KCUR

Across Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma, large wildfires ripped through pastures, cropland, farm structures and homes. To prevent future loss of life and property, wildfire experts say collaboration, prevention and sacrifice will be necessary.

The Kansas State High School Activities Association voted to sanction girls flag football as an official sport, giving teams more opportunities for competitions, funding — and recognition.

The team reached a deal with Hallmark Cards on a "transformative project" that will create a new ballpark at Crown Center near downtown Kansas City, Royals owner John Sherman said. The announcement comes a week after the City Council passed a financing package.

Across the central U.S., nitrate from crop fertilizer and livestock facilities is seeping into water underground. Many family wells are no longer safe to drink from without pricey treatment.

Severe weather is happening more frequently as the climate changes, adding to an ever-growing list of challenges for U.S. farmers. From sudden temperature swings to floods, these events can have serious consequences for farms and ranches.

Some close watchers of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's budget aren't thrilled with the Trump administration's proposal — but they're hopeful some of the suggested cuts won't make it in the final spending plans passed by Congress.

Many World Cup ticket holders felt deceived this month when FIFA assigned precise seat numbers to their already-purchased tickets. At the same time, FIFA hiked ticket prices for nearly every game — including an 87% increase for Kansas City's Argentina vs. Algeria match.

The Kansas Legislature approved a provision to clamp down on public school protests by requiring students to receive parental permission before participating, and hitting districts with penalties as high as $100,000 per day for failing to enforce restrictions.

Opponents of a bill heading to the governor say passing it would mean fewer kids can sue for mistreatment while in foster care.

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