News & Issues

Stories from around the Kansas City Metro area on a variety of topics.

Judith Manthe, principal chief of the Wyandot Nation of Kansas, speaks to a group at the Huron Indian Cemetery in downtown Kansas City, Kansas.

Wyandot Nation of Kansas Pursues Federal Recognition

The Wyandot Nation of Kansas is seeking formal recognition from the federal government, enabling access to funding, tribal sovereignty and self-governance.

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Kenny Davis stands next to the yellow tag marking where a natural gas pipeline traverses underneath his Scott County, Illinois farm on Oct. 9, 2023.

U.S. Hopes to Build Pipelines for Carbon Capture. Landowners Don’t Want Them

Thousands of miles of oil and gas pipelines crisscross the country. Now, more are being proposed to carry things like carbon dioxide to combat climate change.

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The Missouri Senate in session.

As Few as 1 in 5 Voters Could Defeat Initiative Petitions Under Missouri Senate Proposal

It is mathematically possible for as few as 20% of voters to determine the outcome of statewide ballot measures under a proposal now before the Missouri Senate.

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"Kansas City Week in Review" host Nick Haines.

Nick’s Picks | Super Bowl Week for the Chiefs

The week’s news will be dominated by another Super Bowl appearance by the Kansas City Chiefs. But there could be a downtown ballpark announcement by the Royals.

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Senior U.S. District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan Jr.

Passing the Baton | Groundbreaking African American Lawyer

Senior U.S. District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan Jr. reflects on a long, groundbreaking legal career as part of our “Passing the Baton” series.

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A member of the Charlie Hustle team scans the Kansas City apparel brand's stock room for an item bound for an online order.

It’s Showtime for KC Makers as Demand for Chiefs Super Bowl Gear Hits Jackpot

Even though the Kansas City Chiefs are headed to their fourth Super Bowl appearance in five years, fans are snatching up merchandise like it’s the first time.

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People walk on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Critics Say Public Universities are Spending Too Much Outside the Classroom

Spending on administrative expenses at U.S. public universities has outpaced spending on academic roles in recent years, raising questions about priorities.

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Brownie Wilson kneels next to a decommissioned irrigation well outside Moscow, Kansas.

Agriculture Built High Plains Towns. Now, it Might Run Them Dry.

The Ogallala Aquifer, which spans eight states from South Dakota to the Texas Panhandle, is the primary water source for parts of the region. It’s running dry.

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"Kansas City Week in Review" host Nick Haines.

Nick’s Picks | Chiefs Super Bowl Bound Again

The Kansas City Chiefs are back in the Super Bowl. Here are the details, and more news about the World Cup, KCI, Buck O’Neil Bridge and Sister Berta.

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Kansas City Councilwoman Melissa Robinson speaks in a church.

How to Convince White KC it’s Time for Black Reparations

Improving the lot of people of color in Kansas City also could improve the lot of all residents here — including white people, many of whom oppose reparations. 

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