Kansas government

Mayor Quinton Lucas touts Kansas City's ability to attract big events like the NFL Draft and the 2026 World Cup. But he worries that the "hateful rhetoric" and anti-LGBTQ policies coming out of statehouses in Missouri and Kansas could drive some residents and major gatherings away.

Appealing placement decisions to the Kansas Court of Appeals would mark a new, controversial step.

The Kansas House last week narrowly passed a "school choice" bill that would shift public tax dollars to private schools, much to the frustration of public school leaders and Gov. Laura Kelly. The Kansas State Board of Education opposes the bill, saying there's no way to track how students are doing.

The Kansas House approved a bill that would create an independent commission that sets the compensation package for lawmakers. Supporters argue the commission could increase pay to help more everyday Kansans to run for office.

Police departments in the state already can alert each other to officers who've been disciplined at past jobs.

The bill had only one person speak in support with over 50 people testifying in opposition.

Jeanna Repass has endorsements from top Democrats to lead the state party, but a former campaign manager claims Repass canceled her last paycheck.

The bills of rights would give 40 total rights to both foster kids and foster parents.

Superintendent Brent Yeager, who oversees the second-largest school district in Kansas, told state lawmakers that a major reason for resignations among teachers was the negative portrayals of educators as unprofessional and unworthy of respect.

The GOP chose Mike Brown, a fiery conservative from Johnson County, as the new head of the state party.

Kansas Lottery officials expect to see a large spike in bets placed for the Super Bowl. But the state will only get a small amount of the revenue generated from the big game — if the state-owned casinos make any money at all.

The state entered an agreement with Integra Technologies to provide $300 million of incentives for the company to build the plant and create 2,000 new jobs in Wichita. But the deal still hinges on federal funding.