Kansas Court Case Portal Back Online
WICHITA, Kan. (KNS) – The digital portal that provides access to Kansas court case information is back online following an October cyberattack. The Kansas News Service reports that Kansans can once again access court case information and pay fees online using the Kansas District Court Public Access Portal. That service, and several other court systems, were inaccessible for months after the cyberattack. That forced courts across the state to operate using hard-copy, paper filings. The Kansas Judicial Branch says some information on the portal is temporarily outdated as courts digitize records from the past few months. It’s one of the last court systems to be restored following the October incident, which officials say was a sophisticated foreign cyberattack.
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States, Congress Wrestle with Cybersecurity at Water Plants
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - The hacking of a municipal water authority in a small Pennsylvania town is prompting new warnings from U.S. security officials as states and the federal government are wrestling with how to harden water utilities against hackers. Officials say the danger is hackers gaining control of automated equipment to shut down pumps that supply drinking water or contaminate drinking water by reprogramming automated chemical treatments.
The efforts took on new urgency in 2021 when the federal government's leading cybersecurity agency reported five attacks on water authorities over two years, four of them by ransomware and a fifth by a former employee. Potentially hostile geopolitical rivals such as Iran and China are viewed by U.S. officials as a threat to municipal water treatment plants.
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Kansas Governor Vows to Continue Opposition of School Voucher Plans
WICHITA, Kan. (KNS) – Kansas Governor Laura Kelly says she will continue to oppose plans to shift state tax dollars to private schools. Republican lawmakers have said they will continue pushing school choice measures when they return to Topeka next week.
The Kansas News Service reports that those lawmakers got close last year with a plan to let parents open state-sponsored education savings accounts to use at private schools or home schools. But the Democratic governor has vowed to keep her veto pen handy. Kelly says public schools are crucial to the state’s overall economy and its future.
“That’s what Kansans want funded, and that’s what we will continue to do. And I will oppose vouchers, from now until eternity,” Kelly said.
Supporters of school choice say Kansas families need alternatives to failing public schools. Opponents say voucher programs hand out tax dollars without much accountability.
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Armed Robbery Suspect, Driver Killed in Crash that Shut Down I-435 in KC for Hours
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KMBC) - Two people are dead after a fatal crash on northbound Interstate 435 that Kansas City police say was connected to a series of armed robberies. Two drivers, one believed to have been a suspect fleeing from police, were both killed in the head-on collision. That crash shut down I-435 for nearly five hours Tuesday.
KMBC TV reports that three armed robberies took place early Tuesday morning at gas stations in and around North Kansas City. Police tracked down a black Dodge Challenger that was identified as connected to all three robberies. Officers located the vehicle and a pursuit ensued. That's when the suspect drove south in the northbound lanes of I-435, ultimately crashing into another vehicle near 210 Highway. The drivers of both vehicles were both pronounced dead at the scene. Neither driver has been identified at this time.
Kansas City police officers withdrew from the pursuit when the suspect's vehicle began driving the wrong way on the interstate. Around 10am Tuesday, nearly five hours following the crash, all lanes of I-435 were re-opened to drivers.
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Federal Funds Coming to Kansas for Six Fast-Charging EV Locations
TOPEKA, Kan. (KPR) – More than $4.6 million in federal funds is coming to Kansas to create fast-charging stations for electric vehicles. Governor Laura Kelly says the money will be directed to six locations in the state. Along with existing charging stations spread across the I-70 and I-135 corridors, these new charging stations will fill gaps along the state’s major highways and interstate system. “As more electric cars and trucks make their way onto Kansas roadways, they will need access to adequate charging facilities,” Kelly said.
Locations of the six new direct current fast charging stations in Kansas:
Emporia, Flying J, 4215 W Hwy 50 (I-35)
Garden City, Love’s, 3285 E U.S. 50 (U.S. 400)
Cherokee, Pete’s, 20 U.S. 400
Fredonia, Pete’s, 2400 E Washington St. (U.S. 400)
Belleville, Love’s, 1356 US Highway 81 (U.S. 81)
Pratt, Casey’s, 1900 E 1st St (U.S. 400)
The governor says the charging stations must always be accessible to the public and provide other amenities such as restrooms, food and beverage and shelter from inclement weather.
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State Senator Proposes Bill to Curb Conflict-of-Interest Issues for Kansas Officials
UNDATED (KNS) – A Kansas state Senator is proposing a bill he says would curb the appearance of conflicts of interest among state officials. The bill would bar legislators from working in the executive branch and prevent lieutenant governors from serving as cabinet secretaries. Democratic Senator Tom Holland says he’s concerned that Lieutenant Governor David Toland is also serving as the secretary of commerce. “When the Commerce department puts together economic development deals, is it good policy, or is there also the appearance of a conflict of interest by maybe those deals being crafted to benefit the Governor politically?” Holland asked. The bill would also impact Republican Senator J.R. Claeys, who is a senior advisor to Attorney General Kris Kobach. Claeys denies that the dual roles create extra potential for conflicts. It’s one of several bills that have been pre-filed ahead of the Kansas legislative session beginning next week.
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Abortion Remains Hotly Contested in Kansas Heading into 2024 Legislative Session
WICHITA, Kan. (KNS) - From an influx of patients to evolving state restrictions, 2023 brought changes to abortion access in Kansas - and more could be on the way in 2024. After the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, Kansas became a hub for people who can’t access abortions in their home state. In 2023, patients from across the South and Midwest continued to seek abortions at Kansas clinics, making it increasingly difficult for Kansans to access abortions locally. Abortion rights groups continued to work in 2023 to keep abortion as accessible and affordable as possible in a rapidly evolving policy landscape.
Abortion opponents in the Kansas Legislature worked to restrict reproductive care in new ways, with mixed results. And as lawmakers prepare to head back to Topeka next week for a new legislative session, Republicans have a veto-proof super-majority - but remain constrained by the Kansas Constitution’s firm protections for abortion rights. (Read more.)
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Kansas Tax Collections Fall in December; 3.4% Below Estimate
TOPEKA, Kan. (KPR) – The State of Kansas took in less tax money than expected in December. Total tax collections for the last month of 2023 came in around $1 billion, about $37 million below the estimate. Revenue Secretary Mark Burghart said corporate income tax receipts were lower than expected. Overall, December tax collections were 3.4% less than predicted.
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Kansas City Set Record for Homicides in 2023 with 185 Murders
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KC Star) - Violence hit record levels in Kansas City in 2023. Police say a man shot to death on New Year's Eve became Kansas City's 185th murder victim of the year. The Kansas City Star reports that the victim was identified Monday as 45-year-old Terry E. Anthony. 2023 is now the deadliest year on record in Kansas City, Missouri.
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Lawrence City Engineers: Homeless Encampments Threaten the Kansas River Levee
LAWRENCE, Kan. (LJW) - Engineers with the City of Lawrence say homeless encampments along the Kansas River have damaged the levee slopes and those encampments must be removed to protect the integrity of the levee. The Lawrence Journal-World reports that homeless residents living in tents along the river have been told to move away from the levee slope near the city-sanctioned homeless camp in North Lawrence.
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New Wichita Ordinance to Fine Landlords for Retaliatory Evictions & Rent Hikes
WICHITA, Kan. (KMUW) – Wichita’s city council passed an ordinance Tuesday to fine landlords for retaliating against tenants who complain about housing conditions. KMUW reports that the ordinance will allow tenants to file complaints about retaliation with the city. Retaliation can include an eviction or rent increase within six months of a complaint about housing conditions. If a municipal court judge finds retaliation took place, landlords could receive a fine of up to $2,500. Alvin Mitchell says he experienced a retaliatory eviction last year. He’s hopeful the new ordinance will help family and friends in similar circumstances. "I’m glad they passed it," Mitchell said. "We needed that 'cause I felt like there’s a lot of that going on. It’s just not right." The ordinance was based on one Topeka passed last year. Landlords can continue to pursue evictions for nonpayment of rent or other lease violations.
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Congressional Bill Seeks to Boost Biorefinery Industry
UNDATED (HPM) – A bill in Congress aims to increase financing and cut red tape for the biorefinery industry. Its backers say it could help the U-S develop viable alternatives to many petroleum-based products. Harvest Public Media reports that the Ag BIO Act was introduced in both the U.S. House and Senate this fall, with bipartisan backing. Lloyd Ritter of the Agriculture Energy Coalition says that if the bill passes, the U.S. could produce more biofuels and other crop-based alternatives to products now made from petroleum. That could include plastics, detergents, and many other common consumer goods.
“Anything that we produce or have produced from traditional refineries for the last hundred years or so can be made by our farmers and our clean technology and biotechnology companies, ” Ritter added.
The Ag BIO Act would create a new grant for building and expanding biorefineries. Backers hope to get the legislation attached to the new Farm Bill. (Read more on this story from Harvest Public Media.)
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Committee Plans to Honor Workers Killed During Construction of the Kansas Statehouse
TOPEKA, Kan. (TCJ) - Construction of the Kansas Statehouse started in 1866 and was completed by 1903. During construction, at least eight workers were killed, mostly by falling off the roof, dome or scaffolding. Now, the Kansas Capital Preservation Committee hopes to recognize those who gave their lives building the Capital Building. The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that plans are underway to build a monument to honor them. Details have yet to be finalized, including the location of such a monument.
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Prosecutors Drop Three Felony Charges Against Brother of Patrick Mahomes
JOHNSON COUNTY, Kan. (AP) - Prosecutors in Kansas on Wednesday dismissed three felony charges related to accusations that Jackson Mahomes — the younger brother of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes — grabbed a woman by the neck and kissed her against her will.
Johnson County Assistant District Attorney Megan Ahsens had filed a motion Tuesday to dismiss three counts of aggravated sexual battery. Jackson Mahomes appeared at a hearing Wednesday and the felony charges were dropped. A fourth charge — misdemeanor battery — remains, and Jackson Mahomes pleaded not guilty to that charge.
The court filing cited a lack of cooperation from the alleged victim.
Jackson Mahomes' attorney, Brandan Davies, said in a statement that his client “has done nothing wrong. We had full confidence that the truth of the matter would ultimately be revealed.”
The original charges accused Jackson Mahomes, a 23-year-old social media influencer, of crimes that occurred Feb. 25 at Aspens Restaurant and Lounge in Overland Park, Kansas, a suburb of Kansas City.
Investigators said Mahomes shoved a waiter who tried to come into a room where he was with the restaurant's owner, Aspen Vaughn. After the waiter left, Mahomes grabbed Vaughn by the throat and forcefully kissed her three different times without her consent, prosecutors alleged.
Vaughn told police Mahomes was a friend of her stepdaughter, and had caused trouble and been asked to leave the restaurant in the past.
Vaughn closed the restaurant in August, saying her business suffered from the publicity associated with the case. She told the Kansas City Star at the time that she endured death threats and harassment and the restaurant was vandalized in the aftermath of the charges.
Tuesday's court filing said prosecutors were presented with an affidavit from Vaughn's attorneys stating that she would refuse to testify. The filing said prosecutors still planned to move ahead with the case, noting that surveillance video captured the encounter.
But the filing also said subpoenas meant for Vaughn, who was referred to in court documents by her initials, were not delivered.
“Indeed, it has become clear to the State, through conversations with more than one person in contact with her, that A.R. is actively thwarting attempts to serve her to avoid coming to court,” Ahsens wrote.
The misdemeanor battery charge remains because that charge involved the alleged shoving of the waiter.
A spokesperson for the district attorney's office declined comment.
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KC Chiefs Look Ahead to Playoffs
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KPR) - The Kansas City Chiefs are the AFC West champions, again. Now, the Chiefs are looking ahead to the playoffs, even though one game remains in the regular season. Kansas City will host at least one playoff game. It will take place on the weekend of the 13th and 14th of this month. The Chiefs, a No. 3 seed, will have their playoff opponent confirmed after this weekend’s results. The Chiefs final regular-season game will be Sunday at 3:25 in Los Angeles against the Chargers.
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Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes Won't Play in Regular-Season Finale Against Chargers with AFC West Title Secured
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes will sit out the Kansas City Chiefs' regular-season finale against the Chargers on Sunday in Los Angeles with their eighth straight AFC West title secured and the No. 3 seed in the playoffs already locked up.
The Chiefs can do no better or worse in their postseason positioning after last week's win over Cincinnati clinched the division, so coach Andy Reid said Wednesday that Mahomes would get a week of rest.
Veteran backup Blaine Gabbert will start and second-year pro Chris Oladokun, who has spent the season on the practice squad, will be the primary backup.
Gabbert was signed in the offseason to replace Chad Henne, who retired after last year's Super Bowl triumph. The Chiefs have long valued having a veteran behind Mahomes, and Gabbert has started 48 games and appeared in 68 over 12 NFL seasons.
“He works so stinking hard in practice. It's great to have that opportunity to go out and play,” Reid said. “He's been a starter in the league. We have confidence he knows what to do, and he'll go in there and do well.”
The Chiefs (10-6) have struggled with offensive consistency this season, whether because of dropped passes, penalties or missed assignments. But while they finally played well in a 25-17 victory over the Bengals — despite drives fizzling and Harrison Butker kicking six field goals — Reid said he didn't consider giving Mahomes any snaps to keep the momentum going.
Mahomes instead will turn most of his attention to the five potential opponents that Kansas City could face the following week, and Gabbert and Oladokun will split practice reps as they prepared to head to Los Angeles.
“Ultimately the reason we play football is to play in the games, right? And it's a great opportunity not only for myself but others to play in different positions than they have been in throughout the year,” Gabbert said. “It's great to get reps under your belt so when your number is called in the playoffs, if it is called, you're ready to go.”
Reid indicated he was aware of some looming milestones, but he declined to say whether they would matter in playing time.
The biggest might belong to Travis Kelce, who needs 16 yards receiving for his eighth straight 1,000-yard season. That would extend his own club record and the NFL record for a tight end, and be the fourth-longest streak in NFL history.
“That's now how Travis plays. He wants team success first and he's always been that way," Gabbert said. “If it's Coach Reid's decision to have him rest, he'll rest. But if he's out there, we'll do our damn best to get him those yards.”
Wide receiver Rashee Rice needs 58 yards receiving to break Dwayne Bowe's franchise record for a rookie, while defensive tackle Chris Jones needs a half sack to trigger a $1.25 million bonus in the revised contract he signed prior to the season.
Asked how the conversations about those milestones might go, Reid said with a smile: “Probably one-sided.”
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