News
Environmental advocates say Evergy can shutter two more coal plants within decade
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Evergy can retire two more coal-burning power plants within the decade without sacrificing affordability or massively increasing rates, environmental advocates say in a new report. The electric utility, which serves 1.6 million customers in Kansas and Missouri, is scheduled to stop burning coal at its Lawrence plant by the end of […]
Kansas-based sect physically, mentally exploited children to operate business empire
Federal prosecutors in Kansas indict followers of United Nation of Islam for forcing children to work without pay in the sect's business empire.
Kansas delegation renews push for Kelsey Smith Act to aid search for missing people
Kansas congressional delegation working for Kelsey Smith Act, oversight of small business investments and federal funding to aid farmers' mental health.
Biden pitches new $1.75 trillion spending blueprint to Dems that drops paid family leave
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden met Thursday with congressional Democrats on Capitol Hill to pitch lawmakers on a new slimmed-down framework for what would be included in a massive social reform package, according to senior administration officials. The $1.75 trillion blueprint that Biden is presenting to Democrats includes a universal pre-K program for 3-and-4 year-olds, […]
U.S. attorney general defends FBI probe of threats against school board members
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Republicans grilled Attorney General Merrick Garland for more than four hours on Wednesday about a Justice Department investigation into threats made to local school board members in multiple states. Garland at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing declined to revoke a memo he wrote asking the FBI to meet with local law […]
Kansas students four times as likely to get COVID-19 at schools without mask requirement
TOPEKA — Kansas public schools without a mask mandate report COVID-19 illnesses at more than four times the rate of schools where a face covering is required. The numbers of cases traced to COVID-19 outbreaks at schools were included in an update Wednesday from a panel of medical professionals and administrators responsible for providing guidance […]
Kansas Rep. Russ Jennings dies at 66 after battle with cancer
TOPEKA — Rep. Russ Jennings, a Lakin Republican who was a leader on juvenile justice and law enforcement issues in the Kansas House, died Wednesday after a battle with cancer. He was 66. House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr. announced Jennings’ death in a letter to representatives. “Over the past few months, he has fought hard […]
Kansas pays $133,000 to former inmate unlawfully subjected to Reno County judge’s wrath
Kansas pays a man $133,000 after Reno County's judge unlawfully convicted him of contempt of court for refusing to risk self-incrimination by testifying at a murder trial.
National school boards group apologizes for requesting probe of threats against local officials
WASHINGTON — The National School Boards Association is walking back its letter to President Joe Biden asking for federal help for school board members who have been harassed and threatened over masking requirements and discussions of race in public schools. The shift came after Republican members of Congress led by Iowa Sen. Charles Grassley raised […]
FDA panel recommends OK for Pfizer’s vaccine for kids 5 to 11
WASHINGTON — A federal vaccine advisory panel on Tuesday recommended authorizing Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11, a decision that means as soon as next week everyone in the United States over age 5 is expected to be eligible for a shot. The vote by the Food and Drug Administration panel, with […]
Kansas legislators to host second round of redistricting town hall meetings in November
TOPEKA — Kansas lawmakers announced Tuesday they will hold a second round of town hall meetings to gather public input on the redistricting process, but they won’t attend the meetings in person. The House and Senate Committees on Redistricting will hold four meetings late next month, organized by congressional district. Kansans may attend one of […]
School mask mandate challenge before Kansas Supreme Court stirs broader legal issues
Kansas Supreme Court moves into web of constitutional issues on appeal of judge's order faulting state law fueling challenges of COVID-19 mandates.