News & Issues

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

Image of Yoder giving victory speech.

Johnson County GOP declares a “Great night for Kansas”

Several hundred people attended the Johnson County Republican Party’s free watch party at the Overland Park Marriott Tuesday night to watch election results. Through out the evening legislators from House District races, Kansas Insurance Commissioner Ken Selzer and U.S. Congressman Kevin Yoder gave victory speeches, while watching the results come in for the rest of…

Read More >
Photo of Sam Brownback at podium addressing crowd

The 2014 mid-term election – as it happened

Read More >
Photo of Greg Orman by stage

Greg Orman concedes to incumbent Pat Roberts

Pat Roberts retained his seat in the U.S. Senate in Kansas as he defeated Independent challenger Greg Orman Tuesday night. “Although Sen. Roberts won tonight, we didn’t lose,” Orman said to a cheering crowd at the Overland Park Convention Center. “We not only ran against Sen. Roberts, we ran against the whole Washinghton establishment and…

Read More >
Governor Sam Brownback raising arms in front of crowd

Republicans sweep: Roberts, Brownback win

Caitlin Cress | The Hale Center for Journalism Bridgit Bowden | The Hale Center for Journalism At a GOP watch party in Topeka, Kansas, party-goers were gathered around a single television, nursing beers and snacking on hot dogs. When the re-election of Republican Sen. Pat Roberts was called around 10 p.m. by Fox News, cheers erupted from…

Read More >
Photo of Mike Shanin with guest

Will voter I.D. laws affect the KC polls?

The state line divide will be especially stark tomorrow on Election Day: Not only will residents on the Kansas and Missouri sides be voting on different candidates and issues, they’ll also be voting according to different laws concerning what identification is needed to cast a ballot. In Missouri, registered voters can cast their ballot simply…

Read More >
The Protect Our Local Schools coalition has been working to defeat Amendment 3 since July. (Photo by Lindsey Foat | The Hale Center for Journalism)

Educators working down to the wire to defeat Missouri Amendment 3

First thing tomorrow morning, Andrea Flinders plans to send a mass text message to members of the local branch of the American Federation of Teachers reminding them to vote. “I think we will get a good turnout from our members,” said Flinders, who is the president of the local branch of the American Federation of…

Read More >
Screenshot of map of ranked cities.

Despite high national ranking, accessibility issues remain for community members with disabilities

Overland Park was ranked as one of the most disability-friendly cities in the U.S. last month. Tell KC asked people with special-needs from around KC if this rating reflects their experience. Kansas City, Missouri, was ranked 51st out the 150 cities. Questioning OP’s ranking “I can’t believe OP was voted the highest. Their paratransit program…

Read More >
Photo of 6 panelists on stage with Cerner Health Conference logo on large screen

Health exec notes low-tech success at Cerner high-tech confab

Cerner Corp., the high-tech company based in North Kansas City, Mo., may be at the forefront of the electronic health records industry, but at its annual health conference Monday, a behavioral health executive said innovations in health care don’t necessarily have to be as advanced as the solutions developed by Cerner. Speaking on a panel…

Read More >
Photo of voting booth with handicap symbol and "Voter Instructions and Regulations" book

ADA access still an issue at KC polling places

Laura Ziegler | KCUR Lindsey Foat | The Hale Center for Journalism When Susie Haake goes to vote tomorrow, she anticipates waiting outside a closed door. “I have to wait for a volunteer to see me and open the door for me,” said Haake who cannot open the door herself. She uses a power wheelchair due…

Read More >
Photo of Week in Review panel

Kansas City Week in Review: Election Guide

Have you been too busy to focus on the election because you’ve been fixated on the Royals? Don’t despair. All is not lost. KCPT’s Nick Haines provides you with a pithy and insightful rundown of the key issues and races on both sides of state line. Joining the KCWIR team to research your Kansas and…

Read More >

Local Storytelling. Fact-Based Reporting. Trustworthy Sources.

Help support the nonprofit media landscape in Kansas City and provide a platform for underrepresented voices across the region.