Politics

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson delivered his annual State of the State Address on Jan. 18, 2023.

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson Proposes Record $52.7B State Budget

By Rudi Keller, Missouri Independent | January 24, 2024

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson is proposing a record $52.7 billion state budget boosted by large federal grants and a substantial state surplus.

Who Is the Rural Voter? Book Builds on Old Themes to Create New Understanding

By | January 17, 2024

With the help of the largest ever survey of rural voters, two political scientists explore the sources of division between rural and urban America.

Sen. Rick Brattin, R-Harrisonville, was joined by, from left, Sens. John Rizzo, D-Independence, Greg Razer, D-Kansas City, and Mike Cierpiot, R-Lee's Summit, at a news conference to discuss a moratorium on landfill development in Kansas City last spring.

Kansas City-area Residents Plead with Missouri Lawmakers to Stop Landfill

By Allison Kite | January 16, 2024

Neighbors and nearby cities are opposing a landfill proposed by KC Recycle & Waste Solutions just south of Missouri Highway 150 in Kansas City.

Kansas Budget Director Adam Proffitt addresses a joint hearing of Senate and House lawmakers Thursday to reveal the governor’s budget plan.

Kansas Governor’s Budget Includes Pay Raises, Medicaid Expansion, Special Education, Tax Relief

By Sherman Smith, Kansas Reflector | January 11, 2024

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s budget includes Medicaid expansion, paying down debt, and investments in special education, water and emergency housing.

Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City.

GOP Infighting, Election Year Politics Could Shape 2024 Missouri Legislative Session

By Jason Hancock, Missouri Independent | January 2, 2024

Missouri lawmakers return to Jefferson City on Wednesday for the start of the 2024 legislative session, and expectations aren’t high.

Students hold up a poster with a star in the middle and notes written all around it.

Help With Navigating a Complex Media Landscape

By Cami Koons, Nicole Dolan, Cody Boston | December 21, 2023

As the U.S. enters another election year awash with information, how can folks improve their media literacy to help decide what is true and who to follow?

An older man in a blue shirt puts his arm around a middle aged man as they pose for a photo. They stand in front of a banner that reads "Kennedy 24 Declare Your Independence"

Fed Up With Democrats and Republicans? How About an Independent for President?

By Mary Sanchez, Cami Koons | December 20, 2023

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s third party candidacy for president threatens to split votes and alter the outcome of the 2024 election.

University of Kansas Health System building.

University of Kansas Deal with Missouri Hospital Feels ‘Terribly Wrong’ to Lawmakers

By Allison Kite | December 11, 2023

The proposed takeover of Liberty Hospital in Missouri by the University of Kansas Health System is being greeted with scorn by lawmakers in Missouri and Kansas.

A line of red-brick buildings down 7th Street from the Unified Government City Hall and Wyandotte County Courthouse.

No, Wyandotte County is Not Going Bankrupt

By Josh Merchant, The Beacon | December 6, 2023

United Government Mayor Tyrone Garner has warned the government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, faces “financial ruin.” Bond markets disagree.