This article was produced with ProPublica as part of its Local Reporting Network initiative. Sign up for Dispatches to get stories like this one as soon as they are published. This story is available in plain language. One weekday morning in July, Kerstie Bramlet was at her workstation inside the Warren County Sheltered Workshop near […]
Missouri Allows Some Disabled Workers to Earn Less Than $1 an Hour. The State Says It’s Fine If That Never Changes.
Posted inMeeting Notes
Homelessness, utility rate hikes drive discussion at Kansas City committee
City leaders directed staff to identify ways to expand shelter capacity, strengthen outreach and connect unhoused residents to hospitality jobs ahead of the World Cup. The committee also approved a 6% increase to water and sewer rates.
Posted inElections
Voter guide: Meet your Lee’s Summit school board candidates on the ballot April 7
Lee’s Summit voters will see seven school board candidates competing for three seats on their ballots. We asked them what they plan to do about the district’s most pressing issues.
Posted inHealth
When traditional medicine doesn’t work for them, some Kansas City patients embrace naturopathic doctors
Legislation introduced in Missouri and Kansas this year would expand the reach of the alternative medicine doctors, making them more like primary care providers. Traditional medical groups are opposed.
Posted inLocal Government
Kansas City hopes to spur new growth by loosening parking requirements
For decades, Kansas City has made it mandatory to provide a minimum amount of parking. Planners and advocates say that has helped hollow out the urban core.
Posted inEducation
Meet the candidates for the Independence school board on the April 7 ballot
All four of the candidates would be newcomers to the board.
Posted inElections
Meet the North Kansas City school board candidates on the ballot April 7
Three candidates are competing for two spots on the board in 2026.
Posted inState Government
Kansas lawmakers shaping sports authority — and tax shield — for new Chiefs stadium
The sports authority would work similarly to the one in Jackson County. It will mean the stadium is publicly owned.
Posted inMeeting Notes
City workers and residents speak out at Kansas City’s final community budget hearing
Public comments in the Northland focused on transit funding, arts support, violence prevention programs and wages for city employees.
Posted inRural
A Missouri pilot program reimagines rural hospitals as the central hub for more than health care
The Missouri pilot program taps a federal waiver to allow rural hospitals to use funding for things like home repairs, utility costs or food assistance in hopes of improving rural Missourians’ health and saving hospitals money.
Posted inElections
Voter guide: These Park Hill school board candidates want your vote in 2026
Four candidates are competing for three spots in the April 7 election.