Missouri High School Sports Approve Official Pay Raises, New Emerging Sports

As the 2025 sports seasons approach, Texas A&M football prepares to kick off with a focus on improving its defensive line and rushing game, highlighted by promising recruits and returning players. Missouri high school sports are undergoing changes, including increased pay for officials during playoffs and recognition of Unified Track and Field and Girls Flag Football as emerging sports, with plans to separate boys and girls wrestling championships starting in 2026-27. High school football fans can look forward to several exciting interstate matchups, notably between powerhouse programs like Mater Dei and St. Thomas Aquinas, and a challenging game for IMG Academy against Hoover. Meanwhile, Kentucky sports saw contrasting trajectories as the basketball team energized its program with standout performances, while the football team struggled. In Ohio, the media continues to scrutinize the impacts of President Donald Trump's second administration, particularly focusing on legislative secrecy and budget issues, alongside efforts to expand news coverage using AI tools. These developments reflect a dynamic landscape in both professional, collegiate, and high school sports, as well as political and media environments in 2025.