Wichita's Early Edition KMUW

When you see violinist Dominique Hammons in concert, you should get ready for a show. Hammons performs soul, blues, some R&B and much more - all with the beautiful tone that years of classical training has created. We learn more about him in advance of his concert this weekend in Wichita. Plus news from Wichita and around the state.

Six Wichita schools will close their doors for good today. The district voted to close the schools to cut costs. KMUW's Suzanne Perez visits one of the schools that will be eliminated. Plus, the meatpacking industry shifted the demographics of western Kansas. The region now has large numbers of immigrants working not only in the meatpacking industry, but in all aspects that keep the community running. They could help save rural Kansas. Calen Moore tells us how immigrants have made their mark on southwestern Kansas and the challenges they still face. We have these stories, plus news from Wichita and around the state.

Trent Wagler of the the folk-rock act The Steels Wheels says that his band's new album Sideways was inspired by a lot of things, including watching his children grow up and the power he feels that music has. KMUW's Jedd Beaudoin spoke with Wagler and that interview. Plus news from Wichita and around the state.

Jaclyn Goldis's debut novel, "The Main Character," is a whodunnit mystery set on the Orient Express. As Goldis recently told KMUW's Beth Golay, although she uses Agatha Christie's work as inspiration, her personal discovery of the beloved author was a late arrival. Plus news from Wichita and around the state.

Wichita residents who live near industry are growing frustrated with air and water pollution in their neighborhoods. The Biden Administration is directing federal funding to communities who bear the worst environmental impacts. We look at what this means for Wichita residents. Plus news from Wichita and around the state.

Musician Alison Brown says that as a banjo player, she's excited about the future of the instrument, especially in the hands of women and people of color. Also, The Keeper of the Plains is turning 50. Torin Andersen spoke with three native artists about the influence the iconic statue has had on their work. Plus news from Wichita and around the state.