Gov. Laura Kelly optimistic about crafting bill updating emergency power

Attorney General Derek Schmidt said Tuesday an appeal would be filed with the U.S. Supreme Court to challenge lower federal court decisions striking down Kansas' law requiring first-time voters to provide proof of citizenship to register.

Decisions by elected state and county officials to reject Gov. Laura Kelly's COVID-19 recommendations for limiting some business operations, mass gatherings and other activities is likely to trigger premature resurgence of the virus in Kansas, the state's top public health official said Friday.

Defiance of Gov. Laura Kelly's handling of COVID-19 emerged immediately from members of the Legislature and gained momentum as barbers, ministers and gun-rights activists chafed under statewide government restrictions and led pandemic skeptics to increasingly thumb their nose at health risks.

Topeka Mayor Michelle De La Isla filled out the obligatory paperwork Wednesday to formally launch a campaign for the Democratic Party's nomination for the 2nd Congressional District seat held by Republicans for more than a decade.