Monday morning roundup of Wichita news

Less than a month until Election Day, and politics is hot in Kansas and the country. Hopefully you’re recovering from Sunday’s presidential debate. And maybe you’re even off work for Columbus Day.

Here’s your Monday morning roundup of happenings in Wichita:

▪ This just in: Kansas lobbyists spent most on Rep. Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, between January and August. Lobbyists spent $2,721 treating Hawkins to lunches, dinners and other niceties. Hawkins said he uses these meals as an opportunity to dive into issues during the hectic session.

▪ Analysis in Sunday’s edition of The Eagle showed 70 percent of Kansas lawmakers – or their spouses – benefit from the state’s controversial tax exemption that lets business owners pay no state tax on business income.

▪ On Wednesday, Sedgwick County commissioners will vote on whether to build a gun locker for visitors in Wichita’s downtown county courthouse.

▪ Health insurance rates for people who buy insurance on their own, or with a small-business employer, could see rates jump by up to 47.4 percent next year. But many people won’t pay higher premiums each month.

▪ In case you missed it, the newest Nobel Peace Prize winner, Juan Carlos Santos, has Kansas roots as an alumnus from the University of Kansas.

▪ And finally, here are some Wichita buffet spots for big appetites and little time over the lunch hour.

This story was originally published October 10, 2016 at 7:24 AM with the headline "Monday morning roundup of Wichita news."