For voters interested in researching candidates, here are the competitive races that will appear on ballots in Sedgwick County on Nov. 8, with links to each candidate’s campaign website (if one exists) and Ballotpedia page.
wichita
Posted inHealth
Community is key after experiencing a loss to suicide, Wichita mental health leaders say
This story on mental health contains data analysis by Gretchen Lenth, The Wichita Beacon’s Dow Jones data intern from this summer. Content warning: This story discusses suicide, suicide attempts and mental health in general. If you or someone you love is struggling with their mental health, check out The Beacon’s local mental health resource list. […]
Posted inElections, Kansas State Government
Political newcomers to Kansas House go uncontested
“Not everyone has the latitude to remove themselves from their places of employment for a period of time, especially a period of time that’s as excessive as this,” Carr said.
Posted inCivic Engagement, Education, Elections
What you need to know about the school board ballot measure on the November ballot
The Beacon has created a guide to prepare you for the ballot measure so that you can be ready to vote.
Posted inHealth, State Government
Who loses – and by how much – with legalized sports gambling in Kansas?
In 2020, the National Council on Problem Gambling told the Kansas Legislature the estimated social cost of Kansas adult problem gamblers is $829 million a year, from gambling-related bankruptcy, divorce, crime and job loss. Using the same methodology, adjusting for inflation and the new population census, The Beacon found that problem gambling would incur an estimated cost of $1.126 billion for Kansas taxpayers, families and communities in 2022.
Posted inHealth, Kansas State Government
Who loses – and by how much – with legalized sports gambling in Kansas?
In 2020, the National Council on Problem Gambling told the Kansas Legislature the estimated social cost of Kansas adult problem gamblers is $829 million a year, from gambling-related bankruptcy, divorce, crime and job loss. Using the same methodology, adjusting for inflation and the new population census, The Beacon found that problem gambling would incur an estimated cost of $1.126 billion for Kansas taxpayers, families and communities in 2022.
Posted inCivic Engagement, Education
Wichita school board elections might violate Voting Rights Act, federal ruling in Georgia suggests
“It is an example of a court finding that the type of procedure that Wichita uses to be a violation of the Voting Rights Act,” Jackson said. “It has some value, some authority, that these types of arrangements might be suspect … it shows that they might be diluting minority voting rights.”
Posted inEducation
Pandemic learning: Federal money allows Wichita Public Schools to invest in summer programs
More than 2,800 students participated in the daylong summer programs that ran through June. Participating students in kindergarten through eighth grade regained knowledge they had lost, according to pre- and post-summer school assessments of their math and language skills. And nearly all parents of participating children felt teachers were well-prepared and made the experience fun for their children.
Posted inKansas State Government
‘A North Star’: Gail Finney, Wichita native and state representative, dies at 63
“She was a North Star,” Danielle Johnson, vice chair of the Sedgwick County Democratic Party, said. “She was so proximate to the community, a tangible leader, someone that you know is going to champion causes brought by the community. She led with a level of respect and grace that you don’t oftentimes see.”
Posted inAccountability, Local Government
Suicide is the leading cause of death in Kansas jails. The Sedgwick County Jail is struggling to combat this trend.
Update: On Aug. 24, Sedgwick County Jail saw its fourth person this year die while in custody. A 38-year-old male was found unresponsive and EMS pronounced him dead at the scene. A preliminary investigation determined the death a result of natural causes; an autopsy is pending. Content warning: This story contains references to and descriptions of […]