Environment
Summer hurricanes, wildfires and storms loom as FEMA faces pressure to step up
WASHINGTON — Another grueling summer disaster season is arriving, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency is under intense pressure even as its portfolio balloons, it pleads for more money from Congress and criticism comes on several fronts. The agency manages more than 300 disaster declarations a year, a dramatic increase from the average of 108 […]
NOAA forecasts busy Atlantic hurricane season, with at least 3 major storms
WASHINGTON — The 2022 Atlantic hurricane season is predicted to be the seventh in a row with an above-normal number of storms, according to a forecast the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released Tuesday. NOAA administrator Rick Spinrad said the agency expects there will be between 14 and 21 named storms, with six to 10 […]
Bill offers opportunity to fund threatened wildlife in Kansas without new taxes
The Kansas Reflector welcomes opinion pieces from writers who share our goal of widening the conversation about how public policies affect the day-to-day lives of people throughout our state. Michael Donnelly is a member of the Audubon of Kansas communication and Celebration of Cranes committees and is editor-in-chief of Prairie Wings magazine. Residents and visitors […]
Why an ambitious effort to overhaul Kansas water management fell short
The dire state of water in western Kansas is not in dispute. The aquifer Kansans out west rely on to irrigate crops and provide drinking water dropped by a foot in 2021. “If you look at charts as to where it was … when they started irrigating and now, it’s alarming,” said the House Water […]
Gov. Laura Kelly tips hat at influence of Flint Hills grassland on Kansas beef industry
The beef industry is the largest sector of the Kansas agricultural economy, and Gov. Laura Kelly moved her office outdoors to experience that reality.
KSU researching ‘virtual’ fencing’s influence on grassland conservation, cattle business
Kansas State University researchers are part of a study of electronic collars on cattle to steer them from fragile water resources, protect nesting birds.
Former Kansas Gov. Parkinson claims to have ‘Forrest Gumped’ his way to state’s top political job
Former Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson outlines his political career in a Kansas history journal, including his brief, productive stint as Democratic governor.
KCC chairman dissents on vote muffling business group’s voice in transmission project case
KCC majority limits ability of major businesses to formally participate in regulatory debate on new electricity transmission line in southeast Kansas.
LaTurner finds silver lining in pandemic, raises concerns about effects of inflation in Kansas
TOPEKA — While the COVID-19 pandemic took many lives and left many businesses and people in precarious positions, U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner sees a silver lining in the growing emphasis on becoming a self-sufficient country. For example, LaTurner touted the COMPETES Act, a bill that members of Congress have touted as a key to reinvigorating American […]
In wake of latest Andover tornado, a newfound appreciation of risk in Kansas and beyond
Few events shaped my childhood like the one-two punch of the Hesston tornado in 1990 and the Andover tornado in 1991. My family lived only 18 miles away from Andover, and the notion that a storm could descend from nowhere and wreak destruction terrified me. Those memories flooded back Friday night, when another powerful tornado […]
A boulder’s journey: Lawrence monolith will be returned to the Kaw in thoughtful process
Kansas Reflector welcomes opinion pieces from writers who share our goal of widening the conversation about how public policies affect the day-to-day lives of people throughout our state. Dave Kendall served as producer and host of the “Sunflower Journeys” series on public television for its first 27 seasons and continues to produce documentary videos through […]
Kansas governor, legislators offer support for Andover after ‘stunning and heartbreaking’ tornado
TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly on Saturday surveyed damage in Andover and promised to help the town recover from the large and destructive tornado that tore through the town the night before. Legislators from the area offered prayers and assistance for the Butler County community. The National Weather Service in Wichita said the severity of […]