Hundreds of Kansans Protest Abortion Ruling
LAWRENCE, Kan. (KPR) - Hundreds of Kansans rallied this weekend both to oppose and to support the U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade. The TTopeka Capital-Journal reports that several hundred people descended on the Statehouse Friday evening to protest the decision. Protestors in Kansas City, Wichita, and Lawrence joined people across the country who turned out in response to the ruling. Kansas will be the first in the nation to vote on the future of abortion; a constitutional amendment is on the August 2nd ballot. Meanwhile, most abortions are now illegal in Missouri except "in cases of medical emergency." Physicians who perform abortions in Missouri could face felony charges punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
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Missouri Exempts World Cup Tickets from State Sales Tax
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Soccer fans attending the World Cup when it comes to Kansas City in 2026 will not have to pay state sales tax on their tickets. Missouri Governor Mike Parson signed a bill that exempts FIFA World Cup tickets from sales tax when the games are played in Kansas City. The governor praised the bipartisan effort to bring the games to Kansas City, which was chosen last week as a host city. Lawmakers passed the bill earlier this year after FIFA officials required tax breaks from cities hoping to host the games. State Senator John Rizzo, who represents part of Jackson County, said estimates predict that the game could bring more than $600 million in revenue to Missouri.
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COVID-19 Levels Up in KC Metro
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KPR) - COVID-19 community levels are up in the Kansas City metro area this week. The Kansas CIty Star reports all five counties that make up in the Kansas City metro are experiencing "high" coronavirus transmission levels, as tracked by the CDC. Jackson County also reported high community spread this week for the first time during the current coronavirus wave. Officials report 2,550 new cases over the past week, up from 2,327 the week before.