A longtime Democratic state senator says he won't run for reelection... the Kansas judge who signed off on a search warrant to raid a small town newspaper won't face any disciplinary action from the Kansas judicial system... and an updated federal student aid form rolls out this month that could help more Kansans attend college. More inside. These ad-free headlines are made possible by KPR listener-members. Become one today. It's inexpensive, fat-free and good for you.

Parents across the region are shocked after federal charges allege a Johnson County pediatric neurologist tried to produce explicit content including children. Dr. Brian Aalbers is charged with attempting to produce and possessing child sexual abuse images.

Kansas Senator Jerry Moran is sponsoring legislation to expand the definition of Rural Emergency Hospitals, which could aid struggling health centers in Kansas... a recent study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows rural populations around the country are on the rise after a decade of declines... and Topeka police are investigating the theft of blue and white ‘pro-Israel’ lights from outside the Kansas Attorney General’s Office. Click here for an ad-free summary of area news headlines, as prepared by KPR news staffers. These headlines are made possible by KPR listener-members. Become one today!

Kansas State University will be sharing sorghum-growing strategies with farmers in Madagascar with help from a federal grant.

The KBI is investigating an officer-involved shooting in KCK... the Panasonic electric vehicle battery plant in De Soto is expected to begin hiring in January... the Country Stampede music event is moving to Bonner Springs... and officials have identified chronic wasting disease in deer in Kansas and Missouri. KPR's ad-free summary of news headlines is made possible by KPR listener-members. Become one today!

U.S. employers added 199,000 jobs in November, higher than the 150,000 jobs created in the previous month, reflecting in part the return of striking UAW and Hollywood workers.

Here's how communities across the U.S. put their own spin on Christmas, Hanukkah and even Festivus celebrations — from Santas who ski and surf, to trees made of tumbleweed, sand and lobster traps.

In New Hampshire, it's relatively easy to get your name on the presidential primary ballot — so there's a slew of lesser-known candidates seeking a spotlight for ideas and, well, performance art.

The war between Israel and Hamas, as well as a rise in antisemitism, has many Jews unsure how to celebrate Hanukkah this year. Some say they're focusing on hope and hospitality in dark times.

Since January, the chamber has seen the removal of a member from a committee, the first ouster of a speaker in history and the expulsion of a lawmaker for only the third time since the Civil War.