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KS - July 10 2025

Funding Freeze Threatens Schools; Vol Fire Departments Face Crisis; Legislature Delays Software; Salina River Log Jam; Basketball Tournament Changes

Greg Loving

10 Jul 2025 • 3 min read

KSAL

Federal Funding Freeze Threatens Kansas School Programs

Kansas Volunteer Fire Departments Face Equipment Funding Crisis

Kansas Legislature Delays Software Launch After Missing Deadline

Salina Weighs $500,000 Cost to Remove River Log Jam

Kansas High School Basketball Tournament Gets Major Format Changes

Federal Funding Freeze Threatens Kansas School Programs

The Trump administration's decision to freeze nearly $43 million in federal grant funding for Kansas schools threatens programs for English language learners, after-school activities, and teacher recruitment efforts. The funding freeze, part of a broader $7 billion nationwide reduction, targets what the administration calls schools promoting "a radical left-wing agenda," Kansas Education Commissioner Randy Watson told state school board members Tuesday.

Kansas City Star

Kansas Volunteer Fire Departments Face Equipment Funding Crisis

Volunteer fire departments across Kansas are scrambling after the federal Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant program was frozen, threatening funding for equipment including hoses, protective gear, and trucks. The Kansas Forest Service warns the funding may not be restored before the federal fiscal year ends August 15, leaving departments uncertain about purchasing critical safety equipment as the program was caught up in the Trump administration's government efficiency efforts.

KWCH

Kansas Legislature Delays Software Launch After Missing Deadline

Kansas legislative leaders postponed the launch of a $3.9 million bill-writing software system until October 1 after persistent bugs prevented the June 30 deadline, adding an estimated $190,000 to the project cost. The Legislative Coordinating Council contracted with Propylon in October 2022 to modernize the computer system essential for drafting legislation, but House Speaker Dan Hawkins expressed doubt the revised deadline would be met before the 2026 legislative session.

Kansas Reflector

Salina Weighs $500,000 Cost to Remove River Log Jam

A massive log jam in Salina's Smoky Hill River near Bill Burke Park could cost up to $500,000 to remove, but city leaders say no emergency funding is available since the obstruction doesn't threaten infrastructure. Interim City Manager Jacob Wood said the city is gathering bids from multiple companies but won't dip into reserve funds, though Salina has the financial resources to handle the project once planning is complete.

KWCH

Kansas High School Basketball Tournament Gets Major Format Changes

The Kansas State High School Activities Association announced sweeping changes to state basketball tournaments for 2026 and 2027, spreading competition across four locations for the first time since 1953. State quarterfinals will now be played at seven neutral sites determined by proximity to higher seeds rather than class, while semifinals and championships will consolidate multiple class titles at single venues to boost atmosphere, according to KSHSAA Executive Director Bill Faflick.

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