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Kansas Court of Appeals rules CoreCivic can’t house ICE detainees without Leavenworth permit
CoreCivic can’t house immigration detainees before reaching an agreement with the city of Leavenworth on reopening its private prison, the Kansas Court of Appeals ruled Friday when it upheld a lower court’s decision.
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Civil rights • Voter rights • Anti-trans legislation • Abortion • Immigration • Municipalities’ local control • Kansas State Board of Education
MORe KANSAS NEWS
Kansas state representative calls rainbow drawings proof of indoctrination at Leavenworth school
A Leavenworth parent was outraged when she opened up her state rep’s February newsletter and found her daughter’s rainbow drawing published as an example of indoctrination in the school system.
Kansas House panel bundles voucher-like program with teacher, special education spending
The Republican majority on the Kansas House K-12 budget committee bundled into one bill controversial diversion of state tax dollars to private schools with an expansion in state aid for special education in public schools and a mandate half of public school budget increases tied to an inflation index be devoted to raising teacher salaries.
As Kansas lawmakers target abortion rights, opposition unites at Statehouse
If Lila and Margaret Bhattarai had their way, they would replace “incredibly misogynistic” legislation floating around the Statehouse with laws that protect people’s rights to do what they want with their own bodies. The sisters from Lawrence joined a coalition of people from across the state who gathered Monday at the Capitol to leverage their voices against a multitude of anti-abortion and anti-transgender proposals.
Transgender Kansans alarmed by bills seeking to undermine constitutional rights
Adam Kellog says the transgender community in Kansas is terrified by bills advancing through the Legislature this session that include efforts to criminalize gender-affirming care, ban transgender athletes from competing with cisgender athletes, and narrowly define what it means to be a woman.
Kansas business interests eager to expand statutory shield against ‘abusive’ ADA lawsuits
Advocates say a bill in the hands of the House Judiciary Committee would protect businesses unfairly targeted by “abusive” lawsuits alleging Americans with Disabilities Act compliance issues.
As Kansas governor emphasizes funding for special education, lawmakers focus on private schools
Kansas government officials clashed this week over education, with Gov. Laura Kelly promoting the full funding of special education and other politicians emphasizing private schools as a way to educate Kansas youths.
Local public health officials fear a Kansas bill would undercut work to contain diseases
The Kansas Legislature is considering a bill that would strip powers from local public health officials to contain disease outbreaks.
Single side heard during Kansas senate committee’s marijuana discussion
During a second round of testimony about medical marijuana, opponents spoke of cannabis-induced suicides, marijuana poisoning and spiking crime rates, in what some have called a blatant attempt at halting the legislation.
Kansas House agrees to raise legal smoking age to 21
The Kansas House passed legislation Thursday to raise the legal age for tobacco products from 18 to 21.
Despite high hopes, success of Kansas marijuana legislation remains unclear
The future of marijuana in Kansas is still dubious. Sen. Mike Thompson said he wasn’t willing to rush forward with any form of marijuana legislation.
Wind farms are transforming the Kansas landscape. Here’s an effort to tone down their lights
Kansas has nearly 4,000 turbines, many taller than the Statue of Liberty. People see blinking lights for miles, but now radars can help preserve the night skies.
Who let the dogs in? Kansas breweries and health officials clash over indoors pet ban
Transport Brewery was a dog lover’s paradise, with dogs allowed in the taprooms and patios, pet adoption events and even a dog picture calendar. Then came the Kansas Department of Agriculture inspector.
Rebellion against McLouth cryptocurrency data center triggers one-year application moratorium
The avalanche of complaints about threats to rural quality of life, unresolved issues of land ownership and leasing rights, an oil tank explosion that burned a truck packed with ammunition and widespread distrust of developers — even by a former white-collar criminal — compelled the Jefferson County Commission to impose a moratorium of at least one year on applications for construction of cryptocurrency processing centers.
‘They call us gay for a reason’: Kansas LGBTQ activists talk about embracing a policy of love
Melissa Stiehler remembers her experience as the first girl to come out at her high school, back in 2006, at the height of “don’t ask, don’t tell.”
“It was incredibly lonely,” Stiehler said. “I started LGBT activism at that point in time, basically, to make other gay friends, so I knew I wasn’t alone.”
Kansas Democrats choose Repass over Rogers in election of new state party chair
Elective politics newcomer Jeanna Repass won the race Saturday to take over as chairwoman of the Kansas Democratic Party in a close contest against former state Treasurer Lynn Rogers.
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