Author

Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International. He has been recognized for investigative reporting on Kansas government and politics. He won the Kansas Press Association's Victor Murdock Award six times. The William Allen White Foundation honored him four times with its Burton Marvin News Enterprise Award. The Kansas City Press Club twice presented him its Journalist of the Year Award and more recently its Lifetime Achievement Award. He earned an agriculture degree at Kansas State University and grew up on a small dairy and beef cattle farm in Missouri. He is an amateur woodworker and drives Studebaker cars.
Democrat Lynn Rogers formally files, launches campaign for full term as state treasurer
By: Tim Carpenter - May 25, 2022
Kansas state Treasurer Lynn Rogers launches Democratic campaign for the job, having been appointed in January 2021 by Gov. Laura Kelly.
Kansas politicians offer prayers, direct lowering of flags in wake of Texas school massacre
By: Tim Carpenter - May 25, 2022
Kansas' elected officials offer prayers in wake of the Texas elementary school massacre, but don't advance specific policy proposals for curtailing gun violence.
Kansas Farm Bureau’s PAC endorses four GOP incumbents, silent on 3rd District race
By: Tim Carpenter - May 24, 2022
TOPEKA — The political action committee of the Kansas Farm Bureau endorsed Tuesday the reelection of Republicans U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran and U.S. Reps. Ron Estes, Jake LaTurner and Tracey Mann. The PAC — Voters Organized to Elect Farm Bureau Friends — didn’t endorse anyone in the 3rd District race involving Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice […]
California couple donates $25 million to ‘think-outside-the-building’ McPherson College
By: Tim Carpenter - May 24, 2022
California couple makes $25 million donation to McPherson College to mark the largest gift in Kansas history to a small, liberal arts college.
Legislature sends governor tax bill with $50 million for small businesses hurt by COVID-19
By: Tim Carpenter - May 23, 2022
Legislature sends Gov. Laura Kelly a tax bill featuring $50 million in property tax relief for small businesses compelled to close during COVID-19 pandemic.
Secretary of state weary of fact-averse out-of-staters who insult Kansas election system
By: Tim Carpenter - May 23, 2022
Secretary of State Scott Schwab, who is seeking reelection, says voting is secure in Kansas and confirmation of redistricting maps is welcomed.
Kansas Legislature’s final day of 2022 session may involve more than ceremonial activities
By: Tim Carpenter - May 23, 2022
Kansas Legislature convenes Monday for ceremonial final day of the 2022 session, but some lawmakers sought action on fentanyl, tax and vehicle legislation.
Kansas unemployment stagnates at 2.4%, below U.S. jobless rate of 3.6%
By: Tim Carpenter - May 21, 2022
Kansas' unemployment rate stood at 2.4% in April, a fraction of the COVID-19 surge to 12.2% in April 2020.
Market forces compel KPERS to cut assumed investment return to 7%, down from 7.75%
By: Tim Carpenter - May 21, 2022
Soft market conditions compel Kansas Public Employees Retirement System's trustees to lower the annual rate of return to 7%, a reduction from 7.75%.
Former pizza magnate Bicknell prevails in tax appeal to Kansas Supreme Court
By: Tim Carpenter - May 20, 2022
Businessman Gene Bicknell, fighting with Kansas officials for more than a decade in an income tax dispute, wins decisive decision from Kansas Supreme Court.
Kansas Supreme Court disbars former Shawnee County prosecutor for unethical conduct
By: Tim Carpenter - May 20, 2022
Kansas Supreme Court disbars former Shawnee County prosecutor who engaged in misconduct to win a double-murder trial later reversed on appeal.
Kansas preservation group raises objections to Docking building reconfiguration
By: Tim Carpenter - May 19, 2022
Just when Kansas officials assumed the future of Docking State Office Building was in hand, historic preservation group seeks new evaluation of plan.