University of Kansas Faculty Senate and University Senate Call for No-Confidence Vote in KU Chancellor
UNDATED (KCUR) — We’ll know by the end of Wednesday whether University of Kansas faculty and staff have lost confidence in the chancellor. In an email to faculty and university senators, Faculty Senate and University Senate leadership said KU finances are "uncertain", and they called for an independent audit. They cited the cost of rebuilding the football stadium and its associated one billion dollar hotel and retail project, and a new pay structure for student-athletes. KCUR reports that KU is using tuition and taxpayer money to fund the $20 million student-athlete payroll that kicked in July 1st. KU Athletics projects a $15 million deficit this year. This also comes after the University offered a 1%, across-the-board pay hike to the faculty union. KU said that was its last, best offer.
UPDATE: Associate Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs Joe Monaco told KPR via e-mail that "The university does not provide any dollars – tuition, state general fund or otherwise – to Kansas Athletics. Kansas Athletics is a fully self-sustaining enterprise that operates entirely on revenues it generates itself."
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Charges Against Lawrence Murder Suspect Dropped
LAWRENCE, Kan. (LT) — Douglas County prosecutors have dropped the charges against a man accused of murder. 42-year-old Julius Robert Beasley had been charged with murdering 51-year-old Crystal Marie White at a homeless camp in North Lawrence in February 2024. But in a press release on Monday, the Douglas County district attorney’s office said it was dropping the charges because “the admissible evidence is ethically insufficient to proceed to trial.” The Lawrence Times reports Beasley’s lawyers had made several motions to dismiss the charges due to issues with witness statements and evidence collection.
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As Enrollment Drops, Emporia Schools Face Budget Cuts
EMPORIA, Kan. (WIBW-TV) — The Emporia School District is facing some tough choices after a drop in student enrollment. WIBW-TV reports enrollment has fallen 10%, from 4,000 students to 3,600. That means the district will face a commensurate cut in state funding, and that could add up to millions of dollars. District officials attribute the decline to the closure of a large employer, Tyson Foods, in February 2025. Staff reductions are expected.
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Kansas Lawmakers Consider Expanding and Changing Composition of State Prisoner Review Board
UNDATED (KNS) — Kansas lawmakers want the state’s prisoner review board to consist of political appointments. The Kansas News Service reports that a bill would expand the board from three to five members who are selected by the governor and attorney general. Three of the five positions would require specific legal or law enforcement experience. The board currently consists of three members who are Kansas Department of Corrections employees. Supporters of the bill say the board needs outside professionals to increase scrutiny. Attorney Emily Brandt opposes the change, saying that the board mostly works on administrative issues, so it makes sense to fill it with correctional staff. She added that the board would need “...full time employees working day in and day out to do all kinds of things that are not parole decisions.” Critics also argue the bill inserts politics into parole cases.
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Kansas Lawmakers Considering Changes to Gun Regulations
TOPEKA, Kan. (KPR) — Kansas lawmakers are considering a bill that would legalize silencers and sawed-off firearms. Federally, silencers and sawed-off firearms are legal, but need to be registered with the government. Republican Attorney General Kris Kobach supports the change. He says the difference between federal and state law is a trap for gun owners, who may not realize silencers are still illegal under Kansas law. Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter says his concern with the change is the criminal use of silencers and sawed-off firearms. “Our issue with this particular bill isn't the law-abiding citizens of the state of Kansas, it's the criminals that we deal with on an everyday basis that possess guns and use them in nefarious ways,” he explained. Easter wants the bill to include a felony charge for people who commit crimes with the gun modifications.
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Iran War Sparks Worry Among Kansas Farmers
UNDATED (KSNT) — The war in Iran is sparking concern among Kansas farmers. That’s because rising oil and gas prices can lead to higher prices for fertilizer. KSNT reports the average price of a gallon of gas in Topeka has risen more than 23 cents since last week. But a Kansas State University economist told KSNT farmers shouldn’t “panic.” He predicts prices will eventually come back down.
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Kansas Tax Revenue Lower than Expected in February
TOPEKA, Kan. (KPR) — Kansas took in $58.4 million less in tax revenue than it expected in February. According to data released on Monday, the state collected $506.3 million in taxes last month. That's 10% below projections. Individual income tax receipts were down more than $44 million from what was predicted. In a statement, Democratic governor Laura Kelly warned the Republican-controlled legislature that it must “rectify the unsustainable imbalance” of past budgets.
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Republican State Rep. John Resman Dies at Age 70
TOPEKA, Kan. (KPR) — A sitting Kansas state representative from Olathe died Monday at the age of 70. Republican lawmaker John Resman had been a state representative since 2017, served in the U.S. Army and had a career that spanned more than a quarter century with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. Speaker of the House Dan Hawkins said Resman “embodied a steady and committed voice for his constituents.” Resman was known as a consistent conservative at the Kansas Capitol. Flags at all state buildings, grounds and facilities were ordered to be at half-staff by Governor Laura Kelly following the news of Resman’s death.
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Foundational U.S. Documents Come to Kansas City on National Tour
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCUR) — Some of the United States’ most important, foundational documents arrived in Kansas City Monday. KCUR reports that the papers are touring the country on the “Freedom Plane”, and Kansas City is the first stop.
The Freedom Plane traveling exhibit marks this year’s 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The plane from Washington is carrying a few irreplaceable, original documents that brought the colonies together, and established individual rights. The original declaration isn’t along for the ride, but one of 50 surviving copies commissioned by John Quincy Adams is. There’s a secret draft printing of the Constitution, with hand written notes and edits. And the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War after eight years of fighting. The Freedom Plane exhibition goes on display at the National World War One Museum and Memorial later this week.
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Kansas Senate Passes Bill Requiring More Scrutiny of School At-Risk Funding Processes
UNDATED (KNS) — Kansas could add more scrutiny to the process by which school districts qualify for at-risk funding. The Kansas News Service reports that school districts get more state funding based on the number of students who qualify for free meals. A Kansas bill would require districts to verify the household income of students who qualify. Districts would also need state approval to apply for a federal program that provides free meals for every student, regardless of income. Critics say the state is inserting itself into a federal process. Supporters say the bill would ensure funds go where they’re most needed. Paige Terryberry of the Foundation for Government Accountability, testified that “...every dollar spent on someone who is not eligible is money that is not available for the truly needy.” The bill has passed the Kansas Senate and awaits a vote in the Kansas House.
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KDHE Working to Mitigate Landfill Odors Near Galena
UNDATED (KRPS) — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is working with the city of Galena, Kansas, to mitigate odor from a landfill. KRPS reports that Galena’s construction and demolition site is emitting hydrogen sulfide gas — a toxic gas with a rotten egg smell. The odor has increased in the last two years and residents are reporting symptoms consistent with low exposure, like headaches and a runny nose. Ashley Wells is with the group Galena KS Neighbors for Clean Air, which is compiling complaints. “We've got to figure out what the long-term fix is and start trying to get that in place," Wells said. The landfill owner, Jordan Disposal LLC, did not respond to a request for comment. KDHE has required the city of Galena to monitor the emissions.
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Farm Closures Rose in Kansas and Missouri in 2025
LIBERAL, Kan. (KNS) — Farm closures were up almost 50% in 2025. Midwestern states like Kansas and Missouri saw the largest amounts of closures. The Kansas News Service reports that Kansas farmers had a rough year despite good weather and high crop yields. Input costs like fertilizer and machinery have increased, and tariff disputes have eliminated many grain crop markets. That resulted in the highest amounts of farm closures in the nation since 2021. Kansas saw a total of 700 farms close just last year. Greg Doering with the Kansas Farm Bureau says this can strain the mental health of farmers. “That can be very stressful, especially when you start considering times like this, that could end the legacy of a family that goes back three, four or five generations,” Doering explained. The American Farm Bureau says for now, there is little economic relief in sight.
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Kansas City Readies Translation Service Access for World Cup
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCUR) — As the Kansas City area prepares for a tsunami of international travelers with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, KCI is looking at ways to make it easier for those coming in from other countries. Some 650,000 people are expected to visit Kansas City for World Cup matches and thousands will come from overseas. KCUR reports that Kansas City International Airport says it’s reviewing options for temporary signage in different languages to help people find their way around, although a plan has yet to be announced. But a spokesperson says the airport already has some language services. At information desks, travelers can connect by phone or video with interpreters. iPads with Google translations are also available. KCI also offers free access to the Aira app, which offers American Sign Language interpretation.
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Kansas City Museum Seeks 1980s Toy Donations
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCUR) — A national museum in Kansas City is on the hunt for childhood toys from the 1980s. KCUR reports that museum officials want people to check closets, attics, and basements because the museum is seeking donations from the public. The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures could be interested in taking that old My Little Pony, Care Bear or Ninja Turtle toy off your hands. They’re making plans for a special exhibit in 2027 that features toys from what some consider the golden age of Saturday morning cartoons. Senior manager Madeline Rislow says they aren’t just looking for pristine examples, either. “Some of my favorite objects in the collection are kind of beat up, because they were loved," she explained. If you’re interested, send an email to objectdonation@toyandminiaturemuseum.org or contact the museum by April 30th. (Read more.)
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