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Top 5 Kansas news stories

September 22 2025

Greg Loving

22 Sep 2025 • 4 min read

Tuttle Creek Lake Loses Half Its Capacity to Sediment Buildup

Warm, Wet Weather Increases Kansas Rattlesnake Activity

Legislators Question Tax Credit Programs Over Missing Data, Costs

Severe Storms Expected Across Kansas Tonight, Cool Weather to Follow

Mahomes, Chiefs Overcome Early Struggles for First Win of Season

1. Tuttle Creek Lake Loses Half Its Capacity to Sediment Buildup

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Kansas Water Office will begin a first-of-its-kind pilot test this week to clear sediment from Tuttle Creek Lake near Manhattan, where mud has consumed about half the reservoir's water storage capacity. Each year, sediment equivalent to three-and-a-half football fields piled as tall as the Empire State Building flows into the lake, dramatically reducing its ability to store water for the more than 40% of Kansas residents who depend on it. The innovative underwater dredging technique aims to loosen sediment so it flows through dam gates downstream into the Big Blue and Kansas rivers. Without intervention, the Corps estimates only 25% of the lake's original storage capacity will remain in 25 years, with less than 10% remaining in 50 years, threatening water supplies for cities including Topeka, Lawrence and Olathe along the Kansas River.

Kansas.com

2. Warm, Wet Weather Increases Kansas Rattlesnake Activity

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is warning residents about increased rattlesnake activity across the state due to recent warm, wet weather conditions. Field staff have observed more rattlesnake encounters than usual, prompting safety reminders for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts to watch their step, avoid logs and rocks, and give snakes plenty of space.

CJOnline

3. Legislators Question Tax Credit Programs Over Missing Data, Costs

The Legislative Post Audit committee expressed skepticism Tuesday over two tax credit program audits, with concerns that the High Performance Incentive Program and Kansas Affordable Housing Tax Credit lack usage data and could cost the state up to $1 billion in income tax revenue. Sen. Caryn Tyson, R-Parker, had requested limited-scope audits seeking total dollar amounts of credits awarded and business usage over the past five years.

Kansas Reflector

4. Severe Storms Expected Across Kansas Tonight, Cool Weather to Follow

A cold front moving across Kansas will bring severe thunderstorms to the state this afternoon and evening, with a line of storms forming over northwest Kansas by late afternoon before reaching the Wichita area after 10 p.m. The storms may produce large hail and damaging winds before transitioning into heavy rain overnight through Tuesday morning. The storm system is forecast to stall over the area after becoming cut off from the jet stream, keeping temperatures cool Tuesday and Wednesday with highs in the upper 60s and lower 70s. Once the system departs Thursday, Kansas can expect excellent weather through the weekend with sunny skies, morning temperatures in the 50s, and afternoon highs in the upper 70s to lower 80s.

KWCH

5. Mahomes, Chiefs Overcome Early Struggles for First Win of Season

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs picked up their first victory of the season Sunday night, defeating the New York Giants 22-9 despite early mistakes and penalties that threatened to derail their efforts. Mahomes acknowledged his backward passing struggles but recovered to help the Chiefs secure what coach Andy Reid called "a good win to get, in particular when you haven't have one."

ESPN

Sources

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