Topeka

Lawmakers discussed a series of bills on abortion Thursday in Topeka. The bills would allow husbands or parents of minors to sue if they believe an abortion was illegal, would restrict abortion at twenty two weeks, when some say a fetus can feel pain and would make doctors and abortion facilities subject to more frequent and detailed reporting requirements. Supporters of the bill say the changes are essential to protect life at all stages. "Legislation that protects the life of the unborn grounds the way we legislate everything else.

A group of Wichita parents is encouraging lawmakers to support the Parents as Teachers program. The program teaches children the developmental basics they need, like writing and interacting with adults, before they attend kindergarten. Gretchen Postiglione is a mother of two from Wichita. She says the program helped one of her daughters learn to walk when she fell behind other children in her peer group. Programs like Parents as Teachers and Head Start are facing potential funding cuts as state and local officials try to find ways to balance this year's budget.

Governor Mark Parkinson is encouraging all Kansans to display the flag of the United States this Thursday, Veterans Day. President Obama also called on Federal, State and local officials do the same. There are many events across Kansas on Veterans Day. Here is a list of some of them. Topeka – Lt. Col. Scott Henry, Joint Forces Headquarters Kansas, will be the guest speaker at VFW Post 1650, 3110 SW Huntoon, Topeka. The ceremony starts at 11 a.m. Topeka – Maj Jeff Howell, Joint Forces Headquarters Kansas-Land Component, will be the guest speaker at a Veterans Day ceremony at Capital City High School, 2828 SW 6th Ave. The ceremony starts at 9:30 a.m. Topeka – Lt. Col. Monte Weathers, Topeka, 69th Troop Command will speak at the Washburn Rural High School, 5900 SW 61st St. The ceremony starts at 7 p.m. Topeka - Several members of the Kansas Army and Air National Guard will be visiting local nursing homes to hand out certificates of appreciation to Veterans who are residents.

Sumner County casino developers will pitch their projects to the Kansas Lottery next month. The Lottery Commission will meet in Topeka on September 8. The developers will give the details of their projects in an effort finalize contracts with the state. A contract is needed in order for the Lottery Review Board to consider the project. The review board reviews each project and eventually decide which casino will be built. There are three proposals for Sumner County. Global Gaming wants to build a casino at the Wellington exit of the turnpike.

The Kansas Basketball Coaches Association has announced the 2010 all-star rosters for the all-star game.  The game will be played on August 5th in Topeka.   For a complete list of rosters on CatchItKansas.com, click here  

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - The first of four peregrine falcon hatchlings nesting in a downtown Topeka building decided to make its debut on Mother's Day. Brad Loveless, of Westar Energy, says the egg hatched Sunday afternoon in a nest high on the 12-story Westar building. He expects the other three eggs to hatch within days. The birds have attracted attention around the world, thanks to two webcams that can be viewed at www.westarenergy.com/greenteam . But the chicks may be hard to see because their mother, named Hope, has been protective since the eggs were laid between April 1 and 3. A male peregrine falcon, named Zeus, also is in the nest.

By Chris Durden (TOPEKA, Kan.) The 28 th Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony in Topeka honors a fallen Sedgwick County Deputy. Brian Etheridge was gunned down in the line of duty in September 2009. Today, he was remembered at the law enforcement memorial monument. Governor Mark Parkinson and Attorney General Steve Six spoke at the event. On Monday, September 28, 2009, Deputy Etheridge was dispatched to a residence in Sedgwick County to take a larceny report.

(WICHITA, Kan.) Kansas schools are running out of time. "It's tough. You have people with their lives in limbo," says Superintendent Scott Springston. It affects lives like Molly Graversen's, a long time teacher in her first year at Valley Center. "I'm in danger of losing my job if the state continues to cut funds. " First year teachers are at risk in almost every Kansas school. "We're wondering what our future will look like next year. " Springston wonders the same thing and he can't wait for Topeka.

 by Sarah Kallail (WICHITA, Kan.) The Better Business Bureau is now the Better Business Bureau of Kansas Incorporated. The company announced Thursday a merger with the Topeka BBB. It says the partnership was formed to service 99 of the 105 counties in the state. The following counties are covered by the Better Business of Kansas City, Franklin, Johnson, Leavenworth, Linn, Miami, and Wyandotte.

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. (AP) - A 22-year-old man has been shot to death on a Junction City sidewalk. Police say officers found the victim's body around 2 a.m. Friday while responding to a report of gunfire. The victim was taken to a hospital, where he later was pronounced dead. The name of the victim was not immediately released, pending notification of relatives. An autopsy will be conducted in Topeka. Detectives are interviewing witnesses and are asking for the public's help identifying the gunman.