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Kobach talks to reporters at a polling place in Topeka. (Photo by Stephen Koranda)Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach says turnout in today’s (TUE) primary elections is varying by location. Kobach’s office estimated 18 percent voter turnout. Some precincts are topping that, while others are falling short. Kobach spoke to reporters at a polling place in Topeka.00000184-7fa7-d6f8-a1cf-7fa7b22e0000This is also the first statewide test of the Kansas voter ID law. Kobach, who pushed for the legislation, says there have been few reports of issues with the ID requirement.00000184-7fa7-d6f8-a1cf-7fa7b22e0001Voters who forget their identification can fill out a provisional ballot and provide an ID in the coming days. Polls are open until 7:00 p.m.

Ensley Deiter during a meeting of the Shawnee County Board of Canvassers. (Photo by Stephen Koranda)Shawnee County will soon have a new top elections official. Long-time election commissioner, Elizabeth Ensley Deiter (DYE-ter), has been appointed to a magistrate judgeship. She says her office has been preparing for the change.00000184-7fa7-d6f8-a1cf-7fa7b3be0000Ensley Deiter has been in her current position for 20 years. Shawnee County is one of four Kansas counties where the election commissioner is appointed. Secretary of State Kris Kobach will choose a new commissioner after Ensley Deiter steps down.

(Photo from sxc.hu)Democrats from the Kansas Legislature pitched a school funding proposal to the state Board of Education today (TUE). The bill would increase education funding by $180 million over the next three years. The goal is to reverse school finance cuts that were made during the economic downturn. Anthony Hensley, of Topeka, is the state Senate’s top Democrat.00000184-7fa7-d6f8-a1cf-7fa7a7f50000The bill also includes funding to help reduce property taxes. The Democrats' plan is an alternative to one proposed by Governor Sam Brownback. The governor’s bill would include a smaller increase in education funding and would recalculate how education dollars are distributed.

Senator Anthony Hensley (D-Topeka). (Photo from kslegislature.org)The Kansas Board of Education today (TUE) heard the details of a school funding proposal put together by Democrats in the state legislature. The plan would increase education spending by $180 million over three years. Anthony Hensley, from Topeka, is the Senate's top Democrat.00000184-7fa7-d6f8-a1cf-7fa7a8010000The bill also includes funding to help reduce property taxes. The Democratic plan is an alternative to one proposed by Governor Sam Brownback. The governor’s bill would include a smaller increase in education funding and would recalculate how education dollars are distributed.

Senator Anthony Hensley (D-Topeka) speaking to reporters. (Photo by Stephen Koranda)Democrats in the Kansas Legislature say their party could pick up some seats in the fall election. A number of Republicans faced primary challenges from candidates promising to bring an even more conservative viewpoint to the Legislature. Anthony Hensley, of Topeka, is the top Democrat in the Senate. He says moderates, regardless of their party, are likely to find some common ground with Democrats running in the fall general election.00000184-7fa7-d6f8-a1cf-7fa7b27d0000Hensley says one of their main campaign platforms will be lowering property taxes in Kansas.

One of the state’s top military officials honored a dozen war veterans today (TUE) at a ceremony in Topeka. Brigadier General Deborah Rose thanked the retired soldiers for their service and pointed out what the nation’s new recruits could learn from the older vets.The veterans honored by General Rose were mostly soldiers who served during World War II. The ceremony at Lexington Park Assisted Living center in Topeka was part of National Assisted Living Week. Governor Sam Brownback has signed a proclamation asking Kansans to take time this week to visit people living in nursing homes and other care facilities.

According to Forbes magazine, the city of Manhattan is at the top of the list for "best small places for business and careers" in the nation. And the area is no stranger to such rankings. In 2009, the Associated Press ranked Riley County -- where Manhattan is the county seat -- as the "least economically stressed" county in the country. So what makes Manhattan's economy so seemingly bullet-proof? John Pagen, with the local Chamber of Commerce, thinks he knows part of the answer.NBAF is the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, which is scheduled to begin construction in Manhattan early next year. Last year, the city ranked third on the Forbes list of best small places for business and careers.

Caleb Stegall appears with Governor Sam Brownback during the announcement of Stegall's nomination. (Photo by Stephen Koranda)Governor Sam Brownback’s nominee for a seat on the Kansas Court of Appeals is headed for the job. The state Senate confirmed Caleb Stegall yesterday (WED) in a party-line 32-8 vote. Brownback chose Stegall, his administration’s top attorney, for the job on the state’s second-highest court. It's the first selection under a new process where the governor chooses nominees for the Court of Appeals, who then must be confirmed by the Senate. KPR’s Stephen Koranda reports on the debate.00000184-7fa7-d6f8-a1cf-7fa7c4050000

University of Kansas basketball senior Frank Mason III has won the 2017 John R. Wooden Award, completing a national player of the year sweep. Mason also received the Bob Cousy Award as the nation's top point guard at yesterday's (FRI) ESPN College Basketball Awards.

Sure, this picture of the Kansas Statehouse looks a little gloomy, what with the overcast skies and all. But when you have the chance, take a trip inside. From top to bottom, this building is a magnificent showpiece of art and architecture.