TOPEKA – Wednesday, the Kansas Senate Confirmation Oversight Committee approved Gov. Laura Kelly’s nomination of Andrew J. French to a four-year term as a commissioner on the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC). His term will expire March 15, 2024. French succeeds Shari Feist Albrecht who has served on the commission since June 2012.

PREGNANT WOMEN ARE AT HIGHER RISK OF SEVERE COVID-19, CDC SAYS

With the price of beef skyrocketing, chicken is becoming the backbone of the frugal kitchen. And why not? Chicken is much less expensive than beef or pork and useful down to the bones.

Dear Annie: I am shattered and torn apart. My son, who served eight and half years in prison for drugs, was released last Thanksgiving. Within four days of release, “Ray” had a job as a cook, had joined a gym and was working out every day. His life was all positive.

The coronavirus shutdown has flattened multiple industries across America -- everything from airlines and manufacturers to hospitals, retailers, oil and gas producers, and restaurants. Many of the 30 million small and large businesses in the country have reported a 30% reduction in revenues. Amid the carnage, one sector of the economy is thriving like never before in the history of the republic: the government.

What didn't happen in Tulsa last weekend was gratifying and a relief. The protests against racism were overwhelmingly orderly. President Donald Trump's rally also proceeded without serious incident and, notably, without much of an audience.

Dear Annie: Two and a half years ago, while my business was doing well, my marriage of 30+ years wasn't.

Truly, we live in auspicious times.

Last week’s column defined positive psychology and its relationship to happiness. A study of over 2,065 of age and older individuals, by Ostir, Markides, Black, and Goodwin found that positive emotion can predict health and longevity. The study discovered that happy people were half as likely to die or become disabled as unhappy people. Happy people also lead healthier lifestyles, have lower blood pressure and stronger immune systems. Today’s column will continue to explore Dr. Martin Seligman’s and others thoughts on the psychology of happiness.

You're worried the washing machine may be on its last spin cycle. It makes a horrible screeching sound and needs a lot of coaxing to make it all the way through a full cycle. Should you spend $319 to fix this inefficient appliance or replace it with a $999 new model that will use less electricity and water?