The Associated Press: A champion of what became known as Common Core education standards, Jeb Bush pushed a set of high-stakes tests for students and a system of grading schools as the centerpiece of an…

Kansas legislators agreed to spend $2.6 million for a fiscal efficiency study of state government.Alvarez & Marsal, a national firm with an office in Kansas City, had the third lowest bid among four, but was…

Soon after the tragic mass killing at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Ore., cries for strict gun control came in a flood.There is a positive correlation between gun control and homicide rates, studies have found,…

In the recent past Iola has lost more than 200 jobs with the closing of Haldex Brake, in favor of production in Mexico, and Herff-Jones, in a move to Indianapolis. State legislation that cut income…

Events in USDs 257 (Iola-Gas-LaHarpe) and 258 (Humboldt) this week and next will be helpful in the years to come.Staff at USD 258 and a number of people from the community gathered Wednesday to look…

My initial reaction to the news of Rep. John Boehner announcing his resignation as speaker of the house was, he caved.But then, I thought, he’s only human. And after four years, he just doesn’t have…

The allure of Buster Keaton is how without a word he can have you busting at the seams with laughter or, for the soft-hearted, make you want to scoop him up in your arms. After…

It’s funny, in that sad, shake your head kind of way, that it’s not until something affects you personally, that you take it seriously.Take Sen. Jeff King, R-Independence, who for the past three years has…

I can’t help but think of the missed opportunity by downtown merchants to play up tonight’s performance of “Mary Poppins.”Their display windows could be painted with chimney sweeps, Mary Poppinses and spoonfuls of sugar. Buckets…

Finally, someone may have a criticism about Donald Trump that has staying power.Carly Fiorina, the only female contender in the Republican pool of candidates, released a powerful video spot Monday called “Look at This Face.”To…