Category Archives: Kansas

Government, Kansas

KS Attorney General Opposes Clemency Requests For Death Row Inmates

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Kobach strongly opposes clemency for Kansas death row inmates, urges Gov. Kelly to reject requests and uphold jury verdicts

WICHITA – (June 9, 2026) – Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach today voiced strong opposition to clemency requests filed by nearly all of Kansas’s death row inmates. At a press conference today flanked by law enforcement, Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett and victim family members, Kobach called on Governor Laura Kelly to reject the petitions and respect the jury verdicts that imposed the ultimate punishment for these heinous crimes.

“These clemency requests are an outrage to the victims of these killers and all Kansans. A jury sentenced them to death. I urge Gov. Kelly to reject clemency and deliver long-overdue justice for the families. As attorney general, I support the death penalty and oppose any effort to set aside the jurors’ decisions to impose this penalty,” Kobach said.

Between May 1 and May 30, eight of the nine individuals on Kansas’s death row initiated formal clemency proceedings. There is a limited window for the public to provide comment.

Kansas employs one of the highest standards in the nation for imposing a capital sentence. Every death row inmate seeking clemency was convicted and sentenced by a jury, upheld by a judge, and affirmed through multiple layers of appellate review. The state has not carried out an execution since 1965, underscoring the deliberate and painstaking nature of the process.

These cases represent some of the most brutal crimes in Kansas history, claiming the lives of students, law enforcement officers, mothers, fathers, teachers, and children including:

·       Carrie Williams, a 20-year-old Pittsburg State University student

·       Miki Martinez, a 19-year-old mother from Great Bend

·       Darren Wornkey, a 24-year-old father from Great Bend

·       Matt Samuels, a hero and the Sheriff of Greenwood County, Kansas

·       Jason Befort, originally from Pratt, a teacher and coach from Augusta

·       Brad Heyka, 27, originally from Dodge City, he worked at Koch Industries

·       Heather Muller, a preschool teacher at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School

·       Aaron Sander, a 29-year-old who was studying to become a priest

·       Ann Walenta, a gifted cellist and member of the Wichita Symphony Orchestra

·       Dorothy Wight, a mother and grandmother from Burlingame

·       Karen Kahler, a mother and homemaker from Burlingame

·       Emily Kahler, an 18-year-old freshman studying at St. Louis College of Pharmacy

·       Lauren Kahler, a 16-year-old who played tennis and bass guitar in a rock band

·       Jodi Sanderholm, a 19-year-old dancer from Arkansas City

·       Kaylie Bailey, a 21-year-old mother from Ottawa

·       Lana Bailey, an 18-month-old toddler beloved by her family

·       Andrew Stout, a 30-year-old who loved frisbee golf and Mario Brothers

·       Steven White, a 31-year-old

·       Suzette Trouten, a 27-year-old nursing student

·       Izabela Lewicka, a 20-year-old born in Poland, studying at Purdue University

·       Lisa Stasi, a 20-year-old mother originally from Alabama

·       Beverly Bonner, a 49-year-old prison librarian

·       Sheila Faith, a 45-year-old mother

·       Debbie Lynn Faith, a 15-year-old daughter

“Granting clemency to multiple death row inmates — particularly in the final weeks of a gubernatorial term and based on personal opposition to the death penalty — would substitute one person’s policy preference for the considered judgment of juries, judges, and appellate courts,” Kobach emphasized. “Kansas law enforcement asks Governor Kelly to honor the verdicts of the juries, the families of the victims who have waited decades for finality, and the men and women in law enforcement whose safety depends on the strong message this state sends about the consequences of the most serious crimes. As the maxim holds: mercy to the guilty is cruelty to the innocent. The victims and their families deserve justice.”

Letters opposing clemency may be sent to the Prison Review Board at 714 SW Jackson, Ste. 300, Topeka, KS 66603, or emailed to KDOC_Victim_Notification@ks.gov (mailto:_Victim_Notification@ks.gov). Comments may also be directed to Governor Laura Kelly at the Kansas Statehouse, 300 SW 10th Ave., Ste. 241S, Topeka, KS 66612, or by phone at 785-296-3232 or 785-368-8500.

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Government, Kansas

KS Tax Collections Above Estimates

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May Total Tax Collections at $703.8 Million;
6.4% Above Estimate


TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends May 2026 with total tax collections at $703.8 million. That is $42.5 million, or 6.4%, above the estimate. Total tax collections were up 7.0% from May 2025.

Individual income tax collections were $367.7 million. That is $52.7 million, or 16.7% above the estimate. Individual income tax collections were up 16.8% from May 2025. Corporate income tax collections were $16.2 million. That is $8.8 million, or 35.2% below the estimate, and down 44.4% from May 2025.

“While total May tax collections were in line with projections, Kansas continues to see corporate income tax collections miss the mark,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “In the years and months ahead, we must continue to prioritize fiscal responsibility to ensure Kansas remains financially sound.”

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $290.9 million, which is $896,104, or 0.3%, above the estimate, and up 3.1% from May 2025.

Click here to view the May 2026 revenue numbers.

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Government, Kansas

Volunteers Needed to Help Track Kansas Bumble Bees

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PRATT–The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is seeking volunteers to help protect Kansas bumble bees for the fifth year of the Great Plains Bumble Bee Atlas. The Bumble Bee Atlas is a community‑science project that trains volunteers to survey and document bumble bees and their habitats across the Great Plains.

With pollinator declines accelerating, the Bumble Bee Atlas gives people a way to take action conserving bumble bees. Training is available for anyone interested in getting involved.

The Bumble Bee Atlas is a nationwide effort spanning 21 states, where trained community scientists help researchers document bumble bees and the habitats they use. The data collected helps researchers, state and federal agencies, and policymakers better support these important pollinators.

Over the past four summers, Kansas participants have identified six bumble bee species, two of which are considered at risk of extinction. Since 2022, participants have recorded 2,300 bumble bees and conducted 263 surveys across the state.

This year, the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation and KDWP will host both online and in-person training events in May and June. The goal this summer is to survey unsampled areas in Kansas, particularly prairie habitat in the western part of the state.

“All you need to become a volunteer is an interest in pollinators and the ability to spare a couple of weekends between June and September,” said Katie Lamke, a conservation biologist for the Xerces Society. “We especially need volunteers who want to explore sparsely populated areas like the western prairies, where we have less information about bumble bees.”

To learn how to do bumble bee surveys, volunteers can watch the most recently recorded online training, review the project handbook, and attend one of the in-person training sessions. The in-person sessions provide hands-on experience with the project methods, including swinging a net and photographing bumble bees.

The two in-person training events will be held on June 6 at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and on June 7 at the Sandsage Bison Range Wildlife Area.  The events are free, but preregistration is required. Visit BumbleBeeAtlas.org/pages/events to register.  Participants are encouraged to view the recorded online training webinar, available on the Xerces Society’s YouTube page, before attending an in-person training session.

“We are excited that the Great Plains Bumble Bee Atlas is continuing in Kansas for the next two years,” said Diedre Kramer, wildlife diversity coordinator for KDWP.  “This is a great opportunity for volunteers to get out and appreciate the wild spaces we have in Kansas while also providing valuable information that will help inform conservation efforts in the future.”

To stay informed about the progress of the Bumble Bee Atlas, sign up for the mailing list and connect on Facebook and Instagram (@bumblebeeatlas).  For more information about the Great Plains Bumble Bee Atlas project, visit https://www.bumblebeeatlas.org/great-plains.

This project has been financed, in part, through the State Wildlife Grant Program under Grant #F25AF00897 from the Fish and Wildlife Service, a division of the United States Department of the Interior, which is administered by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.

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About the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of Kansas’s natural resources for the benefit of both current and future generations. KDWP manages 29 state parks, 177 lakes and wildlife areas, more than 300 public waterbodies, and 5 nature centers. Other services include management of threatened, endangered, and at-risk species, law enforcement, and wildlife habitat programs. For more information about KDWP, visit ksoutdoors.gov.

About the Xerces Society

The Xerces Society is a nonprofit organization that protects wildlife through the conservation of invertebrates and their habitat. Established in 1971, the Society is a trusted source for science-based information and advice. We collaborate with people and institutions at all levels and our work to protect pollinators encompasses all landscapes. Our team draws together experts from the fields of habitat restoration, entomology, plant ecology, education, farming and conservation biology with a single focus: Protecting the life that sustains us.

To learn more about our work, please visit www.xerces.org or follow us @xercessociety on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

Available for Interview:

Katie Lamke, Conservation Biologist, Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation (402) 256-5252
[email protected]

Diedre Kramer, Wildlife Diversity Coordinator, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks; (620) 672-0792; [email protected]

Government, Kansas

KS Governor Appeals Trump Administrations Deployment of KS National Guard

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Governor Kelly Joins Multistate Coalition Urging Court to Uphold Block on Unlawful National Guard Deployment in Washington, D.C.


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly on Tuesday joined a coalition of 23 attorneys general and 2 governors in filing an amicus brief in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, urging the court to deny the Trump administration’s appeal and uphold a lower court’s ruling blocking the unlawful deployment of National Guard troops to Washington, D.C.

“I have previously stood against infringement of the nation’s governors’ authority to command their National Guards, and I join this brief to preserve the purpose of the National Guard,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Deploying the National Guard to serve as a domestic police force undermines fundamental tenets of our democracy and pulls National Guard servicemembers away from their primary responsibilities to their states and their communities.”

Governor Kelly and the coalition argue that the deployment undermines the sovereignty of states and local jurisdictions and threatens the foundational principle of American democracy that the military must remain under civilian control.

Courts have repeatedly rejected the administration’s deployments in American cities, and the U.S. Supreme Court rejected the Trump administration’s attempt to deploy the National Guard in Illinois. Yet the President continues the deployment in Washington, D.C. and has stated his intent to send troops to more American cities, “one by one.” Continuing this deployment in defiance of those rulings poses an ongoing threat to civilian authority and democratic governance.

The brief documents serious harm in states that have already experienced these deployments, including disrupted law enforcement operations, economic damage to local communities, diverted National Guard resources, and increased civil unrest.

The coalition urges the D.C. Circuit to uphold the district court’s ruling and affirm that the President does not have the authority to deploy the National Guard as a domestic police force.

Governor Kelly is joined by the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaiʻi, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin, as well as the offices of the Governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania in filing the brief.

A copy of the amicus brief can be found here.

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Government, Kansas

KS Supreme Court Nominees Sent to Governor

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TOPEKA — The Supreme Court Nominating Commission today voted on the names of three nominees for Supreme Court justice to send to Governor Laura Kelly.

A letter from the nominating commission chair will be hand-delivered to the governor’s office during regular business hours to formally notify her of the commission’s selection.

Its delivery will begin the 60-day timeline the governor has to decide which of the three nominees she will appoint to fill a Kansas Supreme Court vacancy that was created when Justice Marla Luckert retired March 28.

The three nominees are:

Carl Folsom

Folsom has been a district judge in Douglas County District Court since 2022. He previously was an assistant federal public defender for both the Federal Public Defender Offices for the District of Kansas and for the Northern and Eastern Districts of Oklahoma, a partner with the Bell Folsom law firm, and appellate defender with the Kansas Appellate Defender’s Office. He graduated from the University of Kansas and the University of Kansas School of Law. He lives in Lawrence.

K. Christopher Jayaram

Jayaram has been a district judge in Johnson County District Court since 2021. He previously was a lawyer with the Horn Aylward & Bandy and Smith Free Heald & Chock law firms. He graduated from the University of Kansas and the Northwestern School of Law at Lewis & Clark College. He lives in Lenexa.

Robert Wonnell

Wonnell has been a district judge in Johnson County District Court since 2015. He previously was a lawyer with the McAnany, Van Cleave and Phillips law firm. He graduated from Phillips University and the University of Kansas School of Law. He lives in Olathe.

Public interviews

The commission interviewed seven applicants in the Kansas Judicial Center in Topeka before narrowing the list of nominees to three through successive rounds of voting. All interviews and voting were open to the public and livestreamed on YouTube.

Recordings of the commission meeting, interviews, and voting are archived on YouTube at youtube.com/@KansasJudicialBranch.

Merit-based selection process

Justices are appointed to the Supreme Court through a merit-based nomination process that Kansans voted to add to the Kansas Constitution in 1958. The process involves the Supreme Court Nominating Commission, which reviews nominees, and the governor, who makes the appointment.

When there is a vacancy on the court, the Supreme Court Nominating Commission reviews applications and conducts public interviews of nominees. The commission narrows the nominee pool to three names that it sends to the governor. The governor chooses one nominee to appoint.

Eligibility requirements

To be considered for this vacancy, a nominee must be:

  • at least 30 years old; and
  • a lawyer admitted to practice in Kansas and engaged in the practice of law for at least 10 years, whether as a lawyer, judge, or full-time teacher at an accredited law school.

Selection criteria

When the Supreme Court Nominating Commission reviews nominees for justice, they look at the person’s:

  • legal and judicial experience
  • educational background
  • character and ethics
  • temperament
  • service to the community
  • impartiality
  • respect of colleagues

Judicial conduct

Justices must follow the law and not be influenced by politics, special interest groups, public opinion, or their own personal beliefs.

Justices demonstrate their accountability by following a Code of Judicial Conduct that establishes standards of ethical behavior. They also take an oath of office that includes swearing to support, protect, and defend the U.S. Constitution and Kansas Constitution.

Retention elections

After a new justice serves one year on the court, he or she must stand for a retention vote in the next general election to remain in the position. If retained, the justice serves a six-year term.

Supreme Court Nominating Commission

The Supreme Court Nominating Commission is an independent body created by the Kansas Constitution.

Four of the commission’s members are appointed by the governor representing each of the state’s congressional districts. These appointees are not attorneys. Four other members are attorneys elected by attorneys within their congressional district. The commission chair is an attorney elected by attorneys in a statewide vote.

Commission members are: Terrence Campbell, chair, and Diane Oakes, Lawrence; Robert Frederick, Lakin; Jennifer M. Cocking, Emporia; Frances Gorman Graves, Bartlett; Katie McClaflin, Overland Park; Carol Marinovich, Kansas City; and Rachael Pirner and Ebony Clemons, Wichita.

Kansas

Kansas Reservoir Protection Initiative Now Accepting Applications

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Lands eligible for assistance to enhance reservoir sedimentation reduction

The Kansas Water Office and Director Connie Owen, in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Agriculture and Department of Health and Environment, announced that applications are now being accepted for the Kansas Reservoir Protection Initiative (KPRI).

The application period for this initial round of funding will be accepted starting June 1, 2026 through the close of business on July 3, 2026.

This program provides financial assistance to landowners in priority watersheds to implement conservation practices that enhance sediment-reducing efforts above federal reservoirs where water supply storage is impacted by reservoir sedimentation.

This year, the initiative covers Tuttle Creek, Fall River, John Redmond, Hillsdale, Perry, Pomona, Kanopolis, Cheney, Elk City, and Big Hill reservoirs.

Eligible lands include those located in targeted sub-watershed portions of Atchison, Barton, Brown, Butler, Chase, Clay, Coffey, Douglas, Elk, Ellsworth, Franklin, Greenwood, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Kingman, Labette, Lyon, Marion, Marshall, Miami, Montgomery, Morris, Nemaha, Neosho, Osage, Pottawatomie, Pratt, Reno, Republic, Riley, Russell, Stafford, Washington, and Wabaunsee counties.

Landowners interested in participating can contact their local county conservation district or Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS) Coordinator to apply. Many sediment-reducing conservation practices are eligible through this initiative, however, projects focusing on large gully repair and soil health practices such as reduced tillage and cover crops are highly encouraged. It is not guaranteed that adequate funding will be available to provide financial assistance to all eligible applications.

“Funding through the Kansas Reservoir Protection Initiative provides an opportunity for producers above some of our key federal reservoirs to improve the productivity and health of their lands while also providing benefits to downstream water resources,” said Connie Owen, Director of the Kansas Water Office. “Focusing on these watershed helps manage the sediment entering Kansas reservoirs.”

Governor Laura Kelly and the 2026 Kansas Legislature supported funding for KPRI to address priority water resource issues and projects recommended by the Kansas Water Authority.

Under the Kansas Reservoir Protection Initiative, the Kansas Water Office, Kansas Department of Agriculture – Division of Conservation, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment as well as the participating Regional Advisory Committees collaborate with local Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS) projects and local county conservation districts to identify priority projects for funding which yield the greatest sediment reduction per state dollar invested.

For additional information, please visit kwo.ks.gov/projects/kansas-reservoir-protection-initiative.

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As the state’s water office, the KWO conducts water planning, policy coordination and water marketing as well as facilitates public input throughout the state.

The agency prepares the Kansas Water Plan, a plan for water resources development, management and conservation. KWO in coordination with the Kansas Water Authority also reviews all water laws and makes recommendations to the Governor and Legislature for needed legislation.
Government, Jobs, Kansas, Youth

Building the Next Generation of Workforce

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Apprenticeship Office Awarded Funding to Expand Youth Opportunities

TOPEKA – The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship today announced it has been selected as one of 10 states to receive the prestigious Talent Ready funding through CareerWise and the Future Ready Apprenticeship Center. This highly competitive national recognition puts Kansas at the forefront of building the next generation of workforce through innovative youth apprenticeship opportunities for young Kansans starting as early as 16 years of age.

“Kansas is growing its youth apprenticeship pipeline to connect our young Kansans to high-demand careers while still working towards their degrees,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “This national recognition reflects the strength of our vision and our commitment to opening doors for students across Kansas and into a wide range of industries.”

The $200,000 award provides Kansas with resources and national partnerships needed to expand youth registered apprenticeship opportunities, particularly with high school students — by aligning programs with Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways. These initiatives enable students to learn, gain industry specific credentials and experience, and prepare them to step into high-demand careers.

This initiative gives Kansas the ability to:

  • Expand youth apprenticeship opportunities across key industries
  • Build alignment between apprenticeship programs and CTE coursework
  • Increase employer engagement in building sustainable talent pipelines
  • Create scalable systems that connect education to workforce

Kansas has demonstrated national leadership in apprenticeship innovation, including its goal of reaching 10,001 active apprenticeships by 2031. The new funding opportunity will further reinforce the commitment to building a future-ready workforce and ensuring students have access to high-quality, work-based learning experiences and long-term career success.

As part of the national cohort, Kansas will collaborate with leading workforce and education organizations, gaining access to best-in-class technical assistance, strategic guidance and proven frameworks to scale apprenticeship systems across the state.

“This milestone is more than funding — it’s about building a system that works for students, employers and the Kansas economy,” Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship Director Shonda Anderson said. “We’re committed to building real pathways and partnerships that create career opportunities for future generations.”

Employers are a crucial part in building the workforce of the future. To learn more about how to get involved or start a youth apprenticeship program, visit here.

Kansas recently celebrated National Apprenticeship Week, using its platform to discuss the success and future opportunities of building youth registered apprenticeship programs in Kansas. To view photos from the 2026 Kansas Apprenticeship Awards, visit here.

For additional information about the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship, visit here.

About the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship:

The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship was established by Governor Laura Kelly on Sept. 6, 2022, through Executive Order #22-07. The Office supports apprenticeships across multiple industries to provide a highly skilled source of labor for employers and ensure occupational proficiency for career-seekers. The program incorporates on-the-job learning, technical instruction and mentorship to create long-term employment opportunities in Kansas.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Entertainment, Kansas

2026 Kansas Related and Authored Notable Books

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State Library of Kansas announces 21st class of Kansas-authored
or Kansas-related Notable Books

The State Library of Kansas is happy to announce the 2026 Kansas Notable Books selections. This year’s Notable Books include stories for readers of a variety of interests including wild west action, true crime, fantasy rom-com, poetry, and culture among people of the past, present and future.   

“As always, the variety of Kansas Notable Books does not disappoint,” said Valarie Lamoreaux, deputy state of Kansas librarian and Kansas Center for the Book affiliate director. “In 2026, we find historical Kansans with more to tell us, authors who encourage readers to see Kansas’ beauty in its waterways and birding hotspots, and writers who draw readers into unique moments in history. Stories of fortitude, belonging, family, small towns, and romance beyond reality are well represented, as well as authors and illustrators who nurture joy in reading, and writers whose poetic humor and insights confirm Kansas —itself — as a notable state.”

Each year, the Kansas Notable Books committee recommends 25 books written by Kansans or about Kansas to the State Librarian. The State Librarian selects 15 of these books as Notable Books, a celebration of the sunflower state’s rich culture and storytelling. This year’s Notable Book selection committee included representatives of public, university and school libraries, scholars and writers from across Kansas.

Kansas Notable Books authors will be recognized and awarded medals during the Kansas Book Festival at Washburn University, Saturday, September 26, 2026.

Kansas Notable Books is a project of the Kansas Center for the Book, a program at the State Library of Kansas which is the state affiliate of the Library of Congress Center for the Book. The mission of the Kansas Center for the Book is to highlight the state’s literary heritage and foster an interest in books, reading, and libraries.

2026 Kansas Notable Books

The Aviator and the Showman, by Laurie Gwen Shapiro

Black Moses, by Caleb Gayle

Brain Train: An Off-the-Rails Journey from A to Zzz, by Charlie Mylie, author and illustrator

The Guide to Kansas Birds and Birding Hotspots, by Pete Janzen and Bob Gress

I Make Jokes When I’m Devastated, by Luisa Muradyan
Kansas Matters: Twenty-First Century Writers on the Sunflower State, edited by Thomas Fox Averill and Leslie VonHolten

Lady or the Tiger, by Heather M. Herrman

The Light of Battle: Eisenhower, D-Day, and the Birth of the American Superpower, by Michel Paradis

Lightning Bug Jamboree, by Stephanie Brinkley, illustrated by Victoria Mikki

The Magic of Light, by Jordan Abitz

Mask of the Deer Woman, by Laurie L. Dove

Riverine Dreams: Away to the Glorious and Forgotten Grassland Rivers of America, by George Frazier

A Town with Half the Lights On, by Page Getz

The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam, by Megan Bannen

Whack Job: A History of Axe Murder, by Rachel McCarthy James

Visit library.ks.gov/KSNotableBooks for more information. If you have questions about Kansas Notable Books, contact the State Library of Kansas at 785-296-3154 or email [email protected].

The State Library of Kansas supports the informational needs of government entities and the public and serves as a repository for government publications. The State Library plays a crucial role in strengthening public libraries through grant programs and the coordination of statewide resource-sharing initiatives. The State Library of Kansas includes talking books, which provides specialized materials and support services to qualifying Kansans. Learn more at library.ks.gov.

 

 
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Government, Health Care, Kansas

Promoting Safe Infant Sleep

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State Child Death Review Board Partners with KIDS Network to Provide Sleep Sacks, Promote Infant Safe Sleep Across Kansas

TOPEKA – (May 11, 2026) – The Kansas State Child Death Review Board is partnering with KIDS Network to promote infant safe sleep, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach announced today.

The review board, housed at the Kansas Attorney General’s Office, approved the purchase of $5,000 in sleep sacks that will be delivered in the coming days to the Kansas Infant Death and SIDS (KIDS) Network for distribution at Safe Sleep Community Baby Showers statewide. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to preventing sleep-related infant deaths by equipping families with practical tools and education on safe sleep practices. Sleep-related deaths, including those from Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), remain a leading cause of infant mortality in Kansas and nationwide. Consistent safe sleep education and resources can significantly reduce these preventable tragedies.

“Every infant death is a profound loss, and the State Child Death Review Board is dedicated to turning data into action that protects Kansas families,” said Attorney General Kris Kobach. “By collaborating with the KIDS Network, we are providing tangible support—sleep sacks—to help parents create safer sleep environments while raising awareness of proven prevention strategies.”

Sleep sacks are wearable blankets designed to keep infants warm and safe without the hazards of loose bedding. They reduce the risk of suffocation or entrapment by eliminating the need for blankets, which can accidentally cover an infant’s face. This makes sleep sacks an effective, evidence-based tool aligned with American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for safe infant sleep.

New and expectant parents are strongly encouraged to follow the ABCs of Safe Sleep:

A – Alone: Infants should sleep alone in their own sleep space, without sharing a bed with adults, siblings, or pets. Room-sharing (but not bedsharing) is recommended for the first six months.

B – On their Back: Always place babies on their back to sleep for every nap and nighttime.

C – In a Clutter-Free Crib: Use a safety-approved crib, bassinet, or portable crib with a firm mattress and fitted sheet. Keep the sleep area empty—no pillows, blankets, bumpers, or toys.

“Safe sleep can feel overwhelming for new parents, and we’re incredibly grateful for this partnership that helps make caring for an infant a little easier and safer. By providing sacks at Safe Sleep Community Baby Showers, families can immediately put what they’ve learned into practice,” Christy S. Schunn, executive director of the KIDS Network.

The KIDS Network’s Community Baby Showers (also known as Safe Sleep Community Baby Showers or Crib Clinics) are interactive, educational events for new and expectant parents and community providers. These baby showers combine celebration with hands-on learning about infant safe sleep, maternal child health, and available resources. Sleep sacks purchased through this initiative will be distributed at upcoming showers across Kansas to help families put safe sleep practices into action immediately.

Find upcoming Community Baby Showers here.

To learn more about safe sleep resources, visit the KIDS Network website at http://www.kidsks.org. The Kansas State Child Death Review Board reviews child fatalities to identify trends and recommend prevention strategies. The KIDS Network works statewide to support families affected by infant death and to promote education that prevents future losses.

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Kansas Attorney General’s Office | 120 SW 10th Ave. | Topeka, KS 66612 US
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Government, Kansas

Sunflower Summer Returns with Free Admission for Kansas

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COMMERCE

Sunflower Summer Returns with Free Admission for Kansas Families

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the return of the popular Sunflower Summer program for the 2026 season, and invited Kansas families to explore the state’s wide variety of attractions. Kansas residents with school-aged children from pre-K through 12th grade are eligible to participate.

“Sunflower Summer is an opportunity for Kansas families to explore, learn and create lasting memories together right here at home,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “It opens the doors to our state’s vibrant communities and ensures our children can experience and fall in love with all that Kansas has to offer. We are proud to provide this program for another year and excited to see the adventures that will unfold.”

The program, which will run from July 9 to August 2, covers admission costs for eligible students and one adult guardian per participating attraction. Participants must be Kansas residents to qualify for free tickets, which are accessible through the Sunflower Summer app and redeemable upon arrival at participating locations.

“Each year, we see families creating traditions through Sunflower Summer while discovering places they may have never experienced before,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “This program removes barriers to travel, encourages Kansans to explore their own backyard, and helps connect families to the people and places that make our state unique.”

Kansas Tourism is now accepting applications from attractions interested in participating in the 2026 season. The list of participating attractions for the 2026 program will be announced in June.

Learn more about Sunflower Summer here.

About Kansas Tourism:

The mission of Kansas Tourism is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive economic and other impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities. Kansas Tourism works hand in hand with other Commerce community programs to elevate and promote Kansas as a tourist destination. Kansas Tourism oversees all tourism marketing and PR for the state, produces travel publications and advertising, manages state Travel Information Centers, manages both the Kansas By-ways program and the Kansas Agritourism program, approves tourist signage applications, produces KANSAS! Magazine, and provides financial and educational support to the tourism industry in Kansas through grants, education, and support.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Announces Pardon

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TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced Friday that she granted a pardon for Chung Pham. The decision to grant the pardon was made following independent reviews by the Prisoner Review Board, the Kansas Department of Administration, and the Governor’s legal team.

“The decision to grant a pardon is a serious one,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “A thorough vetting and review process determines individuals considered for pardons have indeed made amends for their actions and have been consistent in positively contributing to society and to their community. Individuals who have long maintained their law-abiding behavior and positive community impact, have earned the second chance a pardon can provide.”

Governor Kelly takes into consideration numerous factors to determine if a pardon is warranted, including but not limited to: the nature of the offense, length of time since the offense, impact of the crime on any victims or survivors, demonstration of rehabilitation, criminal history, absence of disciplinary issues in prison, and contributions to society post-release.

Article 1, Section 7 of the Kansas Constitution and K.S.A. § 22-3701 grants the Governor’s authority to grant clemency.

Review of clemency applications by the Governor is ongoing, and there is no set timeline for review. By law, clemency applications in Kansas must be submitted to the Prisoner Review Board and notice of an individual’s application for clemency must be published in the county newspaper where the crime was committed. The Board reviews all applications before forwarding them for further review. Additional information about the process can be found at the Board’s website: https://www.doc.ks.gov/prb.

The Governor’s Office encourages victims and survivors to reach out to the Office of Victim Services, which provides confidential support and information to victims, survivors, or witnesses of a crime. Information can be found here or by phone at 866-404-6732.

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Bourbon County Local News