Kansas

A Christian comedy TV show that features "Saturday Night Live style of humor" has reeled in four Emmy award nominations this year in two categories – “Religion” and the highly competitive “Human Interest” category.

"The Steve & Kathy Show," which begins its third season Sept. 14, received nominations for three humorous skits entered in the category of “Religion” – “Real Preachers of Genius: Mega Church Pastor,” modeled after the Super Bowl commercial of a similar name; “Cheaters: Church Edition” and “Church of the Week: Smoker's Church.” Nominated in the category of “Human Interest” was “Inspiring Story - Autumn D.,” the personal account of a young woman devastated by a dark secret that left her suicidal, but who found hope through a powerful encounter with God.

"This is great news for Christian programming," commented Steve Gray, co-host, creator and executive producer of The Steve & Kathy Show, in an official announcement. "We have created a show that pushes the boundaries of traditional Christian television while offering people a religion that works. I am excited for everything this means." more >>

A Sedgwick County judge ruled Monday that the Kansas abortion statute is constitutional, denying a defense motion to dismiss a criminal case brought against one of the nation's few late-term abortion providers.

The 35-page decision handed down by Sedgwick County District Judge Clark Owens spurns several challenges to the statute under both the U.S. Constitution and the Kansas Constitution brought by defense attorneys for Dr. George Tiller.

"Abortion jurisprudence in this country has been going through an evolutionary process since Roe V. Wade in 1973," Owens wrote, adding that in light of all the interpretations, the statute survives all the constitutional challenges. more >>

A grand jury that was convened to investigate notorious late-term abortion provider George Tiller adjourned a six-month investigation Wednesday without issuing an indictment.

In a written statement, the panel of 15 grand jurors said they did not have enough evidence to indict him on any crime related to abortion laws.

Grand jurors said they believed that the Kansas State Legislature worded abortion laws in a way that would only allow late-term abortions in "the gravest of circumstances" where the continuation of pregnancy would cause "substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function." more >>

A grand jury was finalized on Monday to investigate whether the Kansas chapter of Planned Parenthood violated state abortion laws by performing illegal late-term abortions.

Eight women and nine men – two of them, alternates – were selected by a Johnston County judge to look into the charges of criminal activity laid out in a citizens’ petition that was signed by more than 6,400 county voters.

A coalition of pro-life groups, including Wichita-based Operation Rescue, Concerned Women for America and Women Influencing the Nation, had submitted the petition late October. The petition alleges the clinic performs illegal late-term abortions and provides false information to the state. The president of Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri has denied any wrongdoing. more >>

The Christian alternative to YouTube is being used as more than just a venue to post up Christian and family-friendly videos. One user is tapping into the Christian network to seek tips and prayers in his efforts to solve crimes.

Alonzo Washington, a community activist in Kansas City, helped police solve the mysterious "Precious Doe" murder in 2001.

But he hopes to track down suspects in other crimes and “bring the Christian community into the world of fighting crime,” according to Fox News. more >>

A pro-life coalition has submitted a petition with twice the number of signatures required, demanding a grand jury investigation of a Planned Parenthood clinic in Kansas where infamous late-term abortion doctor George Tiller works.

Both the Planned Parenthood chapter in Overland, Kan., and Tiller are facing charges of performing late-term abortions.

The L.I.F.E. Coalition, comprised of Operation Rescue, Concerned Women For America and Women Influencing the Nation, turned in the signatures of 6,400 registered voters in Johnson County, Kansas, calling for an investigation into alleged criminal activity at the Planned Parenthood clinic from 2004 through 2007. more >>