Latest National and International News
Latest National and International News
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Latest News from BBC
High Plains News
High Plains News
Swinford endorses Leal in Texas House race In the Texas Panhandle, veteran Republican lawmaker David Swinford's retirement has left a State House seat up for grabs. Two opponents- Walter "Four" Price and Victor Leal- are facing off in the March 2 GOP primary. Swinford has endorsed Leal.
Kansas legislature convenes It's the first day of the Kansas legislative spring session. Once again legislators must wrestle with budget shortfalls while trying to avoid creating long term problems with budget fixes.
Kansas colleges dealing with cuts Kansas Governor Mark Parkinon's recent reduction of higher education funding was not unexpected by some of our local schools. We talk with two local colleges about how they've handled cuts throughout the last year and what's really a frightening idea: what the next year might bring.
Power line proposal inspires opposition The Public Utilities Commission of Texas has contracted with several companies to build large transmission towers and lines that would carry wind-generated electricity from the Panhandle to urban Texas markets. Sharyland Utilities has encountered local opposition to a proposal that would construct lines going over a portion of Palo Duro Canyon that lies north of the State Park.
Western Kansas housing Unlike the coasts, housing in western Kansas is still steady. In Hays and Garden City prices are stable, but different trends have emerged.
Swinford might face Democrat, Libertarian in 2010 Republican David Swinford has represented the 87th district in the Texas House of Representatives since 1991. In the heavily Republican district, Swinford has sometimes run unopposed and hasn't faced a Democrat since 2002. But in the next election, Swinford might face two opponents. Amarillo Democrat Abel Bosquez and Dumas Libertarian James Hudspeth have announced their intent to run for Swinford's seat in Austin.
Amarillo food bank faces surge in demand High Plains Food Bank continues to feed thousands across the Texas Panhandle, even though donations are down and demand is up. The food bank's new garden is in need of volunteers to help it through the winter months.
Hungry during the holidays With Thanksgiving approaching many people are preparing large holiday menus, but even in our listening area there are those who can't afford all of the fixings and look to others for help.
How does hospice fit into end-of-life counseling discussion? There's lots of talk about end-of-life counseling these days. But what exactly is it? And how does hospice fit into the public discussion? What services does the term hospice describe?
Water issues on board's minds Water use from the Ogallala Aquifer is still unsustainable. This and other major water issues are on citizens' minds in Kansas.
New Texas unemployment tax rate near The Texas Workforce Commission's office is set to release new 2010 unemployment insurance tax rates during the first week of December. Rates will rise to accommodate a massive increase in unemployment claims. However, the state plans to spread the increase over a three-year period so as to ease the burden on businesses already reeling from a stagnant economy.
Reseach lab could attract private business Another federal animal research lab is moving to Kansas within the next year. It could attract business to the state as well as strengthen Kansas' role in animal health research.
New barber shop reflects changing downtown In Amarillo, the site of an old record store, once vacant, now houses the 118 Classic barber shop. The proprietors moved to the new downtown location from their old jobs on the North Side- a reversal of the trend of businesses leaving the central commercial district.
Prowers County unemployment rate down Unemployment rates are decreasing in Colorado, including Prowers County. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports the seasonally unadjusted rate for June was at 7.8 percent, but is down to 5 percent for September. HPPR's Lindsey Fields looks for trends.
Hutchison delays resignation decision Texas Republican U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, a candidate in the 2010 gubernatorial race may- or may not- resign from the Senate in order to campaign.
Recovery fund use in southwest Kansas We've been hearing about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the money it's putting into our economy called stimulus funds or recovery funds but just where is that money going and what's it doing? We visit two organizations in Southwest Kansas that will benefit from the money, but they haven't started spending it yet. HPPR's Lindsey Fields has the report.
TCFA, TFB endorse different candidates The Texas Cattle Feeders Association and the Texas Farm Bureau are on different sides of the race for the 2010 Republican gubernatorial nomination. AGFUND, the political organization of the Texas Farm Bureau, has endorsed U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison. BeefPAC, the political organization of the Texas Cattle Feeders Association, has endorsed incumbent Governor Rick Perry.
Colorado legislators discuss budget The State of Colorado is facing more budget cuts this fiscal year. The September Revenue forecast predicts an additional 240 million dollar shortfall. We ask state legislators what they think should be done to fill the gap and the one expected for next year.
WWII veterans get trip to DC Some veterans who fought in World War II have never seen the various monuments and landmarks in Washington, D.C., that honor the military. Thanks to the efforts of America Supports You Texas and others, some Panhandle veterans are touring the nation's capital this week.
FHSU H1N1 Preparations The CDC lists Kansas as a state where influenza is widespread, which includes H1N1. College campuses can put students in close proximity to one another and increase their chances for flu exposure. We'll check in with one college in WKS to see how they're preparing.