By Sherman Smith | editor-in-chief
Good morning! Freelancer Grace Hills followed legislation earlier this year that would have given a green light to companies that take a cut of veterans’ benefits in exchange for helping them navigate the claims process, a service that other organizations offer for free. The bill gained traction despite concerns that the practice may violate federal law. Now, a federal judge has affirmed the practice is unlawful.
We’re also reporting on the State Objections Board blocking three candidates from the ballot, a push by Attorney General Kris Kobach and others to get the abortion pill classified as a water contaminant, and the company planning an underground nuclear reactor near Parsons is planning a stock offering.
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Judge rules Veterans Guardian violates federal law — months after lobbying efforts in Kansas
OVERLAND PARK — A federal judge in North Carolina found that Veterans Guardian, a for-profit consultant that charges veterans for help filing their disability claims, violates federal law.
The order came just a few months after the company lobbied Kansas legislators to pass a bill that would have greenlit for-profit consultants, despite concerns that the practice may be unlawful. The bill almost became law but support for it crumbled apart in the final hours of the legislative session.
Proponents argued Feb. 3 before the House Veterans and Military Committee that a few “bad actors” ruined the for-profit consultants’ reputations by charging exorbitant fees and using suspicious marketing tactics. Bill Taylor, co-founder of Veterans Guardian, said House Bill 2214 would have reined those companies in.
“We are 100% in compliance with federal law,” Taylor testified to lawmakers in February.
In May, U.S. District Judge Catherine Eagles disagreed.
Baya Burgess/Kansas Reflector
Kansas State Objections Board strikes No Labels party from ballot, along with Democrat in House race
TOPEKA — The State Objections Board on Friday upheld Secretary of State Scott Schwab’s decision not to recognize the No Labels Kansas political party.
Kris Van Meteren and David Miller challenged Schwab’s dissolution of the No Labels Kansas party before the State Objections Board and failed. The board’s ruling denies Van Meteren and Miller spots as nominees on the general election ballot.
The board also invalidated the House candidacy of a Garden City Democrat.
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Republican attorneys general urge EPA to classify mifepristone as water contaminant
Republican attorneys general from 14 states, including Kansas, and 19 GOP members of Congress are asking U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin to classify and regulate the abortion medication mifepristone as a water contaminant.
Mifepristone is prescribed as part of a two-drug medication regimen to terminate a pregnancy. Studies have shown medication abortion to be safe and effective.
Company proposing nuclear power facility in Kansas plans stock offering
TOPEKA — A company building an underground nuclear reactor in Parsons is planning an initial public offering of 2.5 million shares, planning to raise more than $40 million.
Judge blocks Trump’s ‘anti-weaponization’ fund until government agrees it’s been dissolved
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — A federal judge in the Eastern District of Virginia issued a preliminary injunction Friday halting the Trump administration’s nearly $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund for one week, giving the government time to sign a “clear, unambiguous” agreement that the fund is dead.
Pepper pot stew was survival food for the poor and a path to freedom for Black women
OPINION
By Carolyn Zola
Americans typically commemorate the nation’s birthday with hot dogs and hamburgers.
Instead, I think we should mark the 250th anniversary of the United States with a hearty bowl of pepper pot stew.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Kansas Reflector staff will participate in the following free public forums.
5:30 p.m. June 16, Bradbury Alumni Center at Washburn University in Topeka. Editor-in-chief Sherman Smith will lead a discussion on the proposed constitutional amendment to elect Kansas Supreme Court justices. Host: Kansas Appleseed. Register here.
6 p.m. June 24, Groover Labs in Wichita. Editor-in-chief Sherman Smith will lead a discussion on the proposed constitutional amendment to elect Kansas Supreme Court justices. Host: Kansas Appleseed. Register here.
6 p.m. June 25, Clint Bowyer Community Building in Emporia. Editor-in-chief Sherman Smith will lead a discussion on the proposed constitutional amendment to elect Kansas Supreme Court justices. Host: Kansas Appleseed. Register here.
7 p.m. June 27, Park City Senior Center. Host: Park City Community Pride.
1 p.m. July 11, South Branch Library in Kanass City, Kansas. Opinion editor Clay Wirestone joins a panel discussion: "Elected vs Appointed: Inform Your Choice." Hosts: Voter Rights Network of Wyandotte County, Advocates for Immigrant Rights and Reconciliation, the League of Women Voters of Johnson County, and El Centro.
2 p.m. Sept. 27, Red Rocks Visitor Center in Emporia. Host: Red Rocks.
If you're interested in having us talk in your town, email Sherman Smith at [email protected].
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