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 inState Government
Kansas bill gives foster care agencies more protections from lawsuits — the same level as law enforcement
Social workers could be rolled into the Kansas Tort Claims Act if Gov. Laura Kelly signs a bill passed by state lawmakers.
Posted inHealth
New federal student loan caps are likely to make region’s doctor shortages worse
Starting this summer, the federal government will cap the amount students can borrow through federal loan programs. For many would-be doctors it won’t be enough to cover the cost of school.
Posted inHousing
Priced out: KCPS eyes vacant historic school building for teacher housing in Brookside
KCPS is exploring converting the vacant Bryant School in Brookside into affordable housing for teachers — but the idea faces challenges.
Posted inMeeting Notes
KCK school board raises questions about curriculum expectations and communication gaps
Members raised questions about materials, student performance goals and how to explain district strategy to the public.
Posted inHealth
Rural Missourians far more likely to be uninsured than urban residents
Rural Missourians rely more on Medicaid but are still more likely to be uninsured than urban Missourians, as lack of employer coverage and access barriers take hold across the state.
Posted inState Government
Missouri House sends $50 billion budget package, cuts and all, to Senate
The state looks to tap the remnants of the post-pandemic budget surplus to close a $2 billion budget gap. Missouri faces fiscal pain in coming years.
Posted inHousing
Mayor Quinton Lucas proposes major rollback of Kansas City’s landmark affordable housing policy
For five years, Kansas City has required developers to provide affordable housing if they get a tax break. The City Council is considering slashing the set-aside fee, effectively gutting that requirement.
Posted inMeeting Notes
Student achievement on the rise at Northeast High School
Academic gains include improved graduation rates, higher ACT scores and a 20-point jump in state performance metrics.
Posted inHealth
Thousands could lose their Medicaid in Kansas City, health leaders are calling for action
They fear people will be kicked off coverage next year when a federal law requiring work requirements and more frequent eligibility checks kicks in.
Posted inState Government
Kansas bill would drain funding that helps steer kids out of criminal justice system, advocates say
The bill focuses on detention and treatment programs. But opponents of the legislation say the proposed programs won’t succeed.