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On Tuesday, the Wichita City Council approved a request to let the police apply for a federal grant to fund new security technology that connects officers with classrooms at Wichita Public Schools.

Some council members and citizens raised concerns over potential surveillance and bias, citing past student discipline issues.

Jamarco Clark, vice president for student affairs, has introduced a strategic plan to improve student experience at Wichita State this fall.

His approach focuses on elevating engagement, strengthening collaboration, and creating greater impact with new campus initiatives and direct student feedback.

Crews slowed recent wildfires in southwest Kansas, including one that burned about 280 acres in eastern Clark County and another ignited near the Edwards/Ford County line.

However, a wildfire east of Stika that started Monday is growing as strong south winds push it north.

Astronauts Reid Wiseman and Christina Koch visited Hutchinson Cosmosphere Tuesday after being invited by Senator Jerry Moran and joined by NASA administrator Jared Isaacman plus they praised the museum for sparking local interest in STEM.

The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office announced the loss of its emotional support dog Cherokee on Tuesday.

Cherokee, donated by the Wichita Animal Action League in 2021, comforted staff + served as a peer support companion with Lt. Fabiola Torres.

Friday, Aug. 14 brings Senior Connect for Wichita seniors at the Carl Brewer Community Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; the free event offers workshops, health screenings and a luncheon featuring an estate-planning session with attorney Olivia Dempsey and the inaugural Senior Legacy Award for Sandra Rankin.

City officials announced that free cooling centers are available for Wichita residents to beat the heat — centers operate at designated community sites until further notice.

Wichita youth football is changing as the Greater Wichita Junior Football League partners with Wichita Public Schools to assign players by attendance boundaries, while the new (ICT) Youth Football League offers an alternative for families who prefer a neighborhood model; city leaders say both aim to help kids succeed.