Dylan Lysen
Social Services and Criminal Justice Reporter, Kansas News ServiceAs the Kansas social services and criminal justice reporter, I want to inform our audience about how the state government wants to help its residents and keep their communities safe. Sometimes that means I follow developments in the Legislature and explain how lawmakers alter laws and services of the state government. Other times, it means questioning the effectiveness of state programs and law enforcement methods. And most importantly, it includes making sure the voices of everyday Kansans are heard. You can reach me at dlysen@kcur.org, 816-235-8027 or on Threads, @DylanLysen.
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Kansas State University officials say Jerome Tang’s dismissal was “for cause,” meaning the university will not pay an $18 million buyout to end the contract. Tang has said he plans to fight the firing. -
A Kansas Senate committee is considering a bill to pressure Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s administration to comply with the federal government’s request for the data, including social security numbers. Kansas is one of more than 20 states rebuffing the request. -
The projects use community land trusts to sell homes at a reduced price and keep them affordable in the future. Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City is using the real estate tool to build entire neighborhoods that aim to help address the state’s affordable housing shortage. -
A Kansas bill would increase public information about the state officials who nominate justices for the state’s Supreme Court. Supporters say the commission helping select the most important judges in Kansas should be more transparent. It comes as a vote approaches changing how justices are selected. -
Bonner Springs is giving more than $200 million of tax incentives for Mattel Adventure Park. City officials say it will boost the local tax revenues. But a public finance expert says the deal will mostly cost the state. -
A major tax incentives package approved Monday by Kansas lawmakers will help the Chiefs build a new $3 billion domed stadium. -
A state law requires Kansas agencies and universities to eliminate any policies related to diversity, equity and inclusion. Republican lawmakers are questioning whether they should also regulate the content in college courses. -
A Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation-owned business landed a federal contract to assist facility design for immigration detention centers. The tribe said the project does not align with its values. -
Applying the Kansas Consumer Protection Act to residential rentals could help balance power between landlords and tenants. A lawmaker hopes it may force landlords to improve their properties so tenants don’t live in squalor. -
Kansas hemp growers and processors say the new, stricter federal law could derail the entire industry. The state has grown to one of the top five hemp producing states in the country.
