By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Sugar Collective is helping women, from busy moms to working professionals, feel confident with its range of styles in Hays.

Owner Sammy McBride opened the boutique Monday at Big Creek Crossing, drawing on 15 years of retail experience and naming the store after her grandmother, Sug Pollard.

"The way my grandma has influenced the store is her larger-than-life personality. She walks into a room, and she is just herself. ... Our tagline is everyday style and unapologetically you," McBride said.

The boutique carries everything from athleisure to Fort Hays State University apparel, with a focus on helping women across all generations feel authentically themselves.

McBride said Sugar Co. stands out for its selection of exclusive brands, including Kendra Scott, FP Movement, Nickel &amp; Suede, and Mary Elizabeth Co., a local jewelry line.

"We really believe that the experience here should feel like shopping with a friend or shopping with your most stylish bestie," McBride said.

A variety of tops, including blouses and sweaters, are priced between $12 and $80. Bottoms range from $25 to $115 and dresses are priced between $40 and $80.

You can browse the store's apparel and place orders through its <a href="https://shopsugarco.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMISw9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFwZVN3NnhZdHRUeTByTVNTAR47L-zYafh_oOaY4ttbF1iWcuYiC02JTpMpP_dqX85w5U2UwAUg5NUz65WuPw_aem_fdhrVlwNd63_zJMB2eK0tw">website</a> for shipping or in-store pickup.

During grand opening week, each purchase at Sugar Co. enters customers into a drawing for one of three $50 gift cards. Shoppers who spend $250 or more will also receive a free Kendra Scott Mabel necklace.

McBride's 35th birthday is this Saturday, and she is inviting everyone to join the celebration with a DIY soda bar at the store.

McBride said she is grateful to her supporters, including Grow Hays, the Bank of Hays, Big Creek Crossing and her family.

"I've been a part of the retail world in Hays for such a long time, and I'm excited to still be a part of the community," McBride said.

McBride is originally from Topeka and came to western Kansas to attend Barton County Community College before going on to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from FHSU in 2012.

She worked at Buckle before spending almost 12 years with <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e35818e9-fbc6-46a7-84c0-d55ae0287f54">Bling</a>, the former clothing store that previously occupied Sugar Co.'s current location.

Sugar Co. is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays.

You can follow the new store on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/shopsugarcollective/">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/shop.sugar.co?igsh=MTJiZWNiOGg2aDNzeg==">Instagram</a>.

Sugar Collective brings timeless elegance to Hays

A Hays woman is accused of pepper-spraying a bouncer after being removed from Chuck’s, 507 W. Seventh St.

Hays Deputy Police Chief Tim Greenwood said 33-year-old Ashley Danielle Lewis was arrested on alleged charges of battery, criminal trespass and interference with law enforcement.

Greenwood said officers were dispatched at 1:38 a.m. on Aug. 3 to a disturbance at the bar, where they found Lewis already detained. Fort Hays State University Police were also on the scene.

Greenwood said the investigation determined Lewis had thrown a drink on the floor inside the bar, prompting staff to ask her to leave.

Lewis allegedly refused to leave and was escorted outside by a 35-year-old male bouncer. Greenwood said she then returned and pepper-sprayed the Hays man who removed her.

Once officers arrived, Greenwood said Lewis allegedly resisted arrest before being booked into the Ellis County Jail.

A subsequent search led to more alleged charges, including possession of an opiate and possession with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia.

Hays woman kicked out of bar allegedly pepper-sprays bouncer

Two men allegedly started a parking lot fight with three young people from Hays.

Hays Deputy Police Chief Tim Greenwood said 26-year-old Chase Hartman of Victoria and 42-year-old Jake McDiffett of Alta Vista face alleged charges of battery and aggravated endangering a child.

Greenwood said the alleged altercation occurred at 7:45 p.m. July 28 in the 3300 block of Vine Street, involving the two men and an 18-year-old man with two male juveniles ages 16 and 17.

Greenwood did not release the parking lot in which the fight allegedly occurred.

Greenwood said Hartman and McDiffett allegedly initiated the physical fight after a verbal dispute with the younger group. Officers arrived to find the parties still fighting, resulting in both men's arrests.

Victoria, Alta Vista men arrested for allegedly battering juveniles

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Hays city commissioners  will vote on another step toward the construction of new housing in west Hays at their meeting on Thursday.

The commission will consider a resolution and an engineering services agreement to establish a benefit district for&nbsp;32 lots in the Covenant Estates First Addition.

The developer,&nbsp;Covenant&nbsp;Land &amp; Developing Inc., has petitioned the city for street, stormwater, water and&nbsp;sanitary sewer improvements through the use of a benefit district.

The engineer’s estimate for total construction costs of the improvements is $2.9 million. Seventy percent&nbsp;of the costs will be special assessed, with&nbsp;the remaining 30% being paid by the developer.&nbsp;No city capital would be expended.

A $221,000 engineering agreement with&nbsp;Sloan Engineering and Consulting, Hays, has been prepared for the infrastructure improvements in Phase 1.

Don Scheibler, police chief, will present a request from High Plains Mental Health Center for a portion of opioid settlement funds. The state distributes the opioid funds to municipalities and must be allocated for opioid and substance use disorder abatement.

City staff recommended the mental health center be granted $45,481 to purchase social detoxification treatment chairs and infusion pumps for its new&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c63c3c89-fd3c-4923-8d01-509e92168ce0">Crisis Intervention Center</a>&nbsp;under construction in Hays. The center will serve 28 western Kansas counties.&nbsp;

The complete Aug. 14 agenda is available <a href="https://haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08142025-1563">here</a>.

The meeting starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.&nbsp;

City commission to vote on next steps for new housing in west Hays

SHAWNEE COUNTY– Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas Sex Offender, with over a dozen previous convictions in Ellis County, on drug allegations after a traffic stop.

Just before 3:30p.m., August 8, a K-9 Unit with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a black 1997 Ford F-150 pickup truck in the 3400 block of NW Frontage Road for an improper turn, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

During the investigation, the deputy found illegal narcotics.

Michael R. Anderson, 43, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that include Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia

Anderson has been a registered sex offender since 2016 after ten convictions for sexual exploitation of a child in Ellis County, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. He also has previous convictions for criminal threat and for drugs.

Sex offender from Ellis County jailed on new drug allegations 

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

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/corrections-about-us">Click HERE for the Hays Post obituary policy.&nbsp;</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/45c326ac-a856-480a-b491-0312e5d43c5c">Find our obituary posting policy by clicking here.</a>

Recent obituaries and service times

Hays Police Department arrest log: Aug. 3-9, 2025

Hays Police Department activity log: Aug. 3-9, 2025

This year’s 5th annual Hays Public Library Foundation Fundraiser will feature Kansas basketball great Jackie Stiles as guest speaker. The Wine &amp; Cheese event will be on October 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hays Public Library.

The fundraiser will begin with a wine and cheese social hour, followed by an impactful presentation from Stiles. From her hometown of Claflin, to a professional career in the WNBA, Stiles inspired millions as she rewrote the women’s basketball record books. Stiles held the NCAA women’s scoring record for 16 years and was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016. 

Stiles continues to reach people of all ages through personal training, basketball camps, and public speaking.

The Hays Public Library Foundation was established in 2001 to serve as a source for funding emergent and unexpected needs and events associated with the library. Most recently the Foundation’s fundraising efforts covered the cost to remodel the Kansas Room, which was completed this spring.

Tickets cost $30 and can be purchased at the library or online at <a href="https://hayslibrary.org/shop/wine-and-cheese-event-ticket/">hayslibrary.org/event</a> beginning August 11. There are a limited number of tickets. Businesses interested in sponsoring the event or providing items for the silent auction or raffle are encouraged to contact Callie Kolacny at ckolacny@hayslibrary.org.

You can find out more about this and other library programs online at <a href="https://hayslibrary.org/">hayslibrary.org</a> or by calling 785-625-9014.

Kansas basketball great to speak at Hays Public Library Foundation fundraiser

Grow Hays, in association with the Network Kansas E-Community Partnership, announces the ‘Think Like an Entrepreneur’ - Ice House Entrepreneurship Program offered in Ellis County. Sessions will be held over eight weeks, Wednesdays from September 17 through November 6. The goal of the course is to teach participants to develop an entrepreneurial mindset.

Taught by Kris Munsch, a certified Ice House facilitator, this interactive 8-week program provides practical entrepreneurial lessons through first-hand experiences of successful, real-life entrepreneurs. 

Based on the book,&nbsp;Who Owns the Ice House, this curriculum consists of case studies along with individual assignments, assessments, and discussion topics. This popular course is offered only a handful of times per year across the state and Grow Hays is excited to have local resident Kris Munsch teaching the course.

The program fee runs $150 for adults and $75 for students and covers catered meals. We are offering an early bird price of $100 if signed up and paid by September 5. Registration is limited, and in-county attendees will have priority to fill the course. Out-of-county attendees are welcome to register but may be put on a waiting list. 

The deadline to register is Thursday, September 11, 2025.

To register for the&nbsp;Think Like an Entrepreneur&nbsp;program online, visit:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://briefspace.proximity.app/">https://briefspace.proximity.app/</a>

For more information contact James Robben at 785.628.3102 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:james@growhays.com">james@growhays.com</a>.

'Think Like an Entrepreneur/Ice House' program launches in September

Fort Hays State University Foundation

The Fort Hays State University Foundation welcomes four new members to its board of trustees – Ashley Adorante, Shane DeWald, Chelsey Ladd, and Dr. Ryan Ruda.

“Our board of trustees are a vital part of our Tiger family,” said FHSU Foundation President and CEO Jason Williby. “Their dedication to giving back and helping our students succeed is truly inspiring. We’re excited to have these individuals on our board.”

Ashley Adorante, ’01, Overland Park

In her current role as Outreach Coordinator, Adorante works across Kansas and western Missouri to promote cancer prevention and education for the Masonic Cancer Alliance, the outreach network of The University of Kansas Cancer Center.&nbsp;Adorante completed her bachelor’s in physical education at FHSU and later attended the University of Kansas for her master’s degree in community health.

In 2020, Adorante was recognized by the FHSU Alumni Office as the Nita M. Landrum Award recipient, which honors individuals who have provided sustained volunteer service for the betterment of the Fort Hays State Alumni community or the university.

Shane DeWald serves as executive director of the Blue Valley Recreation Commission in Overland Park. With more than two decades of leadership in parks and recreation, he has helped to expand access and engagement across all age groups. DeWald holds a bachelor’s from FHSU in business administration and physical education, a master’s in sports administration from Wichita State University, and is a Certified Park and Recreation Professional. In addition, he is a former pole vaulter with the FHSU track and field team.

DeWald’s expertise includes sports and recreation management, strategic planning, and community partnership development. He is enthusiastic about public service and dedicated to building healthy, inclusive, and active communities through innovative programming and collaborative leadership.

Chelsey Ladd serves as the Director of Constituent Services for U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, working out of Hays. Ladd obtained her degrees at FHSU in 2008 when she double majored in political science and organizational leadership. She has worked alongside Senator Moran for nearly 17 years in various roles, using her skills to continue serving the people of Kansas.

She brings years of experience in public service and community engagement, including leadership roles with the Kiwanis Club of Hays, as the vice president of the board of directors for The Bricks in Downtown Hays, and as the past chair of the FHSU Alumni Board. A recipient of the 2020 Rising Star Award from The Chamber in Hays, Ladd is devoted to supporting her community in any way she can.

Dr. Ryan Ruda, ’97, ’99, Holcomb

As president and CEO of Garden City Community College, Dr. Ryan Ruda plays an important role in shaping the college’s vision, fostering student success, and strengthening community partnerships. Since 1999, Ruda has held various roles throughout the college, including Dean of Student Services and Vice President of Student Services.

Ruda began his educational career at Fort Hays State, completing a bachelor’s in justice studies and a master’s in counseling and guidance. He went on to earn an Educational Doctorate in community college leadership from National American University in 2018. Ruda brings a wealth of higher-education knowledge to the board and will undoubtedly help contribute to his alma mater’s mission and values.

The Foundation Board of Trustees is comprised of 43 total members, each serving a four-year term. Serving on the board is more than honorary, as these individuals participate in year-round activities that ensure the educational and financial success of Fort Hays State University and the FHSU Foundation.

Members of the Board of Trustees come from diverse educational and industry backgrounds. They represent all five academic colleges at FHSU and are located throughout the United States from coast to coast.

Adorante, DeWald, Ladd, and Ruda will join members of the FHSU Foundation board of trustees in late August for the organization’s annual business meeting. During their time on campus, trustees will get an inside view of what’s happening across Fort Hays State by touring Malloy Hall, Stroup Hall, Albertson Hall, and getting a sneak peek at the Forsyth Library renovation progress.

FHSU Foundation welcomes four new members to its Board of Trustees

&nbsp;Submit events to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>. Cover photo courtesy Pixabay

Special thanks to <a href="https://www.visithays.com/183/Events">The Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau</a> and<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/"> Fort Hays State University</a> for their contributions to the community calendar.

Community Calendar

Kansas Department of Transportation

NORTON — A project to resurface a portion of Highway K-9 is underway in Norton County.

The Kansas Department of Transportation project involves milling and overlay on 12.5 miles of the highway starting at the east U.S. 283 junction and ending at the Phillips County line. 

During construction, traffic will be reduced to one lane through the areas where crews are actively working and directed by flaggers and a pilot car. Motorists should plan for delays of 15 minutes or less during daylight hours.

Project work is expected to be completed in mid-September, conditions permitting.

Venture Corporation, of Great Bend, is the primary contractor for the $1.9 million project.

For more information, please contact KDOT Area Construction Manager Dan Moore at 785-302-6205 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:daniel.moore@ks.gov">daniel.moore@ks.gov</a>.

Project to resurface portion of Highway K-9 underway in Norton County

Join us for Game Day at the Fox Theatre in Hays!&nbsp;The Heartland Catbackers are teaming up with the Fox Theatre to host a&nbsp;K-State vs. Iowa State&nbsp;football watch party on&nbsp;Saturday, August 23!

Location: The Fox Theatre, 1200 Main, Hays Kickoff:&nbsp;11:00 a.m. Doors Open:&nbsp;10:30 a.m.

Bring your friends and family to cheer on the Wildcats in style—on the Fox’s&nbsp;massive 25-foot big screen.

This is a&nbsp;free, family-friendly event&nbsp;and&nbsp;open to the public.

Enjoy delicious BBQ from&nbsp;The Pfonz, provided courtesy of the Heartland Catbackers.

For more details, visit the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/678382011894547/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22home%22%7D%2C%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22attachment%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22newsfeed%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D">Heartland Catbackers Facebook</a> event page or check out HeartlandCatbackers.org.

Let’s pack the Fox with purple!&nbsp; &nbsp;

Heartland Catbackers host free watch party Aug. 23 at Fox Theatre

Grow Hays welcomes the public to the Bob and Pat Schmidt Community Center grand opening and ribbon cutting at&nbsp; 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 29. The Community Center is located at 2510 Canterbury Drive, Hays.

The Bob and Pat Schmidt Community Center is a visionary more than 14,300 square foot facility designed to serve as a multigenerational hub for the Hays community. This state-of-the-art center is also home to Bright Minds Academy's third childcare location and the Hays Senior Center, providing essential services and fostering a sense of community for residents of all ages.&nbsp;

"We are excited to see this project come to completion," said Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays, Inc. "The Bob and Pat Schmidt Community Center will be a cornerstone for Hays, offering valuable resources and a welcoming space for both our youngest and senior citizens."

The ceremony will feature remarks from key community leaders and project stakeholders, celebrating the collaborative effort that has brought this project to fruition.

We invite all members of the Hays community and the surrounding areas to join us for this momentous occasion. 

Attendees are encouraged to park along the new streets in The Grove development and the Hays Medical Center for Health Improvement parking lot.

Public invited to grand opening of Bob & Pat Schmidt Community Center

Beginning Tuesday, August 12, the intersection of 13th Street and Canterbury Drive will become a 4-way stop as this intersection will be getting traffic light upgrades and modifications. 

 Temporary stop signs will be utilized at this intersection. 

We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Public Works office 785-628-7350.

13th & Canterbury intersection to be temporary 4-way stop in Hays starting Tuesday

Join our new Hays Post Newsletter and receive the top news stories from your community every morning in your email inbox plus one-click access to the latest obituaries.&nbsp;

Sign up for free Hays Post Newsletter

 The Bricks in Downtown Hays invites the community to Sip, Stroll, and&nbsp;Support The Bricks at the return of&nbsp;Wines &amp; Steins, presented by Prospectively Healthy &amp; Wellness Clinic.

Tickets are on sale now for the event, which will take place on Saturday, September 6, from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m.

This 21+ ticketed event offers guests the opportunity to enjoy carefully curated wine and beer pairings at 12&nbsp;unique “stroll stops” throughout Downtown Hays. Each stop features thoughtfully paired hors d’oeuvres from&nbsp;local restaurants and caterers — all while highlighting the vibrant businesses and cultural atmosphere of The&nbsp;Bricks.

This year’s presenting sponsor, Prospectively Healthy &amp; Wellness Clinic, is also the exclusive glassware&nbsp;sponsor. All attendees will receive a commemorative tasting glass as part of their experience.

New for 2025, each guest will also receive an interactive tasting passport that includes pairing notes, vendor&nbsp;highlights, exclusive coupons, and space to rate your favorite sips and stops. 

Additional fundraising features this&nbsp;year include a gift card pull and a 50/50 raffle to support ongoing initiatives.

Tickets are $75 and available now at <a href="https://www.downtownhays.com/wines-steins">downtownhays.com/wines-steins</a>.

Only 250 tickets will be sold. With the&nbsp;cancellation of Brews on The Bricks this year, this event is expected to sell out — early ticket purchases are&nbsp;highly encouraged.

All proceeds support The Bricks in Downtown Hays, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the&nbsp;economic and cultural vibrancy of the downtown district through events, beautification, and community&nbsp;partnerships.

“Wines &amp; Steins is a community favorite that celebrates Downtown Hays,” said Lee Ann June, executive&nbsp;director of The Bricks. “It brings people together in a meaningful and delicious way. We’re thrilled to partner&nbsp;with Prospectively Healthy &amp; Wellness Clinic this year and can’t wait to welcome both new and returning&nbsp;guests to sip, stroll, and support The Bricks.”

For sponsorship information, contact the director at TheBricks@downtownhays.com or call 785-621-4171.

Tickets on sale now for Wines & Steins: A night of pairings and purpose in Downtown Hays

Beginning Monday evening, Aug. 11, the Vine Street roundabouts in Hays will be getting new pavement markings installed. 

This work will be done during the evening hours as to limit daytime traffic interruptions. 

Please use caution in these areas as traffic control devices will be used. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Public Works office 785-628-7350.

Hays roundabouts to get new pavement markings Monday night 

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.

Local

Region

Sports

Announcements