Hutch Post has received the draft floodplain maps for cities and towns in Reno County.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It is important to note that these are not the final maps, but a draft so that city and county administrators can provide comments to the State of Kansas and FEMA for any changes to be made from these drafts to the final map.&nbsp;&nbsp;

We will continue to follow this issue and provide updates as they become available.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Reno County floodplain draft maps

NEWTON – The Harvey County Commission has approved the purchase of a downtown Newton property that will help the County address both short- and long-term space needs.

At its meeting Tuesday, commissioners voted to acquire the building at 109/111 E. Seventh St., located just south of the Harvey County Courthouse, for $100,000. The building most recently housed law offices.

In the immediate future, the property will serve as swing space for county departments as the Courthouse undergoes renovations. Departments could temporarily relocate to the Seventh Street site while upgrades are made to their existing offices.

Over the long term, the building offers additional flexibility for the County and the Ninth Judicial District as they plan for future space demands.

Closing on the property is expected in mid-September.

Harvey County Commission approves purchase of former law building

RICE COUNTY — Local leaders are encouraging residents to share their input on housing needs as the county prepares to close its community-wide Housing Survey.

The survey, which takes less than 10 minutes to complete, is designed to give county officials a clearer picture of what’s working in Rice County’s housing market—and what isn’t. Whether residents rent, own, build, or hope to stay in the community long-term, organizers say every voice matters.

“This is your chance to be heard,” county officials said in the announcement. “Your feedback will help us create housing solutions that actually work—for you, your family, and your town.”

Survey responses will directly inform future housing plans and strengthen the county’s ability to compete for grant funding to bring improvements to local neighborhoods.

Officials stressed that participation is critical to shaping policies that reflect real community needs. “Every response gets us one step closer to the homes and neighborhoods our county deserves,” the announcement stated.

The survey can be accessed online at this <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc1Wfwdib4f5Uszk0HRKOrBl5kw0vCu2TNF3NjL-OyNRrf1Hw/viewform?pli=1">link.</a>

Residents are asked to complete it as soon as possible before it closes.

Rice County urges residents to complete housing survey

&nbsp; "Meet Hickory, the 2-year-old Shepherd-Husky mix whose striking blue eyes and joyful demeanor make him an unforgettable friend. 

With a spirit as vibrant as his eye-catching gaze, Hickory is ready to become a beloved member of a family that appreciates his outgoing nature. Hickory thrives on social interaction, particularly enjoying the company of other dogs. His friendly and playful nature ensures he fits right in with canine companions, turning every day into a fun adventure full of excitement and bonding.

This happy boy is as charming as they come, offering loyalty and affection to his human friends. His intelligence and eagerness to engage make him a fantastic fit for families or individuals ready to include him in their daily lives and activities.

The perfect home for Hickory is one that values companionship and the joy of an active, involved pet. Whether it's a hike in the woods or a playful romp in the yard, Hickory is eager to share in life's adventures.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Hutchinson Animal Shelter is located at 1501 South Severance Street. They are open Tuesday through Sunday, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.&nbsp; Adoptions, reclaims and owner surrender services by appointment. You can reach them by phone at 620-694-1924.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Adopt a Furry Friend: Hickory 

Reno County leaders, engineers, and floodplain specialists gathered on Aug. 26, for a Flood Risk Review Meeting to discuss draft updates to the county’s floodplain maps and outline next steps in the years-long mapping project.&nbsp;

The meeting, hosted by the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA), WSP USA engineers, and FEMA Region 7, focused on how new flood risk data was developed and the importance of community feedback before maps are finalized.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/07b02401-ffcc-436d-a93f-5e7f1e6a14ff">LINK: Reno County floodplain draft maps</a>

Flooding remains the most dangerous weather-related threat in the U.S., and accurate floodplain maps help communities plan development, reduce future damage, and determine insurance requirements. Reno County’s last major updates came in 2010, with partial revisions in 2021 related to levee certifications. Officials said new modeling, aerial imagery, and LiDAR data collected between 2022 and 2025 revealed the need for further revisions.&nbsp;

The revised draft maps reflect changes in stream paths, drainage areas, and levee conditions across the county:&nbsp; •&nbsp; Plum Creek was renamed to reflect the GVI drainage ditch, constructed in 2002.&nbsp; •&nbsp; &nbsp;Cow Creek Tributary C realigned, with portions removed from future maps.&nbsp; •&nbsp; &nbsp;Cow Creek Tributary A rerouted and renamed the “East Side Storm Drain” following terrain changes near 43rd Avenue.&nbsp; •&nbsp; &nbsp;Updated Zone AE and Zone A flood models include new analysis, refined land-use data, and surveyed bridge and culvert structures for greater accuracy.&nbsp; •&nbsp; &nbsp;Accredited levees in Hutchinson, Willowbrook, and South Hutchinson remain recognized, while several smaller levees in Haven, Yoder, Nickerson, and Mount Hope are mapped as “hydraulically insignificant.”&nbsp;

Right now, community leaders are in their comment phase. &nbsp;During this phase they will make notification to the mapping agencies of changes that have been made, or are scheduled that could affect the rainwater runoff. &nbsp;Examples of this are landscaping changes, development of stormwater catch basins or improvements to existing drainage systems. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Once this stage is complete, a public open house will be scheduled where residents can meet with mapping experts, engineers, and insurance specialists to discuss the draft floodplains.&nbsp;

The changes could affect property owners across multiple Reno County communities, including Arlington, Buhler, Haven, Hutchinson, Nickerson, Partridge, Pretty Prairie, South Hutchinson, Sylvia, and Turon. Some properties may be newly included in the floodplain, while others may be removed.&nbsp;

Project leaders emphasized that community participation is crucial:&nbsp;

“This is your opportunity to have an impact,” they stated. “We want to agree on what your map looks like before it enters preliminary status, when changes become much harder to make.”&nbsp;

City, county officials briefed on draft floodplain maps

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;&nbsp;The City of Hutchinson has installed the temporary traffic signals on Main Street for the upcoming Kansas State Fair.&nbsp;

The lights have been installed at 20th and Main, along with 23rd and Main.

The temporary signals will be in use Wednesday, Sept. 3 through Monday, Sept. 15.

These lights are used to help control possible congestion issues for the upcoming fair, which runs Sept. 5-14.

Temporary traffic signals installed on Main Street for Kansas State Fair

Jacci Espinosa the Chief Financial Officer of New Beginnings visited with us about "The Center" a homeless facility being planned in downtown Hutchinson.&nbsp;

🎧 BW Morning Show Interview: Jacci Espinosa, New Beginnings 

Governor Laura Kelly has directed flags be lowered to half-staff in honor of Judge Bruce Brown of the 18th Judicial District Division 10.

In accordance with Executive Order #20-30, flags will be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol Complex, as well as on all court buildings and facilities across Kansas. The tribute will continue through sundown on Saturday, August 30, 2025, the day Judge Brown is interred following his funeral services.

“Judge Brown dedicated his career to upholding justice and serving the people of Kansas with integrity,” Governor Kelly said in a statement. “We honor his legacy and extend our deepest sympathies to his family, colleagues, and community.”

Judge Brown served the 18th Judicial District with distinction, remembered by colleagues for his fairness on the bench and his commitment to public service.

Flags will return to full staff beginning Sunday, August 31.

Gov. directs flags to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Judge Bruce Brown

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/obituaries">Click&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners</a>.

Hutch Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/35522b08-cd30-49e1-93e0-85962282628b">PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE NEW OBITUARY POLICY.</a> Funeral homes can send notices to <a href="http://hutchpost@eaglemedia.com">hutchpost@eaglemedia.com&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank"> </a>

Recent obituaries and service times

<a href="https://www.rcfmks.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKBmQRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEzdkdJUGtVbEdjY3V1Y3VTAR7lGJ1kAckMgUcnSI756UiNOiYC1K0-RHoYZK0mtlkb0zLN-LBjMwKVCH4OYQ_aem_Om5fLM_EfizOIqFnwNunyg">Reno County Farmers Market</a>&nbsp;•&nbsp;10 a.m. to 1p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Second Ave and Washington Street&nbsp; &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.kansasmaze.com/">Kansas Maze Sunflower Festival </a>• 5 to 8 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 13209 East 82, Buhler&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.kansasmaze.com/">Kansas Maze Sunflower Festival</a> • 5 to 8 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 13209 East 82, Buhler&nbsp; &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.hutchinsonfox.com/events/classic-film-series-lassie-come-home">Fox Classic Film Series: 'Lassie Come Home'</a> • 7 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Hutchinson Fox Theatre • 18 East First&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Frankie &amp; Wyatt Live at Sandhills Brewing • 5-8 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 111 West Second

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122176158560347169&amp;set=pb.61560415076202.-2207520000">Hutch Blue &amp; Gold</a> • 5:30 p.m. Start / 7 p.m. Scrimmage &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Gowans Stadium

<a href="https://www.hutchinsonfox.com/weekend-films">Fox Weekend Film: 'Sketch'</a> • 7 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Hutchinson Fox Theatre • 18 East First&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.rcfmks.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKBmQRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEzdkdJUGtVbEdjY3V1Y3VTAR7lGJ1kAckMgUcnSI756UiNOiYC1K0-RHoYZK0mtlkb0zLN-LBjMwKVCH4OYQ_aem_Om5fLM_EfizOIqFnwNunyg">Reno County Farmers Market</a>&nbsp;•&nbsp;7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Second Ave and Washington Street&nbsp; &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.hutchinsonartcenter.net/saturday-morning-artists-qa">Saturday Morning Artists</a>&nbsp;• 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Hutchinson Art Center - 405 North Washington

<a href="https://www.kansasmaze.com/">Kansas Maze Sunflower Festival</a> • 2 to 8 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 13209 East 82, Buhler&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.hutchinsonfox.com/events/classic-film-series-lassie-come-home">Fox Classic Film Series: 'Lassie Come Home'</a> • 2 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Hutchinson Fox Theatre • 18 East First&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.hutchinsonfox.com/weekend-films">Fox Weekend Film: 'Sketch'</a> • 7 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Hutchinson Fox Theatre • 18 East First&nbsp; &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.hutchinsonfox.com/weekend-films">Fox Weekend Film: 'Sketch'</a> • 2 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Hutchinson Fox Theatre • 18 East First&nbsp;

Happenings Around Hutch • Aug. 25-31

A week ago, I told you about a company that was using American tax-payer money, to try to make Sustainable Aviation fuel from ethanol, but buying that ethanol from Brazil.&nbsp; 

Well, now the President of the National Corn Growers submitted comments on the investigation into Brazil’s unfair trading practices, specifically on ethanol.&nbsp; 

Brazil is actively trying to crush the American corn industry by directly and indirectly hurt American corn farmers.&nbsp; This has been happening for many years, and American corn farmers want it stopped.

Here's John Jenkinson with today's Ag Minute...

Ag Minute: Ethanol and Brazil's unfair trading practices

JOHNSON COUNTY —A Kansas man who admitted his role in a drug overdose death is going to prison.

On August 21, Jude Christina Dunn Gyllenbord sentenced 22-year-old&nbsp;&nbsp;Ahmad Mohammed Karraz to 144 months for the drug distribution death of 24-year-old Kylie Liston, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.

In June Karraz pleaded guilty to distribution of drugs causing death and use of a communication facility during a drug felony.

In November, the Johnson County district attorney's office charged Karraz and 22-year-old Ronaley Arriola in connection with the Liston's Death.&nbsp; &nbsp; They were arrested after an investigation by the Overland&nbsp; Park Police Department.

Prison for drug deal death of 24-year-old Kansas woman

CLOUD COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on multiple allegations after a shooting during a robbery in central Kansas.

On Tuesday, a state parole officer contacted Salina Police about the search for&nbsp;45-year old Miralis Cozart who had a warrant for arrest in connection with a shooting on August 17 in Concordia, according to a media release from Concordia Police. Witnesses identified Cozart as a suspect.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The victim was transported to the Concordia hospital and was later transferred to another medical facility, to receive extensive medical treatment for his injuries.

Police in Salina located Cozart in the 200 block of S. Broadway. Officers arrested Cozart without incident and booked him into the Saline County on requested charges of 1st Degree Attempted Murder, Aggravated Robbery with a Deadly Weapon and Attempted Robbery with a Deadly Weapon.

Cozart has previous convictions for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, criminal weapons possession and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Man on parole accused of shooting victim during central Kan. robbery 

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a homicide at a Kansas City area park and have a person-of-interest in custody.

Just before 8a.m. Wednesday,&nbsp;&nbsp;patrol officers were dispatched to 23rd and Topping on a reported shooting, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

As officers arrived they were directed towards Blue Valley Park, to the south end of the park. There, in a wooded area, officers located an adult male victim suffering from gunshot wounds. 

KCFD EMS responded and transported the victim to a local hospital with critical injuries. A short time later hospital personnel declared the victim deceased, according to DiMartino.

This is being investigated as a homicide. While officers were on scene they received information about the involvement of a vehicle and a subject of interest.

A short distance away, officers took a subject of interest into custody pending further investigation. Detectives are still working to determine what led up to the shots being fired and the victim being struck. Investigators and crime scene technicians are canvassing the area for witnesses, surveillance footage, and any physical evidence.

If anyone has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.

KCPD: Person-of-interest in custody after homicide near park

WASHINGTON (AP) — Transportation Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/sean-duffy">Sean Duffy</a>&nbsp;announced Wednesday that his department is taking management of Union Station, the main transportation hub in Washington, away from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/amtrak">Amtrak</a>, in another example of how the federal government is exerting its power over the nation's capital.

Duffy made the announcement in a statement before he joined Amtrak President Roger Harris at Union Station for the launch of the NextGen Acela, the rail service's new high-speed train.

The secretary said Union Station, located within walking distance of the U.S. Capitol, had “fallen into disrepair” when it should be a “point of pride” for the city.

“By reclaiming station management, we will help make this city safe and beautiful at a fraction of the cost,” Duffy said.

At the event, Duffy said President Donald Trump has been “pretty clear” about what he wants.

“He wants Union Station to be beautiful again. He wants transit to be safe again. And he wants our nation’s capital to be great again. And today is part of that,” Duffy said.

Duffy echoed the Republican president, who said last week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-federal-intervention-trump-national-guard-df942130ec117288cfc648ab4e37f031">he wants $2 billion from Congress</a>&nbsp;to beautify Washington as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-washington-crime-national-guard-homelessness-655bc22834223c7dc93115bbcb2b215c">his crackdown on the city</a>. The Republican president has sent thousands of National Guard troops and federal law enforcement officials into Washington in a bid to fight violent crime he claimed had strangled the city.

Local police department statistics show&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-crime-data-rates-washington-police-7429711db32e2cd44c5b70504cacef40">violent crime in Washington</a>&nbsp;has declined in recent years, but Trump has countered, without offering evidence, that the numbers were fudged.

National Guard troops have been on patrol inside and outside of Union Station after Trump launched the anti-crime effort earlier this month. Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were shouted down by opponents of the federal intervention when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-washington-dc-police-a776f0764ef5528ec976604648f08c3f">they visited with troops</a>&nbsp;there last week.

During Wednesday's train unveiling, Duffy will also talk about what the administration is doing to turn Union Station into a world class transit hub, according to a Transportation Department news advisory.

Duffy had pressed Amtrak about crime at Union Station in a March letter to its chief operating officer and requested an updated plan on how it intended to improve public safety there.

Trump effort to control U.S. capital expands to Union Station

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. regulators approved updated COVID-19 shots Wednesday but limited their use for many Americans — and removed one of the two vaccines available for young children.

The new shots from Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax are approved for all seniors. But the Food and Drug Administration narrowed their use for younger adults and children to those with at least one high-risk health condition, such as asthma or obesity. That presents new barriers to access for millions of Americans who would have to prove their risk — and millions more who may want to get vaccinated and suddenly no longer qualify.

Additionally, Pfizer’s vaccine will no longer be available for any child under 5, because the FDA said it was revoking the shot’s emergency authorization for that age group.

Parents will still be able to seek out shots from rival drugmaker Moderna, the other maker of mRNA vaccines, which has full FDA approval for children as young as 6 months. But the company’s Spikevax vaccine is only approved for children with at least one serious health problem.

The revamped vaccines target a newer version of the continuously evolving virus and are set to begin shipping immediately. But it could be days or weeks before many Americans know if they’ll be able to get one, with access dependent on decisions by federal health advisers, private health insurers, pharmacies and state authorities.

The new restrictions — previewed by FDA officials in May — are a break from the previous U.S. policy, which recommended an annual COVID-19 shot for all Americans 6 months and up.

The approach reflects heightened skepticism about the ongoing risks of COVID-19 and the need for yearly booster shots from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, who were both outspoken critics of wide-scale vaccinations.

“The American people demanded science, safety, and common sense. This framework delivers all three,” Kennedy wrote on social media.

Novavax's shot is only open to people 12 or older, not younger children – and under the same risk-based restrictions as are now in place for the Moderna and Pfizer options. It's the nation's only traditional, protein-based COVID-19 vaccine.

Coverage questions and access issues are unresolved

Some medical groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, have objected to the new limits, saying they may block vaccine access for families who want to protect their children. Last week, the group offered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid19-vaccines-aap-cdc-33896013e1d7b3ad06dbd0d99d300bff">its own recommendations</a>&nbsp;for kids, saying annual shots are strongly recommended for children ages 6 months to 2 years and advised for older children.

That differs from the latest guidance under Kennedy, which doesn’t recommend the shots for healthy children of any age, but says kids may get the shots in consultation with physicians.

In his post Wednesday, Kennedy said the shots will be "available for all patients who choose them after consulting with their doctors.”

But Americans are likely to confront a number of logistical hurdles.

Insurers typically base their vaccine coverage decisions on the recommendations of a panel of advisers to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but some say they will also look to medical professional groups, including the American Medical Association.

Earlier this year, Kennedy dissolved the CDC panel and replaced its members with a number of doctors and researchers who have repeatedly questioned the safety of commonly used vaccines and ingredients. The panel is expected to meet in September, but no specific date has been set and no agenda released.

Depending on the panel’s advice, Americans under age 65 could be expected to provide documentation of a serious medical condition before they can get a shot. Complicating the rollout is the fact that pharmacists — who administer most COVID-19 shots — typically aren’t expected to collect that kind of information. And laws governing their ability to administer routine vaccinations vary by state, where pharmacists are licensed.

Many states limit vaccinations by pharmacists to those recommended by the CDC panel.

Access could also be complicated for healthy adults and children who are interested in getting a shot for extra protection.

If the latest vaccines aren’t covered by their insurance, those patients could be required to pay $150 or more out of pocket if they want one. If they aren't considered considered high-risk, they also might also have to find a doctor or other health professional willing to give the shot “off label."

Shots target a recently dominant coronavirus version

The updated shots from Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax target a coronavirus subtype named LP. 8.1, a version of the virus that is closely related to some newly emerging cousins. Pfizer and Moderna said they expect their shots to be available within days. Novavax's vaccine is expected in the early fall, a spokesman said.

All three shots were initially made available under the FDA’s emergency use authorization, an expedited process to quickly review vaccines and other countermeasures during the pandemic. Pfizer had not yet sought full approval for its doses designed for children under 5, which is the reason that Moderna will be the only provider of shots for the youngest children this year.

In addition to revoking emergency use of Pfizer’s vaccine in young children, Kennedy said Wednesday the government also pulled remaining authorizations for all other COVID-19 vaccines and another therapy from the pandemic years, convalescent plasma, which was used to treat hospitalized COVID-19 patients before the first antiviral drugs became available.

COVID-19 vaccines do a good job preventing severe disease, hospitalization and death, which remain a bigger risk for seniors and people with underlying health factors, including heart disease, lung disease and cancer.

Preliminary data from the CDC estimates 47,500 Americans died from COVID-related causes last year. In at least two-thirds of those cases, COVID-19 was listed as the underlying cause of death. For the rest, COVID-19 was a contributing factor.

AP Medical Writer Lauran Neergaard contributed to this story.

FDA approves updated COVID-19 shots but limits access for some

KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating a small plane crash that occurred just north of the Midwest National Air Center near Mosby, according to a statement from the&nbsp;The Clay County, Missouri Sheriff's Office.

Just before noon Wednesday, dispatchers received a call about heavy smoke coming from a field near NE 140th Street and Rhodus Road. Callers believed it may have been from a plane crash. When deputies arrived, they located a Cessna C340 fully engulfed in flames in a soybean field. There were at least two occupants inside, and they have been confirmed deceased.

The plane appeared to have been trying to land at the Midwest National Air Center. Preliminary information indicates it may have come from an airport outside of the St. Louis metro area. Investigators are working to identify the occupants of the plane.

Air traffic was closed until 5 p.m. Wednesday while the investigation is ongoing. Sheriff's Office investigators have notified the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board, which will take over the investigation into what caused the crash.

Sheriff: 2 dead after small plane crash near Kansas City

Modest gains on Wall Street lifted the stock market to an all-time high Wednesday ahead of a highly anticipated earnings update from computer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/42657a49554bf35fb12fdf48c02287d2">chip giant Nvidia</a>.

The S&amp;P 500 rose 0.2%, good enough to nudge the benchmark index past the record high it set two weeks ago. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.3% and the Nasdaq composite closed 0.2% higher.

Technology companies led the way higher, outweighing declines in communication services and other sectors.

Investors see Nvidia’s quarterly report, which was due after the bell, as a barometer for the strength of the boom in artificial intelligence because the company makes most of the chips that power the technology. Its heavy weighting also gives Nvidia outsized influence as a bellwether for the broader market. Its shares slipped 0.1%.

“Saying this is the most important stock in the world is an understatement,” said Jay Woods, chief global strategist at Freedom Capital Markets. “The stock’s average move after an earnings release is plus or minus 7.4%, so just an average move will make an impact on the entire market.”

Several big software companies -- CrowdStrike Holdings, ServiceNow, Palo Alto Networks, Intuit and Salesforce -- rose ahead of the Nvidia results.

The stocks have been mostly in the red so far this quarter amid worries that AI is going to make software creation much easier at the expense of big software companies’ competitive edge.

Cracker Barrel shares climbed 8% after the restaurant company&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8b496da282deef3d8d0618c3f9f4db46">scrapped plans to change its logo</a>&nbsp;following an uproar on social media that even drew a comment from President Donald Trump.

Shares in several companies rose after they reported quarterly results that topped analysts' forecasts. Department store chain Kohl’s vaulted 24% and database platform company MongoDB surged 38%. Both companies also raised their full-year guidance.

J.M. Smucker slid 4.4% after the jelly and jam maker's latest quarterly snapshot fell short of analysts’ estimates.

Among other stocks that lost ground: doughnut shop chain Krispy Kreme, which fell 3.5%, and Paramount Skydance, which dropped 6.5% for the biggest decline among S&amp;P 500 companies.

Treasury yields mostly fell in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury slipped to 4.24% from 4.26% late Tuesday.

Crude oil prices rose. European markets finished mostly lower and Asian markets closed mixed overnight.

Trading on Wall Street is off to an uneven start this week following big gains last week on hopes for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-federal-reserve-powell-287af1c758a30d67f5384d17423c5029">interest rate cuts from the Fed</a>.

Markets have been subdued after Trump escalated his fight with the central bank by trying to fire&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-federal-reserve-rates-354ddf9b0b2a78eabbe7ebd361bf2e05">Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook</a>. Cook's lawyer said she'll sue Trump’s administration to try to stop him.

Trump has been feuding with the central bank over its cautious interest rate policy. The Fed has held rates steady since late 2024 over worries that Trump's unpredictable tariff policies will reignite inflation. Trump has also threatened to fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell, often taunting him with name-calling. Still, he is only one of 12 votes that decides interest rate policy.

For now, the situation isn't expected to have a major impact on the Fed's near-term policy.

The two-year Treasury yield, which closely tracks expectations for Federal Reserve action, dropped to 3.62% from 3.68%.

Traders are still betting the Fed will trim its benchmark interest rate at its next meeting in September. Traders see an 90.3% chance that the central bank will cut the rate by a quarter of a percentage point, according to data from CME Group.

“It’s kind of a foregone conclusion from the market that we’re going to get the September interest rate cut,” said Jed Ellerbroek, portfolio manager at Argent Capital Management. “The bigger question is probably 'What’s after that?' ”

The Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate in late 2024 after spending the last several years fighting rising inflation by raising rates. It managed to mostly tame inflation and avoided having those higher rates stall economic growth, thanks largely to strong consumer spending and a resilient job market.

The Fed hit the pause button heading into 2025 over concerns that higher tariffs imposed by Trump could reignite inflation. Lower interest rates make borrowing easier, helping to spur more investment and spending, but that could also potentially fuel inflation. However, concerns are deepening over the jobs market.

Economic data is relatively light this week until Friday, which will bring another update on inflation: the U.S. personal consumption expenditures index. Economists expect it to show that inflation remained at about 2.9% in July, compared with a year ago. Businesses have been warning investors and consumers about higher costs and prices because of tariffs.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/india-us-tariff-exports-trade-tension-48ac6d5e172df04832c75d2a57d0a860">Steep tariffs placed by the Trump administration on India</a>&nbsp;over Russian oil purchases took effect Wednesday, bringing the combined tariffs imposed on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/india-us-modi-trump-tariffs-relationship-575af0f270713fa6b09f4ed4e2848f21">the U.S. ally</a>&nbsp;to 50%.

All told, the S&amp;P 500 rose 15.46 points to 6,481.40. The Dow added 147.16 points to 45,565.23, and the Nasdaq climbed 45.87 points to 21,590.14.

Wall Street edges higher and pushes S&P 500 to another record

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A shooter opened fire with a rifle through the windows of a Catholic church in Minneapolis and struck children celebrating Mass during the first week of school, killing two and wounding 17 people in an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minneapolis-school-shooting-286c32580b1bd05cef08b8e13509e374">act of violence</a>&nbsp;the police chief called “absolutely incomprehensible.”

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said the shooter — armed with a rifle, shotgun and pistol — approached the side of the church and shot dozens of rounds through the windows toward the children sitting in the pews during Mass at the Annunciation Catholic School just before 8:30 a.m. Police believe the shooter then killed himself.

The children who died were 8 and 10, and 14 other kids were among the wounded, the chief said. Dozens of youngsters were inside.

Michael Simpson said his 10-year-old grandson, Weston Halsne, was nicked by a bullet as he sat near the church windows. His voice shaking as he left the area around the school, Simpson said the violence during Mass on the third day of school left him wondering whether God was watching over.

“I don’t know where He is,” Simpson said.

The police chief said the shooter was in his early 20s, did not have an extensive known criminal history and is believed to have acted alone, but did not release the name or information on possible connections to the school. A law enforcement official told The Associated Press authorities have identified the shooter as Robin Westman. That official was not authorized to discuss the ongoing investigation and spoke on condition of anonymity.

The police chief said a wooden plank was placed to barricade some of the side doors, and that authorities found a smoke bomb but no explosives at the scene.

“The sheer cruelty and cowardice of firing into a church full of children is absolutely incomprehensible,” O'Hara said at a news conference as church bells rang out. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey lamented that the violence had forever changed the students' families and the city along with them.

“Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now,” Frey said. “These kids were literally praying."

Westman’s uncle, former Kentucky state lawmaker Bob Heleringer, said he did not know the accused shooter well and was confounded by the violence: "It's an unspeakable tragedy.”

“We’re praying for my sister and her other children and also, obviously, for these poor, poor children,” Heleringer said by phone. He said he had last seen Westman at a family wedding three or four years ago.

Bill Bienemann, who lives a couple of blocks away and has long attended Mass at Annunciation Church, said he heard as many as 50 shots over as long as four minutes.

“I was shocked. I said, ‘There’s no way that could be gunfire,’” he said. “There was so much of it. It was sporadic.”

Bienemann’s daughter, Alexandra, said she was an alumna of the kindergarten-to-eighth-grade school, and it made her sick to her stomach to think she might know some of those who were injured.

“It doesn’t make me feel safe at all in this community that I have been in for so long," she said.

Police chief says officers rescued children who hid

The police chief said officers immediately responded to reports of the shooting, entered the church, rendered first aid and rescued some of the children hiding throughout the building as other emergency responders arrived.

The school was evacuated and students’ families later were directed to a “reunification zone” there. Outside, amid a heavy uniformed law enforcement presence, children in dark green uniforms trickled out of the school with adults, giving lingering hugs and wiping away tears.

Aubrey Pannhoff, a 16-year-old student at a different Catholic school, stood crying just outside the police cordon. She had rushed to Annunciation after her own school’s lockdown and prayer service, and she said she was asking God: “Why?”

“It’s little kids,” she said. “It’s just really hard for me to take in.”

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz called the violence “horrific” and his state is heartbroken in posts on X. On Truth Social, President Donald Trump said he was briefed on the shooting. The White House later said Trump spoke with Walz. The governor was the Democratic vice presidential nominee in last year’s election against Trump's running mate, now Vice President J.D. Vance, a Republican.

From the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV sent a telegram of condolences. The Chicago-born Leo, history’s first American pope, said he was praying for relatives of the dead.

Democratic officials from around country were meeting in Minneapolis, and Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin told the gathering what was happening and said it was “a tragic day for Minnesotans.”

Hennepin Healthcare, the main trauma hospital in Minneapolis, said it received 10 patients, including eight children — aged 6 through 14 — and two adults. Seven were considered to be in critical condition. Children’s Minnesota, a pediatric trauma hospital, said it admitted seven children, ages 9 through 16.

A string of fatal shootings in Minneapolis

Monday had been the first day of the school year at Annunciation, a 102-year-old school in a leafy residential and commercial neighborhood about 5 miles (8 kilometers) south of downtown Minneapolis. Recent social media posts from the school show children smiling at a back-to-school event, holding up summer art projects, playing together and enjoying ice pops.

Karin Cebulla, who said she had worked at the school and sent her two now-college-aged daughters there, said Wednesday she had “never met such authentic, accepting, loving, gracious people” as she did there.

The gunfire was the latest in a series of fatal shootings in the city in less than 24 hours. One person was killed and six others were hurt in a shooting Tuesday afternoon outside a high school in Minneapolis. Hours later, two people died in two other shootings in the city.

O’Hara, the police chief, said the Annunciation shooting does not appear to be related to other recent violence. Still, Dr. Thomas Wyatt, the Hennepin Healthcare emergency medicine chief, noted the toll of responding to two mass-casualty shootings in 24 hours.

Wednesday's school shooting also followed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/active-shooter-calls-hoaxes-arkansas-villanova-iowa-7fae16fae9025cf421acb6115c30c3d3">spate of hoax calls</a>&nbsp;about purported shootings on at least a dozen U.S. college campuses. The bogus warnings, sometimes featuring gunshot sounds in the background, prompted universities to issue texts to “run, hide, fight” and frightened students around the nation as the school year begins.

Associated Press writers Jennifer Peltz in New York; Hannah Fingerhut in Des Moines, Iowa; Jack Dura in Bismarck, North Dakota; Sarah Brumfield in Cockeysville, Maryland; Will Weissert and Alanna Durkin Richer in Washington; Bruce Schreiner in Shelbyville, Kentucky; Nicole Winfield in Vatican City; and Giovanna Dell’Orto and Steve Peoples in Minneapolis contributed to this report.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A gunman opened fire with a rifle through the windows of a Catholic church and struck a group of children celebrating Mass during the first week of school, killing two and wounding 17 in an act of violence the police chief called “absolutely incomprehensible.”

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said the shooter — armed with a rifle, shotgun and pistol — approached the side of the church and shot through the windows toward the children sitting in the pews during Mass at the Annunciation Catholic School.

O’Hara said the shooting suspect is dead and in his early 20s and does not have an extensive known criminal history. Officials are looking into his motive.

“This was a deliberate act of violence against innocent children and other people worshipping. The sheer cruelty and cowardice of firing into a church full of children is absolutely incomprehensible," said the police chief, who noted that a wooden plank was placed to barricade some of the side doors.

The children who died were 8 and 10, he said.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz called the violence “horrific” in a social media post.

Children’s Minnesota, a pediatric trauma hospital, said in a statement five children were admitted for care. Hennepin Healthcare, which has Minnesota’s largest emergency department, said it also was caring for patients from the shooting.

Bill Bienemann, who lives a couple of blocks away and has long attended Mass at Annunciation Church, said he heard dozens of shots, perhaps as many as 50, over as long as four minutes.

Bienemann’s daughter, Alexandra, said she attended the school from kindergarten to 8th grade, finishing in 2014. After she heard of the shooting, she said she was shaking and crying, and her boss told her to take the day off.

“It breaks my heart, makes me sick to my stomach, knowing that there are people I know who are either injured or maybe even killed,” Alexandra Bienemann said. “It doesn’t make me feel safe at all in this community that I have been in for so long.”

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