Wichita's Early Edition

Although her latest novel is fiction, author Catherine Newman often sees in her characters a reflection of herself. KMUW's Beth Golay visits with Catherine Newman about her new novel, "Sandwich," plus news from Wichita and around the state.

Women are underrepresented in city and county management - especially Latinas. Daniela Lujano Rivas - the city manager of Newton - shares her story of overcoming cultural barriers to get where she is with other young women. KMUW's Celia Hack speaks with Rivas about her journey, her job, and connecting with the community. Plus news from Wichita and around the state.

Scott Huerta of the San Francisco Bay Area band French Cassettes says that his first live performance was all he needed to know that music was his calling. KMUW's Jedd Beaudoin speaks with Huerta ahead of their appearance at Elsewhere Fest. We have their conversation, plus news from Wichita and around the state.

Wichita actors JR Hurst and Deb Campbell return to the stage this summer for a production of Neil Simon's 1972 comedy "The Sunshine Boys." Campbell says that although Simon wrote a four-person play, there's another important character in the work. KMUW's Jedd Beaudoin spoke with Hurst and Campbell about the production - which opens tonight at Roxy's Downtown. We have their conversation, plus news from Wichita and around the state.

Long-term camping at Lake Afton in southwest Sedgwick county has served as affordable shelter to some struggling with high housing costs. But after complaints came in, the county commission will no longer allow people to stay more than 2 weeks at a time. Celia Hack went to the lake to see what the new rules mean for long-term campers. Plus we have news from Wichita and around the state.

In her new novel, "Same As It Ever Was," author Claire Lombardo tackled telling one person's story through a non-linear timeline. KMUW's Beth Golay visits with Lombardo about the novel. Plus we have news from Wichita and around the state.

The progressive bluegrass group Punch Brothers will perform in Salina tonight. Mandolinist Chris Thile says that the band focuses on entertaining a small audience, namely he and his bandmates. Plus news from Wichita and around the state.

Denver jazz group Daruma brings together elements of film scores, progressive rock, traditional jazz and African music. Saxophonist Gabriel Mininberg says that the group's performances are ultimately a collaboration between the group and its audience. Plus stories from Wichita and around the state.

Pollinators have seen a huge drop in numbers over the last two decades. But butterflies are likely the pollinators that gain people’s attention and sympathy. We learn how butterfly farmers and breeders are working to raise awareness about habitat loss. Plus news from Wichita and around the state.

For 20 years, singer-songwriter Hayden Sayers wanted to be part of a due - but couldn't find the right drummer. Then he met Brennen Temple. The duo performs under the name BoomChank. KMUW"s Jedd tells us more. Plus news from Wichita and around the state.