Stories by Barbara Shelly
News & Issues
Kansas Community Colleges Reaching a Crossroads
Kansas’ 19 community colleges offer a pathway for 96,000 students to pursue postsecondary studies. But precipitous enrollment declines, aging campuses and funding struggles cloud the future of these institutions, which are often economic linchpins in small cities.
by Barbara Shelly
News & Issues
‘Ten Years to Save the Planet’: Kansas City Metro’s Small-town Mayors Take Up Climate Fight
Mayors and local officials founded Climate Action KC, and are taking measurable steps to reduce emissions and create healthier communities throughout the Kansas City metro.
by Barbara Shelly
News & Issues
Getting Unlicensed Drivers Off the Road … By Helping Them Get Licenses
Kansas City, Kansas, May Have the Nation’s First Police-run Driver Training School
by Barbara Shelly
News & Issues
Blank Page Gambit Pays Off for Northeast News
Struggling newspaper finds new ways to keep the doors open
by Barbara Shelly
News & Issues
In South Kansas City, Death of Newspapers is Greatly Exaggerated
Martin City Telegraph Fills a Void, Finds an Audience
by Barbara Shelly
News & Issues
Families Scramble to Keep the Lights On As Utility Bills Pile Up
Pandemic Pushing People to the Economic Edge
by Barbara Shelly
News & Issues
Music Venues, Bars and Restaurants Brace for Long, Hard Winter
Struggling to Survive Pandemic, Owners Seek Government Relief
by Barbara Shelly
News & Issues
An Olathe Hospital Sued Thousands for Medical Debt, and Dozens Went to Jail
Precarious Balance of Cost and Compassion in Health Care
by Multiple Reporters