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Despite approved school security funding, Kansas leaders grapple with gun threat
TOPEKA — The sunny Friday of Dec. 14, 2012, became one of the most horrifying days in U.S. history when a gunman opened fire at a Connecticut elementary school. Twenty-six people were killed, 20 of them children. “I remember going to pick up my own kids after Sandy Hook,” said Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, […]
Emporia nursing student who refused COVID-19 vaccine allowed to complete degree
EMPORIA — Following Newman Regional Health’s “change in position” regarding students not vaccinated against COVID-19, a Flint Hills Technical College nursing student has been allowed to finish her degree. “Flint Hills Technical College announced in court (March 11) that they would reverse course and honor nursing student Molly Ellis’ religious beliefs and provide her nursing […]
‘Plant-based meat’ label debate results in House bill aiming for stricter requirements
While there are strict regulations on meat labeling, plant-based imitation products have none. The Kansas Livestock Association wants to change that. House Bill 2530 would add new definitions to the prohibition on misbranded foods in the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. This bill was brought before the Committee on Agriculture on Feb. 15. Any meatless […]
Kansas judge blocks college from failing nursing student who refused COVID-19 vaccine
EMPORIA — A district judge issued a preliminary injunction Tuesday preventing a technical college from recording failing grades for a nursing student who refused to be vaccinated against COVID-19 on religious grounds. The student, Molly Ellis, claimed unlawful discrimination in a lawsuit filed Feb. 2 in Lyon County District Court against Flint Hills Technical College […]
Tax council testimony: Kansas sales tax burden creates regressive system
Nearly 38% of Kansas’ tax revenue comes from sales taxes, according to Donna Ginther, director of the Institute for Policy and Social Research at the University of Kansas. “Kansas taxes are regressive because of our over-reliance on the sales tax,” Ginther said Dec. 17 at the last meeting of the Governor’s Council on Tax Reform. […]
At Emporia State, a former grad holds fort while campus waits
EMPORIA — With the sun shining in from four large windows on an uncharacteristically warm December day, the president’s office at Emporia State University sits mostly empty. There are a few personal items on the desk, such as family photos, but the bookcases behind are vacant. The office seems to be waiting, much like the […]
Bob Dole makes final trip to Kansas, leaves legacy of empathy and tolerance for new generation
TOPEKA — Even as lights were turned off and doors were locked, Bob Dole stayed past closing at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson just to talk with his fellow Kansans. He did this in 2014 at age 90, on his tour to each of the 105 counties in the state. This did not go […]