Jack Harvel

Bend, Topeka

Reporter at Topeka Capital-Journal

Statehouse Reporter @CJOnline. KC native. Mizzou Grad. DMs are open.

Articles

Former Wichita School Board member joins Republican primary race for governor

3 days ago | cjonline.com | Jack Harvel

Joy Eakins, a former Wichita Board of Education member, announced her candidacy for Kansas governor. Eakins emphasized her business background and commitment to conservative principles. She joins a growing Republican primary field that includes prominent figures like Jeff Colyer and Scott Schwab. The Kansas gubernatorial primary election is scheduled for August 2026. Former Wichita Board of Education member and businesswoman Joy Eakins announced June 18 she's running for governor.
Kansas man who said he didn't know he couldn't have drugs in jail loses appeal

5 days ago | cjonline.com | Jack Harvel

A Shawnee County inmate's trafficking conviction was upheld by the Kansas Court of Appeals, despite his claim of not knowing synthetic marijuana was contraband. The inmate argued he hadn't received an inmate handbook detailing prohibited items, but the court ruled that "fair notice" was sufficient for illegal substances. The Kansas Court of Appeals affirmed a district court conviction of a Shawnee County inmate who argued he didn't know he couldn't have synthetic marijuana in jail.
Kansas passed 129 new laws in 2025, with 101 taking effect July 1

5 days ago | cjonline.com | Jack Harvel |Jason Alatidd

129 new Kansas laws were enacted in 2025, with most taking effect July 1. Key legislation includes the establishment of the Office of Early Childhood, a ban on gender-affirming care for minors, and increased campaign contribution limits. Tax laws were modified, including a gradual shift to a flat income tax and exemptions for certain vehicles and properties.
Kansas Democratic Party chair seeks role at Democratic National Committee

2 weeks ago | cjonline.com | Jack Harvel

Kansas Democratic Party Chair Jeanna Repass is vying for a DNC vice chair position after a contested election. Repass emphasizes her experience in a red state and the need for investment in often-overlooked areas. The vice chair vacancy arose after David Hogg declined reelection following internal party disputes. Repass is competing against Kalyn Free and Shasti Conrad for the open seat.
Court allows transgender Kansans to change gender markers on driver's licenses

2 weeks ago | cjonline.com | Jason Alatidd |Jack Harvel

Transgender Kansans can once again change their gender marker on their driver's licenses. The Kansas Court of Appeals on June 13 reversed a decision by a Shawnee County judge that blocked the Kansas Department of Revenue from changing gender markers. "Today, we reverse the district court's issuance of the injunction," the appellate judges wrote.
Court allows transgender Kansans to change gender markers on driver's licenses

2 weeks ago | salina.com | Jason Alatidd |Jack Harvel

The Kansas Court of Appeals overturned a lower court's injunction, allowing transgender Kansans to change gender markers on driver's licenses. The ruling stated that Attorney General Kris Kobach failed to demonstrate irreparable harm, a requirement for the injunction. The case stems from differing interpretations of a 2023 law defining sex based on reproductive anatomy at birth. The lawsuit will return to a different judge in Shawnee County District Court.
Kelly joins Democratic states in criticizing federalization of National Guard

2 weeks ago | cjonline.com | Jack Harvel

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly joined an amicus brief challenging President Trump's federalization of the California National Guard. The brief argues that the federalization was unlawful, unconstitutional, and violated states' rights. The protests in Los Angeles, sparked by ICE raids, involved clashes between protesters and law enforcement. Kelly's support of California Gov. Newsom drew criticism from Kansas Republicans. Kansas Gov.
More questions than answers on new Kansas law mandating fetal development curricula

2 weeks ago | cjonline.com | Jack Harvel

Kansas schools are now required to show fetal development videos when human growth or sexuality is discussed. The law lacks specifics on implementation, leaving local districts with an unclear mandate. The Kansas State Board of Education offered minimal guidance. Some board members criticized the state legislature for mandating curriculum, while some supported the law's concept.
Three finalists chosen to fill vacancy on Kansas Supreme Court. What to know

2 weeks ago | cjonline.com | Jack Harvel

Three candidates have been selected to replace retiring Kansas Supreme Court Justice Evelyn Wilson. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly will choose the new justice from the three candidates. The candidates are Judge Amy Hanley, Judge K. Christopher Jayaram and attorney Larkin Walsh. This could be the last justice selected by the Supreme Court Nominating Commission, as Kansas voters will decide in 2026 whether to switch to electing justices.
Kansas's 50501 and Women's March to have 'No Kings' protest at Statehouse

2 weeks ago | salina.com | Jack Harvel |Lori Comstock

Over 1,500 "No Kings" protests are planned nationwide for June 14, coinciding with President Trump's birthday. The Topeka protest will include music, speakers, and a march through downtown. Various groups are organizing transportation to the Topeka protest from across Kansas. Protests are also planned internationally in opposition to what organizers perceive as Trump's authoritarian tendencies.