Why it matters: The state set a record last Wednesday for coronavirus infections confirmed in a single day, per the COVID Tracking Project. Hospitalizations in the state are currently on the decline, but have steadily risen throughout August.
The 104th Running of the Indianapolis 500 takes place this Sunday (2:30pm ET, NBC). It's normally held on Memorial Day weekend, but was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Why it matters: Known as "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing," the Indy 500 is joined by the Monaco Grand Prix and 24 Hours of Le Mans to comprise the Triple Crown of Motorsport.
The Kansas City Chiefs announced Thursday that the team will prohibit fans from wearing ceremonial headdresses and Native American-themed face paint in Arrowhead Stadium, following conversations with community leaders in the region.
Why it matters: The ban comes as the NFL and other professional sports leagues face pressure to cease the use of Native American names, imagery and logos in the wake of a nationwide reckoning over racism. The D.C.-area team formerly known as the "Redskins" has changed its name to the Washington Football Team as a placeholder until a new name is agreed upon.
With college football grabbing most of the headlines, it's easy to forget the other fall sports that have been affected by the pandemic.
The state of play: The NCAA has postponed all fall championships (outside of FBS football), while regular season decisions are up to conferences and schools.
Most schools have postponed college football, and others are dealing with coronavirus outbreaks — yet the season remains on track to begin in a few weeks for six of the 10 biggest conferences.
The big picture: It's not an exact parallel, but college football faced similar confusion and uncertainty 102 years ago, when the 1918 influenza pandemic — combined with WWI — led to a bizarre, shortened season.
