New State Laws in California, Kansas, Georgia, and Florida

New laws are going into effect in various states, including requirements for bars to provide drug testing kits for drinks in California, mandatory questions for abortion patients in Kansas, and a 'Stand Your Ground' defense for shooting bears in Florida.

Kansas luring Chiefs and Royals from Missouri

Kansas legislators approved a plan to lure the Chiefs and Royals to the Kansas side of the metropolitan area by financing new stadiums and practice facilities. The plan goes to the governor next.

Kansas Lawmakers Approve Plan to Lure Kansas City Chiefs and Royals

Kansas lawmakers approved a plan to lure the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals away from Missouri by authorizing state bonds to finance new stadiums and practice facilities for both teams, potentially boosting the Kansas economy.

Theft of Jackie Robinson Statue

A man in Kansas stole a statue of Jackie Robinson from a local park, dismantled and burned it. He is facing over 19 years in prison for multiple charges. The statue had an estimated value of $75,000.

Kansas Republicans Fail to Override Veto on Bill Banning Transgender Surgical Procedures for Children

Kansas Republicans fail to override Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly's veto of a bill banning transgender surgical procedures for children. The bill aimed to prevent state employees from encouraging 'social transitioning' and restrict the use of state funds for transgender treatment.

Severe Thunderstorms and Tornadoes in Central U.S.

Severe thunderstorms with possible tornadoes are expected in central U.S. from Nebraska to Baltimore. Tornado risk in Kansas and Nebraska, with severe weather also impacting Oklahoma, Missouri, Virginia, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois. Tornado season peaks in late April to mid-May. Climate change may be shifting tornado patterns.

Disappearance of Kansas Women

Two Kansas women have gone missing while driving to Oklahoma, leading to the arrest of four individuals on charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping, and conspiracy to commit murder. The search for the missing women is ongoing, with foul play suspected.

Disappearance of Kansas Women

Two Kansas women vanished while driving to Oklahoma, four people taken into custody in connection to their disappearance, women still missing, foul play suspected.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly vetoes bills on gender-affirming care and abortion reporting

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly vetoed a proposed ban on gender-affirming care for minors, a bill requiring more reporting from abortion providers, and a vague bill on coercing someone into having an abortion, setting up confrontations with the Republican-supermajority Legislature. The state constitution protects abortion rights and a recent vote affirmed that position. Kelly allowed a GOP proposal on verifying adult visitors to pornography websites to become law without her signature. The vetoed bill against gender-affirming care targeted a small group and trampled parental rights. Supporters argued it would protect children from possibly dangerous treatments, but health care groups recommend such care for transgender children.

Elementary School Pilot Program in Kansas

A pilot program in elementary schools in Kansas aims to address post-pandemic behavior problems by giving kids meaningful work.

Local restaurant supporting a farm town in Kansas

A beloved restaurant in Kansas uses local products to support a shrinking farm town.

Disappearance of Two Kansas Women

Two Kansas women vanish while driving to Oklahoma, foul play suspected. Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation hopeful for their safe return.

Kansas lawmakers reject plan for cutting taxes

Kansas lawmakers reject plan for cutting taxes, citing concerns about favoring wealthy taxpayers and inadequate cuts in property taxes. Governor's bipartisan deal with top Republicans overturned by House vote.

Kansas Bill on Coercive Abortion

Kansas is considering passing a bill that would make coercive abortion a felony, with harsh penalties for violators. The bill has received support from pro-life advocates but criticism from Democrats for being vague and not properly establishing what is considered coercive.

Kansas Budget Battle Over Diversity Initiatives and Border Security Support

Republicans in Kansas are pushing for budget provisions that restrict diversity initiatives on college campuses and support Texas in its fight with the Biden administration over border security. Democrats argue that these measures are discriminatory and politically motivated.

Kansas Legislature's Actions and Budget Proposals

Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach is taking legal action over Biden's vow to forgive student loan debt. The Kansas Legislature is addressing tax cuts, funding for disability services, and immigration issues. Lawmakers are working on a proposed $25 billion budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

Medicaid Expansion in Kansas

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly is pushing for the expansion of Medicaid to improve healthcare accessibility, a move supported by the majority of the public.

Organized Retail Crime Laws

Kansas legislature passed a bill to classify organized retail crime as a felony offense, with varying sentences based on the value of stolen merchandise. Other states have enacted similar laws to combat retail theft. The National Retail Federation reported a significant amount of losses due to organized retail crime in 2022.

Kansas Judge Rules Against Sex Changes on State IDs for Transgender Individuals

A Kansas judge ruled in favor of the state's conservative attorney general, prohibiting sex changes on state IDs and driver's licenses for transgender individuals. The ruling has sparked debate and disappointment among LGBTQ+ advocates.