Bills introduced a year after state’s largest blaze seek to limit wildfires

KTTZ | By Jayme Lozano Carver

Published February 28, 2025 at 11:03 AM CST

A plane drops retardant on a 2024 Panhandle wildfire in Sanford.

Among the proposals is a bill that would force more inspections of power lines, which a committee concluded ignited a blaze that burned more than 1 million acres last year.

From the Texas Tribune:

Tags

Jayme Lozano Carver

HPPR News

Kansas legislators override veto to create 25-foot ‘safe zone’ around police, emergency personnel

Morgan Chilson | Kansas Reflector

The bill makes it a misdemeanor crime to go within 25 feet of a first responder while they are working. A violation can result in a fine up to $1,000 and jail term of up to six months.
HPPR News

Texas' ban on sodas, candies for SNAP benefits troubles diabetics and hypoglycemics

Riddhi Bora, The Texas Tribune

Some Texans on SNAP say the ban on using food stamps to buy sugary drinks and candy prevents quick fixes to low blood sugar conditions.
HPPR News

Kansas governor signs sports authority bill to guide Kansas City Chiefs’ developments

Tim Carpenter | Kansas Reflector

The governor, state legislative leaders and owners of the NFL franchise announced in December the framework of a deal for developing a domed stadium surrounded by an entertainment district in Wyandotte County, in addition to the team’s headquarters, training facility and related developments in Johnson County.
HPPR News

Texas extends RSV vaccine season as infections remain high. Here's what you need to know

Abigail Ruhman

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, activity is higher than it was at the same time last year. Texas is extending access to immunizations for infants and toddlers until the end of the month in response to "persistent" infections.
HPPR News

University of Kansas student’s First Amendment lawsuit against former supervisor clears legal hurdle

Anna Kaminski

The university in February 2025 modified policy for the following school year, requiring the hall’s floors to be segregated by gender and students to use the bathrooms that aligned with the genders listed in their student files.