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.
Moran, Roberts join GOP brethren to affirm Supreme Court nominee
By: Tim Carpenter - October 27, 2020
TOPEKA — Republican U.S. Sens. Pat Roberts and Jerry Moran cast votes as expected for confirmation of federal Court of Appeals Judge Amy Coney Barrett to a vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court. The 52-48 result Monday was a foregone conclusion after President Donald Trump and Republican allies rushed the nomination of Barrett to cement […]
FHSU survey finds Trump leading in Kansas, half say BLM deepens racial divide
By: Tim Carpenter - October 27, 2020
Annual poll by Fort Hays State University shows support for Trump, frustration with Black Lives Matter and desire to legalize recreational marijuana.
Kansas prepares to spend $52 million to broaden COVID-19 testing, get quicker results
By: Tim Carpenter - October 26, 2020
Kansas is on the cusp of spending at least $52 million to expand scope of COVID-19 testing and speed production of results.
Senate candidate rejects GOP mailers distorting her votes on police budget
By: Tim Carpenter - October 26, 2020
Kansas Senate candidate Lindsey Constance rips GOP mailers falsely claiming she supported defunding Shawnee police department.
Secret recording exposes three Wichita politicians to demands for their resignation
By: Tim Carpenter - October 26, 2020
Sedgwick County commissioner, Wichita city councilman and state legislator face demand for resignation as secret recording exposes coverup.
KC Freedom Project’s Latahra Smith answers call for justice from wrongfully convicted
By: Tim Carpenter - October 26, 2020
Lataruh Smith leads KC Freedom Project, a ministry working for people allegedly wrongfully imprisoned. Her fight is personal and professional.
University of Kansas research: County mask mandates stall major rise in COVID-19
By: Tim Carpenter - October 25, 2020
University of Kansas researchers say countywide mask mandates — not popular with people — can prevent dramatic expansion of COVID-19.
Kansas highway fatality rate surges despite fewer miles traveled in 2020
By: Tim Carpenter - October 23, 2020
Kansas' traffic fatality rate increased from January to September 2020 despite a 10.2% reduction in highway miles traveled during the period.
U.S. Senate debate draws out Marshall, Bollier on health care, guns, abortion
By: Tim Carpenter - October 22, 2020
U.S. Senate nominees Barbara Bollier and Roger Marshall lit up the TV debate stage with criticisms and allegations ahead of the Nov. 3 vote.
Gov. Laura Kelly seeks bipartisan House, Senate talks on new mask mandate
By: Tim Carpenter - October 21, 2020
Gov. Laura Kelly seeking bipartisan House, Senate deal on statewide mask mandate and opens applications for $35 million in housing assistance.
Kansas Chamber analysis plants seed of statewide workforce development overhaul
By: Tim Carpenter - October 21, 2020
The Kansas Chamber's report on workforce development says business and education leaders need set statewide goals and be nimble to meet demands.
Norton facility hosts biggest COVID-19 hotspot in Kansas prison system
By: Tim Carpenter - October 20, 2020
Norton Correctional Facility has most intense COVID-19 surge among Kansas prison facilities, while sixth Kansas inmate dies from virus.