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Lineup for road projects under stimulus eyed
TOPEKA, KS -- A timetable hasn't been set - yet - for picking which highway projects the state will fund under the federal stimulus bill. Kansas will receive an estimated $350 million under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 for highway projects, which officials said could create 10,000 to 11,000 new jobs in the state. "We are working to develop a list of projects that we will propose to the governor and the lieutenant governor, and we will work together in the election process," said Kansas Department of Transportation spokesman Stan Whitley. "Our recommendations for projects will be based on input gathered during local consultation meetings in 2006 and 2008 and safety, economic and roadway condition factors."
Smoking ban bill advances; Senate OK expected today
TOPEKA, KS -- A bill banning smoking in most public places in Kansas received first-round approval Monday night in the Senate after members rewrote it to exempt private clubs and gambling areas in casinos. This is the third year the Senate has dealt with the issue. If the bill passes today as expected by the Senate leadership, it will go to the House, where many members feel it's an issue best left to local governments to decide. "It's a partial victory. We didn't protect all Kansans, and that was my goal," said Sen. David Wysong, a Mission Republican who has been leading the fight for a statewide smoking ban.
Teen driving bill advances in House
TOPEKA, KS -- Teenage drivers would face new restrictions under a bill that passed out of a House committee Monday and could soon be debated on the chamber's floor. The House Transportation Committee endorsed a compromise proposal crafted by a subcommittee that seeks to institute a graduated driver's license system for teens in Kansas. The action comes at the same time that Kansas officials may be cutting off state aid for driver's education because of state government's $1 billion budget deficit this year.
AP Top U.S. News At 1:34 a.m. EST
Michael Jackson's doctor pleads not guilty
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Michael Jackson's doctor pleaded not guilty Monday to involuntary manslaughter in the death of the pop star at a brief hearing that had all the trappings of another sensational celebrity courtroom drama....
Astronauts inspect shuttle on way to space station
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) -- Endeavour's astronauts inspected their ship early Tuesday for any launch damage as they raced toward a 200-mile-high rendezvous with the International Space Station....
Criminal probe is launched in Conn. plant blast
MIDDLETOWN, Conn. (AP) -- Authorities launched a criminal investigation Monday into the cause of an explosion that killed five people at a power plant under construction, saying they couldn't rule out negligence....
AP Top Sports News At 2:10 a.m. EST
NFL future: Spotlight off the field
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) -- A memorable season capped by a super title game with a record TV audience has NFL executives and fans beaming....
Lakers beat Spurs 101-89 without Bryant, Bynum
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Pau Gasol had 21 points and 19 rebounds to lead five players in double figures, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the San Antonio Spurs 101-89 Monday night without injured Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum....
Kansas still No. 1; Mountain West has 3 in Top 25
The Mountain West Conference is doing some serious climbing....
