Alert Issued, then Canceled, on KU Campus
LAWRENCE, Kan. (The Lawrence Times) - Police looked for an armed person near Memorial Stadium on the University of Kansas campus this (FRI) afternoon. The Lawrence Times reports that the KU Police Department authorized a campus alert to avoid the area until further notice at around 1:20 p.m. Scanner traffic indicated that no one had been injured before law enforcement moved their communications to an encrypted channel. Campus Police authorized an alert that there was no longer a threat to public safety at approximately 1:55 p.m.
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UPDATE: Legislators Back Down from Move to Oust Ethics Official
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A powerful Kansas business group says it has received subpoenas from the state ethics commission for information about campaign finance activities. The disclosure Friday from the Kansas Chamber of Commerce came as Republican lawmakers moved to oust the commission’s top staffer. A chamber spokesperson said in a statement that the Governmental Ethics Commission has launched what the chamber called “an extreme fishing expedition.” It declined to comment on the exact details of the subpoenas. The statement came after GOP senators negotiating with House members over an elections bill proposed setting new qualifications for the ethics commission’s executive director that would remove the current executive director from the job. But Republican state Senator Rob Olson of Olathe later said the idea was dropped.
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Kansas Trans Sports Ban Likely to Pass; Veto Override Unsure
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Conservative legislators in Kansas expect to pass a proposed ban on transgender girls and women competing in female school sports, but LGBTQ-rights activists believe the margins won't be veto-proof. The measure was part of a broader agenda for conservatives as the GOP-controlled Legislature tried to finish the bulk of its work before starting its annual spring break late Friday or early Saturday. Conservatives also sought to tighten election laws and respond to concerns about what’s taught in public schools by making it easier for parents to try to remove materials from classrooms and libraries. As for the proposal on transgender athletes, Kelly vetoed a similar bill last year.
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Kansas Governor Campaigns to Axe the Food Tax
TOPEKA, Kan. (KPR) - Kansas Democratic Governor Laura Kelly is crisscrossing the state in an attempt to drum up support for her proposal to eliminate the sales tax on groceries by July 1st. But lawmakers want to phase it out over a couple of years. In addition to stumping for her proposal, Kelly has been using social media urging Kansans to help her lobby lawmakers. "Call your legislators now and urge them to ax the food tax," she said. But lawmakers have their own plan. It would cut the grocery tax from 6.5% to 4%, but not until January 1st. And then ratchet the rate down to zero by January of 2025. That’s not fast enough for Senator Tom Holland, one of the Democrats trying to negotiate a deal with Republicans that the governor will take. "We know we have the money to do this now," he said. "I’m disappointed, strongly disappointed, that we were not able to make a significant cut by July 1st of this year.” Even if Kelly feels the same way, Republicans are betting she won’t reject the compromise.
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Kansas Bill Requires Non-Disabled Adults to Get Job Training or Lose Benefits
TOPEKA, Kan. (KPR) - Kansas lawmakers have given final approval to a bill requiring unemployed adults who aren’t disabled to enroll in job training in order to get food stamps. Republican backers of the measure say it will help lift people out of poverty by getting them into the workforce. But Democrats, including Hutchinson Representative Jason Probst, say the plan will increase the cost of administering the food-stamp program by more than $3 million. "This is bad policy if you don’t want state government to spend money unnecessarily, and if you don’t want it to get bigger," he said. "And we’re doing it all just to be mean to poor people.” Opportunity Solutions Project, a Florida-based conservative group, provided the only testimony for the bill at a recent legislative hearing. More than 40 organizations, including churches and food pantries, testified against it. The bill now goes to Democratic Governor Laura Kelly.
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Kansas Governor Likely to Sign Bill Legalizing Sports Betting in Kansas
TOPEKA, Kan. (KCUR) - Kansas lawmakers are working on a possible sports gambling agreement that could advance before the session ends. If they craft a deal, it looks likely the governor would sign it. Democratic Governor Laura Kelly says from a financial standpoint, the state needs to legalize sports gambling to compete with nearby states. “You know, I know so many people who go to Iowa every weekend. I’d like for them to stay here and spend their money in the state of Kansas," she said. Plans to legalize sports betting in Kansas have passed both the House and Senate, and now a group is working to negotiate a final compromise. Both bills would allow betting online and in person at locations including casinos. ( Read more.)
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Kansas Lawmakers Strive for Compromise on "Parental Rights" Legislation
TOPEKA, Kan. (KPR) - Kansas lawmakers are inching closer to a compromise on a controversial bill to give parents more control over what their children are taught about race, gender and sexuality in public schools. Republicans in the Kansas House have backed away from their insistence that all school districts create online portals to give parents access to teaching materials, lesson plans and library books so they can inspect them. That leaves the Senate version of the bill largely intact. It requires districts to ensure access to the same materials and to establish ways for handling objections - but doesn’t tell them exactly how to do it. A controversial section allowing parents to opt their children out of student surveys has been removed and put in a separate bill. Opponents of both measures say they’re part of an ongoing effort by conservative Republicans to undermine confidence in the state’s public schools.
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Governor: Kansas Moves Toward 'Endemic Normalcy' on COVID-19
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Governor Laura Kelly is formally declaring that Kansas is moving toward treating COVID-19 as a disease like the flu that spreads regularly in parts of the state and isn't considered a pandemic requiring emergency measures. Kelly said Thursday that the state health department will continue to support access to free COVID-19 testing, work to ensure that vulnerable populations can get vaccinated, see that providers serve a broad population and give “comprehensive guidance” about the virus. She called the new phase “endemic normalcy.” The Democratic governor’s announcement came more than nine months after top Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature ended a state of emergency for the coronavirus pandemic.
(–Related–)
With 'Endemic Normalcy,' Kansas Plans Fewer COVID Updates
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas is planning fewer updates of its data about COVID-19 now that Gov. Laura Kelly is formally declaring that the state is moving toward treating COVID-19 as a disease like the flu that spreads regularly and isn't considered a pandemic. Kelly said Thursday that the state health department will continue to support access to free COVID-19 testing, work to ensure that vulnerable populations can get vaccinated, see that providers serve a broad population and give “comprehensive guidance” about the virus. She called the new phase “endemic normalcy.” The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations once a week rather than the current three times a week.
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Missouri Governor Declares the "COVID-19 Crisis is Over"
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri Gov. Mike Parson says “the COVID-19 crisis is over" in Missouri. The Republican governor announced Wednesday that the state will transition to treating the coronavirus as an endemic beginning Friday. One result is that the public will have less frequent updates about the number of deaths, hospitalizations and cases of COVID-19. Parson said the change recognizes that the coronavirus is here to stay and that there will be periodic surges in cases. State Health Director Paula Nickelson says the state will monitor and respond to the coronavirus similar to how it does for influenza and other ongoing diseases.
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Bill Prohibiting "Sanctuary Cities" in Kansas Headed to Governor's Desk
TOPEKA, Kan. (KPR) - A bill pushed by Republicans to stop Kansas cities and counties from adopting "Sanctuary City" policies is on its way to the governor's desk. The legislation prevents Kansas communities from adopting policies that Republicans say make them havens for illegal immigration. The bill nullifies policies in a handful of Kansas communities that limit police cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The measure specifically targets Wyandotte County’s recently adopted “Safe and Welcoming” ordinance. Democratic Senator Cindy Holscher says backers of the bill are recklessly undoing years of work by local officials in order to score political points with conservative voters. “Wyandotte County spent five years developing this plan. We spent one hour in a rushed committee process," she said. In addition to encouraging compliance with federal immigration laws, supporters of the bill say it increases election security, by prohibiting people from using special ID cards issued by local governments when they go to vote. The bill cleared both the House and Senate with veto-proof majorities.
(AP version)
Kansas GOP Lawmakers Approve Measure to Nullify Local "Sanctuary City" Rules
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican lawmakers have passed a measure to overturn three communities’ policies that could help immigrants stay in Kansas illegally. Their action Wednesday highlighted an issue the GOP is likely to push in the governor’s race. The bill is a response to an ordinance enacted last month by Wyandotte County, a Democratic stronghold. The ordinance provides local identification cards for immigrants and other residents and declares that the county won’t help federal officials enforce immigration laws absent a threat to public safety. Lawrence and Roeland Park also have such immigration policies. Attorney General Derek Schmidt called on lawmakers to intervene. He is the presumed Republican nominee for governor.
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Kansas Lawmakers Approve New Districts, Education Board Map
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers have given final approval to a redistricting measure that's likely to preserve Republican super-majorities in the Legislature while possibly moving the state school board to the right. The votes Wednesday night were 29-11 in the Senate and 83-40 in the House on a single bill containing plans for lawmakers and the State Board of Education. The measure goes next to Democratic Governor Laura Kelly, and she said earlier this week that she thinks lawmakers did a good job on legislative redistricting. Republicans currently have majorities of 29-11 in the Senate, 86-39 in the House and 6-4 on the state board.
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Kansas Health Officials Identify Active Tuberculosis Cases in Wyandotte County
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Unified Government Public Health Department said there are a handful of active Tuberculosis (TB) cases in the county. According to WDAF TV, the health department said that while there are fewer than 10 patients with the disease, some of the strains are resistant to multiple antibiotics that are normally used to treat the illness. State and county health leaders are working to make sure that the patients are getting treatment and that disease doesn’t spread to even more people. Health officials are also investigating where the small outbreak started and spread. Experts said there is minimal risk to the general public at this time. TB is treatable. The disease is spread through the air, similar to the way that cold and flu viruses are spread. Symptoms include sickness or weakness, fever, night sweats, coughing, chest pain or coughing up blood.
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Kansas Among States Challenging CDC Transit Mask Rule
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Florida and 20 other states have sued to halt the federal government's pandemic requirement that people wear masks on planes, trains and other public transport. The lawsuit was filed this week in federal court in Tampa, Florida. It contends that the mask mandate exceeds the authority of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC rule took effect February 1, 2021. It requires “the wearing of masks by people on public transportation conveyances or on the premises of transportation hubs,” according to the agency website. The rule has been relaxed somewhat but was recently extended until at least April 18 for domestic and international travel in general. The states filing the new travel mask lawsuit are Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia.
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K-State Researchers: Feeding Hemp to Cattle Calms them Down
MANHATTAN, Kan. (KNS) - Researchers at Kansas State University say industrial hemp could find a new use as cattle feed. A new study shows hemp makes cattle more relaxed. The K-State researchers fortified cattle feed with industrial hemp — a horticultural cousin of marijuana that has much lower levels of the psychoactive component THC. They found that the diet lowered stress levels in the cattle and increased the amount of time they spent lying down. That could prove beneficial to ranchers because relaxed steers are healthier. Researchers say hemp may be a natural way to decrease stress and inflammation that happen when cattle are being transported or weaned. After the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp production in the U.S., interest has grown in hemp as feed for animals. More research and FDA approval would be required before hemp could be fed to livestock or pets.
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Missouri House Slated to Pass Sweeping New Abortion Bill
UNDATED (AP) - The Republican-led Missouri House is set to pass legislation to defund Planned Parenthood and allow wrongful death lawsuits in rare cases when infants are born alive after an abortion attempt and the infant then dies or is injured. A vote to send the sweeping bill to the GOP-led Senate could come as early as next week. Under the bill, family members could file wrongful death suits if infants are injured or later die as a result of the attempted abortion. A high-profile amendment to make illegal to “aid or abet” abortions that violate Missouri law, even if they are performed in other states didn't make it on the bill.
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Late Kansas State Grad Leaves $17 Million to University
MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas State University graduate has left $17 million to the school to fund scholarships and recognition. The university announced Thursday that Wichita businessman Robert “Bob” Campbell graduated from Kansas State's business college in 1950 and eventually opened Robert E. Campbell Oil and Gas Operations, which he operated for 56 years. The new scholarship funds set up in Campbell's estate plan are in addition to a $1 million gift to the College of Business Administration in 2018. Campbell died in March 2021.
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After Spate of Strikes, Big Raises for Workers at KCK's Kellogg's Plant
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Several hundred workers at a Kellogg's plant that makes Cheez-Its won a new contract that delivers more than 15% wage increases over three years after 1,400 workers at the company's cereal plants went on strike for nearly three months last fall. The union that represents those 570 workers in Kansas City, Kansas said Wednesday that the wages and benefit improvements secured this week are the biggest ones the local union has ever seen. The deal comes as many companies are struggling to fill the more than 11 million job openings across the country and workers are demanding more after keeping plants operating throughout the pandemic.
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Nevada Gun Manufacturer's License Revoked After Lawsuit
WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal officials have revoked the license of a Nevada-based gun manufacturer that was accused of illegally selling guns and went bankrupt but then rebranded itself. The revocation comes after a lawsuit alleged the Justice Department didn’t conduct proper oversight before issuing the license. The decision to revoke the license of JA Industries was spelled out in a court filing Wednesday as part of the lawsuit brought by Illinois; Kansas City, Missouri; and gun control advocate Everytown for Gun Safety. The lawsuit alleged the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives awarded the license to JA Industries after it violated firearms law. JA Industries hasn't returned a message seeking comment.
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Kansas Looks for Revenge in Battle with Villanova at Saturday's Final Four
NEW ORLEANS (KPR) - As college basketball’s Final Four gets underway this weekend, much of the media attention has been focused on the matchup between Duke and North Carolina, where Blue Devils coach Mike Krzyzewski will be winding down his legendary career. But the other semifinal game in New Orleans offers basketball fans another kind of drama: revenge. In the first game on Saturday, the Kansas Jayhawks will try to avenge recent tournament losses to the Villanova Wildcats. Villanova has been a thorn in the side of KU in recent NCAA tournaments - beating the Jayhawks at the Final Four in 2018 and at a regional final in 2016. KU is the last remaining No. 1 seed. Villanova is a #2 seed. Recent history is on ‘Nova’s side, but the law of averages favors Kansas. KU fans are hoping this third time will be the charm for the Jayhawks. Tip off is set for 5:09 p.m. Saturday. ( Read more.)
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KU's Ochai Agbaji Among Finalists for College Basketball's John Wooden Award
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kansas Jayhawk Ochai Agbaji is among five finalists for college basketball's John R. Wooden Award. He's joined by Wisconsin's Johnny Davis, Iowa's Keegan Murray, Gonzaga's Drew Timme and Kentucky's Oscar Tshiebwe for the Wooden Award, which honors college basketball's player of the year. The winner will be announced April 5 on ESPN's "SportsCenter." The finalists have been invited to Los Angeles for the 46th annual presentation on April 8.
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Final Four Teams Heavily Recruit Talent in Their Backyards
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The four blueblood programs that have descended upon the Superdome for the men's Final Four all have the ability to recruit on a national scale. Their coaches are able to hop aboard a jet on a moment’s notice to sit in a living room or take in a game. Yet all of the teams in New Orleans have pulled talent from their own backyards. Kansas has mined stars from Kansas City, Villanova from the fertile recruiting grounds of Philadelphia, and Duke and North Carolina have gone head-to-head for local talent with their campuses separated by about 10 miles.
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NCAA President Decries Pace of Basketball Investigations
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — NCAA President Mark Emmert says investigations into allegations of major violations against several high-profile men’s college basketball programs have taken “way too long.” The implicated programs include current men’s Final Four participant Kansas. Emmert did not specify what solutions to speed the process are on the table. But there’s increasing acknowledgement that the process is broken. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey says the Division I Transformation Committee he co-chairs is working to recommend ways to modernize and reform NCAA governance and regulatory policies. Emmert also is urging Congress to draft national name, image and likeness policies governing permissible athlete endorsement deals. He says transfer rules also remain under constant scrutiny.
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These area headlines are curated by KPR news staffers, including J. Schafer, Laura Lorson, Kaye McIntyre, and Tom Parkinson. Our headlines are generally posted by 10 am weekdays, 11 am weekends. This news summary is made possible by KPR listener-members. Become one today!