PARSONS, KS – Law enforcement agencies and school districts across Kansas are on high alert following a series of coordinated "swatting" calls that disrupted multiple campuses on Wednesday afternoon.

Richard E. Beck, a 63-year-old man from Stockton, was arrested by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and Rooks County Sheriff's Office for manufacturing methamphetamine. Authorities discovered he was sourcing chemicals and stealing anhydrous ammonia. Beck faces multiple charges and is currently in jail, with the investigation continuing.

A thermal event at the Panasonic energy plant in De Soto, KS, led to a large emergency response and evacuation on May 5. Fire officials defined it as a thermal runaway within a battery, causing significant smoke. All employees are accounted for, and investigations into the cause are ongoing, with no reported injuries.

LAWRENCE, KS — A weekend outing ended in tragedy as authorities confirmed the recovery of a 20-year-old Olathe man’s body from Clinton Lake on Monday morning.

GOODLAND, Kan. — Law enforcement officials in Sherman County are turning to the community for assistance following a distressing hit-and-run incident that left a juvenile’s pet dead on Friday afternoon.

The Phillipsburg Fire Department has received the Gold Helmet Department award from NIOSH for enrolling over 50% of its personnel in the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer, addressing occupational cancer risks among firefighters. This recognition highlights a commitment to personnel safety and encourages other departments to participate in this vital initiative.

WICHITA, Kan. — The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office has launched an investigation into a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred Monday afternoon in the 1400 block of W. Haskell.

OTTAWA, Kan. – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has identified the man found deceased following a violent confrontation and hours-long standoff that left an Ottawa police officer injured on Friday evening.

Kansas State University researchers are analyzing groundwater quality's impact on agriculture in south-central Kansas, particularly the Equus Beds aquifer. They focus on a chloride plume that may affect irrigation practices and crop profitability. Enhanced modeling of the plume's movement is recommended to inform producers and manage economic risks connected to water resources.

Kansas State University is hosting the GROW/EXCITE pre-college summer workshop from June 3-5 for middle and high school students. Participants will engage in hands-on STEM activities, stay in residence halls, and connect with K-State students and faculty. Registration is due by May 10, with scholarships available for eligible students.