Kansas

What the police raid of a Kansas newspaper says about government and the press

The raid sparked coast-to-coast outrage, but it also raised concerns about the eroding relationship between government officials and the reporters who cover them. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.

Kansas' Democratic Governor Hangs on for Second Term

Laura Kelly edged out her GOP challenger in a closely watched race. Meanwhile, Republican Kris Kobach, a lightning rod figure during his time as Kansas' secretary of state, made a political comeback and will become the state's next AG.

Voters in This State Could Take Away Governor's Regulatory Authority

The Kansas measure, which will be on the November ballot, would amend the state constitution to give the legislature veto power over everything from police certification to banking regulations to the sale of wild mushrooms.

How to Run for Reelection With a Blocked Agenda

After Democratic governors in Kansas, Michigan and Wisconsin rode a blue wave into office four years ago, their priorities hit a red wall in their GOP-controlled legislatures. But experts say they still have a shot at winning second terms. Here’s why.

Two Cities Took Different Approaches to Pandemic Court Closures. They Got Different Results

Did closing courts contribute to the resurgence in violent crime that began in 2020? What happened in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Wichita, Kansas, may provide clues.

Cities With the Most and Least Expensive Apartment Rents

New York City tops the list of most expensive while Wichita, Kansas offers the lowest rent, according to a recent report.

Most and Least Fashionable Cities in the U.S.

New York City ranks as the most fashionable city while Wichita, Kansas comes in last, according to a recent report.

Amid Pandemic Recovery, Local Health Departments Grapple With Historic Turnover

Nearly 250 public health leaders have left their jobs since last April, the largest exodus on record. In an industry where recruiting is difficult, experts worry that many positions could remain unfilled.

In One City, Residents Found a New Use For Scooters: Penis Graffiti

The vulgar drawings, made by tire skid marks, began appearing in Topeka, Kansas, shortly after the city partnered with Bird scooters on a pilot program.

As States Ease Covid-19 Mandates, (Some) Legislative Buildings Reopen

State capitols and legislative chambers are beginning to reopen their doors to the public amid increasing vaccination rates and shifting health guidelines.

‘It Didn’t Really Stick With Me’: Understanding the Rural Shrug Over Covid and Vaccines

Fort Scott, Kansas, was hit hard by the pandemic, and it no longer has a hospital. But residents remain skeptical about the impact of the coronavirus.

Huge Winter Storm Gas Bills Push Cities to the Brink

The freezing temperatures that lingered over much of the country last month led to astronomical natural gas prices and put some cities on the verge of bankruptcy.

How 18 Million Americans Could Move Into Rural Areas – Without Leaving Home

COMMENTARY | A pending proposal would reclassify dozens of communities from metropolitan to rural, potentially affecting their eligibility for certain federal funding and programs.

Timing of Covid-19 Vaccine for Health Care Workers Depends on Where They Live

STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Kansas and Missouri plan to rely on the honor system to comply with priority distribution of coronavirus vaccines ... Employees in one Louisiana city will receive a one-time lump-sum hazard payment ... Indiana lawmakers hope to shield businesses from Covid-19 lawsuits.

Russia and Iran Obtained Voter Information to Meddle in Election, Federal Government Says

STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Colorado aims to safely reopen ski resorts ... Wichita man accused of threatening mayor over mask ordinance is charged with criminal threat ... University of Michigan places students on lockdown as coronavirus surges.

State Fairs Are the Latest Casualty of Covid-19

At least 15 states have canceled their annual fairs due to public health concerns amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, while others are moving ahead with modified, pared-down events.

Big Brother in Public Health? New Contact Tracing Tactic Raises Privacy Concerns

Requiring businesses to keep customer logs could undermine the public trust necessary to effectively conduct contact tracing, says one public health expert.

A Coronavirus Order Requiring Businesses to Track Customers Is Challenged in Court

Linn County, Kansas requires businesses that reopen amid the coronavirus outbreak to log their customers as a way to assist contact tracing efforts. A lawsuit alleges that’s unconstitutional.

Ahead of Easter Sunday, Kansas Lawmakers Revoke Governor's Restrictions on Church Gatherings

Gov. Laura Kelly had issued an order earlier this week prohibiting crowds of more than 10 people at religious services as part of efforts to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

Where in the World is Kansas City?

President Trump’s congratulatory message for the Kansas City Chiefs included a common mistake.