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Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced that more than $8.7 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds has been awarded to support 16 vital projects across Kansas. These investments will continue to enhance the quality of life and infrastructure in rural and low-to moderate-income communities. Read more: Kansas Department of Commerce

Summer travel is in full bloom in Abilene, thanks to Kansas Tourism’s popular Sunflower Summer program. With nearly 2,000 admissions recorded so far, Kansas families are discovering why Abilene continues to earn national accolades as one of the Best Historic Small Towns in America. The Sunflower Summer program, which began July 12, provides free admission for Kansas students and a parent to participating attractions. Abilene is proud to offer six must-see experiences this season. Read more: KCLY Radio

Kansas Trails, Inc. (KTI) has launched as the state’s first nonprofit organization focused on uniting and supporting Kansas’s trail community. Its mission is to make trails across the state more accessible, sustainable, and widely used—now and for future generations. Read more: KCLY Radio

Communication and transparency are some of the most common characteristics residents are looking for as the city plans to hire a new city manager. Earlier this summer, the commission chose to end City Manager Kevyn Gero’s contract and placed Assistant City Manager Zack Daniel in the interim position. The city is in the process of putting together a job posting for the position. The Eudora Times asked locals what they would like to see in a new manager as the city continues to discuss economic development, housing and the need for more city services. Read more: The Eudora Times

New details have been unveiled about the attractions and economic impact for the $500 million mixed-use Champtown development in Park City. The highly anticipated project is expected to become a major draw for visitors to the Wichita region and the state of Kansas with a wide range of retail, restaurants and a boardwalk full of experiences including an aquarium, butterfly pavilion, multi-sport venue and hotel across 160 acres along I-135. Read more: Wichita Business Journal - Local Wichita News

Iola City Council members will take a look at charging telecommunications companies to use its water towers for transmitters. Iola does not charge telecommunications companies to use its water towers for various transmitters and other pieces of equipment. That may soon change. The topic arose Monday after the owners of KwiKom Communications announced the company will no longer pay a franchise fee to Iola for its services. Read more: The Iola Register

According to the July 2025 economics report published by the Kelce College of Business at Pittsburg State University, local manufacturing is driving the area’s gross domestic product (GDP). Nationally, the manufacturing industry earned $7.2 trillion in 2024, according to IBIS World. That revenue was spent on materials (53.7%); research and development and artificial intelligence technology (23%); wages (11.9%); and rent, utilities, and depreciation (5.4%); leaving a combined profit margin of 6 percent. In the Pittsburg Micropolitan Statistical Area (PBSA), which is generally all of Crawford County, manufacturing is the backbone of the local economy, contributing more to local GDP than any [...]

THC beverages that police took from Carlsons’ Grocery last week in spite of the county prosecutor’s advice were returned six days later. Police still believe the beverages are illegal, but the county attorney has said no charges will be filed. The beverages have been selling well. At least 12 containers sold between Friday, when the merchandise was returned, and Monday. Read more: Marion County RECORD

Nearly every seat was full Monday night for a Peabody City Council meeting that included introduction of new Police Chief Matthew Neal, as well as an audit presentation by Loyd Group. The next night, at a special meeting, the council voted to hire Paul Leeker, a Sedgwick County budget analyst, as city clerk, filling a vacancy that has existed for more than a year. Read more: Marion County RECORD

A divided Federal Reserve on Wednesday voted to keep its benchmark interest rate steady, despite a barrage of criticism from President Donald Trump and dissents from two top officials. The Federal Open Market Committee, the group that sets the overnight borrowing rate, voted 9-2 to stay on hold. The federal funds rate will continue to be set in a range between 4.25%-4.5%. The level sets what banks charge each other for overnight lending, but influences a slew of other rates across the economy. Read more: Finance