TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Supreme Court is heading into a year in which it could play a significant role in state government by making major rulings on school funding and abortion, and seeking higher pay for court employees. The court also could make decisions in the kinds of capital punishment cases that put four justices at risk of losing their seats in the 2016 election.

Here's a look at big cases and major issues facing the state's highest court in 2017.

SCHOOL FUNDING

Educators, Republican Gov. Sam Brownback and the GOP-controlled Legislature are waiting for the Supreme Court's rulin...