KU Students Launch Pro-Palestinian Protest
LAWRENCE, Kan. (KNS) – Pro-Palestinian protesters at the University of Kansas have set up an encampment to demand the school halt investments with companies that have ties to Israel. The Kansas News Service reports that the KU chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine started what it says will be a multi-day encampment in front of Fraser Hall on campus. In a letter to administration, the group said they are protesting the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. They demanded the university sever financial ties with all Israeli government or military interests. The group is also calling for amnesty for all students, faculty or staff who participate in the protest. Encampments protesting the war in Gaza have spread to college campuses across the country.
==========
Kansas Attorney General Says Campus Protesters' Demands Are Illegal
LAWRENCE, Kan. (TCJ) - Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach is telling the state’s higher education officials that pro-Palestine protesters at the University of Kansas and other campuses around the state are making illegal demands. The Topeka Capital Journal reports that Kobach referred to the protesters as "uninformed, petulant loudmouths" who "have not done their research."
KU Students for Justice in Palestine established an encampment outside Fraser Hall on KU’s Lawrence campus Wednesday to protest the Israeli-Gaza war. The group returned Thursday and marched to Chancellor Douglas Girod’s office to present their demands.
Those demands include that the university divest any financial ties with the Israeli government, refuse to accept grants from companies that contract with the U.S. Department of Defense, and that the university grant amnesty to the protesters.
Kobach told university officials that Kansas law bans all state agencies, including universities, from boycotting Israel through investments, contract procurement or other policies.
At its height on Wednesday, the protest saw about 200 participants, most of whom were students. More than 100 students from Lawrence High School also walked out of class on Thursday to join the KU protesters on campus.
Students have formed encampments at dozens of universities across the country to protest Israel's response in Gaza after an Oct. 7 attack by Hamas. Kansas State University in Manhattan also saw a protest this week, and one is planned for Friday at Washburn University in Topeka.
==========
Officials Identify Person Killed After Tornado Strikes Small Town in Pottawatomie County
WESTMORELAND, Kan. (WIBW) — Authorities have identified the person who died Tuesday afternoon when an EF3 tornado ripped through the small Pottawatomie County town of Westmoreland County emergency officials say 58-year-old Ann Miller of Westmoreland died in the tornado. WIBW TV reports that three other people were injured but none of them critically. County officials say a tornado struck the city just after 4:40 pm, destroying 22 homes, three RVs and five outbuildings. Officials are conducting searches to survey damage and search for any other people who may have been injured. State records indicate it’s the first death from a tornado in Kansas since 2012. Westmoreland is a city of about 700 people located about 60 miles northwest of Topeka. Images posted to social media showed a tornado on the ground in Westmoreland, as well as damaged homes, uprooted trees and a flipped semi-truck. Pottawatomie County officials say most residents in the area have had power restored. The Red Cross set up a shelter at the local high school.
(–Related–)
Wamego Community Foundation Launches Emergency Relief Fund to Aid with Westmoreland Tornado Recovery
WAMEGO, Kan. (KPR) – A relief fund has been established to aid those affected by Tuesday's tornado in Westmoreland. The tornado killed 58-year-old Ann Miller of Westmoreland and injured three others while doing extensive damage to the town. The Wamego Community Foundation has organized an emergency relief fund. The organizers have noted that all administrative fees are being waived, ensuring that 100% of all donations go directly to disaster relief efforts. Click here for more information.
==========
April Tax Collections in Kansas Exceed Expectations
TOPEKA, Kan. (KNS) – Kansas tax collections came in above estimates in April. The Kansas News Service reports that it’s the second month in a row that revenue has been higher than expected. The state collected about $1.4 billion in taxes last month, which is nearly 8% higher than anticipated. That’s mostly due to a surplus of individual income tax collections. March and April mark a slight rebound for Kansas after earnings came up short for five months in a row. Collections were also higher than expected in retail sales taxes and corporate income taxes.
==========
Visitation Resumes at Leavenworth Prison
LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (KNS) – A federal prison in Leavenworth has reopened visitation for family and friends of inmates after a nearly two-month lockdown. The Kansas News Service reports that the prison shut down for an investigation of a firearm entering the facility. Prison officials say the Leavenworth facility has returned to normal operations. But they declined to comment on the ongoing investigation. The prison was in modified operations that restricted inmate movement and added temporary security measures. Friends and family of inmates said they had very little contact with their loved ones during that time. And they were worried about their well-being.
==========
New Tax Plan Goes to Kansas Governor for Signature; Veto Expected
TOPEKA, Kan. (KNS) – Kansas lawmakers wrapped up their regular session Tuesday night, but not before attempting once again to pass major tax cuts. The Kansas News Service reports that a spokesperson for Democratic Governor Laura Kelly says she plans to veto the latest package sent to her desk. The governor wants tax cuts passed this year but has already vetoed two previous bills. The latest bill would combine the state’s three income tax brackets into just two. That's a change Kelly has cited as a reason for the previous vetoes. Republican Senator Rob Olson argues that the new bill is too costly, saying “This is even worse than what we had a day or two ago. And, um, you know, it still spends quite a bit.” After passing the tax bill Tuesday night, lawmakers adjourned until January. But Kelly says she’ll call lawmakers back for a special session to craft a new plan.
(–Additional reporting–)
Kansas Legislators Expect Kelly to Veto Their Latest Tax Cuts and Call a Special Session
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers approved a new, slightly smaller package of tax cuts before adjourning their annual session early Wednesday, expecting Gov. Laura Kelly to veto it and call a special legislative session to push for a plan more to her liking.
The Democratic governor and Republican-controlled Legislature agree on a good deal of policy that would save taxpayers a total of between $1.42 billion and $1.92 billion over the next three years on their income, sales and property taxes. Their remaining differences are over how the state's personal income tax is structured and whether the state can avoid future budget shortfalls if the tax cuts are worth much more than $430 million a year as of 2029.
The impasse over cutting taxes, particularly income taxes, has continued over the past 18 months. Kansas has been unable to enact major tax cuts even though its coffers are bulging with surplus revenues.
“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result,” Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat, said just before senators adjourned for the year, quoting scientist Albert Einstein. “I will see you all in a couple of weeks.”
Republican leaders spent Tuesday afternoon and evening revising one last tax bill after they couldn't muster the two-thirds majority necessary in the Senate on Monday to override Kelly's veto of a bill approved earlier this month that would cut taxes by $1.56 billion over the next three years. They needed 27 of 40 votes and were one short, thanks to what has become a solid bloc of the Senate's 11 Democrats and three GOP dissidents.
The governor's stance has increasingly exasperated some fellow Democrats in the House, most of whom supported both the last bill she vetoed and the one headed to her desk. The latest version of the big tax bill, one of four measures cutting taxes, would save taxpayers $1.46 billion over three years.
Republican leaders said their differences with the governor amount to only a few million dollars in cuts a year.
“If we can't get a signature on this, I'm not sure what she will sign,” House Taxation Committee Chair Adam Smith, a Weskan Republican, told fellow Republicans during a meeting before the House approved the big tax bill.
The votes on the bill were 108-11 in the House and 25-9 in the Senate. While five senators were absent and one passed, there's still no sense that GOP leaders can muster a two-thirds majority.
Kelly and top Republicans have agreed on eliminating state income taxes on retirees' Social Security benefits, which kick in when they earn $75,000 a year. They also agree on reducing a state property tax for schools and eliminating the state's already set-to-expire 2% sales tax on groceries six months early, on July 1.
But top Republicans began the year hoping to move Kansas from its current three personal income tax rates to a single rate. They view that as simpler and fairer, though Kelly told them in vetoing their first plan this year in January that the move would benefit the “super wealthy.”
The plan Kelly vetoed earlier this month and the one approved late Tuesday night would move Kansas to two personal income tax rates. The highest rate, now 5.7%, would have been 5.55% under the bill Kelly vetoed and would be 5.57% under the one going to her desk.
Kelly told House Democrats earlier this month that she sees going to two personal income tax rates as a step toward the single-rate “flat” tax that she opposes.
But she has focused far more of her criticism in recent weeks on predicting that GOP proposals would lead to budget shortfalls in five or six years. She contends they would eat away too quickly at the $4.3 billion in surplus funds the state expects to have on hand at the end of June — equal to 41% of the state's annual general tax revenues.
“The governor has moved the goalposts on us many, many times,” House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican, said during the caucus before the House vote on the last big tax bill. “Quite frankly, it's on her. What we have right now is as close to what she wants as we can give her.”
Kelly has argued that tax cuts should cost no more than $433 million during the state's 2029 budget year. The latest version of the big tax bill came in at $439 million, compared with the $469 million for the last bill Kelly vetoed.
Legislators ended their annual session the same day the Kansas Department of Revenue reported that the state’s tax collections in April exceed expectations by nearly $102 million, or almost 8%.
“What we’re arguing over is almost silly,” Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, said during a post-adjournment news conference with other GOP leaders. “In the scope of the Kansas budget, it is a fraction of a percent apart, and we’re supposed to believe that one is sustainable and one is devastating.”
But Kelly and her staff argue that Republicans' math is faulty because their figures don't include other tax bills.
Kelly's top figure of $433 million a year for 2029 includes one of them, and when that one is added to the latest bill, its 2029 cost is $487 million, a gap of $54 million between it and Kelly's top number.
“They just want to pretend that those bills don’t count towards this,” her chief of staff, Will Lawrence, told reporters Tuesday evening. “She’s the only one who’s been responsible in that scenario.”
But some lawmakers have grown weary of the back and forth. With elections for all legislative seats looming this year, they just want to confirm for their constituents that big tax cuts are coming.
“I'd much rather have a plan that she would sign than all this theater,” said Rep. Ken Rahjes, an Agra Republican.
==========
Kansas Governor Directs Flags to be Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Fallen Firefighters
TOPEKA, Kan. (KPR) — Kansas Governor Laura Kelly directed flags throughout Kansas be flown at half-staff from sunup to sundown on Sunday, May 5, in recognition of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day and to honor Division Chief Martin Smith of the Dearing Fire Department in Montgomery County.
“Our first responders work tirelessly every day to ensure the safety of our communities,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “Division Chief Smith selflessly served the people of Montgomery County for nearly 50 years. We will not forget the sacrifices Division Chief Smith made and the work all Kansas firefighters undertake each day to protect Kansans.”
Division Chief Smith died unexpectedly in January 2023 after responding to a motor vehicle accident in the line of duty. The flag order is being issued in honor of all fallen firefighters.
==========
Kansas Legislators Override Governor's Veto of Funding for U.S. Border Security
TOPEKA, Kan. (KNS) – Republican lawmakers in Kansas overrode a veto by Democratic Governor Laura Kelly to allocate nearly $16 million for security at the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas. The Kansas News Service reports the funding is earmarked to send Kansas National Guard troops to Texas amid its border dispute with the federal government. That dispute centers on a Texas law permitting officers to arrest migrants suspected of entering the U.S. illegally. Republicans say sending Kansas troops to the border will help combat the drug trade and human trafficking. But Democrats, like state Senator Usha Reddi of Manhattan, say enforcing immigration law is up to the federal government. “We heard the challenges we’re facing at the border. But I do feel we have a delegation, and our taxpayers don’t need to be paying twice for the same issue,” she added. The governor says she’s the sole commander of the Kansas National Guard.
==========
Kansas Legislature Fails to Pass Major Aid for Homelessness
UNDATED (Kansas City Beacon) – The Kansas Legislature failed to pass meaningful aid to cities dealing with homelessness. The Kansas City Beacon reports that this comes as the problem is getting worse across Kansas. Addressing homelessness means new shelters, more affordable housing, addiction treatment and mental health services. All daunting tasks for cities and counties with other budgetary needs. That’s why cities are looking for state support, but this year’s legislative session didn’t bring that. Eric Arganbright with the Kansas Statewide Homelessness Coalition says the state has essentially no services to help cities. “We’re trying to prevent deaths…because when people are out in the elements, death happens,” he explained. Lawmakers have been studying the issue, and they say homelessness will come up again in the next Legislative session.
==========
Bill Creating Tax Credits for TV and Film Production Passes Kansas Legislature
UNDATED (KNS) – Kansas actors and film crews could soon be hired to work in more movies and television shows. The Kansas News Service reports that state lawmakers passed a bill creating new tax credits for productions that film in Kansas. The bill offers up to $10 million of income and sales tax credits for filmmaking each year. $1 million is specifically for Kansas-based production companies. Supporters of the bill say it will create more film production jobs in the state and boost local economies. Melanie Addington of the Tallgrass Film Association in Wichita says films can employ hundreds of crew members like set designers and sound technicians. “There are a lot of ways to be involved with a film that really does impact your local economy well beyond just seeing a film on Netflix,” she explained. The bill has been sent to Governor Laura Kelly.
==========
Kansas Governor Signs Plan to Improve Student Literacy
TOPEKA, Kan. (KNS) – Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has signed into law a landmark plan to improve the way students learn to read. The Kansas News Service reports that the Kansas Blueprint for Literacy aligns higher education and K-12 programs to train teachers in the science of reading. It directs the Kansas Board of Regents to appoint a director of literacy education and establish new credentials aimed at reading instruction. Republican state Sen. Molly Baumgardner says the bipartisan effort means the state has made literacy a priority. “We’re not going to just take everybody’s word for it, that ‘Oh yes, we’ve offered this new course.’ It’s going to be boots on the ground, eyes seeing exactly what is and isn’t happening,” she explained. The measure appropriates $10 million to Kansas universities for teacher training.
==========
United Methodists Repeal Ban on LGBTQ Clergy & Same-Sex Marriages
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCUR) – LGBTQ members of United Methodist congregations are celebrating the global church’s decision to repeal the ban on LGBTQ clergy and officiating same sex marriages. There are more than thirty United Methodist churches across the Kansas City metro, six of which are inclusive of LGBTQ members. More than 100 churches have separated from the denomination in Missouri since 2021, according to United Methodist News. Pastor Lora Andrews is a campus minister at Kansas State University and a member of the LGBTQ community. Speaking on KCUR, Andrews said the change is a breath of fresh air after years of division. “It feels like this fulfillment of all the pain. What God does is redeem stories and that’s a redemption story for our journey,” she explained. The vote to repeal the ban on LGBTQ clergy took place at the general conference last Wednesday, and passed 692 to 51.
===========
Douglas County Commission Adopts Revised Wind Energy Rules
LAWRENCE, Kan. (LJW) - The Douglas County Commission adopted revised rules for wind energy projects after a five-hour-long meeting Wednesday night. The Lawrence Journal World reports that commissioners voted unanimously to approve the revised rules. Last month, commissioners approved a conditional use permit for a 1,100 acre solar energy project just north of the city of Lawrence. The revised rules require a 2,500-foot minimum setback distance from the property line for property owners who aren’t participating in a project. That distance is intended to provide protection against risks like ice throw from wind turbine blades. But some members of the public told the commission that the 2500 foot setback distance would effectively makes it impossible to develop a large-scale wind project in Douglas County. The new rules adopted by the commission also require nearly a dozen separate plans and assessments to be submitted describing potential impacts. Previously, a developer only had to apply for a conditional use permit and follow the standard public hearing process required for any development. Before taking their vote, commissioners heard more than three hours of public comment from dozens of community members. Many of them said they didn’t want commissioners to approve the revised rules because they oppose commercial-scale projects.
==========
Mental Health Workforce Shortages Lead to Provider & University Partnership
WICHITA, Kan. (KMUW) – Mental health care providers and universities in Wichita are partnering to tackle workforce shortages as the state plans a new psychiatric hospital in the region. KMUW reports that the state predicts hundreds of job openings for social workers and counselors will come online in the next two years across Kansas. Kyle Kessler leads the Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas. His organization is convening the new partnership. "We know that with ComCare and Substance Abuse Center of Kansas and Ascension Via Christi and Mental Health Association of south central Kansas, there are a lot of providers and they all have openings," Kessler said. The group -- known as the Kansas Behavioral Health Center of Excellence-- lobbied for $5.7 million dollars from the state legislature for workforce initiatives. That includes more child psychiatry residency positions and a new behavioral health fellowship. Kessler says the funds were included in the budget the legislature passed last Tuesday, which still needs approval from the governor.
==========
Resident Petition Saves Quaker Park in Emporia
EMPORIA, Kan. (KSNT) - Community activists in Emporia have succeeded in saving a local park. KSNT TV reports that the City Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to remove Quaker Park in Emporia from the surplus property list. The City had been trying to sell the park for a housing development but now commissioners now say the park will not be sold. Emporia residents circulated a petition and collected more than 800 signatures to save the park, several hundred more than they needed to halt the sale. Commissioners voted 4-0 to decline a sale of the park.
==========
New Law Facilitates Changing Racist Language in Property Records
JOHNSON COUNTY, Kan. (Johnson County Post) – Homeowners in suburban Johnson County may now find it easier to erase racist language buried in their property records. The Johnson County Post reports that nearly a century ago, Johnson County communities like Prairie Village and Roeland Park were established as white-only enclaves that barred Black and Jewish people from buying homes there. Decades after such segregation was deemed unconstitutional, the exclusionary language in property deeds and homeowners association bylaws remained, often without current homeowners’ knowledge. Now, a new Kansas law makes it easier for cities and individual property owners to scrub racist clauses from local property records. Though the language is never enforced now, some local officials say the move is needed as Johnson County becomes more racially diverse. Others however say the language should not be erased, as a reminder of the area’s racist past.
==========
KCK Residents to Vote on Bond Proposal for Schools
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KSHB) — Voters in the Kansas City, Kansas, Public School District will have the opportunity to vote next Tuesday on whether to approve a $420 million bond proposal. KSHB TV reports that the bond would allow the district to build five new schools, an aquatic center, and a new library branch. If voters approve the bond, the district would combine four elementary schools into two new buildings. Other improvements include additions to the gymnasiums at two high schools. The district would also build a new aquatic center and a new library branch in partnership with the Kansas City, Kansas, Public Library. Early voting is underway now. Election Day is next Tuesday, May 7.
==========
Leawood Woman Files Civil Rights Lawsuit Against Blue Valley School District
LEAWOOD, Kan. (KCUR) – A Leawood mother is suing the Blue Valley School District, alleging it allowed other students to sexually harass and gender stereotype her transgender son – in violation of his civil rights. KCUR reports that Virginia Franzese says her son, known only by the initials O.O. in the lawsuit, was bullied at Leawood Middle School because he was transitioning. The lawsuit alleges students shared transphobic and homophobic Snapchat messages about him and the district and building principal failed to act. O.O. attempted suicide and, the lawsuit says, he continues to suffer gravely from the sexual harassment at Leawood Middle School. These allegations first came to light almost two years ago in a KCUR investigation. The school district wouldn’t comment on the lawsuit but says it takes all accusations of bullying and discrimination seriously.
==========
4-H International Exchanges Reduced
LIBERAL, Kan. (KNS) – Fewer applications and host families may hurt rural Kansas kids’ chances for international cultural exchanges and exposure led by 4-H. The Kansas News Service reports that the youth organization 4-H has several international exchange programs. However, the programs have had fewer applications in the past few years. One program, the International Farm Youth Exchange, was canceled this year because of that. Officials say part of the reason is that as Kansas agriculture consolidates, fewer family-owned farms have the time to take in exchange students. Zyanya Bravo, an eighth grader from Oakley in northwest Kansas, spent a month in South Korea. She says her peers could benefit from exposure to other cultures. “It kind of opens your mind so much. And they tell you about how you used to think these things. And you're like, I was so closed minded on this,” she explained. Bravo says she feels more confident in having big goals after her trip, despite being from a small town.
==========
Midwest Gas Prices Lower Than National Average
UNDATED (TCJ) – - The price of gas fell around the region for the second consecutive week reaching an average of $3.45 per gallon of regular, down slightly from last week's price of $3.46 per gallon. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says the average fuel price in the Midwest has risen about 9 cents since last month. The Topeka Capital Journal reports that the average gas price across the country last week was $3.65, making prices in the Midwest about 5.5% lower than the nation's average. According to the EIA, gas prices across the region in the last year have been as low as $2.77 on Jan. 8, 2024, and as high as $3.77 on Aug. 14, 2023. A year ago, the average gas price in the Midwest region was 3% higher at $3.55 per gallon. The U.S. Energy Information Administration's tally of prices in the Midwest states includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee and Wisconsin.
=========
Worlds of Fun to Keep Chaperone Policy After Opening on Saturday
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Worlds of Fun opens on Saturday and officials tell KCTV that the theme park has no plans of changing its chaperone policy. Guests age 15 years old or younger must be accompanied by a person who is at least 21 years old. This policy first went into effect a year ago after several fights involving 100-150 teens, none of whom appeared to be accompanied by an adult. The brawls resulted in a sheriff’s deputy being punched.
==========
This summary of area news is curated by KPR news staffers. Our headlines are generally published by 10 am weekdays and are updated through 7 pm. This ad-free news summary is made possible by KPR members. Become one today. And follow KPR News on X, Twitter, whatever.