Sherman Smith, Kansas Reflector

Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog and Fredonia physician Jennifer Bacani McKenney talk to reporters June 1, 2026, at the Secretary of State’s Office in Topeka after filing as candidates for the Democratic primary for governor. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) TOPEKA — Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog made a late entry into the governor’s race Monday, launching his campaign for the Democratic nomination just three hours ahead of the noon filing deadline. Skoog, who chose Fredonia physician...

Will Lawrence, Gov. Laura Kelly’s chief of staff, speaks to the Legislative Coordinating Council about extending an emergency declaration related to hantavirus during a May 26, 2026, meeting. (Photo by Baya Burgess / Kansas Reflector) By Sherman Smith Kansas Reflector TOPEKA — Kansas legislative leaders on Tuesday approved the governor’s request to extend an emergency declaration in response to three residents who are being monitored for a potential hantavirus infection. Will Lawrence, the...

Sandy Brown, president of the Kansas Abortion Fund, answers questions for the Kansas Reflector podcast during a May 8, 2026, interview at her Lawrence home. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) By Sherman Smith Kansas Reflector LAWRENCE — Kansas Abortion Fund president Sandy Brown wants Kansans to show up in August and repeat their 2022 decision to defeat a constitutional amendment that could upend abortion rights in the state. Four years ago, voters by a 59-41 margin defeated a proposal...