The corner of Second and Topeka streets in downtown Wichita recently received an onslaught of attention regarding its unsheltered residents. On Oct. 5, the city’s Public Works & Utilities department painted white lines around United Methodist Open Door, a social services organization, and nearby buildings to disperse encampments and respond to an increase in violence […]
After hundreds of 911 calls, police and advocates for people without shelter struggle to address a downtown crisis
Posted inEducation
This nontraditional center is breaking school norms, and Derby students are thriving
Charli Campbell had two life goals when he was 5 years old. The first was to be a princess, but given the logistics of that, the second seemed more feasible: to be a musician, a writer, an actor — really, anything in which he could be a creator. Somewhere along his time in school, though, […]
Posted inHealth
Helping refugees transcend trauma in northeast Kansas City
Finding a therapist who understands their cultural background can be difficult, and the mental health care system can be confusing for even natural-born Americans to navigate. Instead, they lean on case managers such as Merrell, and one another.
Posted inCivic Engagement
A tale of two turnouts: Johnson County sees high turnout, but Wyandotte County still struggles
Across Johnson and Wyandotte counties, more than 127,000 voters cast ballots Nov. 2 in local races ranging from mayoral seats to city councils to school boards.
Posted inEducation
Financial aid is more complicated if you’re undocumented, but it’s still within reach
If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible for a specific scholarship or what your options are, you can always reach out to the financial aid offices of the college(s) you’re considering.
Posted inEducation
Falling through the (sidewalk) cracks: Why it’s so hard for Wichita students to walk to school
The five minutes Margaret Shabazz and her daughter Essence spend walking to Park Elementary School every morning are some of the best moments they share. On their way to the school on North Main Street, the mother and kindergartner pass neighbors and other students and parents. It’s pleasing to see everyone each morning, Shabazz said. […]
Posted inEconomics, Local Government
Kansas City Land Bank chair departs amid oversight failures
The Kansas City Land Bank board of directors will vote to approve a replacement for interim chair Julie Anderson this week.
Posted inLocal Government
City continues to foot the bill on mowing vacant lots as Kansas City Land Bank sales drop
The KC Land Bank has begun to resemble a warehouse cluttered with inventory that won’t sell and costs that won’t quit. And at least one group committed to decent and affordable housing in Kansas City has questioned the makeup of the board of commissioners.
Posted inEducation
‘Leave no stone unturned’: Six financial aid tips from Missouri and Kansas experts
When it comes to financial aid for college, it’s not about whether you think you’re qualified. It’s about knowing your options, meeting deadlines and just applying. We asked experts from the financial aid and admissions offices of local colleges what you need to know, including when to start, what applications to prioritize and how to […]
Posted inLocal Government
‘A lot of mystery behind the true donors’: Who are the LLCs donating to Wichita City Council candidates?
As Wichita City Council candidates face off in elections that end Tuesday, their latest campaign filings show that corporate contributions played a significant role in the general election — just as they did in the primary. Voters are casting ballots in three races — Districts 1, 3 and 6. Corporate or LLC donations totaled 18% to […]