Kansas Political Expert, KU Emeritus Professor Dies
LAWRENCE, Kan. (KPR) - Burdett Loomis, emeritus professor of political science at the University of Kansas, has died. Multiple sources have confirmed to Kansas Public Radio that the retired professor was recently diagnosed with thyroid cancer. He died last night (SAT) at the age of 76. The political scientist, known to colleagues as "Bird" Loomis, enjoyed a national profile and was often quoted in the New York Times and other major news outlets about state and national politics. Born in New York in 1945, Loomis was the author of several books, a frequent talk show guest, and a political commentator for Kansas Public Radio and other news outlets.
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Topeka Police Investigate Death
TOPEKA, Kan. (KPR) - Topeka police are investigating the death of a man whose body was found in Gage Park. The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that 38-year-old Richmond McDaniels Jr. was found yesterday (SAT) morning. The Topeka police released no further information at this time.
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KC Shooting Leaves Man Dead
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Kansas City shooting has killed one victim. The Kansas City Star reports police responded to reports of gunshots Friday night in south Kansas City. Police found a male victim who had been shot. First responders pronounced him dead at the scene. Police didn't immediately release any additional details. The newspaper reports this is the 110th killing in Kansas City this year.
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Missouri GOP Moves to Cut Planned Parenthood Funds
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri lawmakers who want to halt all public funds to Planned Parenthood are recommending that the state cancel abortion providers’ Medicaid contracts based on behavior in other states deemed illegal or unethical. A Senate committee approved a report with that recommendation on Thursday. Planned Parenthood is Missouri’s sole abortion provider. Planned Parenthood is already prohibited from using Medicaid funds for abortion except when the mother’s life is in danger or in the cases of rape and incest. Some lawmakers want to pull all public funds, including those for birth control, sexually transmitted disease treatments, cancer screenings and other health care for low-income women.
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Driver of ATV Dies After Crashing into Jeep
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The driver of an all-terrain vehicle is dead after it reportedly popped a wheelie and crashed into the side of a Jeep. KCTV-TV reports that the accident happened Thursday night in Kansas City. Police said a man driving a Yamaha four-wheeler ran a red light, popped a wheelie while trying to go around a vehicle, and then drove into the side of a Jeep. The ATV driver was thrown from the vehicle and died. The woman driving the Jeep is hospitalized with serious injuries. Her 1-year-old son who was in the Jeep was not hurt.