Jack Harvel

Bend, Topeka

Reporter at Topeka Capital-Journal

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

Articles

Lawsuit seeks to overturn Kansas's ban on youth gender medicine

6 days ago | cjonline.com | Jack Harvel

Parents of transgender children in Kansas are suing the state over a law banning gender-affirming care for minors. The lawsuit argues the law violates the state constitution's equal protection clause by discriminating based on sex. Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach defends the law, stating it protects children from harmful procedures. The lawsuit details how the law has impacted two families.
Measles detected in another Kansas county, while case count grows to 64

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

Kansas now has 64 total measles cases, with 59 linked to a southwest Kansas outbreak. The outbreak spans eight counties, with Gray County reporting the most cases. Unvaccinated children are primarily affected, and health officials recommend the MMR vaccine. Nationwide, there have been over 1,000 measles cases and three deaths this year. One more Kansas county was exposed to measles, bringing the total cases to 64 in the state.
Kansas launches website to entice federal workers 'in need of new opportunities'

6 days ago | cjonline.com | Jack Harvel

Kansas launched a website to attract laid-off and discouraged federal workers. The Trump administration has focused on reducing the federal workforce, potentially cutting thousands of jobs. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly touted the state's benefits, including schools, cost of living, and housing market. Kansas is looking to hire laid-off or discouraged federal workers — and made a new web page to attract the workforce to the state.
RFK slams processed foods, pesticides, as harmful, Kansas farmers respond

1 week ago | cjonline.com | Jack Harvel |Adrianna Rodriguez

A new report blames ultra-processed foods, environmental chemicals, inactivity, stress, and overmedication for driving chronic diseases in children. The report, commissioned by President Trump and led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., also points to corporate influence and lobbying as contributing factors. The report calls for more research into the health effects of various substances, including PFAS, pesticides, and food additives.
Kansas House Democrats kick off statewide tour in Topeka on Thursday

1 week ago | cjonline.com | Jack Harvel

Kansas House Democrats are launching an 11-stop "Fight Back Tour" across the state, including areas where they've lost electoral support. Democrats acknowledge the challenge of localizing political discourse in a nationalized environment, aiming to shift focus from Trump to state-level issues. The tour targets areas with little to no Democratic representation, seeking to counter negative perceptions and rebuild support for 2026.
Patrick Penn, who recently resigned from the Kansas House, accepts role at USDA

1 week ago | hutchnews.com | Jack Harvel

Former Kansas Rep. Patrick Penn resigned from the Kansas House, and recently accepted a federal position. Penn will serve as the USDA's deputy under secretary for the Food and Nutrition Service. The USDA highlighted Penn's legislative work on foster care and military background. Former Kansas House Rep. Patrick Penn, R-Wichita, who resigned from the House on May 15, will serve as the U.S. Department of Agriculture's deputy under secretary for the Food and Nutrition Service.
Patrick Penn, who recently resigned from the Kansas House, accepts role at USDA

1 week ago | cjonline.com | Jack Harvel

Former Kansas Rep. Patrick Penn resigned from the Kansas House, and recently accepted a federal position. Penn will serve as the USDA's deputy under secretary for the Food and Nutrition Service. The USDA highlighted Penn's legislative work on foster care and military background. Former Kansas House Rep. Patrick Penn, R-Wichita, who resigned from the House on May 15, will serve as the U.S. Department of Agriculture's deputy under secretary for the Food and Nutrition Service.
Kansas National Guard opens its new joint force headquarters at Forbes Field

1 week ago | cjonline.com | Jack Harvel

The Kansas National Guard opened its new joint force headquarters at Forbes Field on May 27 at a ribbon cutting attended by Kansas's governor, one of its senators and members of the Kansas National Guard. The new $18 million, 58,000-square-foot facility has been in the works since 2017. Gov. Laura Kelly said it will consolidate operations previously housed in outdated, dispersed buildings.
Sen. Roger Marshall blocks bill that would stop Trump's acceptance of Qatari jet

1 week ago | cjonline.com | Jack Harvel

Sen. Roger Marshall blocked a bill preventing former President Trump from accepting a Boeing 747, estimated to be worth up to $400 million, from Qatar. The bill, proposed by Sen. Chuck Schumer, aimed to bar any president from accepting planes from foreign governments. Marshall's evolving stance on Qatar, from criticizing its support for extremism to praising its strategic partnership, has drawn scrutiny.
Here are the new laws addressing Kansas military families and veterans

2 weeks ago | cjonline.com | Jack Harvel

Kansas passed several laws benefiting military members and veterans in the 2025 legislative session. One law eases residency requirements for military spouses working at polls and enrolling children in schools. Another law standardizes the definition of "veteran" and waives occupational licensing fees for military spouses. A small tax break provides an additional personal exemption for disabled veterans.