KS Gov. Urges Lawmakers to Fund KU's Institute
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Governor Sam Brownback is urging state lawmakers to approve a request from the University of Kansas for $2 million to fund an institute focused on drug discovery and commercialization. Brownback said on Friday that the Kansas Institute for Translational Chemical Biology is needed for important research on the next generation of cancer drugs. The Lawrence Journal-World reports that when legislators rejected the $2 million request earlier in the session, several said they didn't understand what the university was seeking.
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New National Guard Brigade Approved for Manhattan
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A new Kansas National Guard field artillery brigade is expected to bring 15 full-time jobs to Manhattan when it starts operating sometime next year. The Topeka Capital-Journal reports the new brigade also will bring about 160 drill-status guard members. Guard spokeswoman Sharon Watson says some of the full-time employees will be assigned to Manhattan around June 1.
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KC Tourist Drowns at Popular Puerto Rico Beach
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Authorities in Puerto Rico say a U.S. tourist from Kansas City drowned at a beach on the island's north coast. Police identified the woman as 60-year-old Christy Paper. Authorities said she drowned Saturday at Caza y Pesca beach, a popular weekend spot in the town of Arecibo.
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Former Bandmate Enters Plea in Death of KC Rap Artist
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas City, Kansas man pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the September 2012 shooting death of a rap artist known as Creepyface. The Kansas City Star reports Wyandotte County prosecutors say 30-year-old Daniel Barlett is the brother-in-law of the victim, 37-year-old Chad Ford.