Suspect in student’s death arrested in Mexico
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The suspect in the slaying of Butler Community College student Emily Sander was arrested today in Mexico, federal authorities said. U.S. Deputy Marshal Logan Kline said Israel Mireles, 24, was arrested in Melchor Muzquiz, Mexico, southwest of Texas. Kline said Mireles is being held in that country until he can be extradited to the United States.

Annexation Bill in the works
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An effort to block Overland Park’s proposed annexation of 15 square miles will begin when the Kansas Legislature reconvenes next month. It will be led by House Majority Leader Ray Merrick, a Stilwell Republican who represents much of the area proposed for annexation south of the Overland Park city limits.

Who else knew?
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For voters who are feeling burned over the sex scandal that led to Morrison's resignation Friday as Kansas attorney general, there are others to blame besides Morrison himself. We don't know who they are yet, but it's difficult to believe somebody wasn't aware, or at least suspicious, that something was going on with Morrison.

Eleven people on political radar for Attorney General
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Democrats frequently name Securities Commissioner Chris Biggs as a potential replacement for Attorney General Paul Morrison, who is leaving office because of a sex scandal. Besides Biggs, there is Douglas County DA Charles Branson, Congressman Dennis Moore and Lt. Gov. Mark Parkinson, other potential candidates include Sebelius' former chief counsel, Matt All; her current chief counsel, Sally Howard; Supreme Court Justice Carol Beier; Douglas County District Judge Stephen Six; Topeka lawyers John Frieden and Dan Lykins; and Mike Leitch, who is head of Morrison's civil litigation division.

Witness in Abortionist Case Breaks Silence: “I was threatened by Kansas Attorney General”
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“Dr. McHugh was gentleman enough not to call Attorney General Paul Morrison a liar, but he strongly indicated to me that the conversation Morrison referred to in his letter did not happen," said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman, who helped escort Dr. McHugh into the meeting room and briefly addressed the audience. "That letter was full of flat-out bold-faced lies meant to intimidate Dr. McHugh into silence and attack the character of one of the nation's most highly-respected experts in the field of psychiatry.”

Embryonic Stem cell battle likely to rage on in Kansas
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A recent breakthrough in stem cell research has been hailed as the end of a contentious debate over using embryos in research. But in Kansas, that fight is expected to continue. Officials with the Kansas University Medical Center have said banning SCNT would adversely affect research in Kansas. But supporters of the proposed ban, including anti-abortion groups, said the SCNT process is immoral because it destroys a human life once the stem cells are taken out.

Lenexa proposing tax increase
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A possible sales tax increase will be discussed by Lenexa city leaders when they consider options for funding millions in road, parks and civic improvement projects. This would include the development of a new Civic Center that could cost up to $35 million.

Rising costs affecting Blue Valley’s bottom line
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Deputy Superintendent Al Hanna told members of the school board that the district needs to pay an extra $10 million to cover the cost of projects outlined in the $280 million bond issue passed by voters in 2005. Now several of the district’s building projects, including the new high school, Blue Valley Southwest, are exceeding their budgets. Unforeseen conditions and project additions have added to the cost increases

Mayor and County Commissioner faces accusations
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Lawrence Mayor Sue Hack and Douglas County Commissioner Bob Johnson are facing new allegations that they violated conflict of interest laws that if proven true could force their removal from office. Grassroots Action, a local political activism group, has asked the Douglas County District Attorney to investigate Hack and Johnson’s role in an approximately $1 million package of economic development incentives given to Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, a start-up company that was considering moving outside of Lawrence. Both Hack and Johnson each own more than $5,000 in stock in the company.

Mangino named AP National Coach of the Year
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The Associated Press today named Mangino the national coach of the year, after the Jayhawks shocked college football by going 11-1 and earning an invitation to the Orange Bowl.

Living Wage Law in effect in Lawrence
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Companies that receive a public tax break — a tax abatement — must pay their employees a “living wage” of at least $10.73 per hour, plus health benefits. It’s the law in Lawrence. Will any small business exist in the San Francisco of the Midwest in ten years?