Kansas Attorney General speaks on Roe V. Wade decision
The U.S. Supreme Court's historic decision to strike down its nearly 50-year-old precedent on abortion rights has shifted the debate from Washington D.C. to state leaders.
Politics
Lawsuits challenge Oklahoma anti-protest law; riot charges
Six Oklahomans have filed two federal lawsuits that challenge a state law intended to crack down on protesters and that allege their civil rights were violated when they were arrested in Oklahoma City in 2020.
Joplin protesters object to recent SCOTUS decision to overturn Roe V. Wade
Some 4-State residents met today to protest the recent SCOTUS decision to overturn Roe V. Wade.
Roe v. Wade Overturned: 4-State officials react and a look at trigger laws
The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday overturned Roe v. Wade. Here's some reaction and what it means in the 4-States.
Fed attacks inflation with its largest rate hike since 1994
The Federal Reserve intensified its drive to tame high inflation by raising its key interest rate by three-quarters of a point — its largest hike in nearly three decades — and signaling more large rate increases to come that would raise the risk of another recession. The move the Fed announced after its latest policy meeting will increase its benchmark short-term rate, which affects many consumer and business loans. The central bank is ramping up its drive to tighten credit and slow growth with inflation having reached a four-decade high of 8.6%, spreading to more areas of the economy and showing no sign of slowing.
Officials say political sign theft is a growing problem in Pittsburg
During elections, political sign theft is a growing problem in Pittsburg Kansas.
Oklahoma lawmakers consider tax cuts during special session
The Oklahoma Legislature has returned for a special session to consider tax cuts the governor wants and how to allocate federal COVID-19 relief funds that were part of the American Rescue Plan Act. The session convened Monday. Gov. Kevin Stitt wants lawmakers to eliminate the state sales tax on groceries and reduce the individual income taxes by 0.25%. It's not clear whether the GOP-controlled House and Senate have the votes to approve both items. Some Republicans have urged caution about tax cuts since it takes a three-fourth's vote from the Legislature to increase taxes. Bills were introduced in the House on Monday to cut corporate, individual income and grocery sales taxes.
District attorney confirms investigation into governor's ad
Oklahoma County’s top prosecutor says he’s investigating whether a recent campaign ad by Gov. Kevin Stitt violates state law and ethics rules. David Prater confirmed Thursday he launched an investigation after a bipartisan group of House legislators suggested the ad violates state law. The 30-second spot titled “Track Record” touts Stitt’s appointment of Attorney General John O’Connor, who is prominently featured in the second half of the ad. State law prohibits a candidate from knowingly making or accepting a contribution of more than $2,900 to another candidate committee. Concerns about the ad were first reported by the nonprofit journalism organization Oklahoma Watch. Stitt’s campaign says it will pause airing the ad.
Missouri court sides with Greitens on message-deleting app
A Missouri appeals court says former Gov. Eric Greitens didn't violate open records laws by using a message-deleting app. The Western District Court of Appeals on Tuesday upheld a lower court ruling in Greitens' favor. A St. Louis attorney sued Greitens in 2017 over use of the Confide app by the governor's office. Greitens resigned 2018 in the face of possible impeachment and allegations of sexual and political misconduct. He's now running for U.S. Senate. The plaintiff's attorney told The Kansas City Star that they'll try to take the case to the Missouri Supreme Court if necessary.
Police: Tennessee shooting leads to 3 dead, 14 injured
Police say a shooting near a Tennessee nightclub led to three deaths and 14 people suffering gunshot wounds and other injuries. Chattanooga Police Chief Celeste Murphy said during a press conference that 14 people were hit by gunfire early Sunday and three were hit by vehicles while trying to flee the scene. Murphy says two people died from gunshot wounds and one person died after being hit by a vehicle. She says 16 victims were adults and one was a juvenile and several remained in critical condition. Murphy said there were multiple shooters, but authorities think it was an isolated event and don’t believe there’s an ongoing public safety threat.
Taser-equipped drones could prevent school shootings, firm claims
Taser developer Axon said its weapons could fly into schools and help prevent mass shootings. But its own tech advisers panned the idea. Also, catch up on the latest in the Texas school shooting aftermath.
CMA Fest bans Confederate flag imagery at country music fest
The CMA Fest is prohibiting any Confederate flag imagery at its four-day festival, following similar bans at other country music festivals.
Schmidt picks US senator's aide for Kansas governor ticket
Presumed Republican nominee Derek Schmidt has chosen a staffer for one of Kansas' two U.S. senators as his running mate in the governor's race. Schmidt filed the necessary paperwork Wednesday to get him and Katie Sawyer on the ballot in the Aug. 2 primary. He faces no GOP opposition to his bid to unseat Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. Sawyer is a 38-year-old McPherson resident. She is state director for U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall and worked on Marshall’s congressional staff before his election to the Senate in 2020. Schmidt said he expects Sawyer to be a key adviser if he’s elected by helping him stay informed of people’s views.
Justices to rule in gun case with US raw from mass shootings
With mass shootings in Texas, New York and California fresh in Americans’ mind, the Supreme Court will soon issue its biggest gun ruling in more than a decade. The ruling in a New York case is expected to make it easier to carry guns in public in some of the largest cities. The justices already are in an uncomfortable spotlight over a leaked draft opinion that would overrule Roe v. Wade’s nationwide right to abortion. And now they're facing a possible backlash from the guns case. In both the abortion and gun cases, the court could issue decisions that polls say would be unpopular with the majority of Americans.
Missouri Election Poll: Approval ratings of election officials
KOAM is partnering with Gray TV in Missouri for a series of polls on a variety of topics ahead of the primary elections.
Missouri Election Poll: Education, recreational marijuana, law enforcement
KOAM is partnering with Gray TV in Missouri for a series of polls on a variety of topics ahead of the primary elections.
Missouri Election Poll: Abortion, economy, War in Ukraine...
KOAM is partnering with other TV stations in Missouri that are owned by Gray Television for a series of polls on a variety of topics.
Missouri Election Poll: Candidates, voting trust and more
KOAM is partnering with Gray TV in Missouri for a series of polls on a variety of topics ahead of the primary elections.
Bill protects doctors who prescribe 2 controversial drugs
Missouri lawmakers pass a bill to help protect doctors who prescribe ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine.
Oklahoma governor signs ban on nonbinary birth certificates
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt signed a bill Tuesday explicitly prohibiting the use of nonbinary gender markers on state birth certificates.
"Axe the Food Tax" effort in Kansas voted down
Kansas’ food sales tax rate is 6.5%, the second-highest rate in the country. It is also one of seven states that fully tax groceries. Recently, state…
Kansas AG Derek Schmidt files petition with Kansas Supreme Court
Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt today filed a petition seeking approval of the newly redrawn state legislative district maps.
Missouri House budget committee OKs tax break
Missouri residents who file income taxes would be eligible for a tax break under a new Republican proposal. The House Budget Committee approved the measure Tuesday. The bill now heads to the House floor for consideration. The proposal budgets $1 billion for tax breaks equal to what taxpayers owe the state in income taxes. The tax breaks are capped at $500 for individuals or up to $1,000 for married couples filing jointly. Democrats proposed setting aside $100 million to give onetime $1,000 checks to poor families who have struggled with housing or food insecurity. That proposal has been defeated.
Kansas amends property, sales and income tax laws
The Kansas Governor signs a tax cut bill, making changes to property taxes for some residents.
