KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — It's a love story and, baby, she said yes:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/taylor-swift">Taylor Swift</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-engaged-d585627eb98b69428ce206a2c8a9cb7d">Travis Kelce</a>&nbsp;are engaged, they announced Tuesday.

In a five-photo joint post on Instagram, the superstar singer and football player revealed their engagement, the fairytale culmination of a courtship that for two years has thrilled and fascinated millions around the world, but especially Swifties, the pop star’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-eras-tour-end-06a41d7c717486f2c0e99a7304789912">enormous and ardent fan base.</a>

“Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married,” the caption read, accompanied by an emoji of a dynamite stick.

Kelce was a famous football player when they met — a star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs and a Super Bowl champion — but Swift’s unique level of fame catapulted him into a different orbit entirely. Their relationship was documented in countless shots of Swift celebrating at Chiefs games and fan videos of Kelce dancing along at Swift’s Eras concert tour as it traveled the globe.

There were those who speculated, with no evidence, that the relationship was not genuine but a cynical ploy for more fame, while some even theorized it was a plot to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-endorsement-democrats-harris-trump-3a5f4827a930d5cf5439febaf014de76">influence the U.S. elections.</a>&nbsp;In the end, those voices were quieted by a happy couple who simply looked in love — now with an engagement ring rivaling the size of Kelce's three Super Bowl rings.

It’s unclear when and where the two, both 35, got engaged. Representatives for Swift and Kelce did not immediately respond to The Associated Press' request for comment on that detail, though Swift publicist Tree Paine confirmed the engagement ring was an old mine brilliant-cut diamond from Kindred Lubeck. Scarcely over an hour later, Kelce was stretching for practice in Kansas City, Missouri.

It's been just two weeks since Swift — and Kelce — last ignited a media frenzy, with the announcement of a new album,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-new-album-life-of-showgirl-c4262686b5b68ee210f7571b8716ab51">“The Life of a Showgirl.”</a>&nbsp;(It comes out Oct. 3.) Kelce and his brother, former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, assisted Swift with the rollout, hosting her on their typically football-oriented podcast, “New Heights.” During the episode, she likened her career to her now-fiance's, saying their jobs were “to entertain people for three hours in NFL stadiums.”

When Jason Kelce asked his brother and Swift, sitting side-by-side, how they handled the discourse around their relationship, Swift said they just didn't.

“We don’t, really. I don’t see a lot of things,” she said. “My name can be in the actual headline, and it’s none of my business.”

The pair started dating during Swift's landmark Eras tour — though Kelce was thwarted in his first attempt to meet Swift at her concert at Arrowhead Stadium. But by September,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-kelce-chiefs-891e7df84295f5b35cfa97a5ec427721">Swift was back at the Kansas City stadium,</a>&nbsp;cheering on Kelce next to his mother. Less than two months later, she was changing lyrics onstage: “Karma is the guy on the Chiefs, coming straight home to me,” she sang in Argentina as Kelce beamed from the audience.

It's the first engagement for both Kelce — who once had his own reality dating show, “Catching Kelce” — and Swift, whose past relationships with high-profile celebrities including Joe Alwyn, Jake Gyllenhaal and Harry Styles, have been inspiration for her music.

The news broke in the middle of the Kansas City Chiefs' media availability, though after head coach Andy Reid had departed. That left Chiefs defensive end Mike Danna to field questions about his teammate's engagement.

“Man, it’s incredible. I was caught off guard but you know, great for them,” Danna said, a few minutes after the news raced across social media. “But you know, great for them. That’s a blessing. Any time you find that type of joy, blessing, love — that’s a beautiful thing.”

Like many of the Chiefs, Danna has hung out with Swift and Kelce at a New Year’s party and after most of their home games.

“I’ll think of a good little engagement gift,” Danna said. “Maybe some Pop-Tarts back to her. It won’t be homemade.”

The NFL, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-nfl-gen-z-be42bde423a35c8f4c34bd9a18327b07">has gained untold numbers of fans</a>&nbsp;since the relationship became public, posted the news on X with their congratulations — then quickly deleted it and reposted it when they realized they tagged the wrong Swift account.

“Two of the most genuine people meet &amp; fall in love. Just so happy for these two,” Brittany Mahomes, the wife of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, said on Instagram. Brittany Mahomes and Swift have frequently shared a suite for games at Arrowhead Stadium. Meanwhile the Cleveland Guardians, the baseball team&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-alcs-yankees-guardians-yankee-stadium-73182d99e0f50978b6971b521a320b35">Kelce grew up rooting for,</a>&nbsp;joked online: “Thanks a lot, Taylor Swift. Now no one cares that next year’s schedule is out.”

Kelce and Swift’s relationship featured prominently in the just-released six-part ESPN documentary “The Kingdom,” which chronicles the franchise’s ultimately foiled pursuit of an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl title last season. Kelce was joined by his parents, Donna and Ed Kelce, on the red carpet last Sunday for the premiere at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City.

“She’s very good for him. I don’t hesitate in saying that,” Ed Kelce said of his future daughter-in-law. “They are two people that truly deserve each other.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707736613770.png" alt="File photo Taylor Swift kisses Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce after the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game in Las Vegas.(Brynn Anderson | AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)" />
 <figcaption>File photo Taylor Swift kisses Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce after the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game in Las Vegas.(Brynn Anderson | AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — It's a love story and, baby, she said yes:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/taylor-swift">Taylor Swift</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-engaged-d585627eb98b69428ce206a2c8a9cb7d">Travis Kelce</a>&nbsp;are engaged, they announced Tuesday.<div><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DN02niAXMM-/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DN02niAXMM-/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DN02niAXMM-/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift)</a></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>In a five-photo joint post on Instagram, the superstar singer and football player revealed their engagement, the fairytale culmination of a courtship that for two years has thrilled and fascinated millions around the world, but especially Swifties, the pop star’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-eras-tour-end-06a41d7c717486f2c0e99a7304789912">enormous and ardent fan base.</a>“Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married,” the caption read, accompanied by an emoji of a dynamite stick.Kelce was a famous football player when they met — a star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs and a Super Bowl champion — but Swift’s unique level of fame catapulted him into a different orbit entirely. Their relationship was documented in countless shots of Swift celebrating at Chiefs games and fan videos of Kelce dancing along at Swift’s Eras concert tour as it traveled the globe.There were those who speculated, with no evidence, that the relationship was not genuine but a cynical ploy for more fame, while some even theorized it was a plot to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-endorsement-democrats-harris-trump-3a5f4827a930d5cf5439febaf014de76">influence the U.S. elections.</a>&nbsp;In the end, those voices were quieted by a happy couple who simply looked in love — now with an engagement ring rivaling the size of Kelce's three Super Bowl rings.It’s unclear when and where the two, both 35, got engaged. Representatives for Swift and Kelce did not immediately respond to The Associated Press' request for comment on that detail, though Swift publicist Tree Paine confirmed the engagement ring was an old mine brilliant-cut diamond from Kindred Lubeck. Scarcely over an hour later, Kelce was stretching for practice in Kansas City, Missouri.<h2>Throwing fans into frenzies since 2023</h2>It's been just two weeks since Swift — and Kelce — last ignited a media frenzy, with the announcement of a new album,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-new-album-life-of-showgirl-c4262686b5b68ee210f7571b8716ab51">“The Life of a Showgirl.”</a>&nbsp;(It comes out Oct. 3.) Kelce and his brother, former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, assisted Swift with the rollout, hosting her on their typically football-oriented podcast, “New Heights.” During the episode, she likened her career to her now-fiance's, saying their jobs were “to entertain people for three hours in NFL stadiums.”When Jason Kelce asked his brother and Swift, sitting side-by-side, how they handled the discourse around their relationship, Swift said they just didn't.“We don’t, really. I don’t see a lot of things,” she said. “My name can be in the actual headline, and it’s none of my business.”The pair started dating during Swift's landmark Eras tour — though Kelce was thwarted in his first attempt to meet Swift at her concert at Arrowhead Stadium. But by September,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-kelce-chiefs-891e7df84295f5b35cfa97a5ec427721">Swift was back at the Kansas City stadium,</a>&nbsp;cheering on Kelce next to his mother. Less than two months later, she was changing lyrics onstage: “Karma is the guy on the Chiefs, coming straight home to me,” she sang in Argentina as Kelce beamed from the audience.It's the first engagement for both Kelce — who once had his own reality dating show, “Catching Kelce” — and Swift, whose past relationships with high-profile celebrities including Joe Alwyn, Jake Gyllenhaal and Harry Styles, have been inspiration for her music.<h2>Congratulations pour in</h2>The news broke in the middle of the Kansas City Chiefs' media availability, though after head coach Andy Reid had departed. That left Chiefs defensive end Mike Danna to field questions about his teammate's engagement.“Man, it’s incredible. I was caught off guard but you know, great for them,” Danna said, a few minutes after the news raced across social media. “But you know, great for them. That’s a blessing. Any time you find that type of joy, blessing, love — that’s a beautiful thing.”Like many of the Chiefs, Danna has hung out with Swift and Kelce at a New Year’s party and after most of their home games.“I’ll think of a good little engagement gift,” Danna said. “Maybe some Pop-Tarts back to her. It won’t be homemade.”The NFL, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-nfl-gen-z-be42bde423a35c8f4c34bd9a18327b07">has gained untold numbers of fans</a>&nbsp;since the relationship became public, posted the news on X with their congratulations — then quickly deleted it and reposted it when they realized they tagged the wrong Swift account.“Two of the most genuine people meet &amp; fall in love. Just so happy for these two,” Brittany Mahomes, the wife of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, said on Instagram. Brittany Mahomes and Swift have frequently shared a suite for games at Arrowhead Stadium. Meanwhile the Cleveland Guardians, the baseball team&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-alcs-yankees-guardians-yankee-stadium-73182d99e0f50978b6971b521a320b35">Kelce grew up rooting for,</a>&nbsp;joked online: “Thanks a lot, Taylor Swift. Now no one cares that next year’s schedule is out.”Kelce and Swift’s relationship featured prominently in the just-released six-part ESPN documentary “The Kingdom,” which chronicles the franchise’s ultimately foiled pursuit of an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl title last season. Kelce was joined by his parents, Donna and Ed Kelce, on the red carpet last Sunday for the premiere at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City.“She’s very good for him. I don’t hesitate in saying that,” Ed Kelce said of his future daughter-in-law. “They are two people that truly deserve each other.”

See the photos: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are engaged

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Along with temperatures 10 to 15 degrees cooler than normal for this time of year, the past four days have also brought welcome rain to Hays.

A total of 1.45 inches of rainfall was measured from Saturday morning through Tuesday morning at the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town.

That&nbsp; considerably narrowed the gap between the month-end 3.01 inches&nbsp;average rainfall and the to-date amount of&nbsp;2.63 inches.&nbsp;

So far in 2025, Hays has received 16.41 inches of moisture. The 158-cumulative average by the end of August is 17.70 inches.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/cb50e095-815b-4cb4-b3f2-fecc8bb49373">three-day forecast</a> calls for a chance of showers again Wednesday with temperatures in the low 70s.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653490575826.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostAlong with temperatures 10 to 15 degrees cooler than normal for this time of year, the past four days have also brought welcome rain to Hays.A total of 1.45 inches of rainfall was measured from Saturday morning through Tuesday morning at the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town.That&nbsp; considerably narrowed the gap between the month-end 3.01 inches&nbsp;average rainfall and the to-date amount of&nbsp;2.63 inches.&nbsp;So far in 2025, Hays has received 16.41 inches of moisture. The 158-cumulative average by the end of August is 17.70 inches.&nbsp;The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/cb50e095-815b-4cb4-b3f2-fecc8bb49373">three-day forecast</a> calls for a chance of showers again Wednesday with temperatures in the low 70s.

Weekend rain, cooler temps dominate late weekend weather in Hays 

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The new Ellis County 100 Who Care group is gearing up for its next quarterly meeting and is looking for members to grow its group.

The group met in July and awarded the Cancer Council of Ellis County $2,500.

100 Who Care is a giving circle that asks 100 residents to donate $100 each. The members of the group gather to hear from three local nonprofits and then vote on their preferred cause.

The cause that earns the most votes receives a collective $10,000 donation from the group.

The group has started small with about 30 members, but is looking to grow,&nbsp;Brandy Ridgway, local organizer, said.

Ridgway said the award to the Cancer Council was particularly poignant for her because the meeting fell on her mother's birthday, and she died of cancer.

"I know what good they do," she said of the Cancer Council. "Financially, it was difficult when my mom had cancer, and I was having to go take her to her appointments. I put 10,000 miles on my car in a three-month time frame."

Members of the group then nominate three nonprofits to present at the next quarterly meeting. The three groups that have been nominated to present for the next round of funding are <a href="https://www.firstcallelliscounty.com/">First Call for Help</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EllisCoBigs">Big Brothers Big Sisters</a> and <a href="https://www.janascampaign.org/">Jana's Campaign</a>.

The meeting will be at 6 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Sternberg Museum. Refreshments will be served.

There are links to Google documents to sign up with the group on its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572641610615">Facebook page</a>&nbsp;or access a link <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeTIgOiGUitxEopPSVwo0gUauU4NRsNr9xsQXQnwyF98LKq9Q/viewform?fbclid=IwY2xjawMVrmdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFLU0UycXhhemI5MGQwaG12AR7EjdQIcbSzOwGMQgoMB7wdU8SuYGSyKwhEBnINwtkMRy9OK-eeCUUkkBPSag_aem_29ChcOd2wLJCzvE4Iw-0Iw">HERE</a>. However, Ridgway said if you are willing to donate, you can show up on the night of the meeting.

Payments are made directly to the selected nonprofit.

Nonprofits that don't win a donation round can be nominated to present again for future donation rounds. To qualify for donations, organizations must be 501(c)(3)s or affiliated with a nonprofit and serve Ellis County.

There are no qualifications to be a member of the group, except that you have to agree to give $100 to the organization that the group votes to support that quarter.

The group is also looking for Ellis County nonprofits that would like to present to 100 Who Care for funding. Ridgway said since the funds are a one-time donation, the group prefers the nonprofits request funds for a specific project or purchase instead of operating funds.

The group members have determined they will not fund political groups or churches. However, nonprofit programs sponsored by churches can apply for funding,&nbsp;Ridgway said.

Ridgway said some local nonprofits have been confused. 100 Who Care is seeking to award money to nonprofits, not the other way around.

"We are really not a nonprofit ourselves. We are a group of friends," Ridgway said. "When I wrote my check, I wrote it directly to the Cancer Council. I know it went specifically for that."

100 Who Care has about 350 chapters nationwide. The groups are 100% volunteer-run. Donations are tax-deductible.

A 100 Who Care Alliance has formed to support chapters around the world. Ridgway will attend the alliance's conference in September to learn about growing the local chapter.

The group's goals also include working with a Fort Hays State University Leadership 310 class this semester and building a website.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/fee240c7-b472-481b-9f0b-336660bf232b">SEE RELATED STORY: 100 Who Care Ellis County seeks to increase giving impact</a>

You can learn more by emailing Ridgway at 100whocare.ellis@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755893282813.jpeg" alt="The 100 Who Care group presenting a check to the Cancer Council of Ellis County in its first round of giving in July. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The 100 Who Care group presenting a check to the Cancer Council of Ellis County in its first round of giving in July. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe new Ellis County 100 Who Care group is gearing up for its next quarterly meeting and is looking for members to grow its group.The group met in July and awarded the Cancer Council of Ellis County $2,500.100 Who Care is a giving circle that asks 100 residents to donate $100 each. The members of the group gather to hear from three local nonprofits and then vote on their preferred cause.The cause that earns the most votes receives a collective $10,000 donation from the group.The group has started small with about 30 members, but is looking to grow,&nbsp;Brandy Ridgway, local organizer, said.Ridgway said the award to the Cancer Council was particularly poignant for her because the meeting fell on her mother's birthday, and she died of cancer."I know what good they do," she said of the Cancer Council. "Financially, it was difficult when my mom had cancer, and I was having to go take her to her appointments. I put 10,000 miles on my car in a three-month time frame."Members of the group then nominate three nonprofits to present at the next quarterly meeting. The three groups that have been nominated to present for the next round of funding are <a href="https://www.firstcallelliscounty.com/">First Call for Help</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EllisCoBigs">Big Brothers Big Sisters</a> and <a href="https://www.janascampaign.org/">Jana's Campaign</a>.The meeting will be at 6 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Sternberg Museum. Refreshments will be served.There are links to Google documents to sign up with the group on its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572641610615">Facebook page</a>&nbsp;or access a link <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeTIgOiGUitxEopPSVwo0gUauU4NRsNr9xsQXQnwyF98LKq9Q/viewform?fbclid=IwY2xjawMVrmdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFLU0UycXhhemI5MGQwaG12AR7EjdQIcbSzOwGMQgoMB7wdU8SuYGSyKwhEBnINwtkMRy9OK-eeCUUkkBPSag_aem_29ChcOd2wLJCzvE4Iw-0Iw">HERE</a>. However, Ridgway said if you are willing to donate, you can show up on the night of the meeting.Payments are made directly to the selected nonprofit.Nonprofits that don't win a donation round can be nominated to present again for future donation rounds. To qualify for donations, organizations must be 501(c)(3)s or affiliated with a nonprofit and serve Ellis County.There are no qualifications to be a member of the group, except that you have to agree to give $100 to the organization that the group votes to support that quarter.The group is also looking for Ellis County nonprofits that would like to present to 100 Who Care for funding. Ridgway said since the funds are a one-time donation, the group prefers the nonprofits request funds for a specific project or purchase instead of operating funds.The group members have determined they will not fund political groups or churches. However, nonprofit programs sponsored by churches can apply for funding,&nbsp;Ridgway said.Ridgway said some local nonprofits have been confused. 100 Who Care is seeking to award money to nonprofits, not the other way around."We are really not a nonprofit ourselves. We are a group of friends," Ridgway said. "When I wrote my check, I wrote it directly to the Cancer Council. I know it went specifically for that."100 Who Care has about 350 chapters nationwide. The groups are 100% volunteer-run. Donations are tax-deductible.A 100 Who Care Alliance has formed to support chapters around the world. Ridgway will attend the alliance's conference in September to learn about growing the local chapter.The group's goals also include working with a Fort Hays State University Leadership 310 class this semester and building a website.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/fee240c7-b472-481b-9f0b-336660bf232b">SEE RELATED STORY: 100 Who Care Ellis County seeks to increase giving impact</a>You can learn more by emailing Ridgway at 100whocare.ellis@gmail.com.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755894140354.jpeg" alt="" />
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100 Who Care seeks members, gears up for Oct. meeting

Fort Hays State Tiger football coach Chris Brown, tight end Cale Cormaney and defensive end Parrish Terry spoke to the media Monday before the Tigers open the season at home against Angelo State on Thursday.

Hays Post SportsFort Hays State Tiger football coach Chris Brown, tight end Cale Cormaney and defensive end Parrish Terry spoke to the media Monday before the Tigers open the season at home against Angelo State on Thursday.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/X4L1xkt5ri0?si=0klpE5uqcKp6S0y-" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hW9abnATVf0?si=Kd-IohGnDEgAaSGa" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QaxnqnbW0Sw?si=17RkKO5gVInFBNHR" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🏈📹 Chris Brown: "It feels like game week" | Tiger Press Conference 8-25-25

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump fired&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-federal-reserve-rates-354ddf9b0b2a78eabbe7ebd361bf2e05">Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook</a>&nbsp;late Monday, a sharp escalation in his battle to exert greater control over what has long been considered an institution&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fed-federal-reserve-powell-trump-63c3e35e8606b7b73455b08aa21456dd">independent from day-to-day politics</a>.

Trump said in a letter posted on his Truth Social platform that he is firing Cook because of allegations that she committed mortgage fraud. Bill Pulte, a Trump appointee to the agency that regulates mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, made the accusations last week.

Pulte alleged that Cook had claimed two primary residences -- in Ann Arbor, Michigan and Atlanta -- in 2021 to get better mortgage terms. Mortgage rates are often higher on second homes or those purchased to rent.

The announcement came days after Cook said she wouldn’t leave her post despite Trump previously calling for her to resign. The Fed’s board has seven members, meaning Trump’s move could have deep economic and political ramifications.

Trump said in announcing the move that he had the constitutional authority to remove Cook, but doing so will raise questions about control of the Fed as an independent entity.

The firing is likely to touch off a legal battle and Cook could be allowed to remain in her seat while the case plays out. Cook would have to fight the legal battle herself, as the injured party, rather than the Fed.

It is the latest effort by the administration to take control over one of the few remaining independent agencies in Washington. Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-powell-federal-reserve-building-renovation-2393d9ac9fdb9508f285d0faa5f4de41">repeatedly attacked</a>&nbsp;the Fed’s chair, Jerome Powell, for not cutting its short-term interest rate, and even threatened to fire him.

Forcing Cook off the Fed’s governing board would provide Trump an opportunity to appoint a loyalist. Trump has said he would only appoint officials who would support cutting rates.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756169974467.png" alt="Lisa Cook, Federal Reserve Governor during an interview in 2022-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Lisa Cook, Federal Reserve Governor during an interview in 2022-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump fired&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-federal-reserve-rates-354ddf9b0b2a78eabbe7ebd361bf2e05">Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook</a>&nbsp;late Monday, a sharp escalation in his battle to exert greater control over what has long been considered an institution&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fed-federal-reserve-powell-trump-63c3e35e8606b7b73455b08aa21456dd">independent from day-to-day politics</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 President Donald J. Trump relieves Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook of her position <a href="https://t.co/tJV8m4mlHW">pic.twitter.com/tJV8m4mlHW</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1960131068280852721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump said in a letter posted on his Truth Social platform that he is firing Cook because of allegations that she committed mortgage fraud. Bill Pulte, a Trump appointee to the agency that regulates mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, made the accusations last week.Pulte alleged that Cook had claimed two primary residences -- in Ann Arbor, Michigan and Atlanta -- in 2021 to get better mortgage terms. Mortgage rates are often higher on second homes or those purchased to rent.The announcement came days after Cook said she wouldn’t leave her post despite Trump previously calling for her to resign. The Fed’s board has seven members, meaning Trump’s move could have deep economic and political ramifications.Trump said in announcing the move that he had the constitutional authority to remove Cook, but doing so will raise questions about control of the Fed as an independent entity.The firing is likely to touch off a legal battle and Cook could be allowed to remain in her seat while the case plays out. Cook would have to fight the legal battle herself, as the injured party, rather than the Fed.It is the latest effort by the administration to take control over one of the few remaining independent agencies in Washington. Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-powell-federal-reserve-building-renovation-2393d9ac9fdb9508f285d0faa5f4de41">repeatedly attacked</a>&nbsp;the Fed’s chair, Jerome Powell, for not cutting its short-term interest rate, and even threatened to fire him.Forcing Cook off the Fed’s governing board would provide Trump an opportunity to appoint a loyalist. Trump has said he would only appoint officials who would support cutting rates.

Trump fires Fed Governor Lisa Cook in fight for control over central bank

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas man who admitted to a deadly knife attack learned his fate last Friday.

Judge William Woolley sentence William Ball, 24 of Wichita, to&nbsp;55 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections with 15 percent Good Time Credit and 36 months post-release surpervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;

In June Ball pleaded guilty to charges of 2nd degree murder.

On March 10, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a report of a stabbing in the 4100 block of East Whitney Lane, according to Wichita Police Lt. Aaron Moses. The caller reported someone had been stabbed in the street.

Officers from the Wichita Police Department responded to the scene and located 51- year-old Brian Edwards from Wichita suffering from stab wound to the torso.&nbsp; EMS transported Edwards to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Officers at the scene quickly identified a suspect in this case and took William Ball into custody without incident. There were multiple individuals at the scene who were later interviewed by Wichita Police Department Homicide investigators.

&nbsp;Police booked Ball into the Sedgwick County Jail. This was the third criminal homicide in Wichita in 2025.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741706450913.png" alt="Ball photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Ball photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas man who admitted to a deadly knife attack learned his fate last Friday.Judge William Woolley sentence William Ball, 24 of Wichita, to&nbsp;55 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections with 15 percent Good Time Credit and 36 months post-release surpervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;In June Ball pleaded guilty to charges of 2nd degree murder.On March 10, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a report of a stabbing in the 4100 block of East Whitney Lane, according to Wichita Police Lt. Aaron Moses. The caller reported someone had been stabbed in the street.Officers from the Wichita Police Department responded to the scene and located 51- year-old Brian Edwards from Wichita suffering from stab wound to the torso.&nbsp; EMS transported Edwards to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.Officers at the scene quickly identified a suspect in this case and took William Ball into custody without incident. There were multiple individuals at the scene who were later interviewed by Wichita Police Department Homicide investigators.&nbsp;Police booked Ball into the Sedgwick County Jail. This was the third criminal homicide in Wichita in 2025.

Prison for deadly Kansas knife attack

GEARY COUNTY— Law enforcement across the state continue to ticket drivers for traveling far above the posted speed limit.

According to a social media report from Junction City Police, an officer recently issued a ticket to a driver on Grant Avenue who was caught traveling 93 mph in a 35 mph zone - that’s nearly three times the posted limit, resulting in a  $650 ticket. 

"Excessive speeding isn’t just reckless - it’s deadly."

According to the National Safety Council, speeding was a factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities in 2023, resulting in 11,775 lives lost - that’s over 32 deaths every single day. 

"Here’s why speeding - especially at extreme levels - magnifies danger:• Less reaction time. At higher speeds, drivers have significantly less time to respond to changing road conditions or unexpected hazards.• More severe crashes."

"Crash energy increases exponentially with speed, meaning even a small increase in velocity can result in much more devastating outcomes.The risk doesn’t just rise, it escalates dramatically. Take this as a reminder to slow down and drive safely. Every mile per hour matters."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756157625373.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>GEARY COUNTY— Law enforcement across the state continue to ticket drivers for traveling far above the posted speed limit.According to a social media report from Junction City Police, an officer recently issued a ticket to a driver on Grant Avenue who was caught traveling 93 mph in a 35 mph zone - that’s nearly three times the posted limit, resulting in a $650 ticket. "Excessive speeding isn’t just reckless - it’s deadly."According to the National Safety Council, speeding was a factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities in 2023, resulting in 11,775 lives lost - that’s over 32 deaths every single day. "Here’s why speeding - especially at extreme levels - magnifies danger:• Less reaction time. At higher speeds, drivers have significantly less time to respond to changing road conditions or unexpected hazards.• More severe crashes." "Crash energy increases exponentially with speed, meaning even a small increase in velocity can result in much more devastating outcomes.The risk doesn’t just rise, it escalates dramatically. Take this as a reminder to slow down and drive safely. Every mile per hour matters."

Police: Expensive ticket for 93mph in a 35 mhp zone in Kansas

Congratulations&nbsp;to Ann Gottschalk and Kirk Pfannenstiel from Hays on becoming finalists in the Yuengling Flight&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;Cart Giveaway at Brogden GMC on Saturday.&nbsp;

Congratulations&nbsp;to Melissa Pinkney and Bryan Schoepf from Hays on becoming finalists in the Yuengling Flight&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;Cart Giveaway at LoKal Country Bar on Friday night.

1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lance Armbruster – Wild West Festival – 7-2-2025

2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Curtis Wellbrock – Wild West Festival – 7-2-2025

3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ryan Cellmer – Mr. K’s Foodtown – 7-5-2025

4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Barry Gilliland – Mr. K’s Foodtown – 7-5-2025

5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Debbie Windholz – Malay’s Market – 7-12-2025

6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Darren Dunn – Malay’s Market – 7-12-2025

7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bernita Augustine – American Shooters – 7-19-2025

8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Doug Kutina – American Shooters – 7-19-2025

9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Connie Steinle – Stop2Shop/Wilson Wine &amp; Spirits – 7-25-2025

10.&nbsp;Halie Eck - Stop2Shop/Wilson Wine &amp; Spirits – 7-25-2025

11.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kevin Prester - Stop2Shop/Wilson Wine &amp; Spirits – 7-25-2025

12.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tom Quenzer - Stop2Shop/Wilson Wine &amp; Spirits – 7-25-2025

13.&nbsp;Taylor Lunsford – A &amp; A Coors Yuengling Pub Crawl – 7-26-2025

14.&nbsp;Craig Karlin - A &amp; A Coors Yuengling Pub Crawl – 7-26-2025

15.&nbsp;Garrett Dreiling – Lewis Automotive – 8-16-2025

16.&nbsp;Ruthmary Muir – Lewis Automotive – 8-16-2025

17.&nbsp;Dustin Roths – National Radio Day at Eagle – 8-20-2025

18.&nbsp;James Rome – National Radio Day at Eagle – 8-20-2025

19.&nbsp;Melissa Pinkney – LoKal Country Bar – 8-22-2025

20.&nbsp;Bryan Schoepf – LoKal Country Bar – 8-22-2025

21.&nbsp;Ann Gottschalk – Brogden GMC – 8-23-2025

22.&nbsp;Kirk Pfannenstiel – Brogden GMC – 8-23-2025

The&nbsp;golf&nbsp;cart will be given away at this year’s Oktoberfest on Friday, Sept. 26th!&nbsp; Special thanks to A &amp; A Coors Yuengling for this great giveaway!

Keep listening to Eagle Radio and reading the Hays Post all summer long for your chance to become a finalist. Watch the Hays Post for announcement of finalists.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755614026735.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Congratulations&nbsp;to Ann Gottschalk and Kirk Pfannenstiel from Hays on becoming finalists in the Yuengling Flight&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;Cart Giveaway at Brogden GMC on Saturday.&nbsp;Congratulations&nbsp;to Melissa Pinkney and Bryan Schoepf from Hays on becoming finalists in the Yuengling Flight&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;Cart Giveaway at LoKal Country Bar on Friday night.They join the following finalists:1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lance Armbruster – Wild West Festival – 7-2-20252.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Curtis Wellbrock – Wild West Festival – 7-2-20253.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ryan Cellmer – Mr. K’s Foodtown – 7-5-20254.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Barry Gilliland – Mr. K’s Foodtown – 7-5-20255.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Debbie Windholz – Malay’s Market – 7-12-20256.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Darren Dunn – Malay’s Market – 7-12-20257.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bernita Augustine – American Shooters – 7-19-20258.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Doug Kutina – American Shooters – 7-19-20259.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Connie Steinle – Stop2Shop/Wilson Wine &amp; Spirits – 7-25-202510.&nbsp;Halie Eck - Stop2Shop/Wilson Wine &amp; Spirits – 7-25-202511.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kevin Prester - Stop2Shop/Wilson Wine &amp; Spirits – 7-25-202512.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tom Quenzer - Stop2Shop/Wilson Wine &amp; Spirits – 7-25-202513.&nbsp;Taylor Lunsford – A &amp; A Coors Yuengling Pub Crawl – 7-26-202514.&nbsp;Craig Karlin - A &amp; A Coors Yuengling Pub Crawl – 7-26-202515.&nbsp;Garrett Dreiling – Lewis Automotive – 8-16-202516.&nbsp;Ruthmary Muir – Lewis Automotive – 8-16-202517.&nbsp;Dustin Roths – National Radio Day at Eagle – 8-20-202518.&nbsp;James Rome – National Radio Day at Eagle – 8-20-202519.&nbsp;Melissa Pinkney – LoKal Country Bar – 8-22-202520.&nbsp;Bryan Schoepf – LoKal Country Bar – 8-22-202521.&nbsp;Ann Gottschalk – Brogden GMC – 8-23-202522.&nbsp;Kirk Pfannenstiel – Brogden GMC – 8-23-2025The&nbsp;golf&nbsp;cart will be given away at this year’s Oktoberfest on Friday, Sept. 26th!&nbsp; Special thanks to A &amp; A Coors Yuengling for this great giveaway!Keep listening to Eagle Radio and reading the Hays Post all summer long for your chance to become a finalist. Watch the Hays Post for announcement of finalists.

Brogden GMC, LoKal finalists named for Yuengling Flight Golf Cart Giveaway

Congratulations&nbsp;to Wanda Oborny and Duane Lang from Hays, our latest finalists in the Lite Beer from Miller&nbsp;UTV&nbsp;Giveaway.

Their names were selected as finalists at Kaiser Liquor in Hays on Friday, Aug. 22.

Special thanks to Briney Motorsports, Advantage Glass Plus, Commercial Sign Company, and A &amp; A Coors Miller of Hays!

Keep listening to Eagle Radio and reading the Hays Post all summer long for your chance to become a finalist.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753111227517.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750185433864.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Congratulations&nbsp;to Wanda Oborny and Duane Lang from Hays, our latest finalists in the Lite Beer from Miller&nbsp;UTV&nbsp;Giveaway. Their names were selected as finalists at Kaiser Liquor in Hays on Friday, Aug. 22.Special thanks to Briney Motorsports, Advantage Glass Plus, Commercial Sign Company, and A &amp; A Coors Miller of Hays!They join the following finalists:<ol>
 <li>Garrett Bland – Relay for Life Golf Tournament – 6-13-2025</li><li>Earl Brungardt – Relay for Life Golf Tournament – 6-13-2025</li><li>Tara Graham – LoKal Country Bar – 6-27-2025</li><li>Brad Leitner – LoKal Country Bar – 6-27-2025</li><li>Becky Wachs – WWF – 7-3-2025</li><li>Kirby Garrison – WWF – 7-3-2025</li><li>Marlin Sherfick – Trego Co. Fair – 7-11-2025</li><li>Dale Pfannenstiel – Trego Co. Fair – 7-11-2025</li><li>Danny Wasinger – Ellis Co. Fair – 7-18-2025</li><li>Brett Davidson – Ellis Co. Fair – 7-18-2025</li><li>Erin Storer – Doghouse Liquor – 7-19-2025</li><li>Landon Paul – Doghouse Liquor – 7-19-2025</li>
 </ol><ul>
 <li>13.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mark Hauptman – Briney Motorsports – 7-25-2025</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>14.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rod Goetz – Briney Motorsports – 7-25-2025</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>15.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chad McCarty – Discount Smokes – 8-1-2025</li><li>16. Nolan Allen – Discount Smokes – 8-1-2025 </li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>17.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mark Coomes – Phillipsburg Rodeo – 8-1-2025</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>18.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Matt Van Allen – Phillipsburg Rodeo – 8-1-2025</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>19.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pierce Day – Ole 40 Express – 8-4-2025</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>20.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shane Wilson – Ole 40 Express – 8-4-2025</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>21.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lyn Klein – Auto Collision Specialists – 8-15-2025</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>22.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kyle Kirmer – Auto Collision Specialists – 8-15-2025</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>23.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Darin Myers – National Radio Day at Eagle – 8-20-2025</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>24.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;John Kaba – National Radio Day at Eagle – 8-20-2025</li>
 </ul>Keep listening to Eagle Radio and reading the Hays Post all summer long for your chance to become a finalist.

Kaiser Liquor finalists named for Lite Beer from Miller UTV Giveaway

The K-State Ag Research Center reported .78 inches of rain as of 8 this morning.

Hays has received 2.54 inches of rain for the month and&nbsp;16.32 inches year to date. This is compared to a 3.01-inch average for August and a 17.70-inch average by the end of August.

Rain is supposed to subside by noon today with a high of 70.

Tuesday's forecast calls for a high of 78, mostly sunny with chances of rain returning Tuesday night, Wednesday and Wednesday night.

Thursday and Friday are forecast to be cloudy and unseasonably cool with highs in the mid-70s.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730574545090.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe K-State Ag Research Center reported .78 inches of rain as of 8 this morning.Hays has received 2.54 inches of rain for the month and&nbsp;16.32 inches year to date. This is compared to a 3.01-inch average for August and a 17.70-inch average by the end of August.Rain is supposed to subside by noon today with a high of 70.Tuesday's forecast calls for a high of 78, mostly sunny with chances of rain returning Tuesday night, Wednesday and Wednesday night.Thursday and Friday are forecast to be cloudy and unseasonably cool with highs in the mid-70s.

Rain, cool weather continuing this week in Hays

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/demetris-nellas">DEMETRIS NELLAS</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/mae-anderson">MAE ANDERSON</a>

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — The end of an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-russia-india-9e388a55583e7007149819c52f0fd71b">exemption on tariff duties for low-value packages</a>&nbsp;coming into the United States is causing multiple international postal services to pause shipping as they await more clarity on the rule.

The exemption, known as the “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/de-minimis-trump-tariffs-china-1b52319a85572331baf31cb6287ecddf">de minimis” exemption</a>, allows packages worth less than $800 to come into the U.S. duty free. A total of 1.36 billion packages were sent in 2024 under this exemption, for goods worth $64.6 billion, according to data from the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Agency.

It is set to expire on Friday. On Saturday, postal services around Europe announced that they are suspending the shipment of many packages to the United States amid confusion over new import duties.

Postal services in Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Italy said they will stop shipping most merchandise to the U.S. effective immediately. France and Austria will follow on Monday.

The U.K.'s Royal Mail said it would halt shipments to the U.S. on Tuesday to allow time for those packages to arrive before duties kick in. Items originating in the United Kingdom worth over $100 — including gifts to friends and family — will incur a 10% duty, it said.

“Key questions remain unresolved, particularly regarding how and by whom customs duties will be collected in the future, what additional data will be required, and how the data transmission to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection will be carried out,” DHL, the largest shipping provider in Europe, said in a statement.

The company said starting Saturday it “will no longer be able to accept and transport parcels and postal items containing goods from business customers destined for the US.”

A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tariffs">trade framework agreed on by the U.S. and the European Union</a>&nbsp;last month set a 15% tariff on the vast majority of products shipped from the EU. Packages under $800 will now also be subject to the tariff.

The U.S. duty-free&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/de-minimis-trump-tariffs-china-1b52319a85572331baf31cb6287ecddf">exemption for goods originating from China</a>&nbsp;ended in May as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to curb American shoppers from ordering low-value Chinese goods. The exemption is being extended to shipments from around the world.

Many European postal services say they are pausing deliveries now because they cannot guarantee the goods will enter the U.S. before Aug. 29. They cite ambiguity about what kind of goods are covered by the new rules, and the lack of time to process their implications.

Postnord, the Nordic logistics company, and Italy’s postal service announced similar suspensions effective Saturday.

“In the absence of different instructions from US authorities ... Poste Italiane will be forced, like other European postal operators, to temporarily suspend acceptance of all shipments containing goods destined for the United States, starting August 23. Mail shipments not containing merchandise will continue to be accepted,” Poste Italiane said Friday.

Shipping by services such as DHL Express remains possible, it added.

Björn Bergman, head of PostNord’s Group Brand and Communication, said the pause was “unfortunate but necessary to ensure full compliance of the newly implemented rules.”

In the Netherlands, PostNL spokesperson Wout Witteveen said the Trump administration is pressing ahead with the new duties despite U.S. authorities lacking a system to collect them. He said that PostNL is working closely with its U.S. counterparts to find a solution.

“If you have something to send to America, you should do it today,” Witteveen told The Associated Press.

Austrian Post, Austria’s leading logistics and postal service provider, stated that the last acceptance of commercial shipments to the U.S., including Puerto Rico, will take place Tuesday.

France’s national postal service, La Poste, said the U.S. did not provide full details or allow enough time for the French postal service to prepare for new customs procedures.

″Despite discussions with U.S. customs services, no time was provided to postal operators to re-organize and assure the necessary computer updates to conform to the new rules,″ it said in a statement.

PostEurop, an association of 51 European public postal operators, said that if no solution can be found by Aug. 29 all its members will likely follow suit.

Anderson reported from New York. Associated Press writers Angela Charlton in Paris; Costas Kantouris in Thessaloniki, Greece; Stephanie Lichtenstein in Vienna; Brian Melley in London and Molly Quell in Amsterdam contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756074212592.png" alt="Post photo" />
 <figcaption>Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/demetris-nellas">DEMETRIS NELLAS</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/mae-anderson">MAE ANDERSON</a>ATHENS, Greece (AP) — The end of an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-russia-india-9e388a55583e7007149819c52f0fd71b">exemption on tariff duties for low-value packages</a>&nbsp;coming into the United States is causing multiple international postal services to pause shipping as they await more clarity on the rule.The exemption, known as the “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/de-minimis-trump-tariffs-china-1b52319a85572331baf31cb6287ecddf">de minimis” exemption</a>, allows packages worth less than $800 to come into the U.S. duty free. A total of 1.36 billion packages were sent in 2024 under this exemption, for goods worth $64.6 billion, according to data from the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Agency.It is set to expire on Friday. On Saturday, postal services around Europe announced that they are suspending the shipment of many packages to the United States amid confusion over new import duties.Postal services in Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Italy said they will stop shipping most merchandise to the U.S. effective immediately. France and Austria will follow on Monday.The U.K.'s Royal Mail said it would halt shipments to the U.S. on Tuesday to allow time for those packages to arrive before duties kick in. Items originating in the United Kingdom worth over $100 — including gifts to friends and family — will incur a 10% duty, it said.“Key questions remain unresolved, particularly regarding how and by whom customs duties will be collected in the future, what additional data will be required, and how the data transmission to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection will be carried out,” DHL, the largest shipping provider in Europe, said in a statement.The company said starting Saturday it “will no longer be able to accept and transport parcels and postal items containing goods from business customers destined for the US.”A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tariffs">trade framework agreed on by the U.S. and the European Union</a>&nbsp;last month set a 15% tariff on the vast majority of products shipped from the EU. Packages under $800 will now also be subject to the tariff.The U.S. duty-free&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/de-minimis-trump-tariffs-china-1b52319a85572331baf31cb6287ecddf">exemption for goods originating from China</a>&nbsp;ended in May as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to curb American shoppers from ordering low-value Chinese goods. The exemption is being extended to shipments from around the world.Many European postal services say they are pausing deliveries now because they cannot guarantee the goods will enter the U.S. before Aug. 29. They cite ambiguity about what kind of goods are covered by the new rules, and the lack of time to process their implications.Postnord, the Nordic logistics company, and Italy’s postal service announced similar suspensions effective Saturday.“In the absence of different instructions from US authorities ... Poste Italiane will be forced, like other European postal operators, to temporarily suspend acceptance of all shipments containing goods destined for the United States, starting August 23. Mail shipments not containing merchandise will continue to be accepted,” Poste Italiane said Friday.Shipping by services such as DHL Express remains possible, it added.Björn Bergman, head of PostNord’s Group Brand and Communication, said the pause was “unfortunate but necessary to ensure full compliance of the newly implemented rules.”In the Netherlands, PostNL spokesperson Wout Witteveen said the Trump administration is pressing ahead with the new duties despite U.S. authorities lacking a system to collect them. He said that PostNL is working closely with its U.S. counterparts to find a solution.“If you have something to send to America, you should do it today,” Witteveen told The Associated Press.Austrian Post, Austria’s leading logistics and postal service provider, stated that the last acceptance of commercial shipments to the U.S., including Puerto Rico, will take place Tuesday.France’s national postal service, La Poste, said the U.S. did not provide full details or allow enough time for the French postal service to prepare for new customs procedures.″Despite discussions with U.S. customs services, no time was provided to postal operators to re-organize and assure the necessary computer updates to conform to the new rules,″ it said in a statement.PostEurop, an association of 51 European public postal operators, said that if no solution can be found by Aug. 29 all its members will likely follow suit.___Anderson reported from New York. Associated Press writers Angela Charlton in Paris; Costas Kantouris in Thessaloniki, Greece; Stephanie Lichtenstein in Vienna; Brian Melley in London and Molly Quell in Amsterdam contributed to this report.

Tariff confusion: Postal services suspend package shipments to US 

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Hays' dogs made a big splash Saturday as they took over the pool for a day of tail-wagging fun.

The Hays Recreation Commission welcomed dogs of all sizes, from small pugs to towering huskies, for the special event. Pet owners got in on the fun too, paddling alongside their four-legged companions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756078120208.jpeg" alt="A French Bulldog on guard duty at the Hays Recreation Commission dog swim at Hays Aquatic Park. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A French Bulldog on guard duty at the Hays Recreation Commission dog swim at Hays Aquatic Park. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostHays' dogs made a big splash Saturday as they took over the pool for a day of tail-wagging fun.The Hays Recreation Commission welcomed dogs of all sizes, from small pugs to towering huskies, for the special event. Pet owners got in on the fun too, paddling alongside their four-legged companions.<figure>
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📷Local dogs cool off at Hays Aquatic Park

WASHINGTON (AP) — Some National Guard units patrolling the nation’s capital at the direction of President Donald Trump have started carrying firearms, an escalation of his military deployment that makes good on a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-federal-intervention-trump-national-guard-df942130ec117288cfc648ab4e37f031">directive issued late last week</a>&nbsp;by his defense secretary.

A Defense Department official who was not authorized to speak publicly said some units on certain missions would be armed — some with handguns and others with rifles. The spokesperson said that all units with firearms have been trained and are operating under strict rules for use of force.

An Associated Press photographer on Sunday saw members of the South Carolina National Guard outside Union Station with holstered handguns.

A statement from the joint task force that has taken over policing in the nation’s capital said units began carrying their service weapons on Sunday and that the military's rules say force should be used “only as a last resort and solely in response to an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm.” It said the force is committed to protecting “the safety and wellbeing” of Washington's residents.

The defense official who spoke to The Associated Press said only troops on certain missions would carry guns, and that would include those patrolling to establish a law enforcement presence throughout the capital. Those working in transportation or administration would likely remain unarmed.

Thousands of National Guard and federal law enforcement officers are now&nbsp;<a href="https://pronto.associatedpress.com/web/search/text?all=false&amp;startDateObj=2024-05-14T15:06:55.237Z&amp;endDate=5%2F14%2F2025&amp;sourceType=ap&amp;dateRangeType=live&amp;mediaSortType=newest&amp;viewType=list&amp;pagesize=100&amp;endDateObj=2025-05-14T15:06:55.195Z&amp;keyword=Takeover&amp;storyType=all&amp;mediatype=text&amp;pagenumber=0&amp;recentRange=1y">patrolling the district’s streets</a>, drawing sporadic protests from local residents.

The development in Trump’s extraordinary effort to override the law enforcement authority of state and local governments comes as he is considering expanding the deployments to other Democratic-led cities, including Baltimore,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-crime-crackdown-dc-chicago-new-york-d5c658a7350a954ae1ab4bc80c920ac9">Chicago</a>&nbsp;and New York.

Earlier Sunday, the president responded to an offer by Maryland’s governor to join him in a tour of Baltimore by saying he might instead “send in the ‘troops.’”

Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat, has criticized Trump's unprecedented flex of federal power aimed at combatting crime and homelessness in Washington. Moore last week invited Trump to visit his state to discuss public safety and walk the streets.

In a Truth Social post on Sunday, Trump said Moore asked “in a rather nasty and provocative tone,” and then raised the specter of repeating the National Guard deployment he made&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-los-angeles-immigration-raids-protests-8f668f3fbfd2a8b1f1408db840e9864d">in Los Angeles</a>&nbsp;over the objections of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom.

"Wes Moore’s record on Crime is a very bad one, unless he fudges his figures on crime like many of the other ‘Blue States’ are doing," Trump wrote, as he cited a pejorative nickname he uses frequently for the California governor. “But if Wes Moore needs help, like Gavin Newscum did in L.A., I will send in the ‘troops,’ which is being done in nearby DC, and quickly clean up the Crime.”

Moore said he invited Trump to Maryland “because he seems to enjoy living in this blissful ignorance" about improving crime rates in Baltimore. After a spike during the pandemic that matched nationwide trends, Baltimore's violent crime rate has fallen. The 200 homicides reported last year were down 24% from the prior year and 42% since 2021, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://app.powerbigov.us/view?r=eyJrIjoiZjcyZDY5NWYtNTBlZS00OTg0LTgyNDQtOWYwMDEyOGI5Y2M1IiwidCI6IjMxMmNiMTI2LWM2YWUtNGZjMi04MDBkLTMxOGU2NzljZTZjNyJ9&amp;pageName=ReportSectionb1fa0cb3c370416927ba">city data</a>. Between 2023 and 2024, overall violent crime was down nearly 8% and property crimes down 20%.

“The president is spending all of his time talking about me,” Moore said on CBS's “Face the Nation” on Sunday. “I'm spending my time talking about the people I serve.”

Trump is “spouting off a bunch of lies about public safety in Maryland,” Moore said in a fundraising email.

In Washington, where Trump has surged National Guard troops and federal law enforcement officers, a patchwork of protests popped up throughout the city over the weekend, while some normally bustling corners were noticeably quiet. In some of the most populated areas, residents walked by small groups of national guardsmen, often talking among themselves. Videos of arrests and detainments circulated on social media.

Trump has said Chicago and New York are most likely&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-crime-crackdown-dc-chicago-new-york-d5c658a7350a954ae1ab4bc80c920ac9">his next targets</a>, eliciting strong pushback from Democratic leaders in both states. The Washington Post&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/08/23/trump-chicago-military-national-guard/">reported Saturday</a>&nbsp;that the Pentagon has spent weeks preparing for an operation in Chicago that would include National Guard troops and potentially active-duty forces.

Asked about the Post report, the White House pointed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-crime-crackdown-dc-chicago-new-york-d5c658a7350a954ae1ab4bc80c920ac9">Trump's earlier comments</a>&nbsp;discussing his desire to expand his use of military forces to target local crime.

“I think Chicago will be our next,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday, adding, “And then we’ll help with New York.”

Trump has repeatedly described some of the nation’s largest cities — run by Democrats, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/black-mayors-national-guard-police-takeover-dc-aa9a9cd07f0704b13f3d2deb2e351e44">Black mayors</a>&nbsp;and majority-minority populations — as dangerous and filthy. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott is Black, as is Moore. The District of Columbia and New York also have Black mayors.

The Rev. Al Sharpton, speaking during a religious event Sunday at Howard University in Washington, said the Guard's presence in the nation's capital was not about crime: "This is about profiling us.”

“This is laced with bigotry and racism,” he later elaborated to reporters. "Not one white mayor has been designated. And I think this is a civil rights issue, a race issue, and an issue of D.C. statehood.”

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, a Democrat, said there is&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/GovPritzker/status/1959421956509548587">no emergency</a>&nbsp;warranting the deployment of National Guard troops in Chicago.

“Donald Trump is attempting to manufacture a crisis, politicize Americans who serve in uniform, and continue abusing his power to distract from the pain he’s causing families,” Pritzker&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/GovPritzker/status/1959421957725720665">wrote on X</a>. “We’ll continue to follow the law, stand up for the sovereignty of our state, and protect Illinoisans.”

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said the city doesn't need “a military occupation" and would sue to block one. He said there has been no communication from the White House about a possible military deployment.

“We’re not going to surrender our humanity to this tyrant," Johnson said Sunday on MSNBC. “I can tell you this, the city of Chicago has a long history of standing up against tyranny, resisting those who wish to undermine the interests of working people.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755882333777.png" alt="Image from White House video" />
 <figcaption>Image from White House video</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Some National Guard units patrolling the nation’s capital at the direction of President Donald Trump have started carrying firearms, an escalation of his military deployment that makes good on a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-federal-intervention-trump-national-guard-df942130ec117288cfc648ab4e37f031">directive issued late last week</a>&nbsp;by his defense secretary.A Defense Department official who was not authorized to speak publicly said some units on certain missions would be armed — some with handguns and others with rifles. The spokesperson said that all units with firearms have been trained and are operating under strict rules for use of force.An Associated Press photographer on Sunday saw members of the South Carolina National Guard outside Union Station with holstered handguns.A statement from the joint task force that has taken over policing in the nation’s capital said units began carrying their service weapons on Sunday and that the military's rules say force should be used “only as a last resort and solely in response to an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm.” It said the force is committed to protecting “the safety and wellbeing” of Washington's residents.The defense official who spoke to The Associated Press said only troops on certain missions would carry guns, and that would include those patrolling to establish a law enforcement presence throughout the capital. Those working in transportation or administration would likely remain unarmed.Thousands of National Guard and federal law enforcement officers are now&nbsp;<a href="https://pronto.associatedpress.com/web/search/text?all=false&amp;startDateObj=2024-05-14T15:06:55.237Z&amp;endDate=5%2F14%2F2025&amp;sourceType=ap&amp;dateRangeType=live&amp;mediaSortType=newest&amp;viewType=list&amp;pagesize=100&amp;endDateObj=2025-05-14T15:06:55.195Z&amp;keyword=Takeover&amp;storyType=all&amp;mediatype=text&amp;pagenumber=0&amp;recentRange=1y">patrolling the district’s streets</a>, drawing sporadic protests from local residents.The development in Trump’s extraordinary effort to override the law enforcement authority of state and local governments comes as he is considering expanding the deployments to other Democratic-led cities, including Baltimore,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-crime-crackdown-dc-chicago-new-york-d5c658a7350a954ae1ab4bc80c920ac9">Chicago</a>&nbsp;and New York.Earlier Sunday, the president responded to an offer by Maryland’s governor to join him in a tour of Baltimore by saying he might instead “send in the ‘troops.’”Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat, has criticized Trump's unprecedented flex of federal power aimed at combatting crime and homelessness in Washington. Moore last week invited Trump to visit his state to discuss public safety and walk the streets.In a Truth Social post on Sunday, Trump said Moore asked “in a rather nasty and provocative tone,” and then raised the specter of repeating the National Guard deployment he made&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-los-angeles-immigration-raids-protests-8f668f3fbfd2a8b1f1408db840e9864d">in Los Angeles</a>&nbsp;over the objections of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom."Wes Moore’s record on Crime is a very bad one, unless he fudges his figures on crime like many of the other ‘Blue States’ are doing," Trump wrote, as he cited a pejorative nickname he uses frequently for the California governor. “But if Wes Moore needs help, like Gavin Newscum did in L.A., I will send in the ‘troops,’ which is being done in nearby DC, and quickly clean up the Crime.”Moore said he invited Trump to Maryland “because he seems to enjoy living in this blissful ignorance" about improving crime rates in Baltimore. After a spike during the pandemic that matched nationwide trends, Baltimore's violent crime rate has fallen. The 200 homicides reported last year were down 24% from the prior year and 42% since 2021, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://app.powerbigov.us/view?r=eyJrIjoiZjcyZDY5NWYtNTBlZS00OTg0LTgyNDQtOWYwMDEyOGI5Y2M1IiwidCI6IjMxMmNiMTI2LWM2YWUtNGZjMi04MDBkLTMxOGU2NzljZTZjNyJ9&amp;pageName=ReportSectionb1fa0cb3c370416927ba">city data</a>. Between 2023 and 2024, overall violent crime was down nearly 8% and property crimes down 20%.“The president is spending all of his time talking about me,” Moore said on CBS's “Face the Nation” on Sunday. “I'm spending my time talking about the people I serve.”Trump is “spouting off a bunch of lies about public safety in Maryland,” Moore said in a fundraising email.In Washington, where Trump has surged National Guard troops and federal law enforcement officers, a patchwork of protests popped up throughout the city over the weekend, while some normally bustling corners were noticeably quiet. In some of the most populated areas, residents walked by small groups of national guardsmen, often talking among themselves. Videos of arrests and detainments circulated on social media.Trump has said Chicago and New York are most likely&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-crime-crackdown-dc-chicago-new-york-d5c658a7350a954ae1ab4bc80c920ac9">his next targets</a>, eliciting strong pushback from Democratic leaders in both states. The Washington Post&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/08/23/trump-chicago-military-national-guard/">reported Saturday</a>&nbsp;that the Pentagon has spent weeks preparing for an operation in Chicago that would include National Guard troops and potentially active-duty forces.Asked about the Post report, the White House pointed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-crime-crackdown-dc-chicago-new-york-d5c658a7350a954ae1ab4bc80c920ac9">Trump's earlier comments</a>&nbsp;discussing his desire to expand his use of military forces to target local crime.“I think Chicago will be our next,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday, adding, “And then we’ll help with New York.”Trump has repeatedly described some of the nation’s largest cities — run by Democrats, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/black-mayors-national-guard-police-takeover-dc-aa9a9cd07f0704b13f3d2deb2e351e44">Black mayors</a>&nbsp;and majority-minority populations — as dangerous and filthy. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott is Black, as is Moore. The District of Columbia and New York also have Black mayors.The Rev. Al Sharpton, speaking during a religious event Sunday at Howard University in Washington, said the Guard's presence in the nation's capital was not about crime: "This is about profiling us.”“This is laced with bigotry and racism,” he later elaborated to reporters. "Not one white mayor has been designated. And I think this is a civil rights issue, a race issue, and an issue of D.C. statehood.”Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, a Democrat, said there is&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/GovPritzker/status/1959421956509548587">no emergency</a>&nbsp;warranting the deployment of National Guard troops in Chicago.“Donald Trump is attempting to manufacture a crisis, politicize Americans who serve in uniform, and continue abusing his power to distract from the pain he’s causing families,” Pritzker&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/GovPritzker/status/1959421957725720665">wrote on X</a>. “We’ll continue to follow the law, stand up for the sovereignty of our state, and protect Illinoisans.”Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said the city doesn't need “a military occupation" and would sue to block one. He said there has been no communication from the White House about a possible military deployment.“We’re not going to surrender our humanity to this tyrant," Johnson said Sunday on MSNBC. “I can tell you this, the city of Chicago has a long history of standing up against tyranny, resisting those who wish to undermine the interests of working people.”___

Some guard units in DC now carrying firearms; more cities targeted for possible deployment 

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/jeff-mcmurray">JEFF McMURRAY</a> Associated Press

Rose Hammond pushed authorities for years to lower the 55 mph speed limit on a two-lane road that passes her assisted living community, a church, two schools and a busy park that hosts numerous youth sports leagues.

“What are you waiting for, somebody to get&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-turnpike-crashes-5bd9bdca1835dac573f8461bf9166994">killed</a>?” the 85-year-old chided officials in northwest Ohio, complaining that nothing was being done about the motorcycles that race by almost daily.

Amid growing public pressure, Sylvania Township asked county engineers in March to analyze whether Mitchaw Road’s posted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/road-diets-traffic-safety-transportation-department-trump-2486cac519fdc56348532717e43dc81d">speed is too high.</a>&nbsp;The surprising answer: Technically, it’s 5 mph too low.

The reason dates back to studies on rural roads from the 1930s and 1940s that still play an outsized role in the way&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/speed-limiters-reckless-drivers-states-judges-washington-72165c45b7481b6b313248841006578b">speed limits</a>&nbsp;are set across the U.S. — even in urban areas.

Born from that research was a widely accepted concept known as the 85% rule, which suggests a road’s posted speed should be tied to the 15th-fastest vehicle out of every 100 traveling it in free-flowing traffic, rounded to the nearest 5 mph increment.

But after decades of closely following the rule, some states — with a nudge from the federal government — are seeking to modify if not replace it when setting guidelines for how local engineers should decide what speed limit to post.

The concept assumes that a road’s safest speed is the one most vehicles travel — neither too high nor too low. If drivers think the speed limit should be raised, they can simply step on the gas and “vote with their feet,” as an old brochure from the Institute of Transportation Engineers once put it.

“The problem with this approach is it creates this feedback loop,” said Jenny O’Connell, director of member programs for the National Association of City Transportation Officials. “People speed, and then the speed limits will be ratcheted up to match that speed.”

The association developed an alternative to the 85% rule known as “City Limits,” which aims to minimize the risk of injuries for all road users by setting the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/speeding-motorist-germany-autobahn-fine-record-e1fc8c77e62e7112d10e67c060512d80">speed limit</a>&nbsp;based on a formula that factors in a street’s activity level and the likelihood of conflicts, such as collisions.

The report points out the 85% rule is based on dated research and that “these historic roads are a far cry from the vibrant streets and arterials that typify city streets today.”

Amid a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/traffic-deaths-pedestrians-distracted-driving-fb7ec8a9ddbb862c9b29f6ac87d508f9">spike in road deaths</a>&nbsp;across the country, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/infrastructure-poor-bridges-highway-grants-f86c8a19145fc4584b0d978b0005e405">Federal Highway Administration</a>&nbsp;sent a subtle but important message to states that the 85% rule isn’t actually a rule at all and was carrying too much weight in determining local speed limits. In its first update since 2009 to a manual that establishes national guidelines for traffic signs, the agency clarified that communities should also consider such things as how the road is used, the risk to pedestrians, and the frequency of crashes.

Leah Shahum, who directs the Vision Zero Network, a nonprofit advocating for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hoboken-zero-traffic-deaths-daylighting-pedestrian-safety-007dec67706c1c09129da1436a3d9762">street safety,</a>&nbsp;said she wishes the manual had gone further in downplaying the 85% rule but acknowledges the change has already impacted the way some states set speed limits. Others, however, are still clinging to the simplicity and familiarity of the longstanding approach, she said.

“The 85th percentile should not be the Holy Grail or the Bible, and yet over and over again it is accepted as that,” Shahum said.

Under its “20 is Plenty” campaign, the Wisconsin capital of Madison has been changing signs across the city this summer, lowering the speed limit from 25 mph to 20 mph on local residential streets.

When Seattle took a similar step in a pilot program seven years ago, not only did it see a noticeable decline in serious injury crashes but also a 7% drop in the 85th percentile speed, according to the Vision Zero Network.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-speed-alert-cars-bill-veto-588605f3980c952c894756da6579bf3d">California</a>&nbsp;embraces the 85% rule even more than most states as its basis for setting speed limits. But legislators have loosened the restrictions on local governments a bit in recent years, allowing them to depart from the guidelines if they can cite a proven safety need.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-public-transit-9002a8b3e0270db28587835a85c2ccb0">Advocates</a>&nbsp;for pedestrians and bicyclists say the change helps, but is not enough.

“We still have a long way to go in California in terms of putting value on all road users,” said Kendra Ramsey, executive director of the California Bicycle Coalition. “There’s still a very heavy mindset that automobiles are the primary method of travel and they should be given priority and reverence.”

But Jay Beeber, executive director for policy at the National Motorists Association, an advocacy organization for drivers, said following the 85% rule is usually the safest way to minimize the variation in speed between drivers who abide by the posted limit and those who far exceed it.

“It doesn’t really matter what number you put on a sign,” Beeber said. “The average driver drives the nature of the roadway. It would be patently unfair for a government to build a road to encourage people to drive 45 mph, put a 30 mph speed limit on it, and then ticket everyone for doing what they built the road to do.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755965299405.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/jeff-mcmurray">JEFF McMURRAY</a> Associated PressRose Hammond pushed authorities for years to lower the 55 mph speed limit on a two-lane road that passes her assisted living community, a church, two schools and a busy park that hosts numerous youth sports leagues.“What are you waiting for, somebody to get&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-turnpike-crashes-5bd9bdca1835dac573f8461bf9166994">killed</a>?” the 85-year-old chided officials in northwest Ohio, complaining that nothing was being done about the motorcycles that race by almost daily.Amid growing public pressure, Sylvania Township asked county engineers in March to analyze whether Mitchaw Road’s posted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/road-diets-traffic-safety-transportation-department-trump-2486cac519fdc56348532717e43dc81d">speed is too high.</a>&nbsp;The surprising answer: Technically, it’s 5 mph too low.The reason dates back to studies on rural roads from the 1930s and 1940s that still play an outsized role in the way&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/speed-limiters-reckless-drivers-states-judges-washington-72165c45b7481b6b313248841006578b">speed limits</a>&nbsp;are set across the U.S. — even in urban areas.Born from that research was a widely accepted concept known as the 85% rule, which suggests a road’s posted speed should be tied to the 15th-fastest vehicle out of every 100 traveling it in free-flowing traffic, rounded to the nearest 5 mph increment.But after decades of closely following the rule, some states — with a nudge from the federal government — are seeking to modify if not replace it when setting guidelines for how local engineers should decide what speed limit to post.<h2>Drivers set the speed</h2>The concept assumes that a road’s safest speed is the one most vehicles travel — neither too high nor too low. If drivers think the speed limit should be raised, they can simply step on the gas and “vote with their feet,” as an old brochure from the Institute of Transportation Engineers once put it.“The problem with this approach is it creates this feedback loop,” said Jenny O’Connell, director of member programs for the National Association of City Transportation Officials. “People speed, and then the speed limits will be ratcheted up to match that speed.”The association developed an alternative to the 85% rule known as “City Limits,” which aims to minimize the risk of injuries for all road users by setting the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/speeding-motorist-germany-autobahn-fine-record-e1fc8c77e62e7112d10e67c060512d80">speed limit</a>&nbsp;based on a formula that factors in a street’s activity level and the likelihood of conflicts, such as collisions.The report points out the 85% rule is based on dated research and that “these historic roads are a far cry from the vibrant streets and arterials that typify city streets today.”Amid a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/traffic-deaths-pedestrians-distracted-driving-fb7ec8a9ddbb862c9b29f6ac87d508f9">spike in road deaths</a>&nbsp;across the country, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/infrastructure-poor-bridges-highway-grants-f86c8a19145fc4584b0d978b0005e405">Federal Highway Administration</a>&nbsp;sent a subtle but important message to states that the 85% rule isn’t actually a rule at all and was carrying too much weight in determining local speed limits. In its first update since 2009 to a manual that establishes national guidelines for traffic signs, the agency clarified that communities should also consider such things as how the road is used, the risk to pedestrians, and the frequency of crashes.Leah Shahum, who directs the Vision Zero Network, a nonprofit advocating for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hoboken-zero-traffic-deaths-daylighting-pedestrian-safety-007dec67706c1c09129da1436a3d9762">street safety,</a>&nbsp;said she wishes the manual had gone further in downplaying the 85% rule but acknowledges the change has already impacted the way some states set speed limits. Others, however, are still clinging to the simplicity and familiarity of the longstanding approach, she said.“The 85th percentile should not be the Holy Grail or the Bible, and yet over and over again it is accepted as that,” Shahum said.<h2>Rethinking the need for speed</h2>Under its “20 is Plenty” campaign, the Wisconsin capital of Madison has been changing signs across the city this summer, lowering the speed limit from 25 mph to 20 mph on local residential streets.When Seattle took a similar step in a pilot program seven years ago, not only did it see a noticeable decline in serious injury crashes but also a 7% drop in the 85th percentile speed, according to the Vision Zero Network.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-speed-alert-cars-bill-veto-588605f3980c952c894756da6579bf3d">California</a>&nbsp;embraces the 85% rule even more than most states as its basis for setting speed limits. But legislators have loosened the restrictions on local governments a bit in recent years, allowing them to depart from the guidelines if they can cite a proven safety need.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-public-transit-9002a8b3e0270db28587835a85c2ccb0">Advocates</a>&nbsp;for pedestrians and bicyclists say the change helps, but is not enough.“We still have a long way to go in California in terms of putting value on all road users,” said Kendra Ramsey, executive director of the California Bicycle Coalition. “There’s still a very heavy mindset that automobiles are the primary method of travel and they should be given priority and reverence.”But Jay Beeber, executive director for policy at the National Motorists Association, an advocacy organization for drivers, said following the 85% rule is usually the safest way to minimize the variation in speed between drivers who abide by the posted limit and those who far exceed it.“It doesn’t really matter what number you put on a sign,” Beeber said. “The average driver drives the nature of the roadway. It would be patently unfair for a government to build a road to encourage people to drive 45 mph, put a 30 mph speed limit on it, and then ticket everyone for doing what they built the road to do.”<h2>80 is the new 55</h2>Fears about oil prices prompted Congress in the 1970s to set a 55 mph national maximum speed limit, which it later relaxed to 65 mph before repealing the law in 1995 and handing the authority to states. Since then, speed limits have kept climbing, with North Dakota this summer becoming the ninth state to allow drivers to go 80 mph on some stretches of highway. There’s even a 40-mile segment in Texas between Austin and San Antonio where 85 mph is allowed.Although high-speed freeways outside major population centers aren’t the focus of most efforts to ease the 85% rule, a 2019 study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety — a research arm funded by auto insurers — illustrates the risks. Every 5 mph increase to a state’s maximum speed limit increases the chance of fatalities by 8.5% on interstate highways and 2.8% on other roads, the study found.“Maybe back when you were driving a Model T you had a real feel for how fast you were going, but in modern vehicles you don’t have a sense of what 80 mph is. You’re in a cocoon,” said Chuck Farmer, the institute’s vice president for research, who conducted the study.<h2>A town’s attempt at change</h2>If elected officials in Sylvania Township, Ohio, got their way, Mitchaw Road’s posted speed limit would be cut dramatically — from 55 mph to 40 mph or lower. The county’s finding that the 85% rule actually calls for raising it to 60 mph surprised the town’s leaders, but not the engineers who ran the study.“If we don’t make decisions based on data, it’s very difficult to make good decisions,” Lucas County Engineer Mike Pniewski said.For now, the speed limit will remain as it is. That’s because Ohio law sets maximum speeds for 15 different types of roadways, regardless of what the 85% rule suggests.And Ohio’s guidelines are evolving. The state now gives more consideration to roadway context and allows cities to reduce speed limits based on the lower standard of the 50th percentile speed when there’s a large presence of pedestrians and bicyclists. Authorities there recently hired a consultant to consider additional modifications based on what other states are doing.“States have very slowly started to move away from the 85th percentile as being kind of the gold standard for decision-making,” said Michelle May, who manages Ohio’s highway safety program. “People are traveling and living differently than they did 40 years ago, and we want to put safety more at the focus.”It’s unclear whether any of these changes will ultimately impact the posted speed on Mitchaw Road. After years of futile calls and emails to state, county and township officials, Hammond says she isn’t holding her breath.