The "Geographer of the United States" -- Dr. Lee Schwartz -- will speak tonight (TUE) at the University of Kansas. Schwartz is giving a lecture about the importance of geography at the Dole Institute of Politics.

Dr. Schwartz delivers his remarks at 7:30 tonight (TUE) at the Dole Institute.

The "Geographer of the United States" is a little-known position at the U-S State Department -- and the man who holds that position is speaking tonight (TUE) at the University of Kansas. Dr. Lee Schwartz will deliver an address at 7:30 tonight (TUE) at the Dole Institute of Politics. KPR's J. Schafer reached him earlier today (TUE) at Reagan National Airport.

That's Dr. Lee Schwartz, Geographer of the United States. He was speaking with KPR's J. Schafer. Dr. Schwartz speaks tonight (TUE) at 7:30 at the Dole Institute of Politics. The event is free and open to the public.

Kansas Republican House Speaker Mike O'Neal of Hutchinson is defending the Legislature's speedy action on bills addressing social issues such as abortion, as opposed to its actions on the state's economy. Democrats say GOP lawmakers are breaking campaign pledges to address jobs...but O'Neal says longstanding legislative rules force social issues to the beginning of the session.

Last Friday was the first of many major deadlines facing this session of the Legislature. It saw movement on a number of issues important to many Republicans, including abortion restrictions, election isses, and the selection of state court judges.

The Pentagon has awarded one of the biggest contracts in military history to Boeing. We get more from reporter Fletcher Powell of KMUW in Wichita.

State-supported funding for the arts is under attack in several states, including Texas, Michigan and... here in Kansas. Republican Governor Sam Brownback has already signed an executive order to abolish the Kansas Arts Commission and replace that state agency with a private, non-profit arts foundation. Lawmakers could intervene -- and members of the Kansas Senate may just do that. Public radio's Kurt Anderson, of "Studio 360" -- a program produced by WNYC radio -- recently interviewed one state Senator who's hoping to save the Arts Commission. Republican Roger Reitz, of Manhattan, says eliminating the Arts Commission is bad for Kansas culture and bad for the state's economy.

That's Republican state Senator Roger Reitz, of Manhattan. He was speaking with Kurt Andersen of "Studio 360" -- a public radio program from PRI and WNYC Radio. You can join the conversation at the website: www.Studio360.org