced Monday that Combs will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award on June 26. The award is given to an individual who shaped culture through their careers and “transformative leaders that consistently inspire generations.” Past recipients include Prince, Whitney Houston, Queen Latifah, Samuel L. Jackson, Lionel Richie, Anita Baker and New Edition. Combs is the founder of Bad Boy Records and a three-time Grammy winner who has worked with a slew of top-tier artists including Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige and Usher. Taraji P. Henson will host the live show from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

Sean 'Diddy' Combs to receive lifetime honor at BET Awards

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The queen of country glamour Carrie Underwood brought the bling to the CMA Fest as she introduced her latest record, “Denim &amp; Rhinestones.” 

Underwood timed the new album to drop during the major country festival and delivered multiple performances from a fan club party, the Grand Ole Opry and headlining Saturday night's stadium set. 

Underwood, fresh off a Las Vegas residency, will head out on tour in the fall and she said that her goal was to maximize the entertainment value in her stage shows. 

Underwood's ninth studio album is a return to her country pop form with elements of '80s synth and rock.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The queen of country glamour Carrie Underwood brought the bling to the CMA Fest as she introduced her latest record, “Denim &amp; Rhinestones.” Underwood timed the new album to drop during the major country festival and delivered multiple performances from a fan club party, the Grand Ole Opry and headlining Saturday night's stadium set. Underwood, fresh off a Las Vegas residency, will head out on tour in the fall and she said that her goal was to maximize the entertainment value in her stage shows. Underwood's ninth studio album is a return to her country pop form with elements of '80s synth and rock.

Carrie Underwood amps up her wattage with new album, tour

This week’s new entertainment releases include an album of guided meditation by Alanis Morissette, a Jennifer Lopez documentary leading up to her halftime performance at the Super Bowl in 2020 and a new “Father of the Bride” remake starring Andy Garcia and Gloria Estefan. 

There's also the sci-fi thriller “Spiderhead” starring Chris Hemsworth playing an eccentric scientist who runs a state-of-the-art penitentiary and is administering experimental emotion-controlling drugs on the inmates. 

And the Robertson family of “Duck Dynasty” fame has a new venture with “Duck Family Treasure,” a 10-part series debuting on the Fox Nation streaming service.

This week’s new entertainment releases include an album of guided meditation by Alanis Morissette, a Jennifer Lopez documentary leading up to her halftime performance at the Super Bowl in 2020 and a new “Father of the Bride” remake starring Andy Garcia and Gloria Estefan. There's also the sci-fi thriller “Spiderhead” starring Chris Hemsworth playing an eccentric scientist who runs a state-of-the-art penitentiary and is administering experimental emotion-controlling drugs on the inmates. And the Robertson family of “Duck Dynasty” fame has a new venture with “Duck Family Treasure,” a 10-part series debuting on the Fox Nation streaming service.

Entertainment