Kacen J. Bayless
@kacen.bsky.social
Democracy Insider at The Kansas City Star. kbayless@kcstar.com
New: The Missouri Supreme Court unanimously struck down a state law deployed by Republicans to fight abortion access, a sweeping ruling that wrestles power away from top statewide officials. #moleg #mogov www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
‘Let Politicians Lie Act’ struck down by Missouri Supreme Court. What that means
The law, signed by Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe last year, marked a key tool in Republican officials’ yearslong effort to halt abortions.
www.kansascity.com
January 23, 2026 at 9:53 PM
New: The Missouri Supreme Court unanimously struck down a state law deployed by Republicans to fight abortion access, a sweeping ruling that wrestles power away from top statewide officials. #moleg #mogov www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
New: Over the past two years, Kansas City has received $42K from ICE as part of a little-noticed agreement between the city and the federal immigration agency. #moleg #mogov www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
Kansas City has a little-known agreement with ICE. What we found out
The agreement, revealed in federal government spending records, allows DHS and ICE access to a multi-agency law enforcement radio network.
www.kansascity.com
January 22, 2026 at 2:23 PM
New: Over the past two years, Kansas City has received $42K from ICE as part of a little-noticed agreement between the city and the federal immigration agency. #moleg #mogov www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
Reposted by Kacen J. Bayless
Kansas City has a little-known agreement with ICE. What we found out. Here’s the story from my colleague @kacen.bsky.social
www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
Kansas City has a little-known agreement with ICE. What we found out
The agreement, revealed in federal government spending records, allows DHS and ICE access to a multi-agency law enforcement radio network.
www.kansascity.com
January 22, 2026 at 12:20 PM
Kansas City has a little-known agreement with ICE. What we found out. Here’s the story from my colleague @kacen.bsky.social
www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
New: More than a year after historic vote, the fate of Missouri abortion access will center on Kansas City. #moleg #mogov www.kansascity.com/news/local/a...
www.kansascity.com
January 16, 2026 at 2:58 PM
New: More than a year after historic vote, the fate of Missouri abortion access will center on Kansas City. #moleg #mogov www.kansascity.com/news/local/a...
New: A stark partisan divide has emerged in the wake of last week’s shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer.
Videos of the shooting have sparked strikingly different reactions among Kansas & Missouri lawmakers. #moleg #ksleg www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
Videos of the shooting have sparked strikingly different reactions among Kansas & Missouri lawmakers. #moleg #ksleg www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
KC lawmaker called ICE shooting ‘deeply disturbing.’ GOP leaders had a different take
A stark partisan divide has emerged in the wake of last week’s shooting death of former Kansas City resident Renee Good by an ICE officer.
www.kansascity.com
January 12, 2026 at 11:05 PM
New: A stark partisan divide has emerged in the wake of last week’s shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer.
Videos of the shooting have sparked strikingly different reactions among Kansas & Missouri lawmakers. #moleg #ksleg www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
Videos of the shooting have sparked strikingly different reactions among Kansas & Missouri lawmakers. #moleg #ksleg www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
Personal news: After nearly 4 years working out of The Star's Missouri Capitol bureau, I'm moving into a new politics role at @kansascity.com.
I'm really excited for this opportunity and to work more closely with my talented colleagues in KC. #moleg #ksleg www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
I'm really excited for this opportunity and to work more closely with my talented colleagues in KC. #moleg #ksleg www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
Introducing The Star’s new Democracy Insider as KC preps for historic 2026
The Star’s Kacen Bayless introduces his new role as Kansas City prepares for a critical year in politics.
www.kansascity.com
January 6, 2026 at 6:46 PM
Personal news: After nearly 4 years working out of The Star's Missouri Capitol bureau, I'm moving into a new politics role at @kansascity.com.
I'm really excited for this opportunity and to work more closely with my talented colleagues in KC. #moleg #ksleg www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
I'm really excited for this opportunity and to work more closely with my talented colleagues in KC. #moleg #ksleg www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
Reposted by Kacen J. Bayless
Ticket fees, demo costs: Missouri lawmaker wants to penalize Chiefs for Kansas move. A story by @kacen.bsky.social
www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/k...
www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/k...
Ticket fees, demo costs: Missouri lawmaker wants to penalize Chiefs for Kansas move
Three bills mark a retaliatory response from a Missouri legislator after the Chiefs’ announced plans to move to Kansas.
www.kansascity.com
January 6, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Ticket fees, demo costs: Missouri lawmaker wants to penalize Chiefs for Kansas move. A story by @kacen.bsky.social
www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/k...
www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/k...
New: After Kansas deadline lapses, Missouri has new ‘sense of urgency’ to keep the Kansas City Royals www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/k...
After Kansas deadline lapses, Missouri has new ‘sense of urgency’ to keep Royals
The Royals still have not committed to a location despite repeatedly saying they do not plan to stay at Kauffman Stadium after the team’s lease expires in 2030.
www.kansascity.com
January 2, 2026 at 10:45 PM
New: After Kansas deadline lapses, Missouri has new ‘sense of urgency’ to keep the Kansas City Royals www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/k...
New: Missouri will not renew a landmark economic agreement with Kansas after the Kansas City Chiefs announced plans to cross state lines, top lawmaker confirms to @kansascity.com #moleg #ksleg www.kansascity.com/news/local/a...
Will Chiefs’ exit mark the official end of the Missouri-Kansas border war truce?
Comments in Missouri likely signal the official death knell of an agreement that stopped the two states from swiping Kansas City businesses.
www.kansascity.com
December 29, 2025 at 9:32 PM
New: Missouri will not renew a landmark economic agreement with Kansas after the Kansas City Chiefs announced plans to cross state lines, top lawmaker confirms to @kansascity.com #moleg #ksleg www.kansascity.com/news/local/a...
New: Jackson County makes last-minute pitch to Chiefs before high-stakes Kansas meeting.
In a pair of letters to Chiefs top brass, Jackson County emphasized Missouri’s financial advantage over Kansas & floated the possibility of a domed Arrowhead. www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/k...
In a pair of letters to Chiefs top brass, Jackson County emphasized Missouri’s financial advantage over Kansas & floated the possibility of a domed Arrowhead. www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/k...
Jackson County makes last-minute pitch to Chiefs before high-stakes Kansas meeting
Two letters sent to Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt and President Mark Donovan appear to illustrate a last-minute pitch by Jackson County to the team.
www.kansascity.com
December 22, 2025 at 6:01 PM
New: Jackson County makes last-minute pitch to Chiefs before high-stakes Kansas meeting.
In a pair of letters to Chiefs top brass, Jackson County emphasized Missouri’s financial advantage over Kansas & floated the possibility of a domed Arrowhead. www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/k...
In a pair of letters to Chiefs top brass, Jackson County emphasized Missouri’s financial advantage over Kansas & floated the possibility of a domed Arrowhead. www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/k...
Reposted by Kacen J. Bayless
Missouri’s attorney general had bipartisan support. Then redistricting happened. A story via @kacen.bsky.social
www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
Missouri’s attorney general had bipartisan support. Then redistricting happened
“It turns out our expectations were misplaced,” one attorney told The Star.
www.kansascity.com
December 22, 2025 at 11:40 AM
Missouri’s attorney general had bipartisan support. Then redistricting happened. A story via @kacen.bsky.social
www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
New: Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway’s sterling credentials and pre-Trump era reputation came with a belief that she would take a more pragmatic approach than her hard-charging predecessors.
Then redistricting happened. #moleg #mogov www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
Then redistricting happened. #moleg #mogov www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
Missouri’s attorney general had bipartisan support. Then redistricting happened
“It turns out our expectations were misplaced,” one attorney told The Star.
www.kansascity.com
December 22, 2025 at 3:11 PM
New: Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway’s sterling credentials and pre-Trump era reputation came with a belief that she would take a more pragmatic approach than her hard-charging predecessors.
Then redistricting happened. #moleg #mogov www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
Then redistricting happened. #moleg #mogov www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
New: As Chiefs talks ramp up in Kansas, Missouri officials rush to respond
Inside the chaotic moment in Missouri as officials trade details, share rumors and seek answers about the team’s intentions. #moleg #ksleg www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/k...
Inside the chaotic moment in Missouri as officials trade details, share rumors and seek answers about the team’s intentions. #moleg #ksleg www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/k...
As Chiefs talks ramp up in Kansas, Missouri officials rush to respond
“Kansas is a pipe dream and they’re playing politics over in Topeka,” Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota told The Star.
www.kansascity.com
December 19, 2025 at 10:57 PM
New: As Chiefs talks ramp up in Kansas, Missouri officials rush to respond
Inside the chaotic moment in Missouri as officials trade details, share rumors and seek answers about the team’s intentions. #moleg #ksleg www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/k...
Inside the chaotic moment in Missouri as officials trade details, share rumors and seek answers about the team’s intentions. #moleg #ksleg www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/k...
NEW: Are the Kansas City Chiefs nearing a stadium decision? What upcoming talks in Kansas reveal
From me & Sam McDowell after speaking with leaders on both sides of the state line. #moleg #ksleg www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/k...
From me & Sam McDowell after speaking with leaders on both sides of the state line. #moleg #ksleg www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/k...
Are the Chiefs nearing stadium decision? What upcoming talks in Kansas reveal
A flurry of comments has raised the stakes of an upcoming Kansas meeting, which is expected to center on the state’s supercharged bonding program.
www.kansascity.com
December 19, 2025 at 12:34 AM
NEW: Are the Kansas City Chiefs nearing a stadium decision? What upcoming talks in Kansas reveal
From me & Sam McDowell after speaking with leaders on both sides of the state line. #moleg #ksleg www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/k...
From me & Sam McDowell after speaking with leaders on both sides of the state line. #moleg #ksleg www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/k...
New: Former Kansas City Police Chief Rick Smith could be poised for a new federal law enforcement job, a potentially extraordinary appointment after his stormy exit as the city’s top cop. www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
Could embattled ex-KCPD chief be tapped by Trump for federal job in Missouri?
The former chief confirmed to The Star that U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt’s office inquired about his interest in the vacant federal post.
www.kansascity.com
December 18, 2025 at 3:47 PM
New: Former Kansas City Police Chief Rick Smith could be poised for a new federal law enforcement job, a potentially extraordinary appointment after his stormy exit as the city’s top cop. www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
Josh Hawley launches new anti-abortion group as Missouri gears up for 2026 vote #moleg #mogov www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
Josh Hawley launches new anti-abortion group as Missouri gears up for 2026 vote
The launch marks a significant revelation for Missouri as voters prepare for a measure that would ban nearly all abortions
www.kansascity.com
December 16, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Josh Hawley launches new anti-abortion group as Missouri gears up for 2026 vote #moleg #mogov www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
New: Kansas City Chiefs give $25K to Missouri Senate Republicans as stadium fight drags on.
The check, revealed in campaign finance records, marks the team’s second major contribution to Missouri Republicans this year. #moleg #mogov www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
The check, revealed in campaign finance records, marks the team’s second major contribution to Missouri Republicans this year. #moleg #mogov www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
Chiefs give $25K to Missouri Republicans as stadium fight drags on
The donation marks the team’s second major contribution to Missouri Republicans this year.
www.kansascity.com
December 10, 2025 at 9:40 PM
New: Kansas City Chiefs give $25K to Missouri Senate Republicans as stadium fight drags on.
The check, revealed in campaign finance records, marks the team’s second major contribution to Missouri Republicans this year. #moleg #mogov www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
The check, revealed in campaign finance records, marks the team’s second major contribution to Missouri Republicans this year. #moleg #mogov www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
A campaign to strike down Missouri’s congressional map submitted 300K petition signatures, a critical step toward forcing a statewide referendum vote. www.kansascity.com/news/politic... #moleg #mogov
Missouri campaign turns in 300K signatures to strike down gerrymandered map
The signature dropoff marked a critical moment for the referendum campaign, but its fate is still unclear.
www.kansascity.com
December 9, 2025 at 6:08 PM
A campaign to strike down Missouri’s congressional map submitted 300K petition signatures, a critical step toward forcing a statewide referendum vote. www.kansascity.com/news/politic... #moleg #mogov
New: Months after costly verdict, Kansas City faces another whistleblower lawsuit www.kansascity.com/news/politic... #moleg #mogov
Months after costly verdict, Kansas City faces another whistleblower lawsuit
The employee alleges she raised concerns about the city’s auditing process and was stripped of her duties.
www.kansascity.com
December 8, 2025 at 2:49 PM
New: Months after costly verdict, Kansas City faces another whistleblower lawsuit www.kansascity.com/news/politic... #moleg #mogov
New: Missouri judges struck down -- and rewrote -- SOS Denny Hoskins’ language for an upcoming ballot measure that would ban nearly all abortions in the state. #moleg #mogov www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
Missouri judges rewrite abortion ban ballot question. What voters will see
The ruling marks a win for abortion rights advocates, who argued the language was intended to mislead voters into approving a new abortion ban.
www.kansascity.com
December 4, 2025 at 7:52 PM
New: Missouri judges struck down -- and rewrote -- SOS Denny Hoskins’ language for an upcoming ballot measure that would ban nearly all abortions in the state. #moleg #mogov www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
Could Kansas City split from Jackson County? Inside a new plan dubbed ‘Jackxit’ #moleg #mogov www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
Could Kansas City split from Jackson County? Inside new plan dubbed ‘Jackxit’
The extraordinary plan has raised eyebrows from local and state leaders in the Kansas City area.
www.kansascity.com
December 4, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Could Kansas City split from Jackson County? Inside a new plan dubbed ‘Jackxit’ #moleg #mogov www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
Reposted by Kacen J. Bayless
The move marked the adult industry’s first major response to Missouri’s new age-verification rule.
Pornhub shuts down access in Missouri as new age-verification rule takes effect
The move marked the adult industry’s first major response to Missouri’s new age-verification rule.
bit.ly
December 2, 2025 at 6:10 PM
The move marked the adult industry’s first major response to Missouri’s new age-verification rule.
Here’s Brett Hull showing me his bet:
December 1, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Here’s Brett Hull showing me his bet:
The most powerful lawmaker in the Missouri House and a pair of local sports icons were in St. Louis today to gamble.
The event marked the rollout of the state's legal sports betting industry, which won slim approval last year. #moleg #mogov www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
The event marked the rollout of the state's legal sports betting industry, which won slim approval last year. #moleg #mogov www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
Sports betting is legal in Missouri. These icons, lawmaker were among the first
The three bets signified the rollout of the legal sports gambling industry in Missouri, which won narrow approval from voters.
www.kansascity.com
December 1, 2025 at 9:47 PM
The most powerful lawmaker in the Missouri House and a pair of local sports icons were in St. Louis today to gamble.
The event marked the rollout of the state's legal sports betting industry, which won slim approval last year. #moleg #mogov www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
The event marked the rollout of the state's legal sports betting industry, which won slim approval last year. #moleg #mogov www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
New: Mass ‘Black Friday’ text from the RNC urges Missouri residents not to sign onto anti-gerrymander campaign. #moleg #mogov www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
Mass ‘Black Friday’ text urges KC residents not to sign anti-gerrymander campaign
The text message, which was also sent to multiple reporters at The Star, said it was paid for by the Republican National Committee.
www.kansascity.com
November 25, 2025 at 10:57 PM
New: Mass ‘Black Friday’ text from the RNC urges Missouri residents not to sign onto anti-gerrymander campaign. #moleg #mogov www.kansascity.com/news/politic...