Recent winter storms have led to multiple school closures across Kansas, prompting districts to assess their plans for meeting the state’s required instructional hours. With students missing several days due to inclement weather, administrators are exploring various strategies to compensate for lost time and ensure compliance with educational mandates. State Requirements and Current Status In … Read more
Jefferson City’s public transportation system, JeffTran, is actively seeking solutions to its persistent bus driver shortage by proposing a shift differential pay increase. This initiative aims to attract and retain drivers, ensuring reliable service for the community. Current Pay Structure and Proposed Changes As of now, JeffTran drivers earn a starting hourly wage of $18.24. … Read more
On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, a catastrophic house fire in Hutchinson, Kansas, left seven residents displaced and a multi-family residence destroyed. The blaze, ignited by a malfunctioning space heater, underscores the critical importance of adhering to space heater safety guidelines. Incident Overview The Hutchinson Fire Department received reports of a house fire at approximately 4:30 … Read more
In a recent development, Anthony R. Sherrill, a radiologic technician in Kansas, has voluntarily surrendered his professional license following convictions for serious offenses involving children. The Kansas State Board of Healing Arts formalized this action through a consent order, effectively prohibiting Sherrill from practicing in the state. Convictions and Sentencing In January 2024, Sherrill was … Read more
The City of Columbia has temporarily halted plans to rename the basketball courts at Douglass Park following significant community feedback. The proposed dedication to the late University of Missouri women’s basketball assistant coach Willie Cox met with resistance from local residents who felt the renaming did not reflect the park’s historical significance and the individuals … Read more
In a significant move to support educational choice, Missouri lawmakers have introduced legislation aimed at providing tax credits to families with children in homeschools and private schools. This initiative seeks to alleviate the financial burdens associated with alternative education and offer parents more flexibility in their children’s learning environments. Overview of the Proposed Legislation The … Read more
In a decisive move, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has signed Executive Order 25-18, effectively eliminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs across all state agencies. This order, signed on February 18, 2025, prohibits the allocation of state funds to DEI initiatives and bars the consideration of DEI factors in hiring decisions within state departments. Key … Read more
For the first time in several years, residents of mid-Missouri will soon have access to abortion services at the Planned Parenthood clinic in Columbia. This development follows a significant legal decision that has altered the landscape of reproductive healthcare in the state. Legal Victory Over Licensing Requirements On February 14, 2025, Jackson County Circuit Judge … Read more
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins recently engaged with agricultural stakeholders in Kansas and Missouri, focusing on strategies to enhance market access, bolster rural economies, and equip producers for global competitiveness. Collaborative Discussions with Agricultural Leaders On February 17, 2025, Secretary Rollins, accompanied by U.S. Senator Roger Marshall and U.S. Representative Tracey Mann, visited key … Read more
Kansas City, Missouri, home to approximately 30,000 federal employees, is confronting a significant employment crisis as the federal government initiates extensive layoffs. This development stems from the Trump administration’s aggressive strategy to reduce the size of the federal workforce, primarily targeting probationary employees with less than a year of service. Scope of the Layoffs The … Read more