Briefs
Kansas House passes legislation to clarify language in juvenile justice system
TOPEKA — Lawmakers approved legislation Wednesday to help shape juvenile justice reform. The House voted 123-0 to pass House Bill 2033, which would change the criteria for admitting young offenders to juvenile crisis intervention centers and better define standards for behavioral health crises. The legislation is meant to address gaps within the juvenile justice system, […]
Marshall, Moran point to China spy balloon as proof of national security lapses
Sen. Roger Marshall, Rep. Jake LaTurner of Kansas say drift of Chinese spy balloon over Kansas shows President Biden's national security shortcomings.
Kansas AG announces plan to sue Biden administration over lesser prairie chicken protections
TOPEKA — Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach plans to sue President Joe Biden’s administration over the lesser prairie chicken, calling federal protections for the bird illegal and potentially devastating to landowners and businesses in the state. In a Tuesday announcement, Kobach said the listing of the bird as a threatened species failed to consider Kansas’ […]
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly cleared to return after doctors say COVID-19 test was inaccurate
TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly’s office says she doesn’t have COVID-19 after all. The office issued a statement Thursday saying her physician and state health officials believe an initial test earlier this week produced a “false positive” result. Her subsequent tests have been negative, the statement said. The governor appeared at a series of events […]
Kansas governor tests positive for COVID-19, experiencing minor symptoms
TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly has tested positive for COVID-19 just two days into the legislative session. Kelly is currently self-isolating with minor symptoms after testing positive Tuesday morning, according to a news release sent out later in the day. She is fully vaccinated. Kelly appeared at a series of events throughout the weekend, up […]
New order puts Keystone pipeline cleanup under EPA oversight
Owners of the Keystone oil pipeline must complete their cleanup of a massive spill in northern Kansas under oversight of the federal government, the Environmental Protection Agency announced Monday. The EPA and TC Energy, which operates the Keystone pipeline, signed a cleanup agreement last week, according to a news release from the EPA. It requires […]
Southeast Kansas Republican senator to resign ahead of 2023 legislative session
State Sen. Richard Hilderbrand, a southeast Kansas Republican, says he will step down Sunday, one day before opening of the 2023 legislative session.
Topeka site selected for construction of $49 million residential home for veterans
Site adjacent to VA medical center in Topeka selected for proposed construction of $49 million residential facility for veterans.
Kansas’ longest-serving attorney general passes away at age 89
Former Kansas Attorney General Robert Stephan passed away at age 89 following four terms in office and a scandal involving allegations of sexual harassment.
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly picks budget director to lead Department of Administration
TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly has appointed her budget director to serve as secretary of the Department of Administration as she kicks off her second term. Adam Proffitt will take over the agency formerly led by DeAngela Burns-Wallace, whose last day is Friday. Proffitt has been the governor’s budget director for the past two years. […]
KU Health System doctors express praise for Fauci’s leadership from HIV to COVID-19
University of Kansas Health System physicians praise retiring Anthony Fauci, despite U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall's campaign to undermine Fauci's credibility.
Kansas U.S. Rep. Estes blasts Biden administration’s revision of clean water rules
U.S. Rep. Ron Estes, a Kansas Republican, objected to President Joe Biden's revision of federal clean water rules diminished by President Donald Trump.