Attorney General Kobach: Walgreens will not ship abortion pills to Kansas
TOPEKA — (KPR) — Walgreens has announced it will not ship abortion pills to Kansas. In a letter, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach warned the company in early February that administering the abortion drug Mifepristone would be a violation of state and federal law. “This is a significant victory for the pro-life cause and for women’s health,” Kobach said. “Dispensing these pills without the presence of a supervising physician would expose women to complications and potentially even coercion.” Walgreens responded to the Attorney General’s warning with its own letter dated Feb. 17. In it, Walgreens Executive Vice President Danielle Gray writes, “Walgreens does not intend to dispense Mifepristone in your state and does not intend to ship Mifepristone into your state from any of our pharmacies. If this approach changes, we will certainly let you know.”
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The Topeka man was arrested, charged with child sex trafficking
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – A Topeka man has been arrested on child sex trafficking charges. Police say Dwayne G. Cheshire, 57, was arrested last week. He is accused of human trafficking of a child to perform sexual acts. WIBW TV reports that Cheshire was arrested in jail, where he remains on $500,000 bail. His next court appearance was set for June 1.
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Kansas citizens get a sneak peek at the new KCI terminal
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Thousands of Kansas citizens got a sneak peek at KCI’s new terminal over the weekend. KCTV reports that 10,000 people visited the $1.5 billion terminal on Saturday. The new building replaces the older terminals that opened more than 50 years ago. The new terminal is located on the land where Terminal A used to be. The new terminal is scheduled to open on 28 February.
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$11 million directed to Kansas to help renovate airports
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Approximately $11 million in federal funds are directed to Kansas to renovate dozens of airports for public use. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced last week that 66 airport projects across the state have been selected to receive grants. WIBW TV reports that funds from the Kansas Airport Improvement Program will be used to plan, build or rehabilitate general aviation airports. Among the airports receiving grants:
- Lawrence Regional – Airport Master Plan Update, $360,000; apron rehabilitation, $130,500 design, $800,000 build; track extension, $99,750 design
- New Century Air Center, Johnson County – Airport Electrical Vault Building, $89,300 design, $338,400 build; rehabilitation of a central portion of the west apron, $133,000 design, $800,000 construction; maintenance materials, $13,600
- Johnson County Executive – Pavement Maintenance Materials, $13,600; southwest fence, $129,600; north fence, $156,150
==========Kansas House member wants to extend school year by 40%
TOPEKA, Kan. (TCJ) – A proposal in the Kansas Legislature would lengthen the school year by about 40 percent, extending the academic year by 11 weeks. The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that the idea is meeting with widespread opposition. The Kansas House Education Committee bill would increase the school year by 444 hours. Rep. Bill Rhiley, a Republican from Wellington, introduced the plan, saying it would help students learn more. He also said that many school districts barely meet the minimum requirement for teaching hours. Critics say there is little evidence to suggest a longer school year would improve student achievement. Others complained about the cost, saying teachers should be paid more and longer school years would also require additional maintenance and increase transportation costs.
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Scranton Man found guilty of ex-girlfriend’s brutal ax murder
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – A northeast Kansas man was found guilty of killing his ex-girlfriend with an ax. A Shawnee County jury on Friday returned a guilty verdict against 62-year-old John K. Ewing, of Scranton. WIBW TV reports that Ewing has been found guilty of murder, kidnapping and other charges in the death of his ex-girlfriend, 58-year-old Deborah Stephens. She was killed with an ax in the Coachlight South mobile home park in April 2021. Ewing is expected to be sentenced in May.
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Man charged with death of Kansas City officer and his K-9 after crash
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KAKE/KMBC) – An 18-year-old man is charged with the deaths of a Kansas City police officer, his K-9 and a pedestrian after a fatal crash last week. Authorities say the incident occurred Wednesday night when a speeding motorist ran a red light and crashed into a police car. Inside the cruiser was officer James Muhlbauer. The officer, his police dog and a pedestrian were all fatally injured. The pedestrian, identified only as a man in his 50s, died at the scene, as did the officer’s dog, Champ. Muhlbauer was rushed to a hospital where he later died. Police say the driver of the speeding car, 18-year-old Jerron Lightfoot, suffered minor injuries. KAKE TV reports that he was taken into custody and has since been charged with two counts of first-degree manslaughter. The killed officer was married and a father. He was also a 20-year veteran of the Kansas City Police Department.
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This area news roundup is curated by KPR news staff, including J. Schafer, Laura Lorson, Tom Parkinson, and Kaye McIntyre. Our titles are generally posted by 10am on weekdays. These ad-free titles are made possible by members of KPR. Become one today. And follow KPR News on Twitter.
