Top 5 Kansas news stories
June 24 2026
Emporia Commission Tables Data-Center Zoning After Marathon Hearing
Kansas Democratic Governor Candidates Clash Over Union Endorsement
Kansas Unemployment Rate Falls to 3.8% in May
Kansas Falls $226 Million Short on Special Education
Fort Hays State Pauses Golf Programs After $2.4M Cut
Emporia Commission Tables Data-Center Zoning After Marathon Hearing
EMPORIA, Kan. — The Emporia Planning Commission voted unanimously June 23 to table three zoning proposals tied to a proposed gigawatt-scale data center, declining to recommend the measures after a hearing that ran more than six hours and drew an estimated 400 to 500 people to the William Lindsay White Civic Auditorium. The three proposals — including a rezoning of a roughly 1,000-acre site west of the city — were pushed to a special meeting set for 6 p.m. June 30. The project, known as the Flint Hills Digital Campus, is tied to a developer listed as Kanza Park Place LLC, whose withheld identity became a sticking point for opponents. City planning staff had recommended approval, and supporters from the Chamber of Commerce, the Regional Development Association, Emporia Main Street and IBEW Local 226 argued the campus would broaden the tax base and create jobs after the shutdown of Tyson's beef plant and other manufacturing losses cost the area roughly 1,300 jobs in 18 months. Opponents, who outnumbered supporters nearly four to one, warned the project was rushed and developed out of public view and would strain the city's aging water system and raise electricity costs. City Manager Trey Cocking has said Emporia is drafting rules for large water users to protect existing customers.
Greg Loving
Kansas Democratic Governor Candidates Clash Over Union Endorsement
TOPEKA, Kan. — State Sens. Ethan Corson and Cindy Holscher escalated their fight for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination on June 23, 2026, sparring over labor union membership and endorsements ahead of the August 4 primary. Kansas AFL-CIO executive vice president John Nave said the union's executive board unanimously endorsed Corson, describing him as a candidate who shows up for working people. Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog is also seeking the Democratic nomination. The winner would compete to succeed term-limited Gov. Laura Kelly.
Kansas Reflector
Kansas Unemployment Rate Falls to 3.8% in May
TOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas Department of Labor reported June 23 that the state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 3.8% in May. That was down from 3.9% in April and unchanged from May 2025. Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 5,100 jobs from April, including 4,600 private-sector jobs and 500 government jobs. The department's next monthly labor report, covering June 2026, is scheduled for release July 17, 2026.
WIBW
Kansas Falls $226 Million Short on Special Education
TOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas State Department of Education said the state funded about 67% of statewide special education excess costs last year, below the statutory 92% target. KSDE deputy commissioner Frank Harwood said the shortfall was legal because the funding statute is subject to legislative appropriation. The department said lawmakers would have needed to appropriate roughly $226 million more to reach the 92% mark. An education funding task force is due to issue a recommendation on the issue in January 2027.
KSHB
Fort Hays State Pauses Golf Programs After $2.4M Cut
HAYS, Kan. — Fort Hays State University announced June 23, 2026 that it will immediately pause its NCAA men's and women's golf programs, citing a recent $2.4 million reduction in state funding and a broader review of Tiger Athletics' resources. Athletic Director Dr. Lisa Goddard McGuirk described it as a difficult decision driven by the financial pressures reshaping college athletics. The university said it will honor all existing golf scholarships for the 2026–2027 academic year. It also said it will help affected athletes transfer if they choose.
KSN
Sources
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