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There’s plenty of time to drive to Fort Worth for the race under the lights. Can’t make it? ESPN2’s got you covered.
•Sunday: U.S. Olympic softball team vs. China, 11 a.m., Hall of Fame Stadium
This weekend’s games will be the final time the Americans are in Oklahoma City before the Olympics. Don’t miss the chance to see the world’s best.
•Thursday: First round of the U.S. Open, 10 a.m., ESPN
Tiger’s return = must-see TV.

newsok.com

Though the plan still needs approval from the state Department of Education, the community has largely supported it, and districts in other states cite educational benefits in concentrated instruction time and fewer absences. Administrators allow that some parents, especially of younger children, are worried about increased child care costs, but note that four longer school days will partially offset the one-day increase.
"The four-day week saves [the district] money," said school board Chairman Randy Janssen. "If we don’t do it, we will have to cut more programs or staff."
Education Department spokesman Randy Wanke said in a statement that the department had never had a district request to move to a four-day week, but that Commissioner Alice Seagren would evaluate the proposal’s legality.
A similar proposal was rejected in the Osseo District in 2002. Some school boards are expressing renewed interest this year, with declining enrollment and accompanying budget concerns, said Charlie Kyte, executive director of the Minnesota Association of School Administrators.
Kyte was careful to say he does not oppose alternative schedules, but cautioned that any district that makes such radical change should be prepared to work to have parents and staff buy in, and to make sure that the extra hour each day is productive.
Overall, reaction from parents in the 700-student MACCRAY District has been more positive than negative, Superintendent Greg Schmidt said.
Janssen said the handful of letters and e-mails he received were about two-thirds in favor of the plan.
"Some say, let’s not continue to cut programs," Schmidt said. "They want to have electives for their kids, especially high school kids. If we don’t do this, that’s $65,000 we have to get somewhere else."
MACCRAY administrators expect about $65,000 in transportation savings. And depending on next year’s fuel costs, they could save as much as $20,000 in utility costs, with three buildings shuttered one more day a week.

startribune.com