Chillin' in the Statehouse: Recent Episodes
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State government reporters Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd talk about what's going on in Kansas politics from inside the Statehouse.
March Madness is upon us, and not just the basketball kind. A Republican rebellion against House leadership brought the chamber to a halt at a busy time of the legislative session. Meanwhile, the bipartisan ban on student cell phones in schools was signed into law.
With two weeks left in the regular legislative session, Kansas lawmakers have little time to fulfill their campaign promises of property tax relief. Meanwhile, they're also facing significant deficits and are struggling to cut spending enough to balance the budget.
It's been a busy first half of the Kansas legislative session, and even more busy when the Chillin' team also has to cover some happenings outside the Legislature. Then add in some technical difficulties that we hope have been straightened out. Regardless, we're back and ready to talk about the biggest legislative accomplishment so far this year: an anti-transgender bathroom bill that also bans gender marker changes for state identification.
Has it been two weeks or two months? The Kansas 2026 legislative session is off to a fast and busy start. The Chillin' team brings you an update on the first two weeks and says a farewell to Jack, who is leaving to cover Missouri government and politics.
With lawmakers returning to the capital city, it was a busy week at the Kansas Statehouse in Topeka. The Chillin' team recaps the first week of the 2026 legislative session, including Gov. Laura Kelly's last State of the State address, Kansas Supreme Court oral arguments and more.
The Chillin' team is back, just in time for lawmakers to return to the capital city. The Kansas Legislature's 2026 session starts Jan. 12, and we've got a preview of the biggest items to watch. Also, we've got a recap of the state's subsidy deal for the Kansas City Chiefs to move from Missouri to Kansas.
The Kansas City Chiefs won't make the NFL playoffs this year, but the football team could make a big decision about the future of its stadium. The Chiefs are expected to propose a deal to a group of top Kansas lawmakers for taxpayer subsidies to help build a new stadium on the Kansas side of the metro. The Royals are not expected to have a proposal.
Just in time for your Thanksgiving road trip, the Chillin' in the Statehouse team has another episode. We talk about about Gov. Laura Kelly's lawsuit against Attorney General Kris Kobach, Kobach's charges alleging noncitizen illegal voting, a child care grant by the Kelly administration, and Kansas turkey hunting records.
Republicans in the Kansas Legislature failed to get enough petitions to call a redistricting special session in November. That means the debate over gerrymandering the congressional maps will have to wait until January — as will potentially amending Senate Bill 180 to make it explicitly ban gender marker changes on driver's licenses. When lawmakers do return to Topeka, they won't be staring down a looming budget hole, as was previously forecasted.
The Chillin' in the Statehouse crew is back with another episode on gerrymandering and food stamps. While Senate Republicans have the signatures to call a redistricting special session, House Republicans are not yet there. Meanwhile, it's looking like the federal government shutdown will mean no November SNAP benefits, or at least delayed or partial payments.
The Chillin' in the Statehouse team is back with another episode featuring one Snap lawsuit, another SNAP lawsuit, and the latest developments in gerrymandered redistricting efforts in Kansas.
Attorney General Kris Kobach is suing Gov. Laura Kelly, setting up another legal battle featuring Kobach versus Kelly. This time, it's over SNAP data demanded by the USDA. The Chillin' team breaks it down ahead of a likely court hearing this coming week. We also have news on the Republican rebrand for the One Big Beautiful Bill.
With K-State and KU playing on Saturday, it's the start to football season. It's also political football season. The Chillin' team has several issues teed up, from gerrymandered redistricting and education cut scores to SNAP data plus candy definitions and DOGE cuts — and even a little Taylor Swift.
The Aug. 4, 2026, primary election is still a year away, but several candidates have already announced campaigns for statewide office in Kansas. Some races have a large field of candidates, especially in the Republican primary for governor. Others have yet to see a candidate filing, like Democratic primaries for treasurer and insurance commissioner.
After a short hiatus due to scheduling conflicts and technical difficulties, the Chillin' in the Statehouse team is back together to start the new fiscal year — just in time for your Fourth of July road trip. While we focus on the animal stories we've been itching to share and some recent green energy political ads, we also acknowledge new Kansas laws going into effect, the One Big Beautiful Bill advancing in Congress, and some developments on the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals stadium subsidy debate.
Even with the Legislature adjourned, it's been a busy month of May in the Statehouse — and especially in courthouses. The Chillin' team has an update on legal affairs from a multitude of cases, as well as a story we've been itching to share about screwworms.
Chillin' in the Statehouse is back to talk about revenue estimates, government spending, a looming budget hole, and what lawmakers did about tax cut promises.
In August 2026, Kansas voters will decide whether to amend the state Constitution on how Supreme Court justices are selected. If the Republican-backed amendment is approved, justices will be directly elected, like in Wisconsin where a high-profile election brought big spending with contributions from billionaires like Elon Musk and George Soros.
March was a busy month at the Kansas Statehouse, and while a lot happened, what ate up much of the attention was a planned black mass by Satanists and a counter-rally by Christians. Here's what went down.
Chillin' in the Statehouse takes a break from our regularly scheduled chill to bring you the stories of three not-so-chill moments in Kansas politics. From an outburst on the House floor that shut down the chamber, to a Senate committee abruptly ending when a speaker tried to go past the time limit, to a U.S. senator being booed as he walked out of a contentious town hall, we break down the events that made the news and their underlying policy issues.
Despite another snowstorm, the Kansas Legislature has reached turnaround, the midpoint of the legislative session. The House and Senate passed dozens of bills to send to the other chamber, and we've got a sampling of them for you. Meanwhile, the Legislature also enacted the first new law of 2025 by overriding the governor's veto.
It's been a busy past two weeks for the Chillin' in the Statehouse team. There was the tragic plane crash of a flight out of Wichita, the passage of a bill on gender-affirming care, multiple rallies — including for school choice and the march for life, a new mural, tax policy proposals, USAID impacts on Kansas, and more. And don't forget about the Grammys and the Chiefs!
It was the first week of President Donald Trump's administration, the second week of the Kansas legislative session and the third week of snow covering the ground in Topeka. The Chillin' in the Statehouse team recaps a mix of news this week, including lawmakers responding to Trump's executive orders, the Kansas House getting rid of the midnight rule, and a history lesson on chaos in state legislatures.
The Chillin' in the Statehouse team is back to recap the first week of the 2025 legislative session and what was said during the governor's State of the State address, by Republican leadership afterward, and by Democratic leadership at a press conference.
Here at the Kansas Statehouse it's the first day of the 2025 legislative session, and we've got a legislative preview for our listeners.
With the holidays coming up, the Chillin' in the Statehouse team brings you one last episode of 2024. We're fresh off interviews for 2025 session preview stories, and so for our Christmas present to our loyal listeners, we have a few sneak peeks into what we're working on.
Spotify Wrapped is out with our top music listens of the year, and Chillin' in the Statehouse is bringing you #ksleg wrapped, recapping the top narratives from Kansas government and politics in 2024.
Kansas Republicans won big in the 2024 elections, growing their supermajorities in the Legislature and winning a conservative majority on the State Board of Education. Just in time for Thanksgiving travels, the podcast team of Jason Alatidd and Jack Harvel with The Topeka Capital-Journal and John Hanna of the Associated Press break down the election results.
We're only a handful of days away from Election Day 2024, and the Chillin' in the Statehouse team has an election preview. Two of the biggest Kansas politics narratives going in are whether Democrats can break the Republican supermajorities in the Kansas Legislature, and whether conservatives can win a majority on the Kansas State Board of Education.
It was supposed to be a busy week of covering meetings of multiple legislative committees and the state board of education, but things got less chill for Chillin' in the Statehouse on Wednesday when a video of a University of Kansas instructor went viral. The instructor's classroom comments suggesting political violence were quickly condemned by top Kansas politicians, and while recording this podcast, we got the news that the instructor has left KU after teaching there for 40 years.
As the executive branch works through budget requests before the Democratic governor puts together her budget proposal, the Republican-led legislative branch is planning to take more ownership of the budget process. The Chillin' in the Statehouse team dives into the motivations, politics and potential impacts of the move — including a possible end to lawmakers taking Fridays off.
The Chillin' in the Statehouse team is back with more news on abortion and its connection to elections, some concerns about delivery of election mail, plus suspicious packages sent to the state's top election official, and concerns with continued struggles in the Kansas foster care system.
It's the start of another football season, but it's also election season. The Chillin' in the Statehouse team has the scoop on top targets for Democrats and Republicans in trying to break versus hold on to the legislative supermajorities. There are also some updates in the ethics investigation of Kansas Republicans involving campaign finance allegations, and there were some ethical accusation made by a recently deceased former Commerce Department official.
Stepping outside the Kansas Statehouse and into courthouses, the Chillin' in the Statehouse team brings you up to date on various legal cases touching on government and politics.
The temperatures seem to have cooled off in the past week. Is it because primary election season is over? Well, Chillin' in the Statehouse is here to break down the highlights of an election that coincided with the Olympics — though maybe our performance is more deserving of a bronze than gold.
Government and politics news hasn't been very chill the last couple of weeks, but the Chillin' in the Statehouse team is here to discuss an assassination attempt, a presidential candidate dropping out, the Kansas delegation endorsing the vice president and the governor's PAC opposing the House Democratic leader — plus some toll road and bike lane news.
Chillin' in the Statehouse takes you to the courthouse for an update on several legal cases. From the Kansas Supreme Court reaffirming its landmark abortion ruling to U.S. District Court cases affecting gun shows, student loans and transgenders students, The Topeka Capital-Journal's Jason Alatidd and Jack Harvel and the Associated Press' John Hanna have you covered.
In a one-day special session, the Kansas Legislature passed a substantial tax cut compromise and an incentive package designed to entice the Kansas City Chiefs or Royals to move from Missouri to Kansas. Gov. Laura Kelly has already signed both into law.
With two members of the Chillin' in the Statehouse team back from well-earned vacations, we're ready for the long awaited special session. Tax cuts are the stated priority for politicians, but there is a major lobbying effort underway for lawmakers to enact a subsidy package designed to lure the Kansas City Chiefs (or the Royals) to move from Missouri to Kansas.
It's pretty chill here at the Kansas Statehouse, but we know it's going to get busy again when Gov. Laura Kelly calls a special session on tax cuts. Is there room for compromise between the governor and Legislature, the House and Senate, and Republicans and Democrats? Can Kelly get House Democrats on the same page as her, or was a Democratic meeting at a Topeka chili parlor a reflection of internal party politics? Is communication clear, or is there room for different interpretations, like Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker's comments?
Session is over! Or is it? Jason Alatidd and Jack Harvel of The Topeka Capital-Journal and John Hanna of the Associated Press recap a busy veto session — where a tornado warning interrupted the last day of the Kansas legislative session as lawmakers tried another go at cutting taxes, but didn't take up a plan designed to lure the Kansas City Chiefs to move to Kansas. Both of those issues could come back up during a likely special session.
Chillin' in the Statehouse is ready for veto session, when Kansas lawmakers return to Topeka to consider overriding Gov. Laura Kelly's vetoes and wrap up unfinished business — and there's a lot of vetoes and unfinished business for legislators to get done in a short amount of time.
With a nod to Taylor Swift's new era, The Tortured Poets Department, Chillin' in the Statehouse brings you The Tortured Reporters Department. The Topeka Capital-Journal's Jason Alatidd and Jack Harvel are joined by the Associated Press' John Hanna as they run down the highlights of the first batches of bill signings and vetoes during the Legislature's April break.
On this eclipse day, there is a mixture of sunlight and darkness, kind of like how the Kansas Legislature worked late into the night on its last day of regular session. The Topeka Capital-Journal's Jason Alatidd and the Associated Press' John Hanna recap three of the biggest issues (state budget, school budget and tax cuts) from drop dead day — or more like drop dead night, considering what time the House and Senate adjourned for their April break.
To read more: https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/government/2024/04/08/kansas-lawmakers-pass-tax-cuts-but-not-school-budget-before-adjourning/73243055007/
For episode 100 of Chillin' in the Statehouse, we have the return of Andrew Bahl, one of the first hosts and producers of the podcast. He joins The Topeka Capital-Journal's Jason Alatidd and Jack Harvel and the Associated Press' John Hanna to discuss the latest on the Kansas Legislature and so-called drop dead day, plus a little Wisconsin politics.
We may be chill, but the Legislature is heating up with some hot-button issues in the second half of session. The Topeka Capital-Journal's Jason Alatidd and Jack Harvel are joined by the Associated Press' John Hanna as they discuss abortion, gender affirming care, election security, TikTok and more.
The Chillin' in the Statehouse team breaks down the happenin's of turnaround week, including a call of the House during the failed veto override attempt of the Republican tax cut plan. The Topeka Capital-Journal's Jason Alatidd and Jack Harvel are joined by John Hanna of the Associated Press, who discusses fetal personhood legislation in Kansas in light of an Alabama court ruling on IVF.
Death and taxes are the two certainties in life, right? Well they're maybe not so certain, at least in the Kansas Legislature. Jason Alatidd and Jack Harvel of The Topeka Capital-Journal and John Hanna of the Associated Press talk through the uncertainties of the veto override effort for the flat income tax plan and the uncertainties of the state death penalty law.
The Chiefs winning the big game Sunday night meant a slower, chiller Monday morning at the Kansas Statehouse, leaving the Chillin' team with time to record a podcast for the first time in three weeks. Jason Alatidd and Jack Harvel of The Topeka Capital-Journal and John Hanna of the Associated Press recap some of the top issues in Kansas government and politics.
It's chilly here at Chillin' in the Statehouse, but we've got you covered on happenin's from the first two weeks of the 2024 legislative session. A State of the State, the budget, a court hearing and a big tax cut bill that the governor has promised to veto. The Topeka Capital-Journal's Jason Alatidd and Jack Harvel are joined by the Associated Press' John Hanna to break it all down.
Happy New Year from the team at Chillin' in the Statehouse! The start of 2024 also brings the start of a new legislative session. But a new year and new session come with the same old political issues.
The Topeka Capital-Journal's Jason Alatidd and Jack Harvel plus the Associated Press' John Hanna preview the top issues to watch — which will feel quite similar to the top issues of the past year.
Welcome back to Chillin' in the Statehouse! We're back to a full team with the addition of Jack Harvel to The Topeka Capital-Journal's Statehouse team. He joins the CJ's Jason Alatidd and John Hanna of the Associated Press as they discuss the short-lived new license plate design.
Read more about it here: https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/state/2023/11/28/governor-laura-kelly-rescinds-new-kansas-license-plate-design/71727926007/
It's Thanksgiving week, and Chillin' in the Statehouse has the podcast to help you pass any extra time during your holidays. Jason Alatidd of The Topeka Capital-Journal and John Hanna of the Associated Press get in the fall spirit — which includes the newly mailed fall property tax bill — as they break down legislative proposals for property tax relief from House Republican and Democratic leaders.
It's rivalry week here at Chillin' in the Statehouse, as Jason Alatidd's Wildcats take on John Hanna's Jayhawks. Amid the Sunflower Showdown, advocates for more special education funding were in a showdown of their own with top Republican legislators over calling a task force meeting. It's one of many education topics that will be debated in the coming legislative session.
John Hanna brought the leftover Halloween candy, Jason Alatidd had coffee in a Christmas cup, Mother Nature brought the cold, and here is another episode of Chillin' in the Statehouse. Courts, courts and more courts are the topic of discussion today, spanning abortion laws, voter rights, IT security, difficulty getting documents and the IRS — plus the start of basketball season.
After a "Cruel Summer," fall is here! That means Chiefs football, mixed with Taylor Swift appearances. Will voters "Shake It Off" when lawmakers say "Don't Blame Me" for any "Bad Blood" from giving the "Anti-Hero" Legislative Compensation Commission a "Blank Space" in the checkbook for legislative pay raises of their "Wildest Dreams"? The Topeka Capital-Journal's Jason Alatidd and the Associated Press' John Hanna discuss.
Chillin' in the Statehouse is back! For the first time since the departure of Andrew Bahl, the former host and producer of this award-winning podcast, Jason Alatidd of the Topeka Capital-Journal is joined by John Hanna of the Associated Press with updates on three major news stories from the past two months of Kansas government and politics. They discuss DCF and the Zoey Felix case, more Marion updates and Attorney General Kris Kobach's loss in the natural gas price gouging lawsuit.
Chillin' in the Statehouse is saying goodbye -- but only to Andrew Bahl of the Topeka Capital-Journal, who is departing Kansas. He reminisces about his three years in the state with Jason Alatidd of the CJ and John Hanna of the Associated Press, where they talk about the biggest news stories and trends in Kansas. But fear not! The podcast will continue to live on.
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The temperatures in Topeka are scorching hot, meaning the Statehouse needs a healthy dose of chill. Andrew Bahl and Jason Alatidd of the Topeka Capital-Journal and John Hanna of the Associated Press talk about the national sensation that is the police raid of the Marion County Record and bring you the latest on the ever-evolving situation.
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Barbie or Oppenheimer? Before you go off to watch the summer's hottest movie(s), Andrew Bahl and Jason Alatidd of the Topeka Capital-Journal are joined by John Hanna of the Associated Press to talk about economic development. Jason talks us through us latest story on contractors at the Kansas Department of Commerce and what it means for the state's megaprojects.
And the three look back on the anniversary of the Aug. 2 vote to reject a proposed amendment that would have ended state constitutional protections for abortion rights.
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The Chillin' gang finally has a podcast not about Senate Bill 180 -- Andrew Bahl and Jason Alatidd of the Topeka Capital-Journal and John Hanna of the Associated Press talk about the latest developments facing the Kansas Highway Patrol.
That includes a federal judge chastising the KHP's vehicle detention practices, as well as the dynamic facing Acting Superintendent Erik Smith.
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The Statehouse has remained chill, despite the Kansas summer producing some decidedly un-chill storms in recent days. Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd of the Topeka Capital-Journal are joined by John Hanna of the Associated Press to discuss the latest round of updates in the legal fight over SB 180 in both state and federal court.
The trio also discuss some abortion-related updates, namely the Alternatives to Abortion fund created by the Legislature. And they commiserate over car damage.
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While Kansans are still illegally shooting off fireworks, the real fireworks have been in the courthouse over Senate Bill 180, a law changing definitions of sex in state statute. Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd of the Topeka Capital-Journal are joined by John Hanna of the Associated Press to break it all down.
The gang also focuses on the Kansas Department of Revenue's tax collections and what it means for tax policy in 2024.
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It is heating up outside but Andrew Bahl and Jason Alatidd of the Topeka Capital-Journal and John Hanna of the Associated Press are chilling in the Statehouse. They talk about the bills now in effect, starting July 1 and then move into the latest legal drama surrounding Senate Bill 180.
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It has been a busy time in Kansas, and Andrew Bahl and Jason Alatidd of the Topeka Capital-Journal are joined by John Hanna of the Associated Press to break it all down. They focus their attention on a sweeping anti-transgender rights bill, SB 180, set to go into effect on July 1 -- and the legal battle that might ensure.
The trio also update listeners on suspicious letters, including a white powder, mailed to lawmakers in Kansas and other states.
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The Capital-Journal's Jason Alatidd is back from his honeymoon with a new last name. His colleagues Andrew Bahl of the CJ and John Hanna of the Associated Press immediately haul him into the podcast studio to talk about Medicaid.
It's been a busy week for the state's KanCare program, with the process heating up to select new third-party vendors to manage the health care benefits. The trio also discuss the unwinding process, where Kansans are losing health care as pandemic-era flexibilities end.
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It may be hot outside but it is chill in the podcast studio. Jason Tidd is away on his honeymoon but Andrew Bahl of the Topeka Capital-Journal is joined by John Hanna of the Associated Press to dive into a major lawsuit from abortion providers and important context on what it means to the abortion debate in Kansas.
Meanwhile, the pair dive into the change in leadership at the Kansas Highway Patrol and break down their favorite typefaces.
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Chillin' in the Statehouse is feeling celebratory, as they wish the Topeka Capital-Journal's Jason Tidd well as he prepares to get married. Jason and Andrew Bahl of the Capital-Journal are joined by John Hanna of the Associated Press to break down Republicans backing off threats to sue over Gov. Laura Kelly's line-item veto of the school budget.
Jason, meanwhile, discusses his trip to the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in Manhattan and breaks down what the facility will look like (without getting arrested, anyway).
Like what you hear? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Play and be sure to read the Topeka Capital-Journal's Statehouse coverage at cjonline.com
It has been a busy week for Gov. Laura Kelly's line item veto pen and Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd of the Topeka Capital-Journal are here to break it down. First they talk about Kelly's controversial handling of the state's education budget, before pivoting to her decision to line-item veto funding for a project supported by a maverick Democrat.
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This podcast may be chill but issues of government transparency certainly heat things up. Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd of the Topeka Capital-Journal are joined by John Hanna of the Associated Press to break down a recently rejected settlement to a major COVID-19-era lawsuit. They also talk about Gov. Laura Kelly's most recent round of vetoes and sing songs from Mulan.
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Things are chiller in the Statehouse now -- which means Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd of the Topeka Capital-Journal and John Hanna of the Associated Press are perfectly conditioned to podcast. They break down a series of key court rulings on voting rights, as well as what the Legislature did and didn't pass on voting.
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The 2023 legislative session is in the books and the chill gang is here to break it all down -- dodging a fire alarm to do so. Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd of the Topeka Capital-Journal are joined by John Hanna of the Associated Press to break down the final days of the session, including veto overrides and more. They also ponder what it means moving forward for Kansas politics and policy more broadly.
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It has been a busy week in the Statehouse, as Gov. Laura Kelly signed -- and vetoed -- a whole host of bills. Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd of the Topeka Capital-Journal are joined by John Hanna of the Associated Press to break it all down and get you up to speed on the key dynamics heading into the legislative session's final days.
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Chillin' in the Statehouse is so chill they are practically asleep -- oh wait, they are asleep because of the Legislature's long hours. Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd of the Topeka Capital-Journal and John Hanna of the Associated Press are (sleepily) breaking down the major news from the biggest week of the year. They focus on a veto override on a law banning transgender athletes in women's sports, tax cuts and questions about school funding.
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The Kansas Supreme Court was once again in session on abortion and Andrew Bahl of the Topeka Capital-Journal is joined by John Hanna of the Associated Press to break it all down. The Legislature is also in session for its final week, so Andrew and John also look at the core issues left untouched, including abortion.
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It is a busy March in the Statehouse -- and that's even before we get to our busted brackets. Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd of the Topeka Capital-Journal are joined by John Hanna of the Associated Press to talk about a key court decision on voting rights, the debate over school choice and, of course, basketball.
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You probably don't want to go to Chillin' in the Statehouse for investment advice but Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd of the Topeka Capital-Journal are joined by John Hanna of the Associated Press to break down a bill to dictate where the state can put its money. They also talk taxes and three-legged stools.
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It is another busy week in Statehouse world, and Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd of the Topeka Capital-Journal are joined by John Hanna of the Associated Press break down where the Legislature is headed on abortion policy. They also recap the recent Kansas Democratic Party chair election and discuss their eating and movie-watching habits.
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It was a busy week in the Kansas Statehouse (hence the title) and the gang of Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd of the Topeka Capital-Journal and John Hanna of the AP are punchier than usual. They talk about tax policy, bills rolling back election law and an attempt to dramatically reduce the power of the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission.
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There's no total eclipse of the heart in the Kansas Legislature this week but it is a big week for lawmaking. Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd of the Topeka Capital-Journal are joined by John Hanna from the Associated Press to discuss the major policy issues, notably a focus on pushing back against transgender rights and the potential for tax cuts.
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Republicans met in Topeka for their annual convention -- and to pick a new chair, after weeks and months of tension. This is a two-part podcast, with Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd of the Topeka Capital-Journal breaking down the dynamics at play for the Kansas GOP. But don't touch that dial, because Andrew and John will have a live breakdown of Mike Brown's election as chair.
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Another big economic development deal is coming to Kansas and Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd of the Topeka Capital-Journal are joined by John Hanna of the Associated Press to break it down. They also dive into the Chinese spy balloon, flat taxes and more.
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Gov. Laura Kelly's state of the state address is in the books. The Topeka Capital-Journal's Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd and the Associated Press' John Hanna break down Kelly's speech, the potential for medical marijuana legalization and celebrate Kansas Day with a little musical tribute.
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Business is slowly but surely starting to pick up in the Statehouse, including Gov. Laura Kelly's state of the state address. The Topeka Capital-Journal's Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd and the Associated Press' John Hanna break down Kelly's speech, the potential for medical marijuana legalization and celebrate Kansas Day with a little musical tribute.
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Business is picking up in the Statehouse and Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd of the Topeka Capital-Journal are joined by the Associated Press' John Hanna to break it down. They discuss Gov. Laura Kelly's upcoming state of the state address, new abortion and election bills and Disney musicals (yes, really).
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The Legislature is back in session and so is Chillin' in the Statehouse. Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd of the Topeka Capital-Journal are joined by John Hanna of the Associated Press to break down the first week, including the inauguration, Gov. Laura Kelly's budget address and the GOP agenda.
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It is the busiest time of the year in Kansas government and the Topeka Capital-Journal's Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd are joined by the Associated Press' John Hanna to break down the 2023 legislative session. They talk taxes, abortion, NFTs and more.
Like what you hear? Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Play.
The calendars may have turned to 2023 but Chillin' in the Statehouse is still stuck in the past. The Capital-Journal's Statehouse team of Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd are joined by John Hanna of the Associated Press to recap the five biggest news items from 2022.
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While it is chill outside this holiday season, Chillin' in the Statehouse is keeping it even more relaxed, as Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd of the Topeka Capital-Journal are joined by John Hanna of the Associated Press to talk about the issues of the day.
That includes a plan to move the Kansas Highway Patrol to the attorney general's office, leadership elections in the Legislature and an oil spill in north-central Kansas (plus some Christmas carols).
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Chillin' in the Statehouse isn't going anywhere -- but some major players in Kansas government and politics are. Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd of the Topeka Capital-Journal are joined by John Hanna of the Associated Press to discuss departures in the legislative, executive and (sort of) judicial branch.
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Bawk, bawk, bawk -- Chillin' in the Statehouse is back and has lesser prairie chickens on the brain. Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd of the Topeka Capital-Journal are joined by the Associated Press' John Hanna to talk birds -- and some grousing from members conservatives over the direction of the Kansas Republican Party.
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The general election is finally in our rearview mirror -- but there is plenty still to discuss. The Capital-Journal's Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd are joined by the Associated Press' John Hanna to break down the results and talk about what it means for both parties going forward.
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It is election season and Chillin' in the Statehoue wants to ensure you have the tools you need to vote. We sit down with Shawnee County Elections Director Andrew Howell to run down how to cast your ballot early, by mail or on Nov. 8 and talk through some of the challenges of election administration.
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Ballot drop boxes have been in the news a lot lately, both in the Kansas Attorney General race and in a federal lawsuit. Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd of the Topeka Capital-Journal and John Hanna of the Associated Press break down the debate over the receptacles and where the conversations on voting access in Kansas are headed.
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Election Day is fast approaching and the Chillin' in the Statehouse gang take some time to run down the Kansas Attorney General race between Kris Kobach and Chris Mann.
The Capital-Journal's Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd are joined by John Hanna of the Associated Press to discuss the attempt by Kobach's campaign to refresh his brand and how the two candidates are talking about crime, immigration and abortion.
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The podcast crew is down a man but that doesn't stop Andrew Bahl of the Topeka Capital-Journal and John Hanna of the Associated Press from breaking down the congressional races on the November ballot.
Their conversation centers on the 3rd District race between Democrat U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids and Republican Amanda Adkins but also includes a breakdown of the political landscape more broadly.
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The governor's race is heating up and the Chillin' in the Statehouse team focuses on the back-and-forth between Gov. Laura Kelly and Attorney General Derek Schmidt on the issue of transgender athletes in girls' sports.
The Capital-Journal's Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd, alongside the Associated Press' John Hanna, break down the issue, why it matters in Kansas and how voters might respond.
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The Chillin' in the Statehouse gang is back from their bi-annual field trip to the Kansas State Fair for the first gubernatorial debate and they have tales to tell. The Capital-Journal's Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd and the Associated Press' John Hanna break down where things are in the governor's race, rank their favorite fair foods and make some gratuitous animal noises.
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A recount of the Kansas abortion constitutional amendment is now complete -- but discussion over what it means is not. The Topeka Capital-Journal's Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd and the Associated Press' John Hanna break down why the recount happened, why it didn't change the results and its impact on democracy in Kansas long term.
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It has been a minute but the Capital-Journal's politics podcast to run down the national statement Kansas voters made when they rejected a proposed measure that would have ended state constitutional protections for abortion.
The Capital-Journal's Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd go over the results with the Associated Press' John Hanna, breaking down what happened to produce the surprising outcome and what it means for Kansas going forward.
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There is one area of the 2022 elections the Chillin in the Statehouse gang have not talked about yet: the Legislature. Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd of the Topeka Capital-Journal are joined by John Hanna of the Associated Press to break down the important legislative races on the ballot and why they aren't as competitive as you might expect.
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Chillin in the Statehouse is firmly entrenched in election coverage, including the potential inclusion of independent state Sen. Dennis Pyle to the governor's race. The Capital-Journal's Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd are joined by John Hanna of the Associated Press to discuss what it all means. They also break down the other statewide races.
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This election season, the only campaign promise Chillin in the Statehouse promises is to bring you the best and timeliest analysis of the most important Kansas races. Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd of the The Topeka Capital-Journal are joined by John Hanna of the Associated Press to look at the governor's race and GOP frontrunner Attorney General Derek Schmidt's choice for lieutenant governor, Katie Sawyer.
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Both school and the Kansas Legislature are out for the year and the Capital-Journal's two statehouse reporters, Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd, are joined by education reporter Rafael Garcia to talk about it all. They run down the big education policy developments from the last year and break down how it will impact your school.
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A rapid fire turnaround from the Kansas Supreme Court to uphold a Republican-authored Congressional map means we have a rapid fire podcast ready to go. The Capital-Journal's Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd are joined by the Associated Press' John Hanna to break down what the map means for U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids and analyze the court's decision making.
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Lawmakers gaveled out of the first of what will likely be several trips back to Topeka to wrap up policy and override vetoes from Gov. Laura Kelly. The Capital-Journal's Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd are joined by John Hanna of the Associated Press to break everything down. That includes what vetoes were and weren't overridden and how the economy is factoring into policy debates.
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The legislature has a mighty long to-do list and Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd of the Topeka Capital-Journal are joined with the Associated Press' John Hanna to break it all down. Their conversation centers on taxes, namely which tax cuts lawmakers might embrace and which might get kicked to the curb.
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A sleep-deprived gang of reporters gives you everything you need to know about the busiest time of the year in Kansas government. Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd of the Topeka Capital-Journal are joined by the Associated Press' John Hanna to run down the top three issues to watch in the crucial final week of the Legislature's regular session.
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The action is picking up in the Kansas legislature and Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd of the Topeka Capital-Journal break down the latest developments on efforts to restrict governmental response to COVID-19, pass a food sales tax elimination and ban transgender athletes from girls' and women's sports. They're joined by the Associated Press' John Hanna to talk about ... brucellosis?
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From discussing Greek tragedies to Lord of the Rings, Chillin in the Statehouse breaks out all the metaphors to discuss a wild few weeks in the legislature. The Capital-Journal's Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd are joined by the Associated Press' John Hanna to break down the Shakespearean confluence of events surrounding the state's Congressional maps, a bill expanding Ivermectin access and a few renegade senators.
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The debate over Ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine has arrived in the Kansas Statehouse and Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd are here to break it down. They also discuss the Board of Healing Arts Investigation into a sitting Kansas Senate member and where the pandemic is headed. Like what you hear? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Play.
Legislators have sped through approving a set of Congressional maps authored by Republicans -- but that doesn't mean there was any shortage of controversy. Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd are joined by John Hanna of the Associated Press to talk about the maps and what to expect from a potential legal challenge. They also celebrate Kansas Day, as all good Kansans should. Like what you heard? Subscribe on Spotify, Google Play and Apple Podcasts.
Week one of the 2022 Kansas legislative session is in the books and there is a lot to break down. Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd are joined by John Hanna of the Associated Press to discuss Gov. Laura Kelly's State of the State address and what it means for her re-election, the fate of the state budget and our odds of getting Elton John to do the podcast's theme song. Like what you hear? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Play.
The holidays are upon us -- but so is an uptick of COVID-19 cases. It is an interesting moment for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, with former Secretary Lee Norman forced out and new leadership coming in. Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd talk where the state goes from here with the pandemic (or endemic).
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Special sessions don't come around all that often so Chillin' in the Statehouse pulled out all the stops. Friend of the podcast John Hanna of the Associated Press joins Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd to break down what lawmakers are looking to do on COVID-19 vaccine mandates -- and what the endeavor means for the state's political climate going forward. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Spotify.
Chillin' in the Statehouse has talked a lot about vaccine mandates proposed by President Joe Biden's administration but there have been some real developments on this front since our last episode. Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd break down lawsuits from Attorney General Derek Schmidt, legislative hearings and why Gov. Laura Kelly has distanced herself from Biden. Like what you hear? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Play.
Andrew and Jason are headed back to school -- or talking about schools, anyway. The pair break down how COVID-19 has impacted the academic achievement of Kansas kids. They then move on to thornier discussions of how the legislature might tackle critical race theory and funding issues. Like what you hear? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Play or just go to cjonline.com to listen to old episodes.
Jason and Andrew break down the Kansas reaction to vaccine mandates proposed by President Joe Biden's administration and what to know going forward. They also break down the political side to pushback from Republicans in the state and take a look at some other COVID-19-related news items. Like what you hear? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Play.
Kansas is in the midst of the latest wave of COVID-19 cases -- right as schools are starting back up across the state. Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd run down the first major virus outbreak in a school district, as well as what schools are -- and are not -- doing to prevent COVID-19 from spreading. Like what you hear? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Play.
As Kansas begins the once-in-a-decade process of drawing Congressional and state legislative districts, the Capital-Journal's statehouse team of Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd are joined by the Associated Press' John Hanna to break down what it all means. They discuss the release of key Census data last week, look ahead to next steps and explain why Mapzilla may return to Topeka in 2022. Like what you hear? Subscribe on Spotify, Google Play and Apple Podcasts.
Chillin' in the Statehouse has a new sheriff in town: our new statehouse reporter (and co-host) Jason Tidd. He makes his podcast debut breaking down his recent reporting on the rise in COVID-19 cases in Kansas, specifically why long-term care facilities are still impacted by the virus and what effect this will all have on schools. If you want the latest information on the delta variant, this is the episode for you. Like what you hear? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Play and more.
In this unique podcast episode, Statehouse Reporter Andrew Bahl and Local Government Reporter Blaise Mesa talk with Shawnee County Elections Director Andrew Howell about everything you need to know before you cast your ballot in local elections. Avoid common pitfalls and get the latest on how elections officials are coping with new state voting laws. Like what you hear? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Play.
Despite initial fears that the COVID-19 pandemic would turn into a fiscal catastrophe for the state of Kansas, things appear to have turned around. But with higher-than-expected revenues means more fights about how to spend the funds. The Capital-Journal's Andrew Bahl is joined by John Hanna of the Associated Press to break it all down. Like what you hear? Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Play.
It has been awhile since we've talked about the COVID-19 pandemic so our statehouse reporter, Andrew Bahl, discusses the rise of the Delta variant with the Associated Press' John Hanna. The pair breakdown the rise of cases in Missouri and what residents need to know as the variant makes its way to Kansas. Like what you hear? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Play.
Kansas has entered a new frontier of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the state's emergency declaration coming to a close after 15 months. Andrew Bahl is joined by the Associated Press' John Hanna to break down what this means for the state going forward, particularly with respect to the state's COVID-19 vaccination efforts and food stamp benefits for Kansans. Like what you hear? Subscribe to Chillin' in the Statehouse on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Google Play.
Andrew is joined by friend of the podcast John Hanna of the Associated Press. The topic of conversation? A pair of lawsuits over controversial new changes to Kansas voting laws. The pair breakdown what you need to know about the laws and the legal controversy. If you like what you hear, follow Chillin' in the Statehouse on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Play and cjonline.com.
Session is over and Andrew is all alone. So to mix things up, we bring you a interview with one of the most powerful people in Topeka: Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover. Reflecting on session and what was accomplished in the Kansas Senate, Andrew also gets Masterson to reflect on a tumultuous first year in his leadership position. You can find more episodes of Chillin' in the Statehouse on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Play and at cjonline.com.
In this episode of Chillin' in the Statehouse, the Capital-Journal's state government reporters Andrew Bahl and Titus Wu are joined to by Associated Press reporter John Hanna to look back at what went on this year when lawmakers met, and what might be on the horizon next year.
We talk about how passage of a bill giving NCAA athletes the right to profit off their own image, name and likeness has been intertwined with the fate of another bill banning trans athletes in women's sports.
It's midnight, and we're tired. But we're here to give you an update as lawmakers wrap up passing anything that needs to be passed before returning later this month to override any remaining vetoes.
In this episode, we talk about the entrance of controversial, former secretary of state Kris Kobach into the state attorney general's race.
The Statehouse bureau is down a member, with Titus on vacation. Fortunately, Andrew enlisted the Associated Press’ Topeka correspondent John Hanna to break down the current debate on school choice and what impact it might have on how your neighborhood schools are funded. The two also explain how the legislative sausage gets made and share a mutual love for prairie chickens.
In this episode, we talk about the plight of former Kansas Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop, who was ousted from his position after a DUI incident.
The regular session of the 2021 Kansas Legislature has ended. They'll still be coming back May for veto session. We break down what's happened and what's next.
In this episode, we talk about efforts within the Kansas Legislature to prohibit mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations.
We talk about what the passage of a huge bill overhauling the state's emergency management law means amid a COVID-19 pandemic that is slowing down.
In this episode, the statehouse reporters at the Topeka Capital-Journal talk about a controversial bill on transgender athletes making its way through the Kansas Legislature.
In this episode, we talk about the entrance of Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt into the governor's race against incumbent Gov. Laura Kelly.
In this episode, we revisit and look back at a year of the coronavirus and what the situation is now a year after the virus first hit the Midwest and Kansas.
In this episode, the Capital-Journal's Andrew Bahl and Titus Wu are in an emergency — the state's emergency management law that is. Sweeping legislation moving through Topeka would significantly change how state and local governments respond to disasters, like COVID-19.
In this episode, the Capital-Journal's Andrew Bahl and Titus Wu talk about the events earlier this week, when rolling blackouts were implemented across Kansas amid a historic cold front. They've renewed attention on energy policies and legislation here in the Kansas Statehouse.
In this episode, we talk about the huge tax bill the Kansas Senate passed this week, and how for some, it hearkens back to the Brownback tax cuts.
In this episode, state government reporters Titus Wu and Andrew Bahl talk about Gov. Laura Kelly's proposal to fund Medicaid expansion in Kansas with revenue from legalizing medical marijuana.
Our state government reporters break down the recently passed Value Them Both Amendment and what it means to have abortion on the August 2022 ballot for Kansas.
Capital-Journal Statehouse reporters Andrew Bahl and Titus Wu will be launching their new podcast on Feb. 1, but for the time being, they discuss their interview with Gov. Laura Kelly and the start of the 2021 Legislative Session.
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Andrew Bahl Twitter: @andrewbahl Titus Wu Twitter: @tituswu100 CJOnline Twitter: @cjonline