Wall Street gets back to rising as gold keeps setting records

Wall Street gets back to rising as gold keeps setting records

By STAN CHOE AP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street got back to rising on Wednesday, while the price of gold pushed further past $4,000 per ounce.

The S&P 500 climbed 0.6% a day after snapping a seven-day winning streak and set its latest all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged down by 1 point, or less than 0.1%, while the Nasdaq composite rose 1.1% to its own record.

Trading has been relatively muted recently following the U.S. government’s latest shutdown. The closure has delayed the release of several major economic reports that usually move the market. Stocks have been drifting without them or other signals to change expectations for cuts to interest rates by the Federal Reserve, one of the major reasons the stock market has surged since April.

Another force that’s pushed the market to records is the frenzy around artificial-intelligence technology.

Advanced Micro Devices jumped another 11.4% to add to its rally from earlier in the week, when it announced an AI-related deal. AMD was the best performing stock in the S&P 500.

Right behind was Dell Technologies, which piled more gains onto its own rally from Tuesday, when it talked up its growth opportunities related to AI. Dell rose 9.1%.

Poet Technologies climbed 17% and likewise added to its surge from Tuesday, when it said it raised $75 million in investment to accelerate its growth. The company sells high-speed optical engines and other products used in the AI systems market.

AI-related stocks have broadly been on a tear. Nvidia has soared nearly 41% so far this year. Oracle is up 73.2% over the same time, while Palantir Technologies has more than doubled with a nearly 143% surge.

The performances have been so strong that criticism is rising about prices having gone too far, like they did during the 2000 dot-com mania. That bubble ultimately imploded, and the S&P 500 halved in value.

Proponents say AI stocks are backed by big growth in profits, something that many dot-com stocks didn’t have at the turn of the millennium. But the Bank of England nevertheless warned Wednesday of the rising risk that tech stock prices pumped up by the AI boom could face a “sudden correction.”

“On a number of measures, equity market valuations appear stretched, particularly for technology companies focused on Artificial Intelligence,” policymakers at the U.K. central bank said in a report. With Big Tech companies accounting for an increasingly outsized share of stock market indexes, stocks are “particularly exposed should expectations around the impact of AI become less optimistic.”

Elsewhere on Wall Street, AST SpaceMobile jumped 8.6% after Verizon Communications agreed to use its space-based network to offer service to cellular customers when needed, starting in 2026. Verizon slipped 0.2%.

On the losing end of Wall Street was Jefferies Financial Group, which fell 7.9%. The investment bank disclosed some details about its exposure to First Brands Group, a supplier of aftermarket auto parts that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last week.

All told, the S&P 500 rose 39.13 points to 6,753.72. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 1.20 to 46,601.78, and the Nasdaq composite rose 255.02 to 23,043.38.

Gold, meanwhile, continued its stellar year and rose further past $4,000 per ounce. Investors have traditionally seen gold as a way to protect against rising inflation, and its price has soared more than 50% this year.

Worries are high about big debt loads that the U.S. and other governments are building, which threaten to push inflation higher. Political instability around the world, uncertainty created by President Donald Trump’s tariffs and expectations for rate cuts by the Fed are also pushing up interest in gold.

The Fed cut its main interest rate for the first time this year last month, and it hinted that more reductions may be on the way. Minutes from that last meeting released on Wednesday showed growing concerns among Fed officials about the slowing job market.

Lower rates could help boost the job market and economy, but Fed officials say they’re also staying mindful of inflation, which remains above the Fed’s target of 2%. Lower rates can give inflation more fuel.

In stock markets abroad, indexes rose in Europe following a weaker finish in Asia.

In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury eased to 4.12% from 4.14% late Tuesday.

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AP Business Writers Matt Ott, Elaine Kurtenbach and Kelvin Chan contributed.

Dolly Parton responds to concerns about her health: ‘I’m not dying’

Dolly Parton responds to concerns about her health: ‘I’m not dying’

By MARIA SHERMAN AP Music Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — Dolly Parton “ain’t dead yet,” the country superstar said on social media Wednesday following public speculation about her health.

“There are just a lot of rumors flying around. But I figured if you heard it from me, you’d know that I was okay,” the 79-year-old singer said in a new two-minute video posted on Instagram. “I’m not ready to die yet. I don’t think God is through with me. And I ain’t done working.”

Her post, which appeared on numerous of Parton’s social media accounts and her website, was captioned, “I ain’t dead yet.”

Late last month Parton postponed her first Las Vegas residency in 32 years, citing “health challenges.”

She was scheduled to perform six shows at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace for “Dolly: Live in Las Vegas” between Dec. 4 and Dec. 13, overlapping with the National Finals Rodeo. Her dates have been moved to next year — Sept. 2026.

She did not provide specific details at the time, writing, “As many of you know, I have been dealing with some health challenges, and my doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures. As I joked with them, it must be time for my 100,000-mile check-up, although it’s not the usual trip to see my plastic surgeon!”

In the new video clip shared Wednesday, Parton is seen sitting on a set speaking directly to camera, telling her audience that she’s about to record a few commercials for the Grand Ole Opry, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

“Everyone thinks that I am sicker than I am. Do I look sick to you? I’m working hard here! Anyway, I wanted to put everybody’s mind at ease, those of you who seem to be real concerned, which I appreciate,” she continued. “And I appreciate your prayers because I’m a person of faith. I can always use the prayers for anything and everything.”

On Tuesday, a Facebook posted shared by her sister Freida Parton escalated concerns around Parton’s health when she wrote that she had been “up all night praying for my sister, Dolly.” Hours later, Freida Parton followed up with another post.

“I want to clear something up. I didn’t mean to scare anyone or make it sound so serious when asking for prayers for Dolly,” she wrote. “She’s been a little under the weather, and I simply asked for prayers because I believe so strongly in the power of prayer.”

Parton offered her own clarification in the video, referencing her late husband of nearly 60 years Carl Dean, who died earlier this year at age 82.

“I want you to know that I’m OK. I’ve got some problems as I’ve mentioned. Back when my husband Carl was very sick, that was for a long time, and then when he passed, I didn’t take care of myself. So I let a lot of things go that I should’ve been taking care of,” she said. “So anyway, when I got around to it, the doctor said ‘We need to take care of this. We need to take care of that.’ Nothing major but I did have to cancel some things so I could be closer to home, closer to Vanderbilt, where I’m kind of having a few treatments here and there.”

And in true Parton fashion, she ended with a joke. “But I wanted you to know that I’m not dying. Did you see that AI picture of Reba (McEntire) and me, oh Lordy! I mean, they had Reba at my death bed, and we both look like we need to be buried,” she laughed.

“If I was really dying, I don’t think Reba would be the one at my death bed. She might come visit me earlier.

Duke researchers receive $15M federal grant to expand AI model designed to predict mental illness

Duke researchers receive $15M federal grant to expand AI model designed to predict mental illness

By WILLIAM GIM The Chronicle

DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — A team at Duke University has secured a $15 million federal grant to expand an artificial intelligence model designed to predict mental illness in adolescents.

The Duke Predictive Model of Adolescent Mental Health (Duke-PMA), co-developed by Professor of Psychiatry Jonathan Posner, Assistant Professor of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics Matthew Engelhard and AI Health Fellow Elliot Hill, is an AI-based tool that assesses factors related to adolescent mental health.

The model is used to predict who is most likely to develop a mental illness within a year. It also identifies the key factors driving those predictions, offering the potential to guide targeted preventive interventions.

“In the way that psychiatry is currently practiced, it tends to be reactive, meaning we wait until someone’s developed a psychiatric illness, and then we institute treatment,” Posner said. “So (the model) would really be a paradigm change in psychiatry from a reactive to a proactive approach.”

The model achieved 84% accuracy in identifying adolescents of age 10 to 15 who are at risk for future serious mental health issues and maintained consistent performance across socioeconomic status, race and sex. This accuracy was achieved using only questionnaires, instead of expensive imaging or blood tests, making the model a highly scalable and accessible assessment tool.

The model maintained high accuracy when limited to factors that can be directly influenced through clinician intervention, such as sleep disturbances and family conflict. Its results could offer clinicians actionable insights to guide prevention and intervention strategies before illness develops.

“So a patient comes into their clinic, they do this quick assessment, and then the primary care doctor gets a report saying, this child in front of me has a 90% chance of developing an illness within a year, and these are the factors that are driving that prediction,” Posner said.

Securing the $15 million federal grant marks a turning point in the project’s development. “This is exactly the pathway to get it in (the clinicians’) hands and actually identify people early and connect them with services and support that can hopefully bend that trajectory,” Engelhard said.

The next phase of the project will enroll 2,000 adolescents from rural clinics in North Carolina, Minnesota and North Dakota.

“We wanted to go to places where the resources for mental health care are pretty limited across the board,” Posner said. “Having an automated tool like this, while it would be helpful virtually anywhere, would be particularly helpful in a rural setting, which doesn’t have the mental health resources that you’d see in an urban clinic.”

The team will conduct an observational study, using the Duke-PMA to assess participants and generate predictions. Families will be recontacted a year later for detailed psychiatric evaluations to determine whether the model’s predictions prove accurate.

The use of artificial intelligence in medicine may spark both excitement and unease, particularly when applied to sensitive areas like adolescent mental health. For one, to address the risk of false positives, Hill emphasizes that Duke-PMA is designed as a supportive tool, not a replacement for clinical judgment.

“We’re very serious about protecting patients’ privacy, both in the context of the study that we’re doing, as well as more broadly, going forward,” Engelhard said. “And so this is information that would be between you and your care providers.”

This approach attempts to balance innovation with caution, enhancing care while preserving essential human presence during clinical judgment.

“This type of research would not be possible unless you had people from lots of different disciplines collaborating together … I think Duke is unusually well positioned for that type of work,” Posner said.

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This story was originally published by The Chronicle at Duke University and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.

Federal government shutdown grinds into a second week, but quiet talks emerging

Federal government shutdown grinds into a second week, but quiet talks emerging

By LISA MASCARO, MARY CLARE JALONICK and JOEY CAPPELLETTI Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Tours at the Capitol have come to a standstill. The House is keeping its doors closed, while the Senate is stuck in a loop of failed votes on a rejected plan to reopen the government. President Donald Trump is threatening to mass fire federal workers and refuse back pay for the rest.

As the government shutdown enters a second week, there’s no discernible endgame in sight.

“You have to negotiate,” Sen. Bernie Sanders, the independent from Vermont, argued late into the evening on the Senate floor. “That’s the way it works.”

But no negotiations, at least publicly, are underway.

Shutdown grinds on, but signs of quiet talks

The Republicans who have majority control in Congress believe they have the upper hand politically, as they fend off Democratic demands to quickly fund health insurance subsidies as part of any plan to end the shutdown.

But so have Democrats dug in, convinced that Americans are on their side in the fight to prevent the looming health care price spikes and blaming Trump for the shutdown.

Behind the scenes, though, signs of discomfort are apparent.

A loosely formed collection of senators, Republicans and Democrats, have bantered about options for addressing the health insurance problem. One, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, has offered her own plans.

Two prominent Republicans, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri, have said something must be done to stop the health insurance rate hikes.

And Trump himself signaled he was open to negotiating with Democrats over their demands to save health care subsidies. Earlier this week, the president said that talks were already underway as he wants “great health care” for the people, only to shift his tone hours later to say the government must reopen first.

Trump wants to make a health care deal

“I spoke to the president at length yesterday about that very thing,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said about his Monday conversation with Trump. “And yes, he wants to solve problems.”

At its core, the debate is over the health care issue that has tangled Congress for years, and in particular, the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, that Trump tried, and failed, to repeal and replace during his first term at the White House.

Congress increased the federal subsidies that help people purchase private insurance policies on the Affordable Care Act exchanges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The federal aid was popular, and it boosted ACA enrollment to a record 24 million people. Those enhanced subsidies are set to expire at year’s end.

Republicans say Congress can deal with the health insurance issue in the months ahead. Democrats are fighting to resolve the problem now, as people are receiving notices of higher policy rates for the new year.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, the Republican from South Dakota, has said there may be a path forward — once the government reopens.

“We were always planning to have those discussions,” said Johnson, R-La.

Doubts are high and trust is low

But Democrats argue that Republicans failed to address the expiring health care subsidies this summer when they approved Trump’s signature bill into law, commonly referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Democrats doubt that with Johnson keeping the House out of legislative session, and sending lawmakers home to work in their districts, the Republicans will quickly come back to work on resolving the health care problem.

“Tens of millions of people are about to experience dramatically increased health insurance costs — how is that acceptable in the wealthiest country in the history of the world?” said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York.

“A health care crisis is unfolding before the eyes of the American people because of the actions taken by the GOP — they’re on vacation,” he said.

Missed paychecks for workers, and more failed votes

While federal employees have often missed paychecks during shutdowns, and the first pay period is coming in the next week, Trump is now threatening to do away with guaranteed back pay. It would be a stark departure from what is normal. The White House budget office, under Russ Vought, argues the law says back pay is not automatic, and Congress would need to approve it.

At the same time, Thune’s strategy of trying to peel off more Democratic senators to join Republicans to advance the House-passed bill that would fund the government without a health care fix has not worked.

In fact, the parties are pulling further apart. Sen. Angus King, the independent from Maine who has voted several times with Republicans to fund the government, has said he may change his vote, joining most Democratic senators who are holding out for a better deal.

The Senate is expected to try again Wednesday to advance the House GOP’s bill, but it is expected to fail again.

Each side has dug in, convinced they’re on the right side of the shutdown fight, in part because that’s what their internal data shows.

Over the weekend, Senate Democrats were briefed on information suggesting their health care messaging was resonating with voters. The memo from Senate Majority PAC was circulated to House Democrats and campaigns nationwide on Tuesday, with a clear directive: hold the line.

“It would be a mistake to take the pressure off Republicans,” the memo says.

Republicans, meanwhile, are sticking to their own playbook. A memo from the House GOP’s campaign arm urged candidates to focus on the shutdown’s economic impact, including a district-level breakdown of who would be affected by a government shutdown.

Each side has framed the shutdown fight as a precursor to the 2026 midterm elections.

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Associated Press writers Kevin Freking and Stephen Groves contributed to this report.

Comey pleads not guilty to Trump Justice Department case accusing him of lying to Congress

Comey pleads not guilty to Trump Justice Department case accusing him of lying to Congress

By ERIC TUCKER, ALANNA DURKIN RICHER and MICHAEL KUNZELMAN Associated Press

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — Former FBI Director James Comey pleaded not guilty Wednesday to face a criminal case that has thrown a spotlight on the Justice Department’s efforts to target adversaries of President Donald Trump.

The arraignment is expected to be brief, but the moment is nonetheless loaded with significance given that the case has amplified concerns the Justice Department is being weaponized in pursuit of Trump’s political enemies and is operating at the behest of a White House determined to seek retribution for perceived wrongs against the president.

Comey entered a not guilty plea through his lawyer at the federal courthouse in Alexandria, Virginia, to allegations that he lied to Congress five years go. The plea kick-starts a process of legal wrangling in which defense lawyers will almost certainly move to get the indictment dismissed before trial, possibly by arguing the case amounts to a selective or vindictive prosecution.

The indictment two weeks ago followed an extraordinary chain of events that saw Trump publicly implore Attorney General Pam Bondi to take action against Comey and other perceived adversaries. The Republican president also replaced the veteran attorney who had been overseeing the investigation with Lindsey Halligan, a White House aide who had never previously served as a federal prosecutor. Halligan rushed to file charges before a legal deadline lapsed despite warnings from other lawyers in the office that the evidence was insufficient for an indictment.

What the indictment says

The two-count indictment alleges that Comey made a false statement to the Senate Judiciary Committee on Sept. 30, 2020, by denying he had authorized an associate to serve as an anonymous source to the news media and that he obstructed a congressional proceeding. Comey has denied any wrongdoing and has said he was looking forward to a trial. The indictment does not identify the associate or say what information may have been discussed with the media, making it challenging to assess the strength of the evidence or to even fully parse the allegations.

Though an indictment is typically just the start of a protracted court process, the Justice Department has trumpeted the development itself as something of a win, regardless of the outcome. Trump administration officials are likely to point to any conviction as proof the case was well-justified, but an acquittal or even dismissal may also be held up as further support for their long-running contention the criminal justice system is stacked against them.

The judge was nominated by Biden

The judge randomly assigned to the case, Michael Nachmanoff, was nominated to the bench by President Joe Biden’s Democratic administration and is a former chief federal defender. Known for methodical preparation and a cool temperament, the judge and his background have already drawn Trump’s attention, with the president deriding him as a “Crooked Joe Biden appointed Judge.”

Besides Comey, the Justice Department is also investigating other foes of the president, including New York Attorney General Letitia James and Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff of California.

Several Comey family members arrived in court Wednesday morning ahead of the arraignment, including his daughter Maurene, who was fired by the Justice Department earlier this year from her position as a federal prosecutor in Manhattan, as well as Troy Edwards Jr., a son-in-law of Comey’s who minutes after Comey was indicted resigned his job as a prosecutor in the Eastern District of Virginia — the same office that filed the charges.

Trump and Comey’s fraught relationship

The indictment was the latest chapter in a long-broken relationship between Trump and Comey.

Trump arrived in office in January 2017 as Comey, appointed to the FBI director job by President Barack Obama four years earlier, was overseeing an investigation into ties between Russia and Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.

The dynamic was fraught from the start, with Comey briefing Trump weeks before he took office on the existence of uncorroborated and sexually salacious gossip in a dossier of opposition research compiled by a former British spy.

In their first several private interactions, Comey would later reveal, Trump asked his FBI director to pledge his loyalty to him and to drop an FBI investigation into his administration’s first national security adviser, Michael Flynn. Comey said Trump also asked him to announce that Trump himself was not under investigation as part of the broader inquiry into Russian election interference, something Comey did not do.

Comey was abruptly fired in May 2017 while at an event in Los Angeles, with Trump later saying he was thinking about “this Russia thing” when he decided to terminate him. The firing was investigated by Justice Department special counsel Robert Mueller as an act of potential obstruction of justice.

Comey in 2018 published a memoir, “A Higher Loyalty,” that painted Trump in deeply unflattering ways, likening him to a mafia don and characterizing him as unethical and “untethered to truth.”

Trump, for his part, continued to angrily vent at Comey as the Russia investigation led by Mueller dominated headlines for the next two years and shadowed his first administration. On social media, he repeatedly claimed Comey should face charges for “treason” — an accusation Comey dismissed as “dumb lies” — and called him an “untruthful slime ball.”

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Tucker reported from Washington.

Classic Bruschetta

Classic Bruschetta

Hosting season is upon us and this classic bruschetta is the perfect light and fresh appetizer!

Ingredients

  • 2-3 ripe Roma tomatoes, finely chopped
  • 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 5–6 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp. balsamic vinegar 
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. black pepper
  • 1 small baguette 
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (f).

2. Make the topping
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, sliced basil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. Let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

3. Toast the bread
Cut the baguette into 1/2 inch slices and brush with olive oil on both sides. Place on a baking sheet covered with aluminum foil and toast in the oven for about 8 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through.

3. Assemble the bruschetta
Spoon some of the mixture on each slice of baguette and serve immediately. Enjoy this classic and delicious recipe as an appetizer or a light bite.

October 8th 2025

October 8th 2025

Thought of the Day

October 8th 2024
Getty Image

Different locks must be opened with different keys. Be flexible and face each new challenge with a fresh outlook and the right tools.

Wet Nose Wednesday: Meet Bryan and Orca!

Wet Nose Wednesday: Meet Bryan and Orca!

Hi there! I’m Bryan, a charming gentleman cat. I might seem a bit shy, but don’t let that fool you – I’m actually a total sweetheart who loves making new friends! I’m a master at creating the most delightful “biscuits” and I’m known for being a total cuddle bug who absolutely adores being a lap cat. I’m pretty laid-back and would describe myself as a classic couch potato with a gentle, loving personality. I’m super social and get along with just about everyone – women, men, other cats, and even dogs! I’ve got a soft spot for stuffed animals and enjoy a calm, quiet environment where I can snuggle up and show you just how attentive and sweet I can be. If you’re looking for a mellow companion who will happily curl up next to you and shower you with affection, I’m your guy! How did I get here? Found by a good samaritan. **I have tested positive for FeLV (feline leukemia) – please speak with an adoption specialist for more information.** ~My adoption fee is waived.~

Hey there! I’m Orca, an adventurous and energetic pup who’s ready to bring some serious fun into your life! Whether it’s chasing toys, bouncing around, going dock-diving, running on the treadmill, or learning cool new tricks, I’m always up for a good time. My staff friends say I’m super smart and pick up training quickly – I’ve already worked on some awesome skills like scent work and can’t wait to show off my talents to my future family! I’m looking for a family who can keep up with my zoomies but also appreciates moments of connection. I’m great with people who love to play fetch, give belly rubs, and go on exciting adventures together. My dream home would have someone who can provide lots of mental and physical enrichment – think walks, training sessions, and plenty of playtime. If you’re ready for a quirky, brave, and totally lovable companion who will keep you entertained and bring endless joy to your life, I’m your guy! I’m full grown at ~56 lbs. How did I get here? Transferred from Wake County Animal Center. ~My adoption fee is $120.00.~

Meet Bryan

Meet Orca

Battleship North Carolina to honor U.S. Navy and Marine Corps anniversaries

Battleship North Carolina to honor U.S. Navy and Marine Corps anniversaries

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WPTF) — As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, the Battleship North Carolina is inviting Americans to participate in a significant act of remembrance and gratitude. In honor of the 250th anniversaries, the Battleship will raise 250 American flags, each representing the generations who have served and sacrificed for the nation.

The ceremonial flag raisings are scheduled for Monday, Oct. 13, coinciding with the Navy Anniversary, and Monday, Nov. 10, for the Marine Corps Anniversary. These events will take place aboard the historic ship in collaboration with the Friends of the Battleship North Carolina and the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps.

“This tribute is personal to me,” said Dr. Jay C. Martin, executive director of the Battleship North Carolina Memorial. “My father served in the Army during World War II, and my grandmother was a Rosie the Riveter. Their legacy — and the legacy of millions like them — lives on in these flags. I’ve reserved flags for my family because I believe they’re more than symbols. They’re stories. They’re sacrifices. They’re reminders of who we are as Americans.”

Each flag raised aboard the Battleship will carry historical significance, serving as a shared gesture of national memory. These flags will be available to individuals and families wishing to honor their own connections to service, honor, and sacrifice. Proceeds from the event will support educational programs and the ongoing preservation of the Battleship North Carolina Memorial.

“These flags are living history,” Dr. Martin added. “They connect the legacy of America’s most decorated World War II battleship with the stories of those who serve today. This is a moment for all Americans to reflect, remember, and participate.”

The U.S.S. North Carolina (BB-55) is America’s most decorated World War II battleship, now decommissioned and permanently moored among 55 acres of Eagles Island wildlands on the Cape Fear River at Wilmington, North Carolina. The Battleship North Carolina Memorial commemorates the heroism of North Carolinians who served their country during World War II and memorializes the roughly 11,000 who made the ultimate sacrifice. Today, the Battleship and the adjacent park serve as a place for learning, reflection, and community engagement, connecting past events to current conversations about service, leadership, and citizenship through programs, exhibits, and events. For more information, visit www.battleshipnc.com or call (910) 399-9100.

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum has a new job: chief basketball officer for his former Duke program

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum has a new job: chief basketball officer for his former Duke program

By AARON BEARD AP Basketball Writer

Duke is getting help from former Blue Devils player and Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum.

The school announced Tuesday that the six-time NBA all-star would serve in a volunteer advisory role for the program as “chief basketball officer.” Tatum is currently recovering from a ruptured right Achilles’ tendon suffered in May during the NBA playoffs.

In its release, the school said Tatum’s tasks will include in-person visits with the team to discuss development, professionalism and team culture, as well as mentoring athletes in areas such as career management, building a personal brand or managing time demands as a college athlete.

Tatum will also check in with periodic virtual team meetings or discuss roster construction with coach Jon Scheyer at a program that regularly produces high-level NBA talent, including No. 1 overall draft pick and Associated Press national college player of the year Cooper Flagg last year.

Tatum attended Duke’s “Countdown to Craziness” preseason event Friday in a ceremonial kickoff to the season, with Scheyer telling fans Tatum would assist the program in the months ahead.

“This program has always been about pushing the game forward,” Scheyer said in Tuesday’s statement. “Jayson has been incredibly loyal to Duke since the day he committed, and this evolution represents the next step in how we connect The Brotherhood to the future of our players. Jayson is the ultimate professional.

“His ability to inspire, motivate, and guide our student-athletes is unmatched, and I could not be more excited to see the impact he will have on our team and our culture.”

Tatum was a one-and-done star for the Blue Devils during the 2016-17 season before moving on to become the No. 3 overall draft pick. Tatum blossomed into one of the league’s top players and helped Boston win the 2024 championship.

“This program means so much to me, and I had an unbelievable time here,” Tatum said in a statement. “I already watch every game, come back whenever I can, and connect with Coach Scheyer often. To have the chance to formalize my relationship with the program and broaden my ability to impact the players and culture means the world to me.

“As former players, we all share the responsibility of supporting the next generation of Duke Basketball.”

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