We hear a lot about polarization these days, but in last week’s column, Mark Joslyn reviewed public opinion polls and found a remarkable amount of common ground among Kansans and Americans more generally, regarding key political issues.
Fiander: For 2025 Kansas Politics, Old Acquaintance Should Be Forgot
In his year-end wrap up column, Bill Fiander reviewed underwhelming developments in property taxes, gerrymandering, and town halls and concluded that for 2025, old acquaintance should indeed be forgot.
Smith: Devil’s Advocate on the Chiefs Deal
Governor Kelly and the Kansas City Chiefs owners are ecstatic over the new deal to build a $3.3 billion stadium in Wyandotte County. But is it a good deal for Kansas? Michael Smith said no in last week’s column.
Fox: Kansas Was Built by Matriarchs
Reflecting over the holiday break, Russell Fox appreciated the role that strong women past and present have had in making Kansas what it is today.
Middlewood: Kansans are Struggling. Will the Legislature Listen?
A new report finds that more than a third of Kansans qualify as ALICE (assets limited, income constrained, employed). Lifelines for the financially strapped include more affordable housing, childcare assistance, and food aid. All of these are broadly popular with Kansans, but will lawmakers listen, asked Alex Middlewood in her recent column.
Fox: Restructuring City Government or NIMBY?
Are Wichita, Prairie Village and other Kansas cities re-thinking the nonpartisan, city manager form of government? Or, are recent actions there just local drama and Not in My Back Yard (NIMBY) politics? Russell Fox pondered this in last week’s column.
Joslyn: Thanksgiving Traditions Have Kansas Connections
From Lincoln to FDR, the stories of how Americans came to celebrate Thanksgiving as a national holiday, and its connection to the holiday shopping season both make remarkable lessons in American politics– and they have Kansas connections, wrote Mark Joslyn in last week’s column.
Smith: Why Do Kansans Support Trump?
Results from the latest Kansas Speaks poll show that most Kansans take progressive positions on a variety of issues. Even on illegal immigration, Kansans are ambivalent and divided. So, why support Trump, asked Michael Smith in last week’s column?
Fiander: Greatest Hits from the Governor’s Budget Tour
Recently, Gov. Laura Kelly and her Budget Director completed a listening tour around the state to discuss the state’s budget. Bill Fiander attended one session and offered his “greatest hits” in a recent column.
Fox: Silencing Minorities is un-American
After a hotly debated, and ultimately unsuccessful attempt at mid-decade redistricting in Kansas, Russell Fox suggested that gerrymandering and other shenanigans designed to silence political minorities are un-American, in last week’s column.
Insight Kansas 