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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 2:42 p.m. EDT
Storm leaves Northeast soggy, windblown and dark
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) -- Utility crews pushed through fallen trees and windblown debris to reach downed power lines Sunday, working to restore electricity to hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses as strong winds and heavy rain that wreaked havoc in parts of the Northeast pushed on into New England....
Lawyer defends Prius driver's story of stuck pedal
SAN DIEGO (AP) -- A lawyer representing a driver who reports his Toyota Prius sped out of control on a California freeway is sticking by his client's story despite a congressional memo that raises questions about what happened....
No word from woman freed in alleged plot, mom says
LEADVILLE, Colo. (AP) -- A woman who says she is the mother of an American woman held and later released in Ireland over an alleged plot to kill a Swedish cartoonist says she does not know where her daughter and grandson may be....
AP Top Sports News At 2:33 p.m. EDT
Pacquiao dominates Clottey for decision
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -- Fighting on the star, Manny Pacquiao showed once again why he is such a star....
Butler wins another one for West Virginia
NEW YORK (AP) -- Da'Sean Butler's second game-winner in three days gave West Virginia its first Big East championship....
No. 1 KU beats No. 9 K-State 72-64 in Big 12 final
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Marcus Morris had 18 points, Tyrel Reed added 15 and No. 1 Kansas held off No. 9 Kansas State down the stretch for a 72-64 victory and its seventh Big 12 tournament title Saturday night....
