Top 5 Kansas news stories
August 4 2026
Kansans Vote on Supreme Court Elections
Finney County Approves Empirical Foods Tax Break
Kansas Cropland Values Climb to $3,540
FAA Certifies Boeing 737 MAX 7
Kansas Heat Breaks Dust Bowl-Era Record
Kansans Vote on Supreme Court Elections
TOPEKA, Kan. — Kansans vote Tuesday on a constitutional amendment that would replace the state’s merit-selection system for Supreme Court justices with statewide elections. Under the current system, a nonpartisan commission sends three finalists to the governor, who appoints one, and voters later decide whether to retain each justice. If approved, the amendment would establish staggered six-year elections for the seven seats beginning in 2028 and repeal the constitutional ban on political activity by justices. Kansas Reflector reported Monday that groups on both sides had spent at least $12.8 million, including more than $8.5 million from Kansas United for Impartial Courts in opposition. Secretary of State Scott Schwab reported Monday that 142,988 advance ballots had been cast in person and 33,744 of 63,921 mailed ballots had been returned, for 176,732 advance votes and 30,177 mailed ballots still outstanding. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and the question appears on every primary ballot regardless of party, with the result set to reshape how Kansas selects the court that decides cases involving abortion, school funding and elections.
Kansas Reflector · KSN · KMUW · Ballotpedia · WIBW
Finney County Approves Empirical Foods Tax Break
GARDEN CITY, Kan. — The Finney County Commission approved a 10-year property-tax exemption for Empirical Foods Inc. on Monday, paired with annual payments equal to 60% of the taxes otherwise due. The arrangement, which amounts to a 40% reduction in the company’s property-tax payments, is tied to a $400 million beef-processing project projected to create 270 direct jobs and nearly $300 million in wages over 15 years. The project broke ground in 2020 with an announced investment of $250 million before expanding to its current reported cost, and county staff will submit the exemption materials to the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals. Commissioners also approved a 10-year, 20% abatement for American Implement’s $3.7 million expansion, which is projected to add 10 jobs. County documents estimate the American Implement project will generate about $1.49 million in net benefits after incentives for Finney County over 15 years, while both agreements reduce property-tax collections in exchange for projected jobs and fiscal gains.
Cronkite
Finney County · Business Facilities · KSCB News
Kansas Cropland Values Climb to $3,540
WASHINGTON — The average value of U.S. cropland reached $6,020 per acre in 2026, topping $6,000 for the first time, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s annual Land Values Summary. Kansas cropland rose 2.9% to $3,540 per acre, while the state’s pasture values increased 5.7%. National farm real estate, including cropland, pasture and farm buildings, averaged $4,500 per acre, up 3.4% from 2025. Cropland appreciation slowed from a 4.7% increase in 2025 to 3.3% this year. The figures matter to Kansas producers, lenders, appraisers and assessors because land values influence farm balance sheets, borrowing and property-tax assessments.
DTN
FAA Certifies Boeing 737 MAX 7
WASHINGTON — The Federal Aviation Administration certified Boeing’s 737 MAX 7 on Monday after years of delays and heightened scrutiny following fatal MAX 8 crashes in 2018 and 2019. The agency required updated flight-control software, improved cockpit alerts and a redesigned engine anti-ice system intended to prevent overheating. The FAA said it performed or directly reviewed work involving flight controls, system safety assessments and human factors following heightened scrutiny after two MAX 8 crashes killed 346 people in 2018 and 2019. Southwest Airlines holds 257 of roughly 289 MAX 7 orders, and passenger service is expected in early 2027 after deliveries and pilot training. The approval clears Boeing to begin filling a long-delayed portion of its order backlog as the company continues work toward certification of the larger MAX 10.
FAA · Boeing · U.S. News & World Report
Kansas Heat Breaks Dust Bowl-Era Record
SALINA, Kan. — Salina reached 104 degrees on Sunday, July 26, but did not set a record as triple-digit heat broke daily marks elsewhere across Kansas. The city’s July record of 116 degrees, reached twice during the Dust Bowl in 1936, remained intact. Goodland reached 107 degrees, breaking a 106-degree record set in 1936, while Garden City’s 109-degree high topped its 1960 record of 105. Russell reached 109 degrees to surpass its 2002 record of 108, and Wichita tied its 2006 record at 105. Temperatures were forecast in the upper 90s and near 100 on Tuesday, Aug. 4, with storm chances Wednesday, Aug. 5, and Thursday, Aug. 6, before possible triple-digit heat returns Saturday, Aug. 8, and Sunday, Aug. 9. The renewed heat carries risks for outdoor workers, older residents, crops, livestock and electricity demand across the state.
KSN · KWCH · National Weather Service
Sources
- Kansas Reflector / KSN / KMUW / Ballotpedia / WIBW
- Finney County video / Finney County agenda packet / Business Facilities / KSCB News
- DTN
- FAA / Boeing / U.S. News & World Report
- KSN / KSAL / KWCH / National Weather Service
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