Politics News
Billions in federal farm payments flow to a select group of producers, report shows
WASHINGTON — The top 10% of recipients of federal farm payments raked in more than 79% of total subsidies over the last 25 years — producing billions of dollars for a relatively small group of U.S. producers, according to a new analysis of federal data from an...
States criticized for spending federal relief funds on tax cuts, prisons
As states plan how they’ll spend the $25 billion remaining in federal COVID-19 relief funds, some also are facing criticism and renewed scrutiny over how they allocated money already received from the American Rescue Plan Act. Of the $198 billion authorized by...
Kansas Supreme Court examines clash over expanding hog facilities, shielding water supply
TOPEKA — The Kansas Supreme Court must arbitrate conflict sparked by a cunning Kansas regulatory maneuver to expand concentrated swine feeding operations and the response of an environmental organization claiming state regulators embraced legal fiction to weaken...
Bill giving secretary of state control over ballot boxes advances
A bill giving the secretary of state the power to regulate advance ballot drop boxes was approved by a House committee despite concerns that the legislation would put the rules at the whims of a new elected official every four years. The House...
Chinese surveillance balloon now drifting across the middle of the U.S., Pentagon confirms
WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will postpone his planned trip to Beijing after the U.S. detected a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon hovering over Montana. A senior State Department official said Friday that despite the Chinese government...
Senate bill sets local government conflict-of-interest standard for Kansas solar, wind projects
TOPEKA — School teacher Penny Massing is convinced the 600 megawatt High Banks Wind farm was approved by the three Republic County commissioners despite their potential conflicts of interest. Massing, who lives on a 40-acre homestead in Cuba, Kansas, told state...
Kansas health care system faces ongoing mental health bed shortages, waiver waitlists
TOPEKA — Over six hours Friday, lawmakers discussed ways to improve the KanCare system. Many of the issues sounded familiar, with residents across the state repeating concerns about disability waivers, long waitlists to receive care and workforce shortages. During...
Statehouse scraps: Secrecy shrouds semiconductor deal, counting a community, silver screen plans
Somehow we just wrapped the fourth week of the 2023 Kansas legislative session. Tracking lawmakers’ antics sometimes feels like pounding a half-dozen slushies and taking a ride on a tilt-a-whirl. The individual experiences might be fun, exhilarating even, but you need...
I helped balance the budget in the ’90s. Here’s how hard it will be for Republicans.
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton stands with former U.S. President George H.W. Bush during the opening session of the Clinton Global Initiative on Sept. 24, 2008, in New York City. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) Kevin McCarthy reportedly promised many things to...
State medical cannabis programs failing to make enough progress, advocacy group finds
WASHINGTON — A report from a patient advocacy group found the future of medical cannabis in the states is hazy unless costs are decreased, product safety standards are improved, and civil rights are strengthened for patients and prescribers. Americans for Safe Access...
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