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Top 5 Kansas news stories

October 9, 2025

Teri Hansen

09 Oct 2025 • 4 min read

Government shutdown threatens air service at five Kansas airports

Kansas child death rate remains above national average

Some Kansas libraries scale back Banned Books Week displays

KU conference to examine water policy's economic impact

Chase High School cancels rest of football season

Government shutdown threatens air service at five Kansas airports

Five Kansas airports could lose commercial air service this weekend as the federally funded Essential Air Service program is expected to run out of money due to the government shutdown. Salina Regional Airport and other rural Kansas airports rely on the EAS subsidies to maintain daily flights, with the program supporting communities located more than 70 miles from major hubs. Airport officials warn that without the federal funding, they may be forced to reduce flights or seek community funding, potentially cutting off air access for rural Kansans who depend on these connections for business travel and economic development.

KSN

Kansas child death rate remains above national average

Kansas recorded 361 child deaths in 2023, maintaining a child mortality rate above the national average despite a slight decline, according to the state's annual Child Death Review Board report. The report revealed alarming trends including a tripling of child abuse homicides from 2022 to 2023, with 12 confirmed cases, and a surge in drug-related deaths driven primarily by fentanyl, which killed 48 Kansas children between 2020 and 2023. Marijuana was the most commonly detected substance in toxicology findings, appearing in 23 percent of tested children who died in 2023, while 37 percent of children who died between 2019 and 2023 had prior involvement with child protective services.

KWCH

Some Kansas libraries scale back Banned Books Week displays

Andover Public Library has decided not to create displays for Banned Books Week this year after receiving antagonistic social media comments and past protests, including a 2019 demonstration by Westboro Baptist Church outside the facility. Library Director Tom Taylor said the decision stems from staff discomfort and a desire to maintain the library's neutrality during a highly politicized time, though the library continues to collect, lend and purchase challenged materials. While Wichita Public Library is celebrating the week with displays highlighting books that have been banned or challenged, Mulvane Public Library is taking a more cautious approach by featuring only books challenged outside the last 10 years to emphasize historical context.

KAKE

KU conference to examine water policy's economic impact

The University of Kansas will host the 2025 Kansas Economic Policy Conference on Oct. 23 at the Burge Union, bringing together community leaders, policymakers and scholars to discuss water policy and its effects on the Kansas economy. The conference, titled "Ripple Effect: Water and the Kansas Economy," will feature research presentations from KU and Kansas State University faculty, panel discussions with officials from Dodge City, Garden City, Hays and Wichita on urban water issues, and conversations about rural water challenges. State legislators including Rep. Lindsay Vaughn and Sen. Kenny Titus will lead afternoon discussions on water policy, with the free event also available via livestream.

KU News

Chase High School cancels rest of football season

Chase High School in western Rice County has canceled the remainder of its 2025 football season due to mounting injuries and illnesses that have depleted the team's roster. USD 401 Superintendent Dr. Kylee McDonald announced that two players suffered broken bones during a recent game, and another student athlete is battling cancer for the sixth time, making it impossible for the 0-4 team to safely continue. The cancellation marks the second consecutive year Chase has faced significant roster challenges, having also forfeited five matches during the 2024 season.

Fox 4 KC

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