Buried deep inside the state's $25.6 billion budget, there's a measure that expands one of the state’s most powerful tax incentives to help save dying malls. What originally started out as a bill that died in the House became a proviso added to the state budget authorizing sales tax revenue – or STAR – bonds to be used for redevelopment of declining malls under certain circumstances. Source: Sunflower State Journal

Sedgwick County health officials have confirmed the area’s first case of measles in eight years, officials announced Wednesday morning. The virus was identified in a child between the ages of 5 and 10 who is unvaccinated, a press release said. The health department is working to identify the source of exposure, and said the agency would notify those who may have been exposed. Source: Homepage

A water task force meant to ensure the “precious resource is available for generations to come” received its first members this week. The 16-member panel of Republican and Democratic legislators, state officials and a handful of appointees from both parties will craft policy changes in an effort to evaluate Kansas’ current and future water supply, funding efforts for water projects and potential impacts on the state’s economy. Source: Butler County Times-Gazette

The City of Arkansas City is working with the high school and Cowley College to bring students on board as uncompensated interns. Human Resources Director Marla McFarland said the program exposes students to the wide range of career opportunities available in public service. McFarland tries to pair the students with jobs that match their studies and interests. ACHS Junior Kennedy Barnes has worked with the city for the past two semesters and plans to seek a career in law after graduating high school. Source: www.ctnewsonline.com - RSS Results

On the heels of a stronger-than-expected jobs report and elevated inflation readings, the Federal Reserve is expected to hold interest rates steady at the end of its two-day meeting this week. Source: CNBC

In Augusta, residents will decide whether to approve $55 million for USD 402. Further west, in Ness County, voters in USD 303 will decide on a $24 million bond. Source: KSN-TV

Water was released Monday morning from the Cedar Bluff Reservoir to aid Russell and Hays, which face drought conditions that city leaders expect to worsen. Leaders from both cities said this is only a band-aid, not a long-term solution. Source: KSN-TV

Crews were in Iola Thursday to begin restoration work on the old Iola movie theater. Work will include a new marquee and replacing windows and doors.... The historic theater, built in 1931, is being restored through efforts of the Iola Theatre Association, Inc., a local nonprofit. Funding includes $3.2 million through the 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act. The group also has raised $1 million through private donations and two grants. Source: The Iola Register

The City of Lawrence is tightening requirements for people to receive homelessness services, and people who previously lived in town, relocated elsewhere and returned are now “considered non-residents” until they’ve established housing. Source: The Lawrence Times

AT&T was fined $60,000 by the Kansas Corporation Commission for 60 violations in a 30-day span of the Kansas Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act. That state law and KCC regulations require AT&T to timely locate underground lines, like when a homeowner or contractor calls 811 before digging. Source: CJonline