By <a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON</a> Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson High School senior Kale Dreiling placed fifth in the nation in the Job Interview category at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in June in Atlanta.

Dreiling earned his spot at nationals by winning first place in April at the Kansas SkillsUSA competition. The Job Interview contest included about 50 qualifiers, with Dreiling advancing to the top 12 finalists before placing fifth overall.

“They only medal the top three,” said Glenna Burden, who has coached the leadership competitions at Hutchinson High for the past two years. “He had an exceptional overall score … but we just barely missed it.”

Jeremiah Harmon, SkillsUSA lead advisor and Dreiling’s welding instructor, said he encouraged Dreiling to compete. “This really is a big deal when you consider our role in CTE is to become college and career ready,” Harmon said. “Placing 5th in the country for preparing students in Job Interview; which includes job searching, writing resumes, asking and securing letters of recommendation, cover letters, filling out applications, meeting with receptionists, conducting an interview, and even the handshake. The student is scored in every aspect of the event and I am very proud to brag on both Kale and Glenna; Kale earned 898.75 of 1000 points.”

Burden explained that the contest is judged from the moment competitors begin the process. “Everything is graded from the eye contact, the handshake, how he sits before he’s taken back to the interview panel,” she said. “He’s got a gift of gab … it’s what he can do in that room that put him ahead.”

Burden called the competition “absolute life skills,” adding, “Not everyone is going to college like they used to. I think that we need to reinvigorate our pursuit of the trades, and this is just one more way to get visibility to our pursuit.”

Also attending nationals from Hutchinson High were Eli Perez, Enrique Flores and Felisa O’Neal.

Hutch High’s Dreiling places 5th in nation at SkillsUSA job interview contest

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Community Foundation is seeking volunteers to serve on its Board of Directors, Youth Philanthropy Council and standing committees, with applications due in September.

The foundation’s board and standing committees meet monthly or every other month to provide expertise and guidance for the organization’s initiatives.

The Youth Philanthropy Council is made up of Reno County high school students who work together to evaluate project proposals and award $5,000 in grants to youth-serving organizations. The group meets in the fall and winter.

Service Profile Forms for all volunteer opportunities are accepted year-round at <a href="https://hutchcf.org/about-us/volunteering-with-hutchinson-community-foundation">hutchcf.org</a>. The deadline to be considered for the 2025-26 Board of Directors or standing committees is Sept. 1. Forms for the Youth Philanthropy Council are due Sept. 19.

For more information, call 620-663-5293 or email Wendy Skellenger at <a>wendy@hutchcf.org</a>.

Founded in 1989, Hutchinson Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that has granted more than $104 million to strengthen Reno County communities.

Hutchinson Community Foundation seeks volunteers for board, youth council, committees

In the wake of the passing of Captain Jim Lovell, the Cosmosphere is uniquely positioned to honor the memory of the legendary astronaut by sharing with guests some of the most significant artifacts from his storied career. 

“The Cosmosphere was saddened to learn of Captain Lovell’s passing. He was an icon and true American hero. The Cosmosphere is proud to carry on his legacy through the display of several artifacts associated with the missions including the Apollo 13 Command Module, Odyssey,” said Jim Remar, President and CEO at the Cosmosphere.

 Along with the Apollo 13 Command Module, Odyssey, is Captain Lovell’s spacesuit, both central pieces in telling the story of his courage and leadership during one of NASA’s most challenging missions.

 In addition to these historic artifacts, a memorial book has been placed in the museum by the display for guests to share personal reflections, memories, and messages of respect for Captain Lovell’s enduring legacy.

 The Cosmosphere invites all visitors to experience this tribute, reflect on Captain Lovell’s extraordinary contributions to space exploration, and be inspired by the perseverance, teamwork, and ingenuity that defined his career.

Cosmosphere honors Capt. Jim Lovell's legacy 

StartUp Hutch is rolling out a new mentorship program designed to connect aspiring and current small business owners with experienced local advisors.

Executive Director Graham Clemme said the program, launching this week, pairs entrepreneurs with mentors who have specific expertise in their field. It is intended to complement the free business coaching already offered by StartUp Hutch.

“We want to have experts in the community be there for an hour or two a month — an additional friend and supporter who’s been through it and can help you avoid common mistakes,” Clemme said.

The initial group of mentors includes David Hogan of Newton, specializing in operations; Sarah Diamond of rural Hutchinson, experienced in nonprofits and grant writing; and longtime Hutchinson resident Gene Pflughoft, who has a broad background in high-level business operations. More mentors will be added in the coming months.

Prospective mentees can request a match through the Startup Hutch website. Clemme said the team will discuss each applicant’s needs and connect them with a suitable mentor.

Clemme also stressed the importance of starting with a solid business plan and financial projections before launching a venture. “Think about month-to-month projections over the next three years. That’s not only best practice, but essential if you’re applying for loans or investment,” he said.

Startup Hutch recently partnered with Groover Labs in Wichita through the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Excel Kansas program, which provides technology-based businesses with grants starting at $5,000 and up to $25,000 to develop prototypes and validate market demand. One grant will be awarded in Reno County, with applications expected to open in September.

Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Returns&nbsp;

With the school year underway, Startup Hutch is also reviving its Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, part of the statewide Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge. Students will create business plans, develop pitch presentations, and participate in a trade-show-style event scheduled for the spring semester.

Clemme said the goal is to involve all high schools in Reno County in a countywide competition, likely hosted at Hutchinson Community College in March.

For more information on the mentorship program, grant opportunities, or youth entrepreneurship initiatives, visit startuphutch.com or contact <a>graham@startuphutch.com</a>.

StartUp Hutch launches new mentorship program 

Record Flash Flood Warnings Prompt AAA Alert on Used Car Market

As of July 15, more than 3,000 flash flood warnings have been issued nationwide — the highest total on record for this time of year since the modern alert system began in the mid-1980s. The unprecedented number of warnings has left vehicles stranded in rising waters from coast to coast, and AAA is cautioning used car buyers to be on guard for flood-damaged vehicles that could surface on the market.

“Modern vehicles have much more technology on board than ever before,” said Shawn Steward, Public Affairs Manager for AAA Kansas. “There are wiring systems, sensors, and electronic modules running throughout our vehicles, including behind the bumpers and fenders. Water intrusion into those systems can cause serious, costly, and potentially unrepairable damage.”

Floodwaters can also damage engines and other mechanical components, repairs for which often exceed a vehicle’s value, leading insurance companies to declare them total losses. While many flood-damaged cars are given salvage or flood titles and recycled or scrapped, some are repaired just enough to resell — sometimes without disclosure of past damage.

AAA recommends several steps to avoid buying a flood-damaged vehicle • Choose a reputable dealer • Inspect upholstery, carpeting, and seatbelts for water stains, mud or mismatched fabric&nbsp; • Check under carptes, inside the trunk, and behind panels for signs of dirt, sand, or mildew • Test all electronics, including windows, seats, lights and air conditioning • Look for rust around doors, hinges, and under the hood.&nbsp; • Check for moisture inside headlights and taillights&nbsp; • Verify the VIN through the National Insurance Crime bureau's free VINCheck tool and consider purchasing a CARFAX report&nbsp; • Have the vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic&nbsp;&nbsp;

Steward noted that it can take months or more than a year for flood-damaged cars to enter the used market. “Buyers should always thoroughly inspect vehicles before purchasing,” he said. “If a deal seems too good to be true, it often is.”

Buyer beware: AAA warns of flooded cars in used car market 

This excitable boy was found as a stray.  He is around 2 years old, 60lbs, and we guess a boxer/pit mix. 

 He wants to be friends with every dog and person he meets.  Whiskey is so silly and excited about life!&nbsp;&nbsp;

Call the Pratt Area Humane Society to schedule a visit.&nbsp;

The Pratt Area Humane Society is located at 10233 Bluestem Blvd. in Pratt.&nbsp; They are open on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.. AND 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.&nbsp; You can reach them by phone at 620-672-6777.&nbsp;

Adopt a Furry Friend: Whiskey 

<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

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — City Manager Enrico Villegas has been recognized nationally as one of the “Top 10 City Managers for 2025” by Government Business Review.

The honor follows nominations from readers and a detailed evaluation by the magazine’s editorial team, which sought out leaders making significant contributions to government leadership, public administration, and community development.

While the award highlights Villegas’ leadership, he emphasized that the recognition reflects the work of the entire City of Hutchinson team.

“This is a shared achievement,” Villegas said. “I appreciate the council’s tireless support for me and our shared vision for Hutchinson. Their trust and commitment make it possible for us to move forward together as one team.”

City officials noted that the team’s commitment to delivering exceptional public services and engaging with the community every day is the foundation for the city’s continued progress.

Congratulations were extended to Villegas and all city employees for their dedication and passion in serving Hutchinson.

Villegas named one of nation’s Top 10 city managers

HUTCHINSON — A Hutchinson nonprofit is taking a big step forward in its mission to guide at-risk youth toward brighter futures, thanks to a major state grant.

Wisdom In Motion has received more than 140-thousand dollars from the Kansas Department of Corrections through the FY2026 Non-Matching Juvenile Crime Community Prevention Grant.

Program Manager Heather Jobe says the organization works with youth ages 10 to 17 who are either underserved or at risk of entering — or re-entering — the criminal justice system. Each participant is paired with a trained, trauma-informed mentor who helps them set personal goals and connect with programs that fit their needs.

One of those programs is launching this fall — the Career Readiness and Youth Entrepreneurship initiative. Over 12 months, fifteen teens will gain job skills, leadership training, and learn how to turn ideas into action. Those who complete the program will receive a 35-hundred-dollar stipend for vocational training.

Financial Director Esmeralda Tovar-Mora says it’s not just about finding a job — it’s about building opportunities for themselves and making an impact in their communities.

The grant will also help fund mentor training, staff salaries, workshops, and internships. In addition, Wisdom In Motion partners with the NAACP Youth to run the Urban Farming Initiative, where kids learn responsibility through growing crops and caring for animals.

For more information, or to get a child involved, visit <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wisdominmotionks.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExUzlMYTg4cEt0V0dtZFNheQEeKNgtbwdu-myY3QOxM7yaBOJ3fa-TgmPU-9aOCC1XGs7OlvAC8YYlbW2ZBN4_aem_cyXP9ibYum89gzNnKUGhWg&amp;h=AT1cUUqADPGp74ywRMl7i-O4JvSqOkHVjKUlAOTJcPY4sN65pfvV_N9wePP2bbKnmL3BKiwBjklqOSF4-RY6GdqvAXRP8gr1RIyhe72kbp66P245YngVOViCYen66UaAnqOwCA">wisdominmotionks.com</a>&nbsp; or call 620-960-9092.

Wisdom in Motion assists "at risk" youth  

Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. ——————————————

Andrew David Patterson&nbsp;8/12/2025 12:23 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;Probation Violation

Austin	Wade Maley&nbsp;8/12/2025 6:51 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,&nbsp;Possession of marijuana,&nbsp;Possession of hallucinogenic drug,&nbsp;Criminal Possession of Firearm by Felon; Conviction in Previous 5 Years of specified KSA,&nbsp;Theft; Possess Stolen Property; $1,500 to $24,999,&nbsp;Possession of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,&nbsp;Drugs; Paraphernalia; Sell/Distribute/Possess for illegal use,&nbsp;Drugs; Distribute Opiates/Opium/Narcotic (Cocaine, Crack, Amphetamine); &lt; 3.5g

Daily Bookings

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Art Center will host a three-day Foundation Oil Painting Workshop on Sept. 26-28, offering beginners the chance to learn essential skills from Wichita artist and teacher Yulla Vega.

The workshop will run from 1 to 4 p.m. each day. Tuition is $85 for non-members and $75 for Art Center members.

Participants will learn to safely work with solvents, paints and supplies while practicing core techniques in color mixing, brushwork and layering. The class will feature step-by-step instruction, live tutorials and individualized guidance to help attendees create their own paintings and develop a solid foundation in oil painting.

Vega is a multidisciplinary artist whose work explores themes of home and place, often inspired by personal experiences with transitional homelessness, selective mutism and systemic disruption. Their art, which spans painting and installation, aims to honor survival and the reassembly of self.

With more than two decades of artistic practice, Vega combines studio work with public engagement and holds a project management certification to expand art’s role as a tool for community dialogue and healing. They have studied fine arts at Cowley College and the Kansas City Art Institute and are a member of Artist Inc. Vega currently works as an artist, project manager and teacher at Mark Arts in Wichita.

For more information or to register, visit the Hutchinson Art Center <a href="https://www.hutchinsonartcenter.net/">website here</a>.

Hutchinson Art Center to host beginner oil painting workshop Sept. 26-28

NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/taylor-swift">Taylor Swift’s</a>&nbsp;latest era is almost upon us. The superstar isn’t just releasing new music — she’s appearing Wednesday on “New Heights” for the first time.

Part of the rollout for Tuesday’s announcement of “The Life of a Showgirl” involved the popular, typically football-focused podcast hosted by Travis Kelce —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-chiefs-bills-nfl-playoffs-d978fa0be8100cc145cb6a63ffc656cf">Swift’s boyfriend</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/travis-kelce">Kansas City Chiefs tight end</a>&nbsp;— and his brother, Jason Kelce, the former Philadelphia Eagles center.

The show teased “a special episode with a VERY special guest” on social media Monday, sharing an orange background and a mysterious silhouette that many believed to be Swift. It turned out to be true, the show’s social media accounts confirmed later, at the same time Swift announced her 12th studio album.

Here’s everything you need to know about Swift’s episode.

How to watch — or listen to — Taylor Swift on the ‘New Heights’ podcast

Swift’s episode of the “New Heights” podcast will premiere at 7 p.m. Eastern. It will be available to stream in full on YouTube.

Fans who would prefer to listen to the show, instead, can do so via most podcast-streaming platforms: Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify and Wondery, which produces the show, among them.

Episodes can run up to two hours. It is unclear how long Swift’s episode will be or how long she will be present.

What we know about Taylor Swift’s episode

On Wednesday morning, the podcast shared a nearly two-minute video clip in which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jason-kelce">Jason Kelce</a>&nbsp;gave Swift an extended, enthusiastic introduction.

“As we all know, you know, you guys have a lot of male sports fans that listen to your podcast. I think we all know that if there’s one thing that male sports fans want to see in their spaces and on their screens it’s more of me,” Swift joked.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid was supportive, though, saying Wednesday that he was happy for the pair.

“Both of them like each other, and what a plus that is. They care about each other, and I think that’s the most important thing,” he said. “The older you get, you want these guys to have somebody they can settle down with and that whole deal. And so I think it’s a neat deal for them – both of them.”

In another clip shared Tuesday, Swift told the Kelce brothers she wanted to show them something, revealing a mint-green briefcase that featured her initials in orange. Jason Kelce asked what’s in it, prompting her to pull out a vinyl record with a blurred cover.

“This is my brand new album, ‘The Life of a Showgirl,’” she shared.

Soon afterward, the “New Heights” podcast shared another clip featuring Swift to tease Wednesday’s episode. In it, Swift complimented the color of Travis Kelce’s sweatshirt, who responded, “It’s the color of your eyes, sweetie. It’s why we match so well.”

Swift retorted, “We’re about to do a (expletive) podcast.”

How to watch Taylor Swift’s first appearance on the Kelces’ ‘New Heights’ podcast

KANSAS CITY– The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) announced on Wednesday a case of an adult Missouri resident with a laboratory-confirmed infection of&nbsp;Naegleria fowleri.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/naegleria/about/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/naegleria/index.html">Naegleria fowleri</a>&nbsp;is a microscopic single-celled free-living ameba that can cause a rare deadly infection of the brain called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), also known as “brain-eating” infection. Typically, fewer than 10 people a year in the United States get PAM.

The Missouri patient is currently being treated for PAM in an intensive care unit of a hospital, and currently, no additional suspected cases of PAM are being investigated in Missouri.

The ameba is common and naturally present in warm freshwater such as lakes, rivers and ponds; however, PAM is extremely rare. Between 1962 and 2024, there were 167 reported cases of PAM in the United States.

The source of the patient’s exposure is currently being investigated by public health officials. While not confirmed, preliminary information implies the patient may have been water skiing at the Lake of the Ozarks days prior to becoming ill. Recreational water users should assume that&nbsp;Naegleria fowleri&nbsp;is present in warm freshwater across the United States; however, infection remains very rare.

Although a rare occurrence, people become infected by&nbsp;Naegleria fowleri&nbsp;when water containing the ameba enters the body through the nose from freshwater sources. The&nbsp;Naegleria fowleri&nbsp;ameba then travels up the nose to the brain where it damages the brain tissue. This infection cannot be spread from one person to another, and it cannot be contracted by swallowing contaminated water.

People can take actions to reduce the risk of infection by limiting the amount of water going up the nose. These actions could include:

Those who experience the following symptoms after swimming in any warm body of water should contact their health care provider immediately as the disease progresses rapidly:

Victim in ICU with 'brain-eating' amoeba had been at Lake of the Ozarks

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man convicted of a 2023 is going back to prison.

On Tuesday Judge Jeffrey Goering sentenced 24-year-old Julian Wedge to 285 months in prison for the death of Evan Harrison,&nbsp;according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier this year, Wedge was found guilty of 1st degree murder, robbery, criminal possession of a weapon and interference with law enforcement.

On March 4, 2023, sheriff's deputies made a welfare check of a man lying in the street at 4200 S. Clifton in Wichita, according to the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office.

&nbsp;Deputies found individuals attempting to help Harrison who had been shot. EMS transported Harrison to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Days later police arrested Wedge who has been registered as a violent offender since March of 2019 for convictions that include criminal discharge of firearm into an unoccupied dwelling, according to the Kansas offender registry.

Prison for violent Kansas offender in robbery killing

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks ticked higher on Wednesday after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stock-markets-inflation-trump-china-3b9c602e05756778028b70f97e15ccb2">rally spurred by hopes for lower U.S. interest rates</a>&nbsp;wrapped around the world.

The S&amp;P 500 rose 0.3%, coming off its latest all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 463 points, or 1%, while the Nasdaq composite added 0.1% to its own record set the day before.

Treasury yields eased in the bond market as expectations reached a virtual consensus that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-powell-trump-rates-99d90bab1ba2faa0fc5d4a6106125da7">the Federal Reserve</a>&nbsp;will cut its main interest rate for the first time this year at its next meeting in September. Lower rates can boost investment prices and the economy by making it cheaper for U.S. households and businesses to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mortgage-rates-housing-interest-financing-home-1831d4d6a716370de822f9851e65e3ee">borrow to buy houses</a>, cars or equipment, though they risk worsening inflation.

Stock indexes in Asia jumped in their first trading after Tuesday’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-consumer-prices-jerome-powell-fed-interest-rates-7956da9c097730929b12c269f8c08399">better-than-expected report on U.S. inflation</a>&nbsp;triggered a jump in bets that a cut to interest rates is coming. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng leaped 2.6%, Japan’s Nikkei 225 rallied 1.3% and South Korea’s Kospi climbed 1.1%.

Indexes also rose in Europe, though the moves were more modest after they already had the chance to trade on the U.S. inflation data the afternoon before. Germany’s DAX returned 0.7%, and France’s CAC 40 rose 0.7%.

On Wall Street, stocks of companies that could benefit most from lower interest rates helped lead the way. PulteGroup climbed 5.4%, and Lennar rose 5.2% as part of a broad rally for homebuilders and others in the housing industry. Lower rates could make mortgages cheaper to get, which could spur more buying.

The hopes for lower interest rates are helping to drown out criticism that the U.S. stock market has broadly grown too expensive after its big leap since hitting a low in April.

One way companies can make their stock prices look less expensive is to deliver strong growth in profits, and Brinker International rose 1.6% after becoming the latest to report stronger results for the latest quarter than analysts expected. The company behind the Chili’s brand said it saw more customers coming to its restaurants, and it’s also making more profit off each $1 in sales.

“Chili’s is officially back, baby back!” CEO Kevin Hochman said.

HanesBrands climbed 3.7% after it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gildan-hanesbrands-hanes-maidenform-57b14618d7611f4a644af4150049502e">agreed to sell itself to Gildan Activewear for $2.2 billion</a>&nbsp;in cash and Gildan stock. The deal would combine North Carolinas’ HanesBrands with Canada’s Gildan, and Gildan’s stock that trades in the United States rose 11.8%.

Bullish soared in its debut on the New York Stock Exchange and rose 83.8% in its first day of trading. The cryptocurrency exchange’s CEO is Tom Farley, who used to be president of the NYSE Group.

On the losing end of Wall Street were grocery stores and delivery companies, which fell after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-perishable-prime-grocery-834dbc5d25eb01caafcf37f09aa308ad">Amazon said it will offer fresh groceries</a>&nbsp;to customers in more than 1,000 cities and towns through same-day delivery. Kroger fell 4.4%, and DoorDash dropped 3.8%, while Amazon rose 1.4%.

Cava Group sank 16.6% after the Mediterranean restaurant chain reported weaker revenue for the latest quarter than analysts expected, though its profit topped forecasts. It also cut its 2025 forecast for an important underlying measure of restaurant sales.

CoreWeave lost 20.8% after the company, whose cloud platform helps customers running artificial-intelligence workloads, reported a larger loss for the latest quarter than analysts expected.

All told, the S&amp;P 500 rose 20.82 points to 6,466.58. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 463.66 to 44,922.27, and the Nasdaq composite added 31.24 to 21,713.14.

In the bond market, Treasury yields eased as expectations built for coming cuts to interest rates by the Fed.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.23% from 4.29% late Tuesday and from 4.50% in mid-July. That’s a notable move for the bond market.

President Donald Trump has angrily been calling for cuts to help the economy, often&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114953049546233760">insulting the Fed’s chair personally</a>&nbsp;while doing so.

But the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-powell-trump-rates-99d90bab1ba2faa0fc5d4a6106125da7">Fed has been hesitant so far</a>&nbsp;because of the possibility that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-deadline-delay-d8ffef07d944dc1d460b472e4ffd2f57">Trump’s tariffs</a>&nbsp;could make inflation much worse. Lowering rates would give inflation more fuel, potentially adding oxygen to a growing fire. That’s why Fed officials have said they wanted to see more data come in about inflation before moving.

On Thursday, a report will show how bad inflation was at the wholesale level across the United States. Economists expect it to show inflation accelerated a touch to 2.4% in July from 2.3% in June.

AP Business Writers Matt Ott and Elaine Kurtenbach contributed.

Wall Street edges up to more records following a worldwide rally

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fksoutdoors.gov%2FKDWP-Info%2FCommission%2F%3Futm_source=news%26utm_medium=press-release%26utm_campaign=commission/1/0101019884ff78c3-13a6a0be-a232-49d5-ac6a-d9fe10757a0a-000000/7v3sX41WVujpU5S5oDNfVdUtl4bGe0JJUeZLnMafa3A=417">Kansas&nbsp;Wildlife&nbsp;and Parks Commission</a>&nbsp;will hold its next public meeting on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fksoutdoors.gov%2FKDWP-Info%2FCommission%2FUpcoming-Meeting-Information%2FAugust-14-2025-Garden-City-KS%2F%3Futm_source=news%26utm_medium=press-release%26utm_campaign=commission/1/0101019884ff78c3-13a6a0be-a232-49d5-ac6a-d9fe10757a0a-000000/vAZKVyFc9VkO3bCZCuVzCeePlbaEJfBgQWpPIZIcoto=417">Thursday, August 14, 2025</a>, at the Finnup Center at the Lee Richardson Zoo in Garden City. The meeting will begin at noon and continue until all agenda items are addressed.

Attendees can participate in the meetings in person or virtually. Instructions for joining via Zoom, phone, or live streaming are available&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fksoutdoors.gov%2FKDWP-Info%2FCommission%2FHow-to-Attend-Commission-Meetings-Virtually%2F%3Futm_source=news%26utm_medium=press-release%26utm_campaign=commission/1/0101019884ff78c3-13a6a0be-a232-49d5-ac6a-d9fe10757a0a-000000/BWUVxYbMNQdr-bnVFrJgK907qnpuP2ur2nsx-t0CuJ4=417">HERE</a>&nbsp;under “How To Attend Commission Meetings Virtually.”

The meeting will begin with a report from the Kansas Department of&nbsp;Wildlife&nbsp;and Parks, including a public hearing on the following regulations:

Commissioners will also receive updates on regulations currently in the promulgation process.

The meeting will conclude with an additional opportunity for public comment.

The complete agenda can be viewed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fksoutdoors.gov%2FKDWP-Info%2FCommission%2FUpcoming-Meeting-Information%2FAugust-14-2025-Garden-City-KS%2F%3Futm_source=news%26utm_medium=press-release%26utm_campaign=commission/2/0101019884ff78c3-13a6a0be-a232-49d5-ac6a-d9fe10757a0a-000000/LgbKoYmp5OyXa94_N5C2OtbMPUzH91LcQ3lYO-jy95o=417">HERE</a>.

An interpreter for the hearing impaired can be requested by calling the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Individuals with disabilities may request other accommodations by contacting KDWP at (785) 294-2645.

Kan. wildlife officials to review deer, coyote and trout regulations

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Wednesday named country music star George Strait, “Rocky” actor Sylvester Stallone, singer Gloria Gaynor, the rock band Kiss and actor-singer Michael Crawford among the first batch of Kennedy Center Honors nominees under his leadership as the center’s chairman and said he’ll host the awards program.

Trump also said he'll “fully renovate” the entire infrastructure of the Kennedy Center to make it a “crown jewel” of arts and culture in the United States.

“We're going to bring it to a higher level than it ever hit,” the president said, adding the venue would be featured in next year's celebrations of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-cuts-humanities-america250-anniversary-doge-572cf095773c66856a1da94030ffd5a9">America's 250th anniversary</a>.

Trump said he didn’t want to host the program but was invited to do so and agreed.

The Republican president avoided the Kennedy Center Honors awards program during his first term after artists said they wouldn't attend out of protest. This year, he has taken over as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-kennedy-center-board-chairman-firings-21cd0018c6e9f591d59becea8573d8c0">the Kennedy Center's new chairman</a>&nbsp;and fired the board of trustees, which he replaced with loyalists.

In a Truth Social post on Tuesday, Trump teased a name change for the center, formally the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and said it would be restored to its past glory.

“GREAT Nominees for the TRUMP/KENNEDY CENTER, whoops, I mean, KENNEDY CENTER, AWARDS,” Trump wrote. He said work was being done on the site that would bring it "back to the absolute TOP LEVEL of luxury, glamour, and entertainment.”

“It had fallen on hard times, physically, BUT WILL SOON BE MAKING A MAJOR COMEBACK!!!” he wrote.

In a statement on its social media feed, the Kennedy Center said it was “honored” to host Trump, who was visiting for the third time since January.

“Thanks to his advocacy, our beautiful building will undergo renovations to restore its prestige and grandeur,” the venue said.

Trump complained during a March visit that the building is in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-kennedy-center-559bf5254b99f938dc156b60c9a495e7">a state of “tremendous disrepair.”</a>

Trump, who had indicated he wanted a more active role in the selection process, said he was “about 98% involved” in choosing the honorees. He said he “turned down plenty” of names, saying those individuals were “too woke,” or too liberal. He described the artists he announced on Wednesday, including several of his favorites, as “great people.”

Historically, a bipartisan advisory committee selects the recipients, who over the years have ranged from George Balanchine and Tom Hanks to Aretha Franklin and Stephen Sondheim. A message sent to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-center-trump-what-to-know-4305e2c3d5611c4bfb1686d597727369">the Kennedy Center</a>&nbsp;press office asking how this year's honorees were selected wasn’t returned Tuesday.

In the past, Trump has floated the idea of granting Kennedy Center Honors status to singer-songwriter Paul Anka and Stallone, one of three actors Trump named as Hollywood ambassadors earlier this year. Anka was supposed to perform “My Way” at Trump’s first inaugural and backed out at the last moment.

The Kennedy Center Honors were established in 1978 and have been given to a broad range of artists. Until Trump’s first term, presidents of both major political parties traditionally attended the annual ceremony, even when they disagreed politically with a given recipient.

Prominent liberals such as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVWTluhfsts">Barbra Streisand</a>&nbsp;and Warren Beatty were honored during the administration of Republican George W. Bush, and a leading conservative, Charlton Heston, was feted during the administration of Democrat Bill Clinton.

In 2017, after honoree Norman Lear declared he wouldn't attend a White House celebration in protest of Trump’s proposed cuts to federal arts funding, Trump and first lady Melania Trump decided to skip the Kennedy Center event and remained away throughout his first term. Honorees during that time included such Trump critics as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-united-states-government-arts-and-entertainment-celebrity-def16b009b124f499f2d1a1ffbd815a8">Cher</a>, Lin-Manuel Miranda and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/26210989c660404b9fc700a619ac877f">Sally Field</a>.

Since returning to office, Trump has taken a more forceful stance on the Kennedy Center and inserted himself into its governance. Besides naming himself chairman and remaking the board, he has indicated he'd take over decisions regarding programming at the center and vowed to end events featuring performers in drag.

The steps have drawn further criticism from some artists. In March, the producers of “Hamilton” pulled out of staging the Broadway hit musical in 2026, citing Trump's aggressive takeover of the institution's leadership.

House Republicans added an amendment to a spending bill Trump signed into law in July to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLBYbAiNrY4">rename the Kennedy Center’s Opera House</a>&nbsp;after Melania Trump, but that venue has yet to be renamed. Maria Shriver, a niece of the late President Kennedy, a Democrat, has criticized as “insane” a separate House proposal to rename the entire center after Trump.

Italie reported from New York. Associated Press writer Darlene Superville in Washington contributed to this report.

🎥Country music legend among Kennedy Center honor nominees

SEDGWICK—A suspect accused in what police referred to as a Kansas cold case killing will return to court on Tuesday afternoon.

Pedro Morones, Jr., 31 of Wichita, will appear before Judge Jeffrey Goering for a preliminary hearing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

He is charged with 1st&nbsp;degree murder, criminal discharge of a firearm, and three counts of aggravated assault.

Just after 1:30a.m. March 29, 2021, police responded to a report of a walk-in shooting victim at a local hospital in Wichita, according to Police Captain Aaron Moses.&nbsp; The victim, 21-year-old Abram Galvan, had been shot once and later died from his injuries.

Investigators determined the shooting was linked to a shots-fired incident reported near 19th and Jackson in Wichita around the same time.

Since that day, WPD Homicide Investigators have worked tirelessly to seek justice for Abram and his loved ones. Their efforts included following up on leads, analyzing forensic and electronic evidence, collaborating with media to encourage witnesses to come forward, and featuring the case on Wichita Police Department's Cold Case Homicide website.

In early 2025, new information emerged, leading investigators to identify a potential suspect. With assistance from the United States Marshal’s Office, Wichita Police investigators arrested Morones.

Morones remain jailed on a one-million-500 thousand dollar bond.

Preliminary hearing for suspect in Kan. cold case killing

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a four-vehicle crash that sent three people to the hospital.

Just before 7p.m. Tuesday, a black Chevrolet Malibu was eastbound on 18th Street at a high rate of speed, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

 At 18th and Indiana, The Chevrolet struck a northbound Toyota Highlander.&nbsp; The Chevrolet then struck a westbound Dodge Durango. The impact forced the Toyota into a rotational spin and redirected the Toyota into the westbound lanes of 18th Street. 

As the Toyota was spinning, it struck a red Ford Taurus and a black Chrysler 200 that were both traveling westbound on 18th Street before coming to rest. 

EMS transported the driver of the Toyota to a local hospital with critical injuries. The rear seat juvenile passenger of the Toyota was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. The passenger of the Chevrolet was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. 

All of the drivers and or passengers of the Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, and Chrysler fled the scene of the collision prior to the arrival of the responding officers. 

The driver of the Toyota was in critical, but stable condition Wednesday morning, according to Gonzalez.&nbsp; The rear seat juvenile passenger of the Toyota and the passenger of the Chevrolet are both in stable condition. Police released no additional details.

KCPD: 4 drivers fled after 5-vehicle critical injury crash

LAWRENCE, Kan.—&nbsp;Just days before the Kansas Jayhawks football season kickoff against Fresno State on Aug. 23, the University of Kansas announced an unprecedented gift from alumnus David G. Booth of Austin, Texas. The extraordinary gift, amounting to approximately $300 million, is the largest in Kansas Athletics and University of Kansas history, and is among the largest single gifts in the history of college athletics, according to a media release from the university.&nbsp;

Booth, a graduate of both Lawrence High School and KU, is an investing legend and founder of Dimensional Fund Advisors — a global investment firm that manages $853 billion in assets as of June 30, 2025. Booth's visionary gift includes a $75 million challenge to other donors that launches the next phase of progress on the Gateway District and David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. The remainder of his commitment will generate a stream of income that will strengthen Kansas Athletics across generations.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"David's unprecedented generosity is transformative now and for our future," said KU Athletics Director and Vice Chancellor&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/staff-directory/travis-goff/166">Travis Goff</a>. "It accelerates phase II of the Gateway District and the new 'Booth' and inspires others to step up and join in completing this vision. We're profoundly grateful for David's leadership and extraordinary impact on generations of student-athletes and fans. There is no more generous and impactful Jayhawk, and we are so fortunate to call him a friend and mentor."&nbsp;

It's not just the scale of the gift that is remarkable, but what it will accomplish. Booth's commitment will propel the Gateway District's next phase, which adds to private and civic investment for a new hotel, additional retail and restaurant spaces, student housing, improved parking and an outdoor event plaza.

The remainder of Booth's gift will allow Kansas Athletics to be strategic, innovative and maintain a leadership position in college athletics. With the advent of revenue sharing and the continued changes in NCAA and conference dynamics, his generosity will help enable KU to take the next step in cementing itself as a national leader in college athletics.

"David has always believed in the power of athletics to unite communities, generate Jayhawk spirit and create lasting bonds between alumni, students and fans," said KU Chancellor Douglas A. Girod. "His generosity is inspiring, and his loyalty to KU runs deep. We are beyond grateful for his transformative gift."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

For Booth, giving back to KU is an investment in the university and its mission. He hopes his philanthropy will inspire others to also support the Gateway District project and what he calls "the prototype for future football stadiums" at whatever level they can.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"One of life's greatest privileges is being able to give back to the people and places that gave so much to you," said Booth. "KU and Lawrence are a big part of my story, and it means a lot to support the community that invested in me. Philanthropy, like investing, pays dividends over time. Each gift compounds, creating opportunities not just for today, but for years to come. This is really about the future we're building."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

When he was a child, Booth's parents, Gilbert and Betty Booth, moved the family from their home in Garnett, Kansas, to Lawrence at 1931 Naismith Drive, near Allen Fieldhouse. The family gathered regularly to listen to KU games on the radio, glued to Max Falkenstien's iconic voice. At the age of 13, Booth attended his first game through the Boy Scouts, working as an usher in the football stadium. He later worked basketball games at Allen Fieldhouse by selling popcorn in the stands.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Lawrence High graduate attended KU, earning both a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1968 and a Master of Science in Business in 1969 before earning his Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago in 1971.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Booth founded Dimensional Fund Advisors in 1981 to apply the principles of financial science to practical investment solutions. Booth started Dimensional in collaboration with several others from the University of Chicago, including Booth's mentor, former professor and Nobel Laureate Eugene Fama, and classmate Rex Sinquefield, who co-founded the firm. Booth and Dimensional have been recognized for helping transform the industry toward more transparent, low-cost and data-driven solutions for investors. That story was recently profiled by Academy Award winning director Errol Morris in the film "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T98825bzcKw" target="_blank">Tune Out the Noise</a>."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Booth's landmark gift is the most recent in his long legacy of support at KU, helping transform athletics and its impact for the university. Booth provided a foundational gift of $50 million in 2017 to kick off renovations at the stadium, which was named for him in 2018. In 2010, he donated James Naismith's original rules of basketball to the university, a top attraction at the Booth Family Hall of Athletics, which he and his family provided $5 million for in 2004, followed by $4 million for subsequent improvements. His philanthropy is legendary and extends across areas, including the arts and academics. In 2008, he provided a gift valued at $300 million to the University of Chicago School of Business, where he earned his MBA. The school was named the University of Chicago Booth School of Business in his honor.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

With KU's football season opener around the corner, Booth's excitement to get back to the stadium is growing.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I feel the same inspiration that I felt as an usher in the stadium in 1960," Booth said. "I was blown away by all the people in the stands, the Jayhawk spirit. I'm feeling the same way now — I'm ready to celebrate with everyone."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎥 KU receives among the largest single gifts in the history of college athletics

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;said Monday that he expected to determine mere moments into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-trump-deadline-putin-423e6a28df5186a48b7383eae41c11c2">his meeting</a>&nbsp;with Russian leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/vladimir-putin">Vladimir Putin</a>&nbsp;this week whether it would be possible to work out a deal to halt the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">war in Ukraine</a>.

“At the end of that meeting, probably the first two minutes, I’ll know exactly whether or not a deal can be made,” Trump said at a White House press conference that he called to announce plans for a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-washington-crime-national-guard-homelessness-655bc22834223c7dc93115bbcb2b215c">federal takeover of Washington's police force</a>&nbsp;to help combat crime.

He said he thought Friday's sitdown with Putin in Alaska would be "really a feel-out meeting." Trump added that “it’ll be good, but it might be bad” and predicted he may say, "lots of luck, keep fighting. Or I may say, we can make a deal.”

Putin wants to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-trump-summit-ukraine-war-2afea5988bdaca94cae39b7f86fa59ba">lock in Russia’s gains</a>&nbsp;since invading Ukraine in February 2022 as Trump presses for a ceasefire that has remained out of reach. Trump’s eagerness to reach a deal has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-ukraine-territory-russia-trump-putin-summit-5d2079bd13561edac7752d338ea7b93c">raised fears in Ukraine and Europe</a>&nbsp;about such an agreement favoring Russia, without sufficient input from Ukraine. Trump has alternately harshly criticized both leaders after promising — and so far failing — to swiftly end the conflict.

The Trump-Putin meeting so far isn't going to include Zelenskyy

Trump on Monday ducked repeated chances to say that he would push for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to take part in his discussions with Putin, and was especially dismissive of Zelenskyy and his need to be part of an effort to seek peace.

He said the Ukrainian president had been to “a lot of meetings” without managing to halt a war that Russia started. Trump also noted that Zelenskyy had been in power for the duration of the war and said “nothing happened” during that time. He contrasted that with Putin, who has wielded power in Russia for decades.

Trump said that, after his meeting with Putin, “The next meeting will be with Zelenskyy and Putin" but it could also be a meeting with “Putin and Zelenskyy and me.”

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