1. In 1858, the town of Hiawatha in northeastern Kansas was officially incorporated. It was named after a fictional Native American princess from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem "The Song of Hiawatha." Today, Hiawatha is known for its community spirit and outdoor recreation opportunities.

2. On May 25, 1877, the infamous James-Younger Gang attempted to rob the First National Bank of Northfield, Minnesota, but were met with armed resistance from local townsfolk. The gang members fled the scene, but were eventually captured, tried, and sentenced to prison. Two of the members, Cole and Jim Younger, were sent to the Kansas State Penitentiary in Leavenworth, where they served much of their sentences before being paroled.

3. In 1935, a devastating tornado swept through western Kansas, killing nine people and destroying homes, businesses, and crops. The tornado was part of a larger outbreak that affected several states in the Great Plains region. Today, tornado preparedness and response is a critical issue for many Kansas communities, especially during the spring and early summer months.

4. On May 25, 1987, the Kansas City Royals played their last game at the old Royals Stadium (now known as Kauffman Stadium) before moving to a new stadium across the parking lot. The Royals lost to the Detroit Tigers in a rain-delayed game, but fans stayed to watch a farewell ceremony that included a fireworks display and appearances by former players and coaches.

5. In 2008, Kansas became the 27th state to ban smoking in most public places and workplaces. The law, which went into effect on July 1 of that year, prohibits smoking in restaurants, bars, and many other indoor settings, with some exceptions for private clubs and casinos. The law was controversial at the time, with some arguing that it infringed on individual rights and would hurt businesses, but it has since been widely credited with improving public health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.