Wichita Journalism Collaborative

Nearly 20% of adults in Kansas struggle with reading. What does this mean for them, as well as for Wichita and the state? KMUW reporter Anavi Prakash explores the implications of this issue as we launch our new initiative, "Beyond Words: Wichita's Reading Crisis."

Our partner The SHOUT scored an interview with the creator of the jingle of the summer 🎵 about Seneca Street Liquor.

Steven Kelly, Adult Literacies Manager at the Wichita Public Library, wants adults with reading challenges to know they have resources and ways to enjoy using the library without needing to be a strong reader. No matter your reading abilities, the library is for you! Steven is hosting a free Reading Basics for Adults on Monday, Aug. 24, 6 p.m. at the Wichita Public Library. Learn more, register https://wichitalibrary.libnet.info/event/16049100 and share this with someone you know who might benefit because the Wichita Public Library is for everyone!

Stay connected with us as we explore the adult literacy crisis. Just subscribe to our bimonthly e-newsletter: https://wichitajournalism.org/contact-us/.
Anavi Prakash, with our partner KMUW, shared with the Wichita Collective Impact engagement team why more funding and resources are needed for programs to support people who struggle with reading. Thank you to the Wichita Foundation for your support of our work!

We're thankful for the perseverance and dedication of the staff at our partner, The Sunflower. "But what does it mean to be a journalist? It means holding people in power responsible to the people they serve, providing trustworthy and timely news and upliting commuity voicies."

EDITORIAL: Closing doors doesn’t deter journalists — it encourages us You’ve probably seen some of us around. Members of The Sunflower staff go to Wichita State University, sit beside you in class and we’re in the stands — sometimes on the court covering the action — at basketball games. You’ll see us walking around campus, taking photos of cute squirrels an...

Find out if downtown Wichita’s meter revenue has offset the costs of the new parking program⬇️

Has downtown Wichita’s meter revenue offset the costs of the new parking program yet? Revenue from the city’s downtown parking plan has not exceeded initial investment costs or yearly maintenance fees as of August 2026.

In "Unread," Oliver James shares the story of his journey from illiteracy to authorship. “You can’t even make Kraft Mac & Cheese if you can’t read the instructions,” he writes. “I had to be shown how, then memorize it.” The book offers insight into a largely silent crisis affecting about 21% of Americans. It's also a reminder that it’s never too late to learn. Read the full review, link in the comments, by Suzanne Perez, news director at our partner, KMUW.

As we prepare to focus on Adult Literacy, which is our next collaborative initiative, we're learning and connecting with local resources. Thank you, Kansas Health Foundation, for your support that made our Literacy News Fair possible. We appreciate the agencies that participated, including NexStep Alliance, Phillips Fundamental Learning Center, Alce su Voz, Greater Wichita YMCA and Wichita Collective Impact, IDEAS (Increasing Dual Enrollment Access and Success) at Kansas Leadership Center, Wichita Public Schools, Storytime Village and Wichita State University TRIO Educational Opportunity Centers Program, as well as our key partners, Wichita Public Library and Planeta Venus. The event also provided our trusted media partners The SHOUT, The Sunflower and KSN TV an opportunity to connect and share about their work.

Thank you, Zach Ruth, for sharing your skills and learning with the Wichita Journalism Collaborative partners this summer during your internship! All the best as you begin a new school year and work at Wichita State University and The Sunflower.