By Jerry Siebenmark, The Wichita Eagle, Kan. Aug. 7--A group of 50 business, government and civic leaders will be learning next week how two regional cities improved their downtowns and have benefited economically from it.

By Molly McMillin, The Wichita Eagle, Kan. Aug. 6--Hawker Beechcraft recorded an increase in orders, sales and earnings for the second quarter of 2008 compared to a year ago, the company said Tuesday.

By Christina M. Woods and Jeannine Koranda, The Wichita Eagle, Kan. Aug. 6--Gail Finney, a marketing consultant and vice chair of the Sedgwick County Democrat Party, beat out medical assistant Inga Taylor for the 84th District House seat.

By Jeannine Koranda, The Wichita Eagle, Kan. Aug. 6--State Reps. Oletha Faust-Goudeau and Ty Masterson will be continuing their bids to switch chambers in November as both appeared to win their primaries Tuesday.

By Molly McMillin, The Wichita Eagle, Kan. Aug. 5--The strike at Hawker Beechcraft could remove $10 million to $12 million a month in take-home pay from the Wichita economy, a Wichita State University economist said Monday.