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Democrat Cindy Holscher is running to unseat Kansas Senate Majority Leader Jim Denning of Overland Park.

Governor Sam Brownback took office today (MON). Brownback was sworn in during a ceremony at the Statehouse. He takes over the job of governor at a challenging time. The state’s unemployment rate hovers at more than 6 percent, and Kansas faces a budget shortfall of more than 500 million dollars. In his inauguration speech, Brownback highlighted the difficult times ahead, but sent a message of optimism.00000184-7fa7-d6f8-a1cf-7fa78cc20000That’s Governor Sam Brownback, speaking today (MON) at the inauguration ceremony in Topeka. Brownback will lay out his legislative priorities Wednesday, during the State of the State Address. You'll be able to hear that address live at 6:30 Wednesday night, here on Kansas Public Radio.

For decades, the fire towers in New York's Adirondack Mountains defended the wilderness against fires. The soaring structures offer a vantage point high above summits to take in beautiful sunrises.

Commentator Frank Deford has cooked up a plan that invokes Tinker Bell for baseball's annual All-Star Game.

More than 2,800 dogs competed at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Just one — a German shepherd named Rumor — walked away with Best in Show. But let's not forget to relish the pictures.

Enron's former finance chief, Andrew Fastow, is sentenced to six years with an additional two years under supervised release. Fastow had worked out a plea deal with prosecutors back in 2004 under which he agreed to a prison term of up to 10 years. However, Fastow asked Federal Court Judge Kenneth Hoyt for a shorter sentence.

Kansas Public Radio began our first day of broadcasting as KANU FM 91.5 on September 15, 1952. And this year, we're celebrating our 70th anniversary! Help us commemorate this milestone by joining us for a year filled with exciting events!

The map approved by the House committee.A House committee has approved a congressional map that puts part of Wayandotte County in the 1st District, which covers western Kansas. House Speaker Mike O’Neal, a Republican from Hutchinson, says lawmakers had to add a community to the 1st, to equalize population between the four districts. He said the other options included moving Manhattan or part of Shawnee County into the Big First.00000184-7fa7-d6f8-a1cf-7fa7a9f80000The map, drafted by O’Neal, would put voters in the Kansas City area with voters from rural western Kansas. The plan passed out of committee on a 12-11 vote, with O’Neal breaking the tie. The top Democrat in the House, Paul Davis of Lawrence, calls the proposal gerrymandering.00000184-7fa7-d6f8-a1cf-7fa7a9f80001Speaker O’Neal defended the map, saying he did not take politics into account. He says he wanted to keep Manhattan in the 2nd Congressional District, instead of moving it to the 1st. The full House will now consider the proposal.

Photo by Stephen KorandaDemocrats aren't fielding a candidate for a U.S Senate race in Kansas after Democrat Chad Taylor dropped out. With no one in that race, it’s not clear what role, if any, the state Democratic Party will take in the campaign. KPR’s Stephen Koranda reports.00000184-7fa7-d6f8-a1cf-7fa7d13d0000(SCRIPT)There’s no love lost between Republican Senator Pat Roberts and the leaders in the Kansas Democratic party. But that doesn’t mean top-ranking Democrats are throwing their support behind independent candidate Greg Orman. Joan Wagnon is the chair of the Kansas Democratic Party.“I’m not sure that Mr. Orman wants our endorsement, and I’m not sure that I want to give him my endorsement.”Wagnon says she has received calls from local Democratic parties wondering if they can invite Orman to their events.Wagnon says Orman has not asked for support from the state party and she’s currently not offering any.Republican incumbent Senator Pat Roberts’ campaign has said Orman is really Democrat. Orman says he has supported both Republicans and Democrats in the past and he’s been disappointed in both parties. He says that’s why he’s running as an independent.

The Kansas Board of Regents reviewed the sexual assault policies at Kansas universities during a meeting yesterday (WED). The topic has caught headlines this year after criticism from students at the University of Kansas, saying the school has mishandled some reported cases of sexual assault. KU Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little told the board that KU has appointed a task force to study the issue and temporarily added a staff member who focuses on assisting victims and witnesses during the investigation process.00000184-7fa7-d6f8-a1cf-7fa7d1b00000“Because there was a sense that there was a need for more guidance through the process, what the options are, what to do,” says Gray-Little.The school has also created penalties if students don’t complete sexual assault training. The other Regents institutions in Kansas outlined similar efforts. Regent Shane Bangerter (BANG-a-tur) says student safety is a top priority, and he’ll be looking for ways the Board of Regents can collaborate with universities.00000184-7fa7-d6f8-a1cf-7fa7d1b00001“I’m interested, as we take a deep dive into this subject, what initiatives there might be that this board can undertake to help you,” says Bangerter.KU, Kansas State University and Washburn University are being investigated by the federal government for how they handle sexual assault claims. The investigation includes 85 schools nationally.