Kansas

Kansas political history book highlights influence of centrist governors with bipartisan instincts

TOPEKA — The pattern embraced by Kansas voters when electing governors during the past half century meant the state consistently alternated between Republicans and Democrats while rewarding candidates with experience in elective office.With one significant exception, the eight people elected governor in those five decades, starting with Republican Robert Bennett in 1975 and culminating with Democrat Laura Kelly in 2022, could be classified as centrists open to bipartisanship.

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Survey: Kansans favor housing choices to deal with rising costs

A statewide public opinion survey conducted by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University found support for high-density, mixed-use housing development despite local controversies.Close to half of Kansans support building wider varieties of housing to help address a statewide affordability crisis according to the annual Kansas Speaks survey released Oct.

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Kansans support marijuana legalization, but lawmakers won’t bite

TOPEKA — A wide majority of Kansans support legalizing medical and recreational marijuana, but a group of legislators assigned to weigh medical marijuana legalization declined to push the issue in the 2025 session.About 73% of respondents to the Kansas Speaks survey either strongly or somewhat supported the legalization of medical marijuana and 12% were opposed.

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Breast cancer rates are rising in Kansas. Here’s what oncologists say you can do

American Cancer Society research shows that despite significant drops in the mortality rate, breast cancer incidence rates have risen in Kansas and across the country in the past decade, with a particularly notable increase among women younger than 50.Women are being diagnosed with breast cancer at higher rates than before, according to the latest data from the American Cancer Society.

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Mothers in a Kansas prison are growing closer to their kids by recording books for them

A literacy program has helped mothers and grandmothers in prison improve their reading abilities while also giving them the chance to bond with their loved ones.TOPEKA — A literacy program at the only women’s prison in Kansas is helping incarcerated mothers and grandmothers connect with their young family members.The program operated by Fort Hays State University faculty and students helps some of the women at the Topeka Correctional Facility boost their reading abilities.

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Survey finds most Kansans support Medicaid expansion and abortion access

Support for Medicaid expansion in Kansas remains high, according to a new survey by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University.But it’s unclear whether those views will inform how Kansans vote this election.More than 72% of respondents to the Kansas Speaks survey said they support expanding Medicaid, up slightly from last year.

Read MoreSurvey finds most Kansans support Medicaid expansion and abortion access