KCUR

Two transgender men from Lawrence filed a lawsuit last week to stop the new Kansas law from taking effect. Hundreds of transgender residents were told their IDs are immediately invalid and must be replaced.

The lesser prairie chicken, known for its flamboyant courtship dances and bulging neck pouches, has lost a majority of its population in the grasslands and brush of southwestern Kansas. But Republican lawmakers have long fought against its habitat protections.

Kansas lawmakers are more optimistic about the chances of passing property tax relief this session. One proposal is a constitutional amendment that would cap property tax valuation changes at 3% for most properties, while another would cap spending by local governments.

Some legislators were unclear if Kansas law already requires the use of turn signals in a roundabout. "As much as I hate them stupid things," Berryton Republican Sen. Rick Kloos said, "I like the bill."

A new Kansas law, passed by Republican lawmakers over the governor's veto, requires that people using private facilities like bathrooms and locker rooms must use the facility that matches their biological sex at birth. Texas recently implemented a similar law, but vague guidelines for investigating complaints are sparking frustration.

The Trump administration's federal workforce cuts shrunk U.S. Department of Agriculture agencies that inspect produce, provide conservation resources and collect data on crops and livestock. It's creating longer wait times for farmers seeking federal services and programs, people working in agriculture say.

Rep. Pat Proctor, a Leavenworth Republican who is running for secretary of state, and Rep. Paul Waggoner, a Hutchinson Republican, also want to require driver's licenses to indicate citizenship status, in an effort to stamp out the already-rare instances of noncitizen voting.

Farm aid promised last December is still months away from being paid out to fruit and vegetable growers. But industry groups say it won't be enough to get them through tough market conditions.

A new report found that nearly 10% of median household income in Missouri and Kansas goes toward deductibles and premiums. At that level, economists say those households are underinsured.

The money will help Kansas City pay for police overtime, buy more cruisers and put ambassadors on public transit ahead of this summer's World Cup. Kansas City will host six matches, and the metro will be the base camp for four teams.