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Kansas is putting artificial intelligence to work on its roads, skies, and sidewalks. Governor Laura Kelly announced Tuesday that more than $4.5 million will be awarded to 20 projects across the state through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s (KDOT) Innovative Technology Program—many of them powered by AI. From AI-driven street assessments and radar detection to automated alerts for blocked railroad crossings, this year’s funding round emphasizes the state’s growing focus on smart infrastructure and data-driven safety. Source: KSN-TV

The City of Topeka is ready to make some improvements to multiple intersections after getting cash from the State of Kansas. Governor Laura Kelly announced in a press release on June 11 that Topeka was selected as a recipient of $75,000 in cash to improve radar traffic detection technology in the city. Topeka is one out of 20 recipients of the $4.5 million Kelly released to various projects across Kansas. Source: KSNT 27 News

The Topeka governing body gave its input on the "readiness to serve" charge Tuesday night at city council. It's a monthly fee for people on all water meters, whether it's used or not. Part of the discussion was an ordinance, primarily targeting properties that owe money. Last month, letters were mailed to delinquent customers for 792 accounts, and that totaled to more than 446-thousand dollars owed. As of Tuesday, that number has gone down to 724 accounts with more than $424,000 owed. City leaders say this isn't about usage, but rather about fairness and access. Source: KSNT 27 News

Six months after Tyson Foods and Holiday Resort announced their closures in Emporia on back-to-back days, Mayor Erren Harter says the city fared a lot better than it could have when jobs and potential ex-migration is concerned. Numbers aren’t being released, but Harter says all the Holiday Resort staff have found jobs and most are staying in or close to Emporia. Harter also says nearly all the 200-plus Tyson employees offered jobs at the Holcomb plant decided against that option and are staying put. He credits the work of the city’s Rapid Response Team in several ways, including two jobs fairs [...]

Recent heavy rains in the area have filled Winfield City Lake to more than a foot above capacity, according to numbers provided by the city of Winfield. As of Monday morning, the level of the lake was 15.5 inches above full pool. As recently as May 27, the water level was 3 feet below full. In March, the lake had reached its low this year of 42 inches below full. It was last at full pool in July 2024. Source: Local – Cowley Post

The border war is heating up as Missouri comes to the table with its own plan to keep the Chiefs and Royals on their side of the state line. Now, all eyes are on both pro-sports teams as they weigh their options. Some Kansas lawmakers are vying for the teams to cross over, calling out Missouri's months of deliberation over a final proposal. However, some advocacy groups are skeptical of whether a move to Kansas will pay off in the end. Source: KSNT 27 News

A road work project that would have created a nearly 70-mile detour in central Kansas is officially delayed. The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) announced on social media that a road work project set for K-177 Highway is delayed until next year. The project was originally set to start on June 16 and lead to the closure of 21 miles of K-177 between Strong City and Council Grove, creating a large detour route. Source: KSNT 27 News

The City of Lawrence has approved a change in city code to allow private ambulance companies to perform non-emergency medical transports to and from the hospital to alleviate some of the burden on Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical crews. Source: LJWorld

Outside of small towns these feedlots look like miles of fences with cattle standing end to end. But some people have started to be wary of these expansive developments. Source: High Plains Public Radio

Western Johnson County is experiencing a significant housing boom. Developers are betting on a surge in interest in the area thanks to the $4 billion Panasonic electric-vehicle battery plant. Source: KC Star