Kansas
VA plans to cut 83,000 jobs but won’t say how many have been let go in Kansas
Leaked memo says Veterans Affairs to lay off more than 76,000
Department of Veterans Affairs leadership was told that mass layoffs were coming in a leaked memo.
The Veterans Affairs Eastern Kansas Health Care System won’t confirm the scale of layoffs at its two facilities, but more could come after a leaked memo from the Trump administration called its national workforce to be reduced by 83,000.
The administration announced it dismissed 2,400 employees nationwide since Feb. 13. The dismissals were among probationary employees who had served less than a year in their current role in “non-mission critical” roles.
The Topeka Capital-Journal asked the East Kansas VA how many employees had been terminated on Feb. 25. On March 5, the administration said some employees were let go in the state but didn’t share how many, their roles or from what sub-branch of the VA the employees worked for.
“The Veterans Affairs facilities in the state of Kansas have dismissed a small number of probationary staff statewide. This decision will have no negative effect on Veteran health care, benefits or other services and will allow VA to focus more effectively on its core mission of serving Veterans, families, caregivers and survivors. We cannot discuss specific personnel matters due to privacy concerns,” a VA spokesperson said.
VA East Kansas director A. Rudy Klopfer told to a group of employees said that two Veterans Health Administration workers were fired in east Kansas, though it’s unclear if they worked at VA facilities in Topeka or Leavenworth. But more people may have been laid off at both campuses that worked for the two other sub-branches of the VA, the Veterans Benefits Administration and the National Cemetery Administration, which usually have fewer employment protections than the Veterans Health Administration.
Reduction in Force Memo
A memo sent from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) was sent to heads of executive departments and agencies across the U.S. last week directing them to make plans to reduce their workforces.
“The federal government is costly, inefficient, and deeply in debt. At the same time, it is not producing results for the American public. Instead, tax dollars are being siphoned off to fund unproductive and unnecessary programs that benefit radical interest groups while hurting hardworking American citizens,” the memo states.
The plans are due on March 13, and should include ways to increase productivity, reduce property footprints, shrink budget toplines and significantly reduce the number of full-time employees. The memo does say that agencies that provide direct services to citizens, like the VA, shall not implement any plans until it is reviewed by OMB and OPM.
“The OMB/OPM memo explicitly statesthat any RIF/reorganization plans should not move ahead until OMB and OPM ensure these plans have a ‘positive effect’ on the delivery of Veterans’ health care. VA is working on its plan now. VA intends to be transparent with Veterans, family members, caregivers and survivors as this process unfolds,” a VA spokesperson said.
In a virtual meeting shared with The Capital-Journal, Dominique Henderson, assistant director of the East Kansas HCS, told employees the protection isn’t as strong as other entities that are excluded from the reduction-in-force memo like the Postal Service or executive branch.
“That is just basically stating that before the agency would implement any kind of RIF plan, OMB and OPM would have to approve it. That is not stating that it is up there with executive office, the Postal Service, border security as an exclusion entity,” Henderson said.
Otherwise, little had been shared by VHA employees about its reduction-in-force plan at the time of the meeting on Feb. 28.
“We certainly have put those questions forward to the leadership above us,” Henderson told employees. “I wish we had certainly more information to communicate, but we do not at this time.”
Union not responding to requests for comment
Several attempts over a week to reach the American Federation of Government Workers 906, which represents VA employees in Topeka, hasn’t yielded a response. Nationally, the AFGE has repeatedly condemned the mass layoffs of probationary employees and challenged them in court.
“Longer waits at VA hospitals, fewer inspectors ensuring the safety of our meats and produce, less research into cures for debilitating and deadly diseases, more risks for air travelers, longer waits for Social Security enrollment and passports, and the list goes on,” said AFGE President Everett Kelley.
At the union’s office in Topeka, a flier advises employees how they should respond to recent federal actions. On the federal hiring freeze, it told employees that most employees with the Veterans Health Administration, the sub-branch of the VA that implements health care programs, are exempt from the freeze.
It didn’t say the same for employees at the Veterans Benefits Administration or the National Cemetery Administration, the other two sub-branches of the VA, and warns of negative consequences to the freeze.
“We know the hiring freeze will negatively impact the delivery of health care and benefits to veterans and their families. With less staff to meet the day-to-day demands of the nation’s largest health care system, it will also negatively impact employee morale and may cause patient and employee safety issues,” the flier says.
In response to an executive order demanding agencies return to in-person work, the union said the order is in conflict with collective bargaining agreements. The memo was directed at non-bargaining employees, but made clear that a “phased implementation plan” for bargaining-unit employees is forthcoming.
It also called the deferred resignations, where employees were offered a couple months salary if they resign, a “bait and switch effort to pressure federal workers to resign in exchange for an unenforceable promise of continued employment.”
VA directed to cut more staff
The Department of Veterans Affairs is planning to cut more than 80,000 staffers, according to a memo obtained by the Associated Press. Its goal is to return staffing levels to 2019, before expansion from the Biden administration and increased coverage under the 2022 PACT Act, which covers veterans impacted by toxic chemical exposure.
Last year, the VA reached its highest-ever service levels.
At a presentation to U.S. senators and representatives, Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, said he’s committed to preserving the VA workforce. He also said it’d be “useful” to have an inspector general tasked with finding inefficiencies and unlawful practices working at the VA.
Last month, the VA’s IG was removed from office, one of 17 independent inspector generals dismissed under orders from the Trump administration.
“As the VA implements new federal workforce guidance and we work together to root out any waste, I am committed to making certain that the VA Workforce is preserved,” Moran said. “In that regard it would be useful to retain the inspector general to help congress better inform our decisions.
“The VA must be forthcoming with congress, (Veteran Service Organizations) and the public about how it’s implementing workforce, contract and other changes. The VA must also work to avoid or correct actions that could in any way undermine access to care and benefits that veterans and their loved ones rely on.”
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has signed Caleb’s Law, strengthening penalties for online sexual extortion targeting children.
Governor Kelly says the law is named after Caleb Moore, a 14-year-old from El Dorado, who died by suicide after becoming a victim of an online sextortion scheme.
What the Law Does
Caleb’s Law expands Kansas’s existing sexual extortion statute in three key ways:
- Broadens the definition of sexual extortion to include threats involving explicit images – including AI-generated or digitally altered images
- Increase criminal penalties when an adult offender targets a minor or a dependent adult
- Creates two felony offenses: aggravated sexual extortion causing great bodily harm and aggravated sexual extortion causing death
Under the new law, sexual extortion involving a minor or dependent adult is elevated from a severity level 7 to a severity level 6 person felony for coercive intent cases.
The legislation also elevates a level 4 to a level 3 person felony when the victim is caused to produce or distribute sexual content.
Statewide Education Requirements
House Bill 2537 also directs the Kansas Attorney General to lead a statewide public education effort on sextortion. The AG’s office will:
- Prepare and distribute educational materials for schools, students, parents and the public
- Collaborate with the Kansas State Board of Education and law enforcement agencies
- File an annual report beginning July 1, 2027, to the Governor, legislative leadership and the State Board of Education on implementation progress
The Attorney General’s Office estimates the education effort will require two new positions at a cost of around $213,900 from the State General Fund, rising to an estimated $20,300 in 2028.
In Their Own Words
Gov. Kelly said the law reflects the state’s commitment to keeping pace with digital threats facing children.
“Protecting Kansas children means staying ahead of the evolving threats they face, especially in an increasingly digital world where exploitation can happen in an instant,” she said. “By prioritizing education and awareness, Caleb’s Law ensures that young people, families, and educators have the tools to recognize sexual extortion and seek help before it’s too late. By signing this bill, we’re honoring Caleb’s life by shining a light on this growing danger and taking meaningful action to prevent future tragedies.”
Rep. Bob Lewis (R-Garden City), who introduced the bill, added that it earned unanimous bipartisan support in both chambers.
“Our kids are our future and protecting them from online predators, who are increasingly dangerous and sophisticated, must be a top legislative priority,” he stated. “I’m therefore pleased that the governor is signing Caleb’s Law, which I introduced and received unanimous, bipartisan support in both legislative chambers. What happened to Caleb is tragic and must be stopped.”
Rep. Dan Osman (D-Overland Park) credited Caleb Moore’s family for pushing the legislation forward.
“Sexual extortion in any form should never be tolerated, but children under the age of 18 are particularly vulnerable,” he added.
The Kansas Attorney General’s Office also voiced strong support, noting the law addresses one of the state’s most urgent child safety threats.
“HB 2537 is a critical measure to protect Kansans from sexual exploitation and ensure public awareness and education on this growing threat,” said Sarah Hortenstine, Division Chief of Youth Services, Kansas Office of the Attorney General.
Legislative Timeline
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Jan. 23 | Bill introduced, referred to House Committee on Judiciary |
| Feb. 5 | House committee hearing held |
| Feb. 16 | Committee recommends passage |
| Feb. 18 | House passes bill unanimously |
| Feb. 25 | Referred to Senate Committee on Judiciary |
| March 17 | Senate committee hearing held |
| March 18 | Senate committee recommends passage |
| March 19 | Senate passes bill unanimously |
The bill received unanimous, bipartisan support in both chambers – with no recorded opposition.
Background: What Is Sextortion?
Officials noted that sextortion is a form of online exploitation in which offenders coerce victims – often minors – into producing sexual images.
Those bad actors then use the images to demand more content, money, or sexual acts, according to investigators.
State leaders said cases can escalate rapidly, and the resulting trauma has led to severe psychological harm and, in some cases, suicide.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.
For mental health support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Copyright 2026 KCTV. All rights reserved.
Since losing Flory Bidunga and Bryson Tiller in the transfer portal, Bill Self has been tasked with rebuilding his frontcourt from the 2025-26 campaign. While he has landed former Utah forward Keanu Dawes to succeed Tiller at the four, the Jayhawks’ roster still lacks a true center to replace Louisville commit Bidunga.
One player KU had hoped to add was Cincinnati transfer Moustapha Thiam, who tormented the Jayhawks when the two schools met this past February. However, the chances of him committing to play in Lawrence appear to be dwindling by the day.
The Senegal native recently wrapped up a trip to St. John’s and is set to visit Ann Arbor on Monday to meet with the defending champions, Michigan.
Source: Cincinnati transfer Moustapha Thiam will visit Michigan on Monday.
Recently visited St. John’s.
Averaged 12.8 PPG and 7.1 RPG last season.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) April 19, 2026
Kansas was initially supposed to be one of the top schools involved in Thiam’s recruitment, but that hasn’t necessarily been the case. The Jayhawks have been relatively quiet so far and haven’t gained much traction toward securing an official visit.
Not only is Michigan a recruiting powerhouse coming off a national title win under second-year head coach Dusty May, but it also boasts one of the largest NIL collectives in the NCAA. If the Wolverines are seriously pursuing Thiam, it likely means he will come at a hefty price tag.
KU is expected to increase the NIL budget this year to handle its roster deficiencies from the past few seasons. Regardless, the program must be strategic with its spending, especially with the decision of 2026 prospect Tyran Stokes still looming.
Who Are Kansas’ Alternatives to Moustapha Thiam?
If the Jayhawks are unable to land Thiam, there are a few alternatives on the open market. Those options may not carry the same hype as the 7-foot-2 phenom, who is ranked as the No. 3 center in 247 Sports’ transfer rankings, but they could still provide solid production nonetheless.
One name to watch is Anton Bonke, another towering big man who has spent time at Providence and most recently Charlotte. He visited KU’s campus earlier this week alongside Dawes and remains a viable option.
Another possible solution could come from within if Paul Mbiya decides to withdraw from the transfer portal and return to Kansas. The incoming sophomore flashed his potential during the postseason and is reportedly open to rejoining the program.
Finally, FC Barcelona center Sayon Keita is an international prospect who could make his college decision within the next month or two. He took an official visit to Kansas last July.
Whoever ultimately replaces Bidunga, Self will need to act quickly before the remaining top targets come off the board. Bringing back Mbiya and adding a transfer would be a strong start.
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KANSAS CITY, Kan. — In 2025 at Kansas Speedway, Kyle Larson set a significant record.
In 2026 at the 1.5-mile intermediate track, the driver of the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet might simply settle for a win in Sunday’s AdventHealth 400.
In winning last year’s spring race at Kansas, Larson led 221 laps, most in NASCAR history for a driver in a 400-mile race on a 1.5-mile speedway.
That victory, however, was Larson’s last in the NASCAR Cup Series, though he did claim the 2025 series title by finishing third in the Championship 4 Race at Phoenix in November.
Statistics augur well for Larson as he tries to end his 32-race drought on Sunday. He has led 761 laps at Kansas Speedway since joining Hendrick Motorsports in 2021, more than double the total of any other driver. Denny Hamlin is second with 337.
His 1,842 laps led on 1.5-mile tracks in the Gen 7 era (since 2022 inclusive) more than double the total of the next driver on the list (Hendrick Motorsports teammate William Byron at 912).
Larson has led laps in 21 of the last 22 races on 1.5-mile speedways, including the last 10 in a row. If he leads 25 laps on Sunday at Kansas, he will surpass Kevin Harvick’s track-record of 949.
The two-time series champion is the only repeat winner in the last 11 races at Kansas, having won three times during that span, including the last two spring races.
His history considered, Larson has every reason to be confident at a track he thoroughly enjoys.
“Kansas is a lot of fun,” Larson said. “It’s really fast. You’re always trying to carry a lot of speed and momentum off the corners and run big arcs into the entry. There are two different ends of the racetrack, but I feel like you approach the corners in a similar way.
“In the race, you settle into a comfortable pace and balance and try to run as close to the wall as possible without hitting it. It’s a fun place. It can be challenging, but it’s good because you have options to move around.”
Chevrolet teams have been dealing with a new body style this season. Chase Elliott’s win at Martinsville is the car maker’s only trip to Victory Lane so far.
“I think we’re gaining on it,” Larson said. “I think the body stuff maybe is what we’re fighting right now. Entries (into the turns) seem to be pretty loose at most tracks, and then the window of balance is pretty narrow…
“I think we’re not bad on speed. I feel like we’re close to a win, but at the same time, I feel like we have a lot of work to do to get our cars better to where a win would be much easier.”
If a victory for Larson is realistic possibility, Kyle Busch might be satisfied with a top-10 run. On a miserable afternoon last Sunday at Bristol, Busch started 29th and finished 25th, two laps down, after tangling twice with the Toyota of Riley Herbst.
Busch’s winless streak reached 101 races at Thunder Valley, and Richard Childress Racing, the organization that fields Busch’s Chevrolets, has failed to score a top-10 finish in eight straight races for the first time since 1981. RCR is the only multicar team without a top-10 finish this year.
Ty Gibbs got his first Cup Series victory at Bristol last Sunday, but the odds are heavily against another first-time winner at Kansas. In 40 Cup races at the track, there has never been a first-time winner.
Toyota drivers have won six of the first eight Cup races this season, and they’re likely to be strong again at Kansas. Tyler Reddick could become the fourth driver in series history and the first since Dale Earnhardt in 1987 to win five of the first nine races in a season.
Both Reddick and 23XI Racing teammate Bubba Wallace, who is making his 300th career start, are former winners at the 1.5-mile track. The 23XI organization has three victories at Kansas, most at any single venue.
Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin boasts four Kansas victories, more than any other driver. He has finished in the top-five in seven of the last nine races there.
If a Toyota driver wins on Sunday, it will be the first time a single manufacturer has won seven of the first nine races in a season since Chevrolet accomplished the feat in 2007.
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