State of Kansas Agrees to Stop Enforcing Contested Voter Registration Group Restrictions
TOPEKA, Kan. (KNS) – The state of Kansas will no longer enforce a law that voting groups said made it difficult to register voters. The Kansas News Service reports that Kansas lawmakers banned impersonating an election official in 2021. But voter registration groups said the law was too vague and could criminalize the work they do. In July, the Kansas Supreme Court temporarily blocked the law from being enforced, saying it was likely unconstitutional. The state has now agreed to permanently stop enforcing the law. A separate lawsuit will continue over a law concerning mail-in ballot signatures.
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Economists Warn of Possible Retaliation Against Tariffs
UNDATED (HPM) – President-elect Donald Trump has pledged new tariffs on imports from some of America’s biggest trading partners. While the scope and scale of his plan are in flux, Harvest Public Media reports that U.S. agriculture is often vulnerable to retaliatory tariffs. U.S. agricultural exports last year exceeded 170 billion dollars. Glynn Tonsor, an ag economist at Kansas State University, says products go where they’re most valuable. A lot of bacon stays in the U.S. while a lot of ham goes to Mexico. But during a trade war, retaliatory tariffs on U.S. products can dampen demand abroad. Tonsor says livestock producers at the start of the supply chain – "The person with the sows, and the person with the mama cow" – have a harder time quickly adjusting to market changes. “Once I have a sow like in the system, ready to give me piglets for three years, or a cow to give me calves for 10 years, those are very long term decisions,” he explained. The American Farm Bureau is urging Trump to be cautious with tariffs. (Read more.)
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Derby School District Rejects Social Studies Curriculum Due to Accusations of Bias Against Donald Trump
WICHITA, Kan. (KNS) – A Kansas school district has rejected a social studies curriculum because some board members say it’s biased against President-elect Donald Trump. The Kansas News Service reports that leaders of the Derby school district near Wichita voted down a proposed contract with Boston-based Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Derby teachers had tested and recommended the company’s high school social studies curriculum. But board member Cathy Boote says some materials do not accurately reflect Trump’s actions during his first presidency, including a 2017 order suspending travel from seven predominantly Muslim countries. “Safety was the top priority. But they leave it sit there, with no explanation, to make you think he was xenophobic,” she said. Other board members say they oppose the publisher’s stance on diversity issues and a Black Lives Matter message posted on the company website.
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Midwife-Led Birth Center in Topeka Could Be Closed over Alleged Health Violations
UNDATED (KNS) – A midwife-led birth center in Topeka could be forced to close because it allegedly did not comply with state health regulations. The Kansas health department says Immanuel Birth Company failed to resuscitate a baby, didn’t report a stillbirth in time and admitted two patients who were high risk. The Kansas News Service reports that birth center staff have appealed and are working to keep their license. Women in Topeka recently protested the potential closure. Protester Stephanie Horacek says after a traumatic hospital birth with her first child, she had a quote “wonderful” experience at Immanuel. “Not only did I feel safe there but it actually healed a huge, like, injury to my heart,” she explained. Horacek says women would lose options of where to give birth if Immanuel closes.
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Electricity Transmission Line Proposal Canceled
LIBERAL, Kan. (KNS) – The proposal for an electricity transmission line that would have run across Kansas has been canceled. The concerns of Kansans prompted lawmakers to halt the project. The Kansas News Service reports that the electric transmission line would have started in southwest Kansas and ended in Illinois. The idea was to strengthen energy infrastructure and connect regions that have unreliable power grids. But some Kansans were worried that this project would allow the federal government to infringe on their private property rights. Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall and U.S. House Representative Ron Estes, who both actively worked to block this project, released statements saying they were pleased with the cancellation.
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Auditors Say Kansas Department of Commerce Should Add Background Checks to Hiring Process
TOPEKA, Kan. (KNS) – Auditors say the Kansas commerce department should add criminal background checks to its hiring process after a former employee was accused of mismanaging grant funds. The Kansas News Service reports that Jonathan Clayton went missing this summer after his time at the commerce department came under scrutiny. He was later found dead in a one-car crash. Before leaving in 2023, he reportedly awarded more than $400,000 to an organization he helped manage. Clayton previously pleaded guilty to theft and forgery in Pennsylvania, but commerce officials say they didn’t know at the time. They say an executive order bars them from doing background checks. Lawmakers like Republican Senator Caryn Tyson disagree. “You hired a felon to manage millions of dollars in grant money. And you’re looking for a scapegoat,” Tyson said. The order says state agencies can’t ask about criminal history early in the hiring process, but can perform background checks.
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Kansas Reporting Rise in Flu and COVID-19 Cases
WICHITA, Kan. (KNS) – Holiday travel has brought a rise in flu and COVID-19 cases to Kansas. The Kansas News Service reports that experts say people should get vaccinated and take other precautions. Emergency department visits related to flu and COVID-19 are rising in Kansas. Topeka family physician Dr. Courtney Huhn says one of the best ways to protect yourself and others is to get vaccinated. “The other things that people can do to prevent transmission is the things you always hear us health professionals talking about. Washing your hands, wearing masks if you feel sick...you know, maybe don't go,” she added. Huhn says masking is especially important if you’re spending time with people who are immunocompromised. More tips are at vaccine.gov and cdc.gov/risklessdomore.
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Wichita City Council Moves Forward on New Homeless Camping Ordinance
WICHITA, Kan. (KMUW) – Wichita is a step closer to altering how it enforces homeless camping around the city. KMUW reports that proposed changes approved by the City Council on Tuesday afternoon would let city employees execute quicker camp clean-ups around the city. It also allows for shorter notices, if any, before clearing encampments. The ordinance additionally lowers the current maximum fine for camping from $500 dollars to $200 dollars. City staff say individuals can perform community service to avoid paying. Mayor Lily Wu says the ordinance is not meant to criminalize homelessness, adding that “...we have to balance both compassion and a way to encourage a way for individuals to go to the emergency winter shelter.” The ordinance will be revisited next month and could be in place by mid-January.
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Out-of-State Patients Push Number of Kansas Abortions Up for 2023
WICHITA, Kan. (KNS) – New state data shows that Kansas clinics provided nearly 20,000 abortions in 2023. The Kansas News Service reports that out-of-state patients have pushed that number up in recent years. 2023 was the first full year after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and many nearby states banned abortion. The data shows abortions were up nearly 60% from the year prior and up 150% from 2021. Texans make up the largest number of patients at Kansas clinics by far, followed by Kansans, Oklahomans and Missourians. More than 9 in 10 abortions occurred before the 13th week of pregnancy. None happened after 22 weeks, which is the legal limit in Kansas.
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Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Topeka Church to Host Homeless
TOPEKA (KSNT) – A church in Topeka may soon open its doors for the homeless again. KSNT TV reports that the Topeka Planning Commission approved a recommendation Monday for rezoning for the Open Arms Outreach Ministries. Under the church’s previous zoning, it was allowed to hold religious services and operate a daycare and a community center with a few live-in caretakers. Under the commission’s new zoning recommendation, the church will be permitted to house as many as eight people on a regular basis. If there’s a need for a warming center during the cold winter months, the church will be allowed to accept an additional 20 people. The planning commission voted to recommend the zoning change but the final decision will come from the Topeka City Council.
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Jayhawk Theater Seeks Funding to Complete Renovation of Historic Topeka Venue
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW / KPR) - Leaders for the Jayhawk Theater are hoping to re-open the historic Topeka theater sometime in 2026 after the completion of renovations. Theater representatives presented an update on the renovation progress at the Shawnee County Commission’s work session Monday. WIBW reports that organizers told the commission they will need help to complete the project on schedule and be ready for a re-opening in time for the theater’s 100th anniversary in 2026.
The remaining total to renovate the building is approximately $11.5 million. With various grants and other projected funding, $5 million still remains to be covered. Jayhawk Theater Development Director Joanne Morrell told commissioners that the theater benefits the community by providing entertainment and employment for Topeka residents. She says the theater expects to bring in as much as $1.5 million dollars annually, much of that from out-of-town visitors.
If the theater receives funding from the county and city, it would be spent on structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and core infrastructure needs, and accessibility. The Jayhawk is considered an architectural and historic masterpiece. The theater opened in 1926.
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Corn Stunt Disease Emerges in Kansas Fields
MANHATTAN, Kan. (KNS) - A corn disease turned up for the first time in Kansas this year, in in 26 Kansas counties. The disease is called corn stunt and it hurts crop yields. The insect that spreads the disease was already a problem in Texas and other southern states, but this year the corn leafhoppers moved as far north as Minnesota and New York. Rodrigo Onofre is a crop pathologist at Kansas State University extension. “We all are very shocked with how widespread, how endemic this leafhopper and the disease was,” he added. He says it’s not clear why this happened. Winds from the south may have combined with other factors to spread the insects. It’s unclear if the corn leafhoppers will survive the winter in Kansas and farther north. Kansas State Extension helps farmers test corn that they suspect is impacted by the disease. Corn leafhoppers also turned up for the first time in Oklahoma and Missouri this year.
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Kansas Getting $8 Million to Help Close Digital Divide
TOPEKA, Kan. (KPR) - Kansas is getting more than $8 million in federal funds to help close the digital divide. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced Thursday that the Kansas Office of Broadband Development will start accepting applications in February for funding from the federal grant. A total of $8.2 million in funds is available for a variety of projects designed to expand and improve internet access. Eligible entities encouraged to apply include community organizations, educational institutions, tribal nations and local government agencies. Applications will be open from February 3 to April 3rd, 2025.
(–Additional Reporting–)
State of Kansas Launches Internet Access Grant Program
TOPEKA, Kan. (KNS) – The Kansas Office of Broadband Development is launching a new grant program to help expand internet access and other digital infrastructure. The Kansas News Service reports that the grants will be funded by more than $8 million from the federal government. Uses for the grant money include expanding internet access, improving local websites for accessibility and training people in workplace skills. The money will be available to community organizations, local governments and other groups who demonstrate a need. Applications for the program will be open from February to April. More information is available at kansascommerce.gov.
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Group Says It Needs More Funding to Expand Services to Western Kansas Kids
LIBERAL, Kan. (KNS) – A group that helps children who are victims of abuse in western Kansas says it needs more funding to expand needed services. For a child who is a victim of abuse, talking to law enforcement or child protective services can be intimidating. Having child friendly mental health experts trained in trauma recovery available in rural places helps with those investigations. But trained experts and mental health services aren’t readily available in many rural areas. Director Layla Mumgaard told the Kansas News Service that extra funding for the Western Kansas Children’s Advocacy Center could help the kids they serve across 34 counties, saying that “...we have that ability to do that within our rural communities when a lot of people aren't able to drive two, three hours.” But Mumgaard says they want to offer more. They are turning to the public asking for donations to reach their goal of $1 million to renovate their building.
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Chiefs QB Mahomes Diagnosed with “Mild” Ankle Sprain After Injury in Cleveland
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KMBC) — Results have been released from medical tests on Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. He suffered an ankle injury in Sunday’s game versus the Cleveland Browns as the Chiefs defeated the Browns 21-7. KMBC TV reports that Mahomes was diagnosed with a mild high-ankle sprain. Chiefs coaches say his eligibility to play will be decided on a week-to-week basis for now. The Chiefs play the Houston Texans on Saturday and then have a quick turnaround as they face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas four days later. Chiefs trainers say it’s It is not likely that Mahomes will play in Saturday’s game, but he is expected to be fine in the long-term. If Mahomes can’t play versus Houston on Saturday, back-up QB Carson Wentz will get the start. His most recent start was against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 18 of last season. The Chiefs currently hold the one seed in the AFC with three games left to play.
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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 (formerly Twitter).