While some Kansas cities like Grinnell and Plevna are recovering from recent devastating tornadoes, others are reflecting. The Udall Historical Museum held a remembrance event for the 70th anniversary of the tornado that nearly leveled the town. On May 25, 1955, Udall was blindsided by a tornado, taking over 80 lives. The newest addition to the museum is a room dedicated to reconstructing the destruction. Source: KSN-TV

Wichita teachers, support staff, and school security workers will see pay raises next school year under new agreements reached with the Wichita Board of Education. The deals, which cover the 2025-2026 school year, include a 3% pay increase for teachers, classified staff (such as custodians, food service workers, and paraprofessionals), and safety personnel. Security workers will also receive an extra 1% "catch-up" raise. Health insurance coverage and premiums will remain unchanged across all employee groups. Source: KSN-TV

Wichita's skyline is about to get an addition with the lighting of the Century II spire. It has been nearly 10 years since the last time the community saw it with lights. The lighting will happen on Sunday, June 1, during the Riverfest's "I Choose Wichita" evening events. “Lighting the Century II spire after nearly a decade is a powerful symbol of unity and celebration,"; BreAnna Monk, Wichita Festivals president and CEO, said in a news release. "It’s an honor to mark the moment at Family Movie Night — a bright reminder of Wichita’s spirit." Source: KSN-TV

The Topeka Lodging Association is sounding the alarm on tourism in the capital city. They say a big part of that is due to Hotel Topeka and the closure of Heartland Park Racetrack. Topeka's tourism taxes is $50,000 off track for 2025, 15% less than expected. They say most of the shortfall comes from Hotel Topeka, which the city purchased next to the Stormont Vail Event Center. Source: KSNT 27 News

As the Memorial Day weekend approaches, the city of Winfield has launched a new online interactive cemetery map that officials call “a powerful tool designed to provide residents, genealogists, and visitors with easy access to burial information from the comfort of their homes.” The digital map is now live and available to the public through the City’s website. Users can search for loved ones, locate burial plots, and view cemetery layouts with enhanced clarity and convenience. Source: Local – Cowley Post

A guaranteed income program for single mothers has been on county leaders’ minds for some time. But in its 2025 session, the Kansas Legislature passed House Bill 2101, which now prohibits any city or county from using tax dollars to fund such programs unless the Legislature gives its prior approval. Now, the county appears to be taking a more concrete step toward developing the guaranteed income program idea. Source: LJWorld

The resolution regarding a countywide 1% retailers’ sales tax to fund the county hospital cited K.S.A. 2014 Supp. 12-187(b)(1), a general tax provision, rather than K.S.A. 2014 Supp. 12-187(b)(5), which specifically addresses funding health care services. ...Here, the ballot question was phrased in such a way that the electors understood a “yes” vote was a vote to approve a countywide 1% retailers’ sales tax to fund the county hospital. Source: Kansas Attorney General Opinions

The House passed a massive tax and spending bill that leaves the municipal bond tax exemption untouched after months of market speculation. It now heads to the Senate, which will shape the legislation to its own priorities. Source: Bond Buyer

The city of Plevna, with a population of fewer than 100 residents, does not carry insurance on its municipal buildings. Many residents are also facing property damage at their own homes, leaving limited local resources to fund repairs to public structures. Source: KSN-TV

Recovery is just beginning in Grinnell after an EF-3 tornado struck the town. Community leaders say financial donations will be key. Source: KSN-TV