News

Chamber leaders to be picked at the Statehouse Monday; Budget projections will likely be recalculated after revenue numbers from November; Meat prices expected to rise next year.

KS Legislators To Pick Chambers' Leaders

Kansas Republican legislators are meeting at the Statehouse to choose the next Senate president and speaker of the House.

Monday's elections will be held by returning incumbents and those taking office for the first time in January.

In terms of setting and mood, Bill Roorbach’s novel Life Among Giants contains no shortage of creative derring-do. It largely takes place in the 1970s, when the Miami Dolphins ruled the National Football League. In fact, the narrator of the novel, David “Lizard” Hochmeyer, spends time in a Dolphins uniform as a backup quarterback to Bob Griese.

Sedgwick County officials say they will close a ranch for troubled boys if the state does not provide more financial help.

County officials told lawmakers Thursday that the county can't afford to keep the Judge James V. Riddel Boys Ranch at Lake Afton open past next year. The home offers rehabilitation programs for boys considered at high or moderate risk of reoffending.

The state pays $126 a day for each boy at the ranch. County officials say the actual cost is $201 per boy.

A recent, two-part audit pointed out significant problems at the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex in Topeka. The first part of the audit found safety and security problems. The second part criticized the facility's education and substance abuse programs.

But, the head of the state's juvenile corrections system testified before lawmakers Thursday and said the facility is improving.

Friday marks the centennial of the birth of photographer, composer, filmmaker and author Gordon Parks.

Celebrations have been held across the country in his honor, including several events at Wichita State University. Parks' third wife, Genevieve Young, spoke Thursday at Wichita State, which houses Parks' personal papers.

Young was former senior editor at Little Brown and Company and vice president of Bantam Books. She edited Gordon Parks' writings.

The state is expected to release new tax revenue numbers today; A Juvenile Justice Official says the facility in Topeka has improved after issues of security arose earlier this year; WSU hosts Gordon Parks' third wife in honor of his 100th birthday.

State Tax Report Out Friday

The Kansas Department of Revenue is preparing to issue a report on whether state tax collections in November met expectations.

Two scientists at Kansas State University are part of an international team of researchers breaking the genetic code of wheat.

Political science professors from around Kansas will gather Thursday to discuss the 2012 election.

Washburn University in Topeka is hosting the meeting, which will focus on the campaign and the election results. Nationwide, Democrats held the presidency and gained some seats in Congress.

Washburn political science professor Bob Beatty says they'll look at how different the election results were nationally and in Kansas, where conservative Republicans gained power in the state Legislature.

KS election results to be certified; Politicos gather at Washburn U to discuss 2012 election; K-State researchers mapping the genome of wheat.

Kansas Officials To Certify Election Results

Kansas officials are preparing to certify results from this month's general election. The State Board of Canvassers scheduled a meeting Thursday to review totals from races for congressional, legislative and other state offices.