ILLINOIS KANSAS

Jun 14 2026EDUCATION

New digital library deal opens doors for all Illinois residents

Illinois just made a big move to level the playing field when it comes to information access. The state struck a deal that lets any resident tap into over fifty digital databases through their local library—all for free. These databases aren’t just random collections; they include e-books, research

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Jun 01 2026POLITICS

Kansas Democrats face a tough fight in 2026 with fresh ideas

Kansas Democrats see a chance to win in 2026, even though the state usually votes Republican. The party thinks President Trump’s low ratings give them an edge. Three main candidates—pastor-turned-politician Adam Hamilton and state senators Ethan Corson and Cindy Holscher—are trying to get attention.

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May 25 2026EDUCATION

Economics: The Missing Piece in Kansas Schools

Kansas students are learning about government rules and how to manage their own money, but a vital topic remains absent from the curriculum. The state has pushed for civics tests and personal finance classes, yet many lawmakers treat these subjects as interchangeable. Without economics, learne

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May 13 2026ENVIRONMENT

Dust storms hit Illinois roads, raising safety concerns

Illinois is seeing more dust storms these days, and they’re not just an annoyance—they’re a serious danger. Strong winds can lift dry soil from farm fields, creating sudden walls of dust that reduce visibility to almost zero. These storms can appear quickly, turning highways into risky zones for dri

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May 12 2026SPORTS

Kansas baseball slides in rankings after tough week

Kansas baseball had a rough week at the plate and in the standings. A seven-day stretch that included four defeats pushed the team out of the top ten in the latest USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll. The Jayhawks entered the past week ranked ninth with an overall record of 37 wins and 15 losses. But los

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May 10 2026POLITICS

Why Kansas Voters Rarely Get a Real Choice

Kansas stands out in American politics for a surprising reason: nearly one-third of its state legislative races in 2024 had no competition at all. That means 57 winners took office without facing a single opponent, locking in their positions before any votes were cast. The pattern isn’t random—two-t

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May 02 2026POLITICS

A billionaire governor’s next big move

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is no stranger to writing big checks for political battles. But if he decides to run for president in 2028, he won’t be footing the entire bill himself. That’s according to people close to his inner circle, who say he’s already testing the waters with national fundraise

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Apr 21 2026SPORTS

Kansas Baseball Climbs the Rankings and Sees Big Games Ahead

Kansas baseball has moved up in the national rankings, jumping from 21st to 16th place in a recent coaches poll. The team shares that spot with Nebraska, and the two schools will meet again this week in Lawrence. Kansas is leading its conference after winning a recent series against Oklahoma S

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Apr 18 2026EDUCATION

Kansas Parks That Tell America’s Story

Kansas quietly guards some of the nation’s most meaningful places, where grasslands roar, forts stand frozen in time, and a single courtroom changed the course of schooling forever. Five spots across the state fall under the National Park Service, each with a different heartbeat. Four lean into huma

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Apr 11 2026POLITICS

Bridging Gaps in Kansas Politics Over Kids’ Meals

Kansas lawmakers meet every January with a mix of debate and hope. A long‑time hunger advocate walks into the Capitol expecting conflict, but finds many politicians willing to listen. When the focus is on school lunches, he teamed up with both parties to push a bill that will let more children eat i

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