Kansas lawmakers returned to a snowy capital city on Monday for the start of the 2025 legislative session.

In a largely ceremonial first day at the Statehouse, the 125 representatives in the House and 40 senators in the Senate were sworn in.

“Today marks the first day of the 2025 legislative session,” Gov. Laura Kelly said in a tweet. “I look forward to collaborating with the legislature this year to make progress and continue moving Kansas forward.”

In the House, which had a full gallery of public onlookers, Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Marla Luckert administered the oath of office in groups of 10. Legislators raised their right hands as they swore to support the constitutions of the United States and of Kansas, and to “faithfully discharge the duties” of their office.

In the Senate, which also had a full gallery, Justice Dan Biles swore in 40 senators in groups of five.

Shawnee County delegation has 12 lawmakers

Shawnee County is in eight House districts and four Senate districts.

In the House, the local Republicans are Reps. Kyle McNorton, Jesse Borjon and Ken Corbet. The local Democrats are Reps. Kirk Haskins, Tobias Schlingensiepen, Virgil Weigel, John Alcala and Alexis Simmons. Simmons is the only freshman lawmaker, as all the rest were reelected in 2024.

In the Senate, the local lawmakers are Sens. Rick Kloos, R-Berryton; Kenny Titus, R-Manhattan; Brenda Dietrich, R-Topeka; and Patrick Schmidt, D-Topeka. Schmidt is a freshman lawmaker, while Titus is new to the Senate after previously serving in the House.

After being sworn in, Schmidt told The Capital-Journal there’s work to be done on public housing issues in Shawnee County.

Kloos told The Capital-Journal said lawmakers will “work overtime” to accomplish property tax relief. Titus also suggested property tax cuts will be the first priority.

“There’s a pretty strong message this election campaign that people are hurting in their wallets and that’s why so many Republicans got elected,” he said. “I think we start with that, and if we can get a good bill across the line and help people out then I think there’s a lot of other things we can turn to but it’s helping people in their wallet first and foremost.”

More: As Republicans push tax cuts, would Kansas governor veto property tax relief?

Simmons said that she is “inspired and wholly committed to making sure that my constituents know what’s happening here,” and offered to “be a messenger as their representative” for people who would like to provide input but don’t want to share it directly.

Borjon said it is an honor to serve.

“This is my third term, and basically today is all about getting us organized so we can start getting work done for our constituents and for the great state of Kansas,” he said. “So I’m glad to be back.”

“It’s exciting when we start, always seems like a new opportunity,” Haskins said. “I feel that we are pretty organized as far as our caucus, and looking forward to seeing what lies ahead.”

McNorton said he is excited for the year and “doing some good things” for his North Topeka district and the entire state. He said he thinks Republicans and Democrats both “have good leadership” and thinks “we’ll work together and do what’s good for everybody.”

More: Here’s what committees Topeka lawmakers will serve on in Kansas Statehouse

McNorton, who also serves on the Seaman USD 345 school board, will serve on two education committees in the House.

“Being on both those committees, I’m really honored to be on them and hopefully do some good things for our kids so they can improve and be the best — each one of them can be the best — that they can be,” he said.

What Republican leaders said

Lawmakers also made official the results of legislative leadership elections last month.

“The trust that you all have placed in me to serve as House speaker for another two years is a responsibility that I do not take lightly, and I accept this responsibility with a profound sense of duty to each of you, to this institution and to the people of this great state,” said House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita. “We accomplished much in the last two years, and I’m even more excited about what lies ahead for the next two years: a better way for the people of Kansas.”

Hawkins said he hopes for civility following “an especially heated election cycle.”

“It is easy to focus on what divides us, but our strength lies in finding common ground,” he said. “The challenges we face and the people we serve demand that we rise above partisanship and work together for the good of all Kansans.”

Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, also gave a message of civility.

“I congratulate you on winning your election but you’re about to have to shift gears,” Masterson said. “We go out and do things in elections, put out a message and you get elected, it’s a different operation inside this chamber. Now we need to harmonize to the best of our ability.”

He stipulated, though, that harmony doesn’t mean the Legislature won’t tackle divisive and emotionally charged subjects.

“There will be tears, there will be emotion, we’ll get angry at times but I’m telling you take a step back take a breath you may need that very person on the next round, and it’s really something we’re losing in general society is that ability to have a very difficult conversation on a very complicated subject and still love the person on the other side of the argument,” Masterson said.

More: With bigger supermajorities, will Kansas Republicans go ‘too far to the right’?

What Democrat leaders said

House Minority Leader Brandon Woodard, D-Lenexa, said he looks forward to working with Republican leadership. He urged new lawmakers to soak in the feeling of the first day.

“When the days of our public service feel tough — and I promise you that there will be very tough days ahead — please remember how you feel right now,” Woodard said. “That feeling, the ability to be present and soak up every moment, each lesson and experience in this job, will get you through even the fiercest debates in this chamber.”

Addressing his fellow Democrats, Woodard said that “we have an uphill battle before us.”

“We have a responsibility to offer a different perspective, an outside voice and to stand up for our morals and our ideals,” he said. “And at the same time, I would challenge each of you to approach working with Republicans in our chamber to identify solutions for the people of Kansas.”

Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, D-Lenexa, also congratulated new members, but veered into policy topics. She called for fully funding special education, to avoid “culture war” issues and for policies that prioritize working families.

“We face challenges, while we work hard, often that work benefits shareholders and corporations leaving workers and their families behind,” Sykes said. “Senate Democrats support policies that generate good jobs, that provide wages that allow families to get ahead, and I look forward to collaborating on policies that reward workers and help them put food on the table and care for their families.”

More: With fewer seats, how will Democrats work with or against GOP supermajorities?

Reporters will have less floor access in Kansas Legislature

News reporters in the Statehouse press corps will have less access to the chamber floors in the 2025 session.

House leadership no longer allows reporters on the floor during session except to take photos and videos from the back and sides of the chamber. Reporters previously had access to a desk at the front of the floor.

Staff indicated the move was to clear up congested space at the front of the chamber, and the media desk is now referred to as a staff desk.

Senate leadership made a similar move in recent years. Reporters previously had access to a desk in the back of the chamber, but now are generally only allowed on the floor for photos and videos while otherwise being restricted to the gallery.

The Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs play on Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Chiefs’ Arrowhead Stadium in a game on the NFL playoff schedule for the divisional round.

Which team will win the second-round NFL postseason game?

Check out these NFL playoff picks and NFL playoffs prediction for the game, which can be seen at 2:30 p.m. MST on ABC and ESPN (stream with FUBO).

The Chiefs are an 8-point favorite over the Texans in NFL playoff odds for the game, courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook.

Kansas City is -400 on the moneyline, while Houston is +310.

The over/under (point total) is set at 42 points.

NFL playoff picks for divisional round: Will Chiefs, Lions, Eagles, Bills all win at home?

Watch Texans at Chiefs live on FUBO (free trial)

Jeremy Cluff writes: “We did not see the Texans beating the Chargers in our predictions last week. We were wrong. Were we ever. Houston dominated Los Angeles, 32-12 in the wild-card round. With that being said, we don’t see the Texans beating the Chiefs this week, either. Will we be wrong again? Kansas City is a big favorite after having the bye week to rest and prepare for Houston. The Chiefs beat the Texans in Kansas City in Week 16, 27-19. We expect a similar result in the divisional round. Patrick Mahomes won’t struggle against the Texans’ defense like Justin Herbert did.”

When do NFL playoff teams play next? Houston Texans | Kansas City Chiefs | Washington Commanders | Detroit Lions | Philadelphia Eagles | Baltimore Ravens | Buffalo Bills

Bookies.com: Bet the Texans with the points vs Chiefs

Bill Speros writes: “The Chiefs went 15-2 without scoring more than 31 points in a game this season. The Chiefs and Texans met less than a month ago in Kansas City. The Chiefs won 27-19 on their way to icing the No. 1 seed in the AFC and what was in all reality a two-week bye. Patrick Mahomes threw for 260 yards, a TD, and ran for another in KC’s win over Houston. He scored on a 15-yard scamper that ended KC’s opening drive. Andy Reid called that win his team’s “most comprehensive win” of the season. They’ll have to repeat it this weekend. The Texans were at 100% in their upset over the hapless Chargers in the Wild Card round. C.J. Stroud was able to balance things with both RB Joe Mixon and WR Nico Collins. The Texans need an early lead and a mistake-free effort to overcome the Chiefs’ magic on the field, and the power of Taylor Swift and the NFL off it. Both teams underperformed on the line. But the Chiefs crushed bettors all year. They went 8-9 ATS and 3-7 ATS in their final 10 games that mattered. The ‘Travis Kelce anytime TD’ was the most-bet player prop throughout the regular season, but he only scored 3 times. Houston gets the cover here, especially with the hook. The Texans moneyline here at +360 would be worth a small play, as well.”

NFL playoff odds: Texans vs Chiefs | Commanders vs Lions | Ravens vs Bills | Divisional-round point spreads, moneylines

The site’s formula predicts that the Chiefs will win the NFL playoff game against the Texans.

NFL playoff schedule: TV channels, how to watch, stream divisional-round games

ESPN: Chiefs have a 62.4% chance to beat Texans on Saturday

The site gives the Texans a 37.6% shot at winning the NFL playoff game.

NFL playoff picks, predictions Monday: Who wins Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Rams game?

Tyler Dragon writes: “The Chiefs defeated Houston 27-19 in Week 16. Kansas City looks primed to be the first team to three-peat as Super Bowl champions. Kansas City is well rested and Andy Reid is historically good after a bye week. Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown’s return to Kansas City’s offense gives the team more firepower. Chris Jones has a significant advantage over Houston’s leaky offensive line. Patrick Mahomes has led the Chiefs to six straight AFC championship games. Mahomes and company are headed to another AFC title contest.”

NFL playoff schedule Monday: How to watch Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Rams on TV today

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Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Four Kansas City-area businesses spent their weekend cleaning shards of glass, and boarded-up windows and doors following a string of break-ins.

“It’s not just isolated to us,” said Christopher Ciesiel, Co-Owner of Sagebrush Cocktail Bar and The Campground.

Businesses affected by weekend break-ins:

• Sagebrush Cocktail Bar
• Seven Swans Creperie
• La Bodega
• Garden House Cafe

A trend that’s become common in the Kansas City area had Ciesel notice movement on his security cameras outside his KCK Rosedale neighborhood cocktail bar. He told KSHB 41 a group of individuals were seen brandishing a firearm and shattering the glass door in his business. The group stole an empty cash register. Following the hit at his business, he called neighboring business owner, Garden House Cafe, Jordan Fox. A similar event was taking place at his business.

“Our cash register was taken, all of our cash. That was it, thankfully,” said Fox. “It’s disheartening.”

Fox has called the Rosedale neighborhood home for eight years and has worked at his corner location for four. Operating as Garden House Cafe for the past two years, he values the patronage of his neighbors and the sense of life his business can bring to the community.

“It’s a very intimate space for ourselves, community, and neighbors,” he said. “Our neighbors walk up almost every morning for a cup. We know them by name. It the kind of story of corner shops across the nation.”

Will Shaw/KSHB

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Fox told KSHB 41 three individuals brandishing a firearm, seen on his security footage, broke into his corner cafe, shattering the front door and stealing a register with cash.

“No one was hurt in the process. Everything else was in tact. We have vendors in our space that we really care about, all of their products were in tact so that was really great,” Fox added.

Garden House Cafe

Kansas City experienced a spat of business break-ins and since late October, saw it taper off. This round, it has Ciesiel and his neighbor questioning the system as break-ins become the norm.

“If they [Police] happen to catch someone like this, they’ll just be back on the street in a day or two,” Ciesiel stated. “It’s not ‘if’ anymore, it’s ‘when is it going to happen’ or ‘when is it going to happen again.’”

The Campground

In late August 2024, a string of car thefts also rang throughout Kansas City. A suspected car theft led to the murder of beloved Chef Shaun Brady when he confronted a group of suspects attempting to steal a vehicle. Brady was gunned down after he took out the trash and was left for dead in the parking lot. The Brady & Fox restaurant, the location of the Shaun’s death would not reopen, family stated the restaurant was too connected to Brady’s culinary impact on Kansas City.

Jack McCormick/KSHB 41

“It hurts and it kind of makes it hard to keep going and stay positive,” Ciesiel added. “If things keep going how they are, I don’t see a lot of these impacted businesses staying open…I just hope it doesn’t keep going to the point, where small business owners must start defending themselves and their properties. That would be a scary time.”

On Sunday, Garden House Cafe opened it doors to an influx of customer’s showing their support. Many wrote messages of support on plywood boards gracing damage on the windows.

Will Shaw/KSHB

“It’s been a lot to process,” Fox explained. “I know many of these people by name and it means the world. It means, we do have support.”

Support for the corner coffee shop owner keeps him going for now. Fox offers a message for governmental leaders to ensure the prosperity of small businesses moving forward.

“This is our livelihood, so our head is down and we’ll keep going. I am asking that something happen in our government to care for our small businesses. It has to happen,” said Fox.

KSHB 41 reached out to KCPD and KCKPD, asking if the recent string of break-ins are in connection to each other. KCKPD had not responded to KSHB 41’s inquiry at the time this article was published. KSHB 41 asked Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department if this batch break-ins has any connection to the ones in 2024.

A KCPD spokesperson told KSHB 41, if the crimes have any connection it will be investigated. Any connection to neighboring jurisdictions or ongoing patterns would be what detectives would look into.

“There hasn’t been much of a response that I can see,” Fox added. “The response is, we’re just out here on our own.”