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Brett Ballard, Washburn’s beloved basketball coach and NCAA DII semifinalist leader, is on the road to full recovery after a harrowing car crash caused by a neurological episode — and he’s sharing his progress with gratitude and grit. With 167 wins and a strong program under his belt, Ballard’s resilience mirrors his team’s spirit as he looks ahead to returning to the court and rallying fans back at Lee Arena.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/healthcare/2026/09/18/washburn-basketball-coach-discusses-cause-of-turnpike-crash/91830801007/

More coverage & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/868185e4f7b4ad0e

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Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach is aggressively expanding federal immigration enforcement partnerships, pushing for more local law enforcement to join 287(g) agreements with ICE. Despite recent legislative changes that removed approval hurdles and granted legal protections, only about a third of counties are participating — and nearly two-thirds still aren’t. With 14 new counties and 7 cities signing on since July, Kobach aims for 70 counties total, arguing these collaborations are vital for public safety by helping identify and remove individuals with deportation orders — especially in cases like DUIs or violent crimes. But major metro and rural areas remain uninvolved, as the push continues to bridge the gap between federal policy and local cooperation.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/government/2026/09/18/kansas-ag-kobach-wants-to-double-agencies-agreements-with-ice/91791272007/

More coverage & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/834cd4670bb4c98c

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A razor-thin Senate race in Kansas is heating up as Democrat Adam Hamilton edges out Republican incumbent Roger Marshall by two points in a new Emerson College poll — a historic breakthrough for Democrats in the state. With 45% support to Marshall’s 43%, Hamilton’s win hinges on mobilizing Democrats, swaying moderate Republicans, and dominating independents — whom he leads by a wide margin. National GOP figures like JD Vance are now pouring resources into Kansas, while even Senator John Kennedy admits he’s stunned by the race’s competitiveness. While Marshall holds a slight edge on the economy, Hamilton shines on healthcare — a key issue for voters prioritizing that topic. This tight, shifting contest could reshape Kansas politics and watch closely as Election Day approaches.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/government/2026/09/18/adam-hamilton-holds-edge-over-us-sen-roger-marshall-in-kansas-poll/91826593007/

More coverage & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/15b47c1d52c88b71

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Cider Days Fall Festival is back for its 45th anniversary with bigger, better fun for the whole family! Enjoy a live stage, a giant 29-foot inflatable apple, classic cider slushes and doughnuts, plus over 200 local vendors selling crafts and treats. Kids will love Berenstain Bears, camel rides, a petting zoo, and free balloon art. First 100 guests each day get a special anniversary swag bag. Festival runs Sat, Sept 19 (10am–6pm) and Sun, Sept 20 (10am–4pm) at Stormont Vail Events Center. Tickets: $8 Friday, $10 weekend; kids free. Free parking, weather tents, and easy access despite nearby construction.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://www.wibw.com/2026/09/18/cider-days-fall-festival-returns-its-45th-anniversary/

More coverage & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/79118127680bc9b0

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Washburn men’s basketball coach Brett Ballard is making a strong comeback after a harrowing August crash on the Kansas Turnpike that left him seriously injured. Diagnosed with a neurological episode, Ballard is now recovering well and expects a full recovery in the next few months. In a heartfelt video, he thanked his family, friends, and medical team while drawing parallels to coaching — facing adversity head-on. Despite the setback, he remains confident in his team’s championship potential, echoing his past successes. His resilience continues to inspire both fans and players alike.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://www.wibw.com/2026/09/18/god-is-good-coach-ballard-reveals-cause-wreck-updates-recovery/

More coverage & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/37b42b9be39f8534

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KC Current fans turned out in droves for a massive tent sale at CPKC Stadium, snagging gear at discounts up to 70%—tees and hats for just $15, fleeces for $30, plus limited-edition drops and sneak peeks of the fall collection. The team’s marketing push? Make teal your everyday color—think “teal Tuesday” wherever you go. Fans called it early Christmas shopping, with boxes overflowing and everyone from Karen Fenaroli to Tyler Parker leaving with new merch. Food trucks, free parking, and a free watch party for the San Diego Wave game capped off the fun. Next home game: Saturday, September 26th, at 11:30 AM vs. Denver.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://www.kctv5.com/2026/09/18/kc-current-hosts-tent-sale-with-gear-up-70-off/

More coverage & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/74351259e3898a9c

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In Shawnee County, Kansas, a local GOP-backed group is pushing to remove books with sexual content from the children’s section of the public library, sparking a heated debate over censorship and parental rights. While supporters argue these materials are inappropriate for young readers, the library stands firm, defending its mission to uphold intellectual freedom and the First Amendment — trusting parents to guide their children’s reading choices. The library emphasizes its role in serving diverse community needs and invites families to co-explore books that align with their values.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/local/2026/09/18/topeka-and-shawnee-county-public-library-under-fire-for-book-selection/91757947007/

More coverage & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/c029c568b13a0105

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A tragic head-on collision near Highway 63 claimed the life of 18-year-old Alyssa Mullins, who was airlifted with critical injuries, while 23-year-old Bryce Ashlock, driver of the other vehicle, also suffered serious trauma. The Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the cause of the crash, which occurred around 6:42 AM, and has offered condolences to the families of both victims as the community mourns this devastating loss.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://www.wibw.com/2026/09/18/18-year-old-dies-another-injured-fatal-two-vehicle-crash-friday/

More coverage & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/4bceda941eed0e71

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A 24-year-old man from Savannah, Georgia, faces serious federal charges in Wichita, Kansas, accused of traveling across state lines with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct involving a minor. The case, part of the nationwide Project Safe Childhood initiative, is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and local police. With felony stakes and an ongoing probe, this highlights the federal crackdown on child exploitation and the serious consequences for those who break these laws.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://www.kctv5.com/2026/09/18/georgia-man-accused-crossing-state-lines-have-sex-with-minor-kansas/

More coverage & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/e5948e6d08bd8997

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