Local Education & Youth: Salina South middle school student Colin Burke won the Kansas State Finals of the National Civics Bee and will represent Kansas in Washington, D.C., this fall, earning $1,000 for a project on expanding access to hygiene products in schools. Traffic & Safety: A new Kansas law taking effect July 1 requires license plate frames to keep the plate number, state name, expiration month decal and registration color fully visible and legible; violations are misdemeanors, with warnings only during the first six months. Fire Prevention: Ellis County Fire Department launched “Bucket Brigade” to reduce post–July 4 fires by urging residents to soak used fireworks in water overnight before disposal. Health Care Watch: HaysMed is negotiating with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas to raise reimbursement rates after the insurer criticized a termination notice tied to 2027 rates. Community Giving: Heartland Community Foundation awarded $156,322.50 in spring grants across Ellis, Rooks and Trego counties, and will host a nonprofit conference July 29 in Hays. Courts: Kansas Supreme Court upheld the death sentences of the Carr brothers tied to the 2000 “Wichita massacre.” Weather: Northeast Kansas is in a dangerous heat stretch, with doctors urging hydration and limiting time outdoors during peak UV hours.