Kansas News
News stories from the past 60 days.
Oct 24, 2024 - Highlights challenges faced by a rural Kansas community in their efforts to address nitrate contamination in drinking water. Notes that agricultural practices and sandy soil have led to dangerous increases in nitrate levels over recent decades. Describes efforts to obtain funding for a new water treatment center and to increase testing of private wells.
Source: KCUR
Oct 17, 2024 - Announces newly awarded funding for connecting rural and remote communities with high-speed internet in 10 states.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Oct 15, 2024 - Details initiatives of the Wichita State University Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory (MDL) offering microbiology services and technical consulting to rural hospitals and small laboratories. Notes that small hospitals often face long turnaround times for sample testing. Discusses efforts to expedite diagnostic services while increasing the capacity of local laboratories.
Source: Wichita State University News
Sep 26, 2024 - Describes efforts by the Kansas Department of Education to source local food for school meals in rural western Kansas. Discusses how the predominance of commodity crops has led to a lack of options for purchasing local fruits and vegetables. Highlights barriers faced by specialty crop growers and notes the health and economic benefits of more diversified local food systems.
Source: High Plains Public Radio
Sep 23, 2024 - New rural hospitals are being built in Wyoming and Kansas despite the national trend of rural hospital closures. Discusses federal funding sources and the impact of limited access to hospital services for rural residents.
Source: USA Today, KFF Health News
Sep 17, 2024 - Examines the economic pressures that have led to farm
consolidation and widespread changes to agricultural
practices, and how these issues intersect with farmer
mental health and the vitality of rural communities.
Discusses the related issue of population loss in rural
Kansas, leading to increased risks for social isolation and
loneliness.
Source: High Plains Public Radio
Sep 10, 2024 - Presents overview of Genomic Answers for Kids, a research program that offers free access to genetic testing for children in rural Kansas. Describes how the program partners with rural physicians to identify eligible participants. Highlights the impacts of receiving a diagnosis for children and families, but notes that the process can take years and a diagnosis is not guaranteed.
Source: KCUR
Last Updated: 10/28/2024