In Kansas News
Electric vehicle batteries just started rolling down the line at Panasonic’s factory in De Soto, Kansas. But as Zane Irwin of the Kansas News Service reports, the plant is opening during a rough patch in the EV market.
"Japanese Taiko drumming echoed through the halls of Panasonic’s $4 billion factory as officials from Kansas and Japan got their first looks inside.
The plant’s grand opening came with a tone of cautious optimism, though. Officials are hoping that the prospect of auto tariffs and disappearing EV tax credits will not cause delays in production and hiring.
Democrat David Toland is Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary for Kansas. He says the electric vehicle market should bounce back.
“Long term, this facility is going to be a huge win for the people of Kansas.”
Panasonic aims to reach full production capacity at the plant by the end of 2026.
For the Kansas News Service, I’m Zane Irwin."
Advocates say Kansas Latino politicians are facing an uptick in racism. A Fourth of July parade in Liberal, Kansas, included a truck with signs that said “vote Republican” and called on Mayor Jose Lara (law-RUH) and Commissioner Janeth (Juh-neth) Vasquez (VASS-kez) to resign. They are Liberal’s only Latino politicians.
Esmeralda (ez-MORE-all-duh) Tovar(TOE-var)-Mora (MORE-uh) is with the Kansas Immigration Coalition. She says the sign was racist and other Latino leaders across the state are experiencing similar discrimination.
“They’re veiled in this sort of performative patriotism now and free speech, but they’re rooted in racism and white supremacy.”
An official with the Seward County Republican Party says the group was not responsible for the float and was “disgusted” by it.
And in Missouri News
Governor Mike Kehoe has signed a law that allows the Missouri Farm Bureau to offer alternative health plans. KBIA’s Jana Rose Schleis reports from Jefferson City.
"The farm bureau needed state government approval to offer the health plans because they will not be subject to the minimum care guidelines and consumer protections established in the federal Affordable Care Act.
At a Monday signing at Farm Bureau headquarters, Kehoe said he’s confident the company will provide reliable health options.
“They've been in business since 1915 so when you're dealing with a 110-year old company that understands what it takes to take care of Missouri families, I wouldn't worry about that, as long as Missouri Farm Bureau is behind it.”
Missouri Farm Bureau health plans are expected to be available for members sometime next year.
In Jefferson City, I’m Jana Rose Schleis, KBIA news.
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed into law today (Monday) legislation that places limitations on state water exports.
The legislation bans the export of Missouri’s water outside the state without a permit. That permit must be issued by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
During the bill signing ceremony, Kehoe said the state decided to be proactive when it comes to preserving water.
“Water is kind of the new gold, and the further you go west, the more valuable it becomes. So making sure we protect one of our resources has been very important to me."
The new law has a provision related to a state of emergencies based on drought conditions.
If the Governor declares a state of emergency due to a drought, the Department of Natural Resources must reevaluate any existing water export permits.