KCUR Local News
-
Top Stories Of The Week
Kansas lawmakers couldn't end their session because they can't agree on a budget ant taxes. And Missouri legislators ended theirs without a plan for fixing
-
Top Stories Of The Week
Two convicts holed up in the Northland. And volunteers searched for but did not find a missing toddler whose mother was murdered. Steve Bell revisits
-
Top Stories Of The Week
The United States Attorney General challenged a new Kansas gun rights law. And Ford finally announced how many new jobs are coming to its Kansas City plant
-
Top Stories Of The Week
Sprint got a second suitor. And two Kansas Cities became partners in studying a streetcar line expansion. KCUR's Steve Bell looks back at those and other
-
Top Stories Of The Week
Plans for a new airport terminal moved ahead. And Kansas Citians got to meet the man who played Branch Rickey., Han Solo and Indiana Jones. Harrison Ford,
-
Top Stories Of The Week
Wyandotte County elected a new mayor. Kansas City voted “yes, yes and no.” And a council committee voted to give wings to plans for a new airport. KCUR's
-
Top Stories Of The Week
Kansas City talk radio pioneer Walt Bodine died at 92. And police made quick work of a robbery and homicide near the Plaza. KCUR's Steve Bell recaps on
-
Top Stories Of The Week
Six JJ's Restaurant employees sued the gas company. Two area airport control towers were on the federal closing list. And Mayor Sly James stayed calm under
-
Top Stories Of The Week
A judge let streetcar plans roll ahead but a regional transit plan got put on hold. And the Kansas City Fire Department made a significant policy change
-
Top Stories Of The Week
Both Missouri and Kansas lawmakers passed bills to expand gun rights. And Missouri Republicans said to compete with Kansas the state has to jump on the tax
-
Top Stories Of The Week
The Kansas Supreme Court stayed a lower court order for more school funding. Conflict continued over the possible sale of North Kansas City Hospital. And
-
Top Stories Of The Week
A major storm dropped a foot of snow on Kansas City, and an explosion and fire on the Plaza spawned an OSHA investigation. KCUR's Steve Bell looks back at
-
Top Stories Of The Week
The parents of a handcuffed teen rescued from a Northland basement were charged with child abuse. Missouri's budget committee said “no” to Governor Jay
-
Top Stories Of The Week
The Missouri Senate took another step toward a takeover of Kansas City schools. Kansas City police worried about a possible serial killer. And some Kansas
-
Top Stories Of The Week
Kansas moved toward changing the way Supreme Court members are appointed. The philanthropist some called “Kansas City's first lady” died. And fhe GM
-
Top Of The Morning News: January 28, 2013
The CEO of General Motors will announce details of a major expansion at its Fairfax assembly plant in Kansas City, Kan. Missouri Governor Jay Nixon is
-
Top Stories Of The Week
Rev. Stan Archie , president of the Missouri State Board of Education, resigned Friday after allegations of sexual abuse. Kansas ' governor spoke out
-
Top Stories Of The Week
Sporting Kansas City and the Livestrong charity came to a parting of the ways. Governor Sam Brownback laid out a plan to end Kansas income tax. And once
-
Top Stories Of The Week
Governor Sam Brownback promoted a mental health solution to mass shootings. A court called out the governor and legislature for cutting taxes while not adequately funding schools. And one of Kansas City's most successful politicians wasn't running for a third term. KCUR's Steve Bell recaps on those and other top stories of the week on the KCUR Saturday News Review.Reardon Won't Seek 3rd TermEveryone figured Joe Reardon would run for a third term as Wyandotte County – Kansas City, Kansas...
-
Top Stories Of The Week
Liberty Memorial got a new designation for the nation’s World War I centennial. A fire chief worried that a serial arsonist seems to be at work in Lawrence. And a new era began for the Kansas City Chiefs. KCUR's Steve Bell recaps on those and other top stories of the week on the KCUR Saturday News Review.Chiefs GM Pioli Fired, Andy Reid In As CoachThe word came from reliable sources: ESPN and nfl.com. And sports fans waited throughout the day Friday for the official announcement that Andy...
-
Top Stories Of 2012
Kansas City got started on a streetcar line. The balance of Kansas politics changed for years to come. And a remark made in a Missouri Senatorial race became the bane of the GOP nationally. KCUR's Steve Bell guides through a tour of the top area stories of 2010 on KCUR’s Year-End News Review.Akin “Legitimate Rape” Remark Leads To McCaskill LandslideChallenger Todd Akin gave incumbent Claire McCaskill the biggest gift of her campaign when he said in a TV interview that in cases of what he...
-
Top Stories Of The Week
Winter arrived with power outages and canceled flights. Another area couple won a $50 million Powerball jackpot. And the shooting of 20 school children in Connecticut spawned radically different ideas on gun control. Steve Bell recaps on those and other top stories of the week on the KCUR Saturday News Review.Ideas, Leaders Clash On Gun ControlFollowing the Connecticut elementary school shooting disaster Midwestern voices calling for tougher gun laws included Missouri's Democratic US Senator...
-
Top Stories Of The Week
Some public employees were charged with a $300,000 wellness incentives scam. Kansas Libertarians were up in arms about open carry bans. And after many false starts, a Kansas City streetcar project got rolling. KCUR's Steve Bell looks back at those and other top stories on this week's Saturday News Review.Streetcar Project Rolls AheadOnly residents of the streetcar district could vote in the streetcar tax election. Only 549 of them did. Mayor Sly James made the announcement on Wednesday that...
-
Top Stories Of The Week
The city council tackled problems with ambulance response times and charity marathon congestion. Kansas got final permission to privatize Medicaid. And Kansas Citians agonized over the story of murder, suicide, and an orphaned child. Steve Bell revisits those and other top stories of the week on KCUR's Saturday News Review.Chiefs Linebacker Kills Girlfriend And HimselfThe tale of tragedy began with a 9-1-1 call from a distraught mother pleading for help as her daughter-in-law lay dying. The...
-
Chiefs Linebacker Kills Girlfriend And Himself
Chiefs Linebacker Jovan Belcher shot his girlfriend,Kassandra Perkins, multiple times around 8 o'clock this morning, drove to the Chiefs training facility, reportedly thanked his coaches for supporting him, walked away and shot himself in the head, police said this morning.Dead are Belcher, 25, and Perkins, 22.Belcher and Perkins had been living at the home of Belcher's mother on CryslerAvenue in Kansas City, Missouri. They have a three-month-old child.Police say they got a call fromMrs....
-
Top Stories Of The Week
The plot of an already bizarre murder case took another turn, and Mo.'s Democratic governor finally endorsed expanding Medicaid. But the area story that got national attention was about a couple who won the lottery. Platte County Couple Wins Powerball Millions More than $290 million is the lump-sum payout for the Powerball jackpot won by Cindy and Mark Hill of Dearborn, in Platte County. Cindy Hill said her first reaction when she saw she had the winning ticket was one of disbelief. She's a...
-
Top Stories Of The Week
The city council cracked down on party houses. The holiday season got underway with a Kansas City tradition. Those and other top stories of the week on the KCUR Saturday News Review.Holiday Season Begins With Good Traffic, ProtestersSixty-degree weather brought out an even larger crowd than usual for annual Plaza lighting ceremony, and 11 Plaza stores were open so celebrants could get an early start on Black Friday. Friday shopping crowds were large. A nationwide protest over pay and...
-
Top Stories Of The Week
A prayer group leader was accused of having his wife killed. The federal government announced that it would create 800 jobs here. Those and other top stories on this week's Saturday News Review.Immigration Service To Bring 800 Jobs To AreaUS Immigration Service spokesman Tim Counts said Tuesday the agency will bring 500 jobs to Overland Park, 300 to Lee's Summit over an unspecified period he referred to as a “slow roll-out.” Counts says the workers are needed because of President Obama's...
-
Top Stories Of The Week
Three defendants were convicted of torching a downtown restaurant. And all eyes were on the East Coast and a storm like no other in its history. KCUR's Steve Bell recaps on those and other top stories of the week.Superstorm Relief From The Midwest As Superstorm Sandy ravaged the coastal states. Rescue teams from across the nation headed east to help, including Missouri Task Force 1, which has members from the Kansas City area. The 80 task force members are trained to search disaster areas...
-
Top Stories Of The Week
The Kansas City Chiefs changed quarterbacks. And a Johnson County grand jury ruled that a controversial statue was not obscene. But the story that got the most ink and air-time in Kansas City was an arrest in Colorado. Those and other top stories of the week on the KCUR Saturday News Review.Arrest, Confession In Jessica Ridgeway KillingWestminster Colorado Police announced on Wednesday that they had man in custody in connection with the murder of 10-year-old Jessica Ridgeway. Some family...
-
Sneak Peek: Central Standard's Second Anniversary
Can you believe it? It's our two-year anniversary.Let's keep the celebration low-key this year. Not parties. Isn't it more important to remember all we've been through... and just have a good laugh together?Of course, that doesn't mean we can't make you a gift. Here you go. Have an exclusive preview of this Thursday's unhinged anniversary edition of Central Standard: Bloopers and Practically Stoked.
-
Top Stories Of The Week
Sprint Nextel was talking with a prospective buyer. The KU Hospital pioneered a new use for GPS technology. And Kansas Governor Sam Brownback had second thoughts about letting a sales tax increase expire. Steve Bell revisits those and other top stories of the week on KCUR's Saturday News Review.Brownback Considers Keeping Sales Tax IncreaseGovernor Sam Brownback continued to hard-sell his income tax reduction plan the legislature okayed, but he did say he might want to extend Kansas'...
-
Top Stories Of The Week
The Kansas Supreme Court upheld the malpractice damage cap law. Kansas City school officials got tough on misbehavers at the African-Centered College Prep campus. Those and other top stories of the week.Children's Mercy Tests Genome MappingThe test of a new genome analysis system at Children's Mercy Hospital involved diagnosing infants critically ill with genetic diseases. But Dr. Stephen Kingsmore said it has a much broader potential in that it makes genome mapping relevant and useful in...
-
Top Stories Of The Week
Supporters of two ballot initiatives gave up. Congressman Emanuel Cleaver was a hit at the Democratic National Convention. And Kansas City-St. Joseph Bishop Robert Finn became the highest-ranking Catholic official to ever be convicted of a criminal offense. KCUR's Steve Bell looks back at those and other top stories on this week's Saturday News Review.Bishop Convicted Of Failure To Report RatiganPlans for a trial for the Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese and its bishop suddenly changed on...
-
Top Stories Of The Week
Kansas' open meetings law turned out to be not as open as most thought. Congressman Kevin Yoder got in hot water for skinny-dipping. And Senatorial candidate Todd Akin's comments on rape and pregnancy made the front pages nationwide. And Steve Bell revisits those and other top stories of the week on KCUR's Saturday News Review.Akin Won't Quit Senate RaceOnce again, on Friday, Congressman Todd Akin announces he will not drop out of the Senatorial race against Claire McCaskill. Akin told a...
-
Top Stories Of The Week
The Kansas City-St. Joseph Catholic Diocese released a report on sexual abuse. Kansas Citians voted to raise their taxes a little. Those and other top stories of the week on the KCUR Saturday News Review.Sales Tax, Sewer Bonds Sail Through in KCKansas City solidly approved a half-cent sales tax increase and in the process gave a resounding vote of confidence to Mayor Sly James: The plan repeals three small property taxes and the city vehicle license tax, but is expected to produce an...
-
Top Stories Of The Week
Google finally announced that its fiber network is coming soon... and what it will cost. But the story that affected the most people was the drought thats already here... and likely will be for weeks to come. Drought Grips MidwestAs the drought continued. Lake, river and pond levels were down, but demand for water was up. Megan Kawby with Water One in Johnson County said water consumption has been twice that of a typical summer. Water main breaks surged and water departments urged residents...
-
Top Stories Of The Week
Kansas City revised its billboards ordinance. Fire chief Smokey Dyer announced his retirement. Those and other top stories of the week on the KCUR Saturday News Review.Drought Brings Fires, Worries, Water ShortagesBy mid-week, every county in Missouri and 82 in Kansas were officially drought disaster areas. Forecasts called for triple-digit highs and no rainfall through Thursday of the coming week. Grass fires, water main breaks and forest fires became a concern. Rick Case, assistant forest...
-
Top Stories Of The Week
The long-awaited Kansas City Major League Baseball All-Star game was played. Plans for streetcars rolled ahead. Those and other top stories of the week on the KCUR Saturday News Review.NCS Designation Official For KU Cancer CenterFormally announcing National Cancer Center designation for the KU Cancer Center, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius emphasized how significant the designation is. Sebelius noted that almost every new cancer drug brought to market in the past 10...
-
Media Critics: Fake Bylines, Anderson Cooper & An...
These days, its hard to tell if youre reading a celebrity tabloid or the days headlines. Anderson Cooper outed himself as gay, former Houston Chronicle reporter Sarah Tressler was outed as an ecdysiast, and the news service Journatic was outed for outsourcing articles to the Philippines.Fortunately, the Media Critics--Derek Donovan, Sylvia Maria Gross, and Mike Williams--are back on Up to Date. Whether its outings (voluntary or otherwise), the recent Supreme Court ruling on the Affordable...
-
Top Stories Of The Week
Kansas City was getting ready for the All-Star Game. UMKC announced possible locations for a proposed downtown arts campus. And, need we be reminded?... it was hot. Those and other top stories of the week.Heat Wave Scorches Midwest with 100+ TemperaturesTemperatures will likely ease for the coming week., but this week the heat and accompanying drought brought no-burn orders and fireworks bans to many area communities Johnson County Sheriff Frank Denning commented that there was particular...
-
KC Mayor Vetoes Measure to Get his Wife out of City Hall
Mark Funkhouser did something no other mayor of Kansas City has done for a long time. Funkhouser vetoed an ordinance... a personal one, passed overwhelmingly by the City Council.
-
Financial Advice for Couples
Financial adviser David Jackson offers financial tips
-
New Book from Fort Leavenworth Chronicles the US Army's...
In the months after the fall of Baghdad, largely unforeseen circumstances forced US soldiers into many roles for which they were never trained, and fundamentally changed the United States Army. That's according to Army's just published history of that time, On Point II, Transition to the New Campaign.
-
Somalis Adapt to Life In Kansas City
A visit with the head of the Somali Foundation, who's trying to help people adapt to life in Kansas City.
-
Viability of Community Development Corporations...
Why are organizations tasked with revitalizing troubled areas having so much difficulty accomplishing their goals?
-
Mayor Funkhouser's Plan for Regional Transit
Reactions and discussion of the mayor's new transit plan.
-
Oldest Living US Veteran Honored
Military leaders and politicians heaped awards and gratitude on the last surviving US veteran of World War One in Kansas City.
-
Local David Cook Sings for American Idol Title
Blue Springs native David Cook is battling it out to become the next American Idol.
-
Dealing with the End of Life in African American Families
Kansas City Hospice President Elaine McIntosh and social worker Gloria Thomas Anderson recently spoke to KCUR's Susan Wilson about dying in different cultures.
-
Legislature Passes Bombardier Incentives
The Missouri House has passed legislation that would provide tax breaks to a Canadian aircraft builder if it opens a new plant in Kansas City.
-
Sunday Deadline for Affirmative Action Petition Looms
Opponents of the measure say people are signing petitions without really understanding the issue. But circulators say that those opponents are trying to thwart the petition process.
-
Senate Passes Bombardier Tax Incentives Bill
A bill to allow a mega-tax-incentives for a $375-million Bombardier aircraft plant in Kansas City passed 24-8 in the Missouri Senate Thursday. But the latest version from majority leader Charlie Shields is not the original $880-million, 22 year plan that the House approved. KCUR's Steve Bell reports.
-
Funkhouser Delivers State of City Message
Mayor Mark Funkhouser delivered his State of the City address on Thursday. After emphasizing the power of the council and the Kansas City spirit to solve serious problems, he presented a list of ten priorities, among them, revitalizing the urban core. KCUR's Steve Bell reports.
-
Congressman Cleaver Steps Down from Pulpit
Fifth District Congressman Emanuel Cleaver has announced he will no longer be head pastor of St. James United Methodist Church.
-
Local Musicians Talk About Smoking Ban
Kansas City voters go to the polls Tuesday to decide whether or not to impose a smoking ban. The initiative proposes banning smoking in public places, like restaurants and bars. For photos from the story, check here.
-
Bus Tax Draws Critics and Supporters
Kansas City voters are being asked to extend a 3/8th cent sales tax for the bus system. The current tax brings in some 23 million dollars a year and will expire in March of next year. Supporters say the 15 year extension is crucial to keeping the bus system running, but some critics say transit officials need to come up with a combined light rail and bus plan to take to voters.
-
Dress Code at the Power and Light District
The management at the Power and Light District is trying to establish a tone for the zone with a dress code that applies to the bars and the covered courtyard.
-
KC-MO Considers Fate of City Jail
The Kansas City Missouri City Council has until Thursday to hammer out the coming year's budget. With the slowdown in the national economy, and a recent downgrading of the city's financial status, city council members are preparing to make decisions that will upset people.
-
KC Supporters of Presidential Candidates
KCUR sent reporters out to most of the official area watch parties on Super Tuesday, and we thought we'd introduce you to some of the local people who have been motivated to support some of the major candidates.
-
Kansas Democrats Overwhelm Caucus Sites
Kansans turned out in record numbers across the state last night for Democratic caucuses in spite of bad weather.
-
KCUR's Missouri Primary Coverage
Voters in Missouri split along geographical lines, giving narrow victories to Senator John McCain, and Senator Barack Obama. KCUR sent reporters to watch parties for all the major candidates last night.
-
Minuteman Group Meets in Kansas City
Members of a group that opposes illegal immigration are gathering in midtown Kansas City this evening for a regional conference. Leaders of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps decided to hold their first regional conference here after the mayor appointed a member of the group, Frances Semler, to the parks board.
-
Gov. Blunt Discusses Decision Not to Seek Reelection
Gov. Matt Blunt says he decided within the last few days not to seek a second term. He says he loves the job and campaigning, but says he has no plans or aspiration to run for higher office.
-
Blunt Gives State of the State Address
Governor Matt Blunt says he has transformed Missouri during his three years of leadership into a strong, healthy state. KWMU's Bill Raack covered the governor's annual state of the state address last night.
-
SCLC Pulls KC Convention
The national president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference today cancelled plans to hold the group's 2008 convention in Kansas City. SCLC is the second national civil rights organization to boycott what they consider Mayor Mark Funkhouser's insensitivity to race.
-
Council Ponders Light Rail, Bannister Petitions
At its January 3 business session, the Kansas City, Missouri City Council heard a report on light rail from city transit lobbyist and attorney Jeff Boothe, who said a proposed starter system would reduce the amount of federal money available. Later, in legislative session, council members worried that a petition drive to stop the Bannister Mall redevelopment project will cause the K.C. Wizards to look elsewhere. Steve Bell reports.
-
Top Stories of the Week
A transit lobbyist warned the Kansas City council that it doesn't have a light rail plan that will get federal help yet. Three more major suburbs snuffed out smoking in bars and restaurants. And both Missouri and Kansas started 2008 with football bowl wins. Those are some of the stories Steve Bell recaps on this week's KCUR Saturday News Review.
-
KU Gears Up for Orange Bowl
In the five games that comprise college football's Bowl Championship Series, or BCS, the Kansas Jayhawks are one of this year's surprise teams.
-
MU to the Cotton Bowl
When the Cotton Bowl kicks off in Dallas on January 1 between Missouri and Arkansas, the Tigers will be hoping for a better outcome than their last trip to Texas.
-
Top Stories of 2007
More than any in recent memory, the year that will end Monday at midnight, has been dominated by ongoing news stories involving newsmaking personalities and changes in their fortunes -- for example, the stumbles of Mayor Mark Funkhouser and the fall of Kansas Attorney General Paul Morrison. Steve Bell looks back on some of those dramas on KCUR's 2007 News Review.
-
Top Stories of the Week
Mayor Mark Funkhouser promised to back down on firing Wayne Cauthen and improve relations with the council. A smoking ban for Kansas City bars and restaurants got enough signatures for an April Vote. And the rumor that Gary Forsee would lead the University of Missouri system proved true. Those are some of the stories Steve Bell recaps on this week's KCUR Saturday News Review.
-
National Cyclocrossing Championships in KCK
When ice and snow hit the area last week, most people stayed inside and tried to keep warm. Meanwhile, several hundred bicyclists from across the country flocked to the region for the National Cyclocrossing Championships and couldn't have been happier with the cold weather. For more photos, check here.
-
Mayor, Lawsuit Delay Cauthen Contract Renewal
Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser returned the Cauthen contract renewal ordinance to the city council unsigned, saying he was advised the measure violates the city charter because it was not introduced by the mayor. However, Funkhouser chose not to veto the council's ordinance, and says he is now willing to propose the renewal himself if that is the will of the council. KCUR's Steve Bell reports.
-
KU Hospital, Med Center Reach Agreement
After 18 months of negotiations the University of Kansas Hospital and the University of Kansas Medical Center have found common ground on plans for expansion and compensation.
-
Council Renews Cauthen's Contract
This past Monday, the mayor unexpectedly asked the city manager to resign, and informed the members of the council and the media that he planned not to renew the manager's contract. KCUR's Sylvia Maria Gross has more.
-
Top Stories of the Week
Kansas Attorney General Paul Morrison resigned amid allegations of sexual harassment and political spying. The mayor's wife and the superintendent of schools were blasted for politically-incorrect language. And Mark Funkhouser's power attempt to oust the city manager produced a council legislative mutiny. Steve Bell recaps those stories and more on this week's KCUR Saturday News Review.
-
Virgin Mary of Guadalupe Celebration in KCK
Many Catholic Mexicans and Mexican Americans in the Kansas City area bundled up early yesterday to go to church. And some had stayed up the whole night before to celebrate the feast day of the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe. KCUR's Sylvia Maria Gross was at a church in downtown Kansas City Kansas at dawn, where parishioners sang in the day.
-
Council Rebuffs Funkhouser, Extends Cauthen Contract
Civic leaders representing minority organizations, churches, labor unions, and business groups protested Mayor Mark Funkhouser's attempt to terminate City Manager Wayne Cauthen on Thursday. And the city council followed suit by extending Cauthen's contract over the mayor's objections.
-
Morrison Losing Support Amid Sex Scandal
Kansas Attorney General Paul Morrison may be in danger of losing support among key Democrats over an alleged sex scandal. But so far, Morrison says he has no intention of resigning. We get more from statehouse reporter Peter Hancock.
-
Funkhouser Says Cauthen is Out
City Manager Wayne Cauthen's contract will not be renewed if Mayor Mark Funkhouser has his say-so. And Funkhouser says he is the only one who does. KCUR's Steve Bell reports.
-
KCUR's Top Stories of the Week
The Vice President comes to town, the Mayor lays out a light rail vision, e-mails get another Missouri official in trouble, and the city loses an architectural pioneer. News Director Frank Morris revisits those and other top stories on this week's KCUR Saturday News Review.
-
Kemper Museum Expands into Crossroads
The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art today announced expanding into the Crossroads Arts District. Museum founder Crosby Kemper says contracts have been signed to purchase the building now occupied by the Dolphin, a gallery and frame shop on the corner of 19th and Baltimore. KCUR's Laura Spencer reports.
-
KC Mayor Proposes 60-mile Bistate Light Rail System
Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser unveiled his light rail plan for Kansas City on the Wednesday, December 5 edition of KCUR's Up to Date. And the mayor's plan is more than twice as ambitious as the Clay Chastain plan the city council repealed in November. KCUR's Steve Bell reports.
-
High Court Looks at MO Work Comp Changes
Two years ago, the Missouri legislature replaced the state's workers' compensation law with one supporters said would correct excesses introduced through 80 years of court interpretation. The new law has no provision for courts to judge the fairness of work comp administrative decisions and invalidates all work comp case law from the past. As a result, a group of unions and employees' and seniors' organizations have taken the new law before the state supreme court. KCUR's Steve Bell reports.
-
Urban Walkability in Kansas City
A new study by the Brookings Institution ranks Kansas City as 23rd of the 30 largest US cities in terms of walkable urban areas. But the study's author, Christopher Leinberger, sees a lot of potential in some of Kansas City's new development, particularly downtown.
-
Pioneering Kansas City Architect Dies at 90
Ralph E. Myers, Sr, the founding partner of the Kansas City architectural firm that broke new ground in modernist architecture and in the design of professional sports stadiums, died Monday. KCUR's Laura Spencer reports.
-
Top Stories of the Week
Planned Parenthood withdrew its challenge of a grand jury investigation. Top Missouri candidates agreed to refund over-the-limit campaign contributions. And Clay Chastain tried again to make Kansas City light rail his own. Steve Bell revisits those and other top stories on this week's KCUR Saturday News Review.
-
KC Council Expects More Light Rail Planning
The Kansas City City Council moved ahead with light rail planning Thursday, and talked about who will be in charge. KCUR's Steve Bell reports.
-
Blunt Touts Immigration Proposal
Missouri Governor Matt Blunt says he wants the state legislature to reaffirm existing policy, prohibiting illegal immigrants from obtaining state driver's licenses. The governor crisscrossed the state Monday promoting his proposal.
-
McCaskill Responds to FOIA Request
Senator Claire McCaskill says a freedom of information act request by Missouri Republican Party is part of a transparent attempt to strike back at Democrats in the wake of an e-mail scandal in the Governor's office.
-
Top Stories of the Week
Priest Holmes ended his comeback with the Chiefs after two starts. Governor Matt Blunt's controversy-prone chief of staff resigned. And so did H & R Block CEO Mark Ernst, with proxy-battler Richard Breeden moving into the chairman spot. Steve Bell has the highlights and the voices from those stories and more on KCUR's Saturday News Review.
-
Cranksgiving Alley-Cat Bicycle Race
Alley-Cat races are like scavenger hunts through city streets but all the participants are on bikes. The races are chaotic, fast pace, and can be lawless. But mostly they're just a chance for people to ride together. KCUR's Suzanne Hogan rode the Cranksgiving alley-cat race last weekend.
-
Top Stories of the Week
Missouri's governor and attorney general locked horns over deleted e-mails. The Kansas City council got sued over repealing the light rail plan, but not by Clay Chastain. And the public got its first look at the plans for the new Paseo Bridge. Steve Bell reviews those and other top stories of the week on the KCUR Saturday News Review.
-
MoDOT Unveils New Paseo Bridge Plans
The Missouri Transportation Department unveiled the long-awaited design for a replacement for the Paseo Bridge on Wednesday. It also announced the contractors that will build the new span, inluding Kansas City's Clarkson-Massman and TransSytems. Renderings and 3-D animations of the design are available at kcicon.org. KCUR's Steve Bell reports.
-
Vandals Destroy Flag Memorial
The Bender family was flooded with help from veterans, friends, and, strangers after vandals ruined a display of almost 4,000 flags commemorating American soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
-
Garth Brooks Fans Descend on Sprint Center
Kansas City's skyline will be broadcast to hundreds of movie theaters across the continent last night, as country music legend Garth Brooks plays the last of nine shows at the new Sprint Center downtown. KCUR's Sylvia Maria Gross was outside the arena before Brooks' Monday night show, and brought us this audio postcard.
-
Mental Health Hospitals Go Smoke-Free
Missouri's state mental health hospitals will now be smoke-free. These facilities are later than other general hospitals to implement a tobacco ban. One reason for this is because of the complexities surrounding mental illness and smoking.
-
Top Stories of the Week
Voters let seven schools secede from the Kansas City district. The tax incentives for redeveloping Bannister Mall got their first okay. And the Kansas City city council repealed the Clay Chastain light rail plan voters approved last year. Steve Bell takes a retrospective look at those stories and more on KCUR's Saturday News Review.
-
Council Repeals Chastain Light Rail Plan
No one at City Hall could remember a Kansas City Council ever repealing a voter mandate. But the present council did yesterday, scrapping the Clay Chastain light rail plan voters approved by a 9-3 vote. KCUR's Steve Bell reports.
-
ELECTION: Voters Approve School Boundary Change
Both Kansas City and Independence residents voted yesterday to change the boundary between the two school districts.
-
Kansas City Repertory Theatre Names New Artistic Director
The Kansas City Repertory Theatre today announced its new artistic director, Eric Rosen. He's the co-founder and artistic director of About Face Theatre in Chicago. KCUR's Laura Spencer reports.
-
Federal Jurors Find Shields and Cardarella "Not Guilty"
A federal jury today cleared former Jackson County Executive Katheryn Shields, and her husband, Philip Cardarella, of all charges in the mortgage fraud case. The jury convicted the two other defendants involved in the scheme.
-
One Cent Sales Tax Up for Vote
Kansas City's one cent sales tax for capitol improvements has been around for almost a quarter of a century. On Tuesday, voters will decide if they want to extend the tax for another ten years. City leaders point to hosts of improvements where the tax has helped foot the bill from enormous projects like flood control on Brush Creek to smaller ones like new curbs. But some neighborhood advocates worry the sales tax does not do enough to funnel money into economically distressed areas.
-
Top Stories of the Week
The mortgage-fraud trial of former County Executive Katheryn Shields went to the jury. The COMBAT anti-drug program got a call for better organization. And a jury slapped Topeka's Westboro Baptist Church with an eleven million judgment for picketing a Marine's funeral. Steve Bell revisits those and other top stories on this week's KCUR Saturday News Review.
-
Should Independence Absorb KCMO schools?
The future of seven Independence schools will be decided in the special election on Tuesday, November 6, 2007.
-
Kansas Considers Health Reform Options
After months of planning the Kansas Health Policy Authority will present health reform recommendations to Governor Kathleen Sebelius and the Legislature. With talks of universal coverage swirling and more people than ever living without insurance people across the state are watching this proposal. If the legislature implements these recommendations it's estimated that thousands more Kansans would get health insurance.
-
Teachers in Overland Park and Kansas City, Kansas win...
Eric Kessler who teaches biology at Blue Valley North, in Overland Park and Jamelle Brown at Sumner Academy in Kansas City Kansas, 25-thousand dollar Milken Award.
-
Top Stories of the Week
The Baseball Hall of Fame finally will honor Buck O'Neil. Planned parenthood faced still another possible investigation. And a federal jury decided childhood abuse shouldn't spare Lisa Montgomery from the death penalty. Steve Bell revisits those stories and more on KCUR's Saturday News Review.
-
State Senator Chris Koster Seeks New Office
Chris Koster, a state senator, officially announced his bid for Missouri Attorney General tonight in his home town of Harrisonville. Koster who was a Republican until this summer, is running in the Democratic Primary. He tells KCUR's Frank Morris that a handful of issues drove him out of the GOP.
-
Joint Chiefs Chairman Visits Fort Leavenworth
Today, the highest ranking officer in the US Military will visit a hot spot in the military's internal, but increasingly open, debate over Iraq war policy Fort Leavenworth. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman, Admiral Mike Mullen says he's worried about the Army, and sees the mission in the Middle East evolving quickly. KCUR'S Frank Morris caught up with Admiral Mullen on the plane to Kansas this morning and asked him about his recent trip to Iraq and Afghanistan.
-
NCLR Moves 2009 Convention Away from Kansas City
The board of a Latino civil rights organization decided unanimously this weekend to move its 2009 annual conference away from Kansas City. National Council of La Raza board members say they followed the request of local affiliates, who had called for the resignation of a controversial city official. KCUR's Sylvia Maria Gross has more.
-
Top Stories of the Week
Mayor Funkhouser declared the voter-approved Clay Chastain light-rail plan dead . Kansas' secretary of Health and Environment turned down permits for two coal-fired power plants. And District Attorney Phill Kline filed felony charges against a Johnson County abortion clinic. Steve Bell takes a look back at those stories and more on this week's KCUR Saturday News Review.
-
Contract Prompts Council Filibuster Try, Repeal of...
The ethnic divide on how to handle negotiations on City Manager Wayne Cauthen's contract showed again at yesterday's city council meeting. Councilman Terry Riley (at left) attempted to block a vote on the majority's latest move with a filibuster. In other business, the council acknowledged petitions calling for the repeal of the voter-approved light-rail proposal and its replacement with a more workable rail plan.
-
Top Stories of the Week
Rumors about Gary Forsee's demise as Sprint-Nextel CEO proved to be true. Both sides weighed in on banning smoking in Kansas City bars, restaurants and casinos. And Elton John plays the first concert tonight, after Sprint Center Arena opened its doors mid-week. Steve Bell looks back on those stories and more on KCUR's Saturday News Review.
-
First TIF Deal Passed by KC Council
The Kansas City, Missouri City Council passed its first Tax Increment Financing deal since the city's new policy on business incentives took effect. KCUR's Steve Bell reports.
-
Lawsuit against Missouri Industrial Hog Farm
Residents of Arrow Rock, Missouri sue the Department of Natural Resources for allowing construction of 48-hundred industrial hog farm nearby.
-
Son Remembers Integration Strategist Donald Sewing
A man who led the way to integrate Kansas City's suburbs died last week at the age of 76. Donald Sewing moved with his own family to Fairway, Kansas in 1966, and proceeded to sell houses throughout the region to other African Americans. His son, Henry Sewing, told KCUR's Sylvia Maria Gross how his father got started in real estate.
-
Top Stories of the Week
The rumor mill said Gary Forsee is on his way out as Sprint-Nextel CEO. Another petition drive for a special grand jury was launched in Johnson County. And police fear remains found yesterday near Belton may be those of a missing teenager. Steve Bell looks back on those stories and more on KCUR's Saturday News Review.
-
Cauthen Contract Tactic Sparks Council Skirmish
A last-minute proposal to not let City Manager Wayne Cauthen's Contract automatically renew itself for a year sparked heated words at Thursday's Kansas City Council meeting. Some members called it a "sneak attack" tactic. And the council's three African-American members said it is the council, not the city manager that is not negotiating in good faith. KCUR's Steve Bell reports.
-
Group Brings Influx of Young Teachers to KC, MO District
Up to 50 recent college graduates will take up teaching positions in the Kansas City Missouri school district next year. Teach for America announced its expansion in to Kansas City this morning.
-
Changing Perceptions of Wyandotte County
People from around the region discuss changing perceptions of Kansas City Kansas, and its relationship with Kansas City Missouri, including former Mayor Carol Marinovich and Kansas State Senator David Haley. KCUR's Sylvia Maria Gross visited the Village West development in Western Wyandotte County, and downtown Kansas City Kansas.
-
Mental Health, Story Four: From the Streets to Jail and...
While some residents leave group homes it can be even worse on the outside. KCUR's Kelley Weiss reports on how a broken system is making law enforcement take care of an increasing number of mentally ill on the streets and in jail.
-
Mental Health, Story Five: The Future
Many of Missouri's poor and severely mentally ill in group homes have their money mismanaged, live in squalor and at least five residents have died from alleged abuse or neglect. Some do not even have a home and live on the streets or go in and out of the revolving door to jail. In this final story KCUR's Kelley Weiss looks at the future of mental health care and some of the plans to fix the broken system.
-
Mental Health, Story Four: From the Streets to Jail and...
A KCUR investigation has detailed corruption and neglect in many of Missouri's group homes for the mentally ill. While some of these patients leave these facilities it can be even worse on the outside. In our ongoing series, KCUR's Kelley Weiss reports on how a broken system is making law enforcement take care of an increasing number of severely mentally ill on the streets and in the city jail.
-
Top Stories of the Week
The first UAW strike against GM in 30 years ended after two days. A Judge ordered a Johnson County trial for Edwin Hall, the man accused of killing Kelsey Smith. And the first sexual abuse lawsuit against the Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese scheduled for a court trial ended in an out-of-court settlement. Steve Bell reviews those and other stories on KCUR's Saturday News Review.
-
Diocese Settles Sexual Abuse Case
The Diocese of Kansas City and St Louis will pay 225-thousand dollars to an Independence man allegedly abused as an alter boy in the early 1970s. The case is one of the first of many considered under a new interpretation of Missouri's statute of limitations.
-
Students and Parents Discuss Possible School Transfer
Seven schools are at the center of a tug-of-war between Kansas City and Independence. Six of the schools are located in western Independence, and one is in Sugar Creek, but since the 1950's, they've been part of Kansas City Missouri's school district.
-
Top Stories of the Week
The Wyandotte Nation signed an agreement to open a casino in Downtown Kansas City Kansas. Kansas City, Missouri got its first formal tax-incentives policy. And a judge ordered the first court trial in a sexual abuse suit against the Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese. Steve Bell has the highlights and the voices from those stories and more on KCUR's Saturday News Review.
-
Council Approves TIF Task Force Recommendations
Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser delivered on a major campaign promise Thursday when the city council passed a formal policy on tax breaks for economic development. KCUR's Steve Bell reports.
-
Mental Health, Story Three: Living in Squalor
A KCUR investigation has told the stories of corruption and neglect in many of Missouri's group homes for the mentally ill. Our investigation uncovered at least five group home resident deaths because of this neglect. In the third story of our mental health series, KCUR's Kelley Weiss reports from inside one of these group homes to give a window into daily life.
-
Mental Health, Story Two: Who's In Charge?
KCUR has reported on the story of a woman who died in a group home near Kansas City three years ago as one tragic illustration of a mental health care system in crisis. In the second report in our series KCUR's Kelley Weiss looks at money mismanagement in group homes and who's responsible for watching over these facilities.
-
Mental Health, Story One: Deadly Neglect
About 3,000 of Missouri's poor and mentally ill live in residential care facilities, or group homes. Records show state inspectors cite these facilities repeatedly for medication errors, money mismanagement, lack of staff and sometimes even preventable deaths. In one 2004 case, a woman collapsed in a group home near Kansas City and died after trained employees stood by without giving her first aid.
-
Officers in Training at Fort Leavenworth Respond to...
Military officers are torn between their strong commitment to the war in Iraq and the damage the war is doing to their families and the military.
-
City Looks at TIF Policy
Some $4 billion in construction is now under way in Kansas City, thanks in large part to a development tool known as tax increment financing, or TIF.
-
Top Stories of the Week
Johnson County commissioners sent a sales tax for jail improvement measure to the voters. Governor Blunt appointed a new Missouri Supreme Court member. And a Missouri law ending property tax deductions for out-of-state residents drew backlash from the Kansas Legislature. Steve Bell looks back at those stories and more on KCUR's Saturday News Review.
-
Kansas legislator hints at possible retalition for...
The chairman of the Kansas House Committee on Taxation is asking Attorney General Paul Morrison for an opinion on a new Missouri law that eliminates state income tax deductions for Kansans while keeping them for Missouri residents.
-
Blunt Introduces Strategy to Combat Illegal Immigration
Missouri Governor Matt Blunt announced a new initiative to combat illegal immigration this week. He said there's been an unnatural influx of immigrants in Missouri, and mobilized state law enforcement agents to verify the immigration status of anyone they arrest. Blunt also called for the Department of Economic Development to ensure that state-supported contractors do not hire any undocumented workers.
-
TIF Ordinance Drafted, to Committee
Less than 24 hours after a Kansas City task force on tax increment financing finished its last public hearing, its recommendations were wending the way through the city council as a proposed tax-break policy ordinance. KCUR's Steve Bell reports.
-
Top Stories of the Week
Kansas City rolled toward a new policy on tax incentives for developers. Gays and lesbians in Kansas government jobs got discrimination protection. And it was looking more and more like seven schools may secede from the Kansas City, Missouri district. Steve Bell revisits those and other top stories on this week's KCUR Saturday News Review.
-
Governor Spells out Plans to Enforce Immigration Laws
Missouri Governor Matt Blunt this week empowered state troopers and the Department of Economic Development to help enforce federal immigration law. Blunt described the new strategy in Kansas City yesterday. KCUR's Sylvia Maria Gross has more.
-
McCaskill Proposes Reform for Doctors and Drug Reps
Pharmaceutical companies spend billions of dollars a year to market their wares to medical doctors. Senator Claire McCaskill says those efforts should be disclosed to the public. KCUR's Frank Morris reports.
-
KC-MO Blocks Vote on Indepedence School Secession
Both school boards would now need to place the issue on the ballot for the November 6 election; residents of each district would be able to vote. Independence is expected to do so next week, but on Thursday, the Kansas City School Board refused to take that step. Board president David Smith explained why to KCUR's Sylvia Maria Gross in a phone conversation on Friday morning.
-
Top Stories of the Week
The VFW convention brought the Iraq war debate to Kansas City. The drive for an expanded performing arts center at UMKC had a $2.5 million kickoff. And seven schools in western Independence and Sugar Creek moved closer to seceding from the Kansas City School District. Steve Bell has the highlights and the voices from those stories and more on KCUR's Saturday News Review.
-
$2.5 Million Kauffman Grant for Conservatory
The UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance will receive a two-and-a-half-million dollar grant from the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Foundation. KCUR's Steve Bell reports.
-
Lawyer Ready to Challenge School Secession
A group that wants seven Kansas City Missouri public schools to switch to the Independence district has filed petitions to force elections in the two communities. But the attorney for the plaintiffs in the 25-year desegregation case says he is ready to challenge any such move. Lee Ingalls reports.
-
Top Stories of the Week
The Johnson County Commission approved a plan to expand the area's jails, taking the money from what has been a subsidy of public schools. Former Kansas City council member Saundra McFadden-Weaver was convicted of mortgage fraud. And the current Kansas City council decided to wait till February for an election to repeal Clay Chastain's light rail plan. Steve Bell takes a look back at those stories and more on this week's KCUR Saturday News Review.
-
Jo Co Jails Needs May Trump Education
A quarter-cent sales tax that now helps support Johnson County schools is set to expire next August, and county leaders want it renewed. But they want proceeds to go toward expanding correctional facilities and replacing a deteriorating juvenile intake center where the walls are settling away from the roof (at left).The plan has good support among the county legislature. But there is likely to be resistance to taking the sales-tax money from the schools.KCUR's Steve Bell reports.
-
Top Stories of the Week
Governor Matt Blunt called a special legislative session to deal with Missouri economic development and bridge repairs. Wichita's slot machine loss was the Woodlands' gain. And Clay Chastain's light rail plan was hit with an unfavorable engineering study and a repeal initiative. Steve Bell takes a retrospective look at those stories and more on KCUR's Saturday News Review.
-
More Light Rail Elections Likely
It's looking like Kansas City will have at least two more light rail elections following two new developments yesterday. KCUR's Steve Bell reports.
-
Top Stories of the Week
State Representative Chris Koster jarred Missouri Republicans by switching parties. A bizarre kidnapping plot was foiled in Blue Springs. And a Minneapolis-St.Paul tragedy prompted Missouri bridge inspections. Steve Bell looks back on those stories and more on KCUR's Saturday News Review.
-
Top Stories of the Week
Science magazine retracted an MU embryonic cell story because doctored photos skewed the results. The Kansas City School Board expressed concerns about the management style of Superintendent Anthony Amato. And a Kansas City council committee voted to terminate City Manager Wayne Cauthen's contract. Steve Bell revisits those stories and more on KCUR's Saturday News Review.
-
Democratic Contenders Address Urban League in St. Louis
The leading Democratic presidential contenders spoke at the National Urban League Conference in St. Louis earlier today (Friday, July 27). The candidates addressed a variety of topics including mandatory early childhood education, raising the minimum wage, and the Iraq war.
-
Sprint Center On Schedule for October Opening
Kansas City's mayor, city manager and council members donned hard-hats Thursday to get a look at progress on Sprint Arena. The air was filled with construction dust that refracted light into polka dots on this photo of the new hockey rink floor... and filled with enthusiasm and optimism on the part of the leaders and arena staff. Steve Bell has more in this audio report.
-
Property Tax Town Hall Draws a Crowd
Property owners Thursday night voiced their concerns about rising taxes to Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser and Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders at a town hall meeting at the Leedy Voulkos Art Center in the Crossroads Arts District. KCUR's Laura Spencer reports.
-
Kids Experience Farm Life at Freedom Schools
Nearly 2000 inner-city kids participating in summer Freedom Schools gathered at the American Royal this week. From making ice cream in a bag to roping steer and milking cows, students in the program learned hands on about life on the farm. KCUR's Hayley Salvo has this audio postcard.
-
Kansas City's Bid for International Trade
The Mexiplex opened just about four years ago, when the regional Mexican consulate moved from St. Louis to Kansas City. But now, the city's international relations office is restructuring, and two tenants of the Mexiplex will be moving out. KCUR's Sylvia Maria Gross stopped by the building recently to visit with Jody Edgerton, director of the city's International Affairs and Trade Office.
-
Top Stories of the Week
UMKC agreed to pay out a million dollars in a sexual harassment suit. Capital murder charges were filed against the man accused of killing Kelsey Smith. And Kansas made the "final five" not in basketball, but in bio-agro-defense site potential. Steve Bell reviews those and other top stories of the week on the KCUR Saturday News Review.
-
Top Stories of the Week
Governor Blunt approved a new health care system for Missouri's poor, but critics called a "poor excuse." Independence finalized plans for a pro hockey team and a new arena to house it. And 2007 seemed destined to be remembered as the year of the floods. Steve Bell revisits those and other top stories on this week's KCUR Saturday News Review.
-
Blunt Signs Healthnet Bill in Kansas City
Governor Matt Blunt chose the Cleaver family YMCA Center at 70th and Troost as the site for a signing of the bill creating MO Healthnet. As the governor touted the benefits, opponents held a counter-conference outside.
-
Top Stories of the Week
The Stowers Institute put its Kansas City expansion plans on hold. Wyandotte County voters opted for casinos and slot machines. And Attorney General Paul Morrison filed charges against abortion provider George Tiller. Steve Bell looks back at those stories and more on this week's KCUR Saturday News Review.
-
Charges Filed Against Abortion Provider
Kansas Attorney General Paul Morrison did Thursday what Phill Kline and abortion opponents said he would never do - file charges against Wichita abortion provider Dr. George Tiller. KCUR's Steve Bell reports.
-
Top Stories of the Week
Mayor Mark Funkhouser decided to drive his ten-year-old Toyota after all. The KU Med Center announced an $800 million plan for regional bioscience research. And a new US Attorney made a six-million-dollar immigration bust. Steve Bell has the highlights and the voices from those stories and more on KCUR's Saturday News Review.
-
Wyandotte County Gaming Vote June 26
Oddsmakers say there will be casino gaming in Wyandotte County within months. The question is, on what scale and in how many locations? The Wyandotte Nation of Oklahoma is preparing to open one facility - with the Indian Gaming Commission likely to give its approval. And the future could also include slot machines at the Woodlands Racetrack and a destination casino with hotels and a convention center somewhere in the county. Those depend on what happens in next Tuesday's gaming election.
-
Community Weighs in on KC-MO Parks Controversy
Kansas City Missouri Mayor Mark Funkhouser hit some of his first major obstacles this week. Critics questioned his judgment over his acceptance of a free Hybrid Civic from a local car dealership. And his controversial appointment of an activist against illegal immigration to the parks board prompted almost unanimous disapproval from the city council. But at the same time, phone calls supporting the new parks commissioner flooded Funkhouser's office. KCUR's Sylvia Maria Gross has this story.
-
Alvin Brooks Revives the Ad Hoc Group Against Crime
Former councilman and police officer Alvin Brooks' long career of public service ended last month, but that doesn't mean he has any plans to stop serving the public. One of the first things on his agenda: revive the Ad Hoc Group Against Crime. KCUR's Ty Chandler talked to Brooks in the studio this week about his reflections on the Mayor's race, and why retirement is out of the question.
-
KC-MO Council Rebukes Mayor on Parks Appointment
Kansas City Missouri's city council voted 9 to 3 to condemn one of the mayor's appointments to the Parks Board yesterday because of her affiliation with the anti-illegal immigrant Minuteman Project. Mayor Mark Funkhouser said Northland neighborhood leader Frances Semler has offered to resign, but he's standing by his decision for now. KCUR's Sylvia Maria Gross reports.
-
Top Stories of the Week
Kansas City police considered going back to the "partners" system on patrol. The red-light-cams project was turned on again. And a Funkhouser plan to create more inclusiveness for the parks system backfired, at least at the start. Steve Bell looks back on those stories and more on KCUR's Saturday News Review.
-
Parks Board Sworn In; Controversy Continues
The new appointees to Kansas City's Park Commission were sworn in yesterday (June 12, 2007), despite concerns about a new commissioner who is a member of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps, an organization that targets illegal immigrants.
-
Bloch Building Opens to the Public
After 8 years of planning and construction, the $200 million dollar renovation and expansion project at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is complete. And the final piece, the new Steven Holl-designed Bloch Building, opened to the public on Saturday, June 9.
-
Mayor Funkhouser Appoints New Parks Board
Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser says the new Parks Board will help end decades of division in the city. KCUR's Maria Carter reports.
-
Top Stories of the Week
Former U.S. Attorney Brad Schlozman said he didn't "cross the line" on appointments or prosecutions. Missouri's execution technique got a reprieve from an appeals court. And a city worried about and then grieved for an Overland Park teen. Steve Bell reviews those and other top stories of the week on the KCUR Saturday News Review.
-
Police Arrest Suspect in Kelsey Smith Murder Case
Charges will be filed this morning (Thursday) in the killing of 18 year old Kelsey Smith of Olathe, whose body was found near Longview Lake yesterday (Wednesday). KCUR's Steve Bell reports.
-
Blogger Helps Release Libby Letters
Blogger Blue Girl in a Red State signed on to a motion on behalf of all blogers to release sentencing letters in the Lewis "Scooter" Libby case.
-
Bannister Mall Shuts Doors
Bannister Mall in South Kansas City officially shut its doors last week after 27 years in business. But while the final remaining tenants packed up, customers still streamed through the mall for some final goodbyes and last-minute sales. KCUR's Sylvia Maria Gross reports.
-
Top Stories of the Week
A Kansas City couple sued the state over the way it has used tobacco settlement money. The Missouri board of curators started over from square one in its search for a system president. And the Missouri Supreme Court reversed a sixty-year labor precedent. Those are some of the stories Steve Bell recaps on this week's KCUR Saturday News Review.
-
Proposed Arena for Belton: Voters Decide Tuesday
Next Tuesday (June 5), the voters of Cass County will choose whether or not to approve a half-cent sales tax that, if passed, would fund the construction of a 5,500-seat arena.
-
World War II Veteran Roque Riojas
The first Latino to head an Army division association, specifically the 34th Red Bull Combat Infantry Division, lives in Kansas City Kansas.
-
Top Stories of the Week
The MOHELA student loan asset sale bill was signed - minus a 15-million-dollar nursing pharmacy project for UMKC. Governor Sebelius refused to mandate more questions to doctors about late-term abortions. And Kansas City got a look at the final plans for the Kauffman Stadium renovation. Steve Bell looks back on those stories and more on KCUR's Saturday News Review.
-
Top Stories of the Week
Former mayor Kay Barnes kicked off her run for Congress. Kansas Attorney General Paul Morrison said he will start investigating the First Family Church. And the Missouri Legislature adjourned, leaving fire departments in a quandry. Steve Bell takes a look back at those stories and more on this week's KCUR Saturday News Review.
-
Ruskin Height Today
Homeowners in Kansas City's Ruskin Heights housing development rebuilt after a major tornados struck on May 20th, 1957. But as the years passed, this part of Southeast Kansas City would new challenges.
-
Remembering Ruskin Heights
The Ruskin Heights tornado traveled some 70 miles and became one of the most infamous in the city's history, leveling the Ruskin Heights Neighborhood and killing more than forty people.
-
Asthma Grips Black Community
Local health experts say asthma rates for African American kids in Kansas City are at epidemic levels. Black children are much more likely to go to the emergency room and be hospitalized for the respiratory disease. Researchers, clergy and families are alarmed by the high rates and are searching for the causes and how to fix it. KCUR's Kelley Weiss reports.
-
Proposed Amendment Would Limit Court Powers
As state constitutional amendment proposals become more commonplace nationwide, another one may be on the Missouri ballot in November of 2008. The Governor and leaders of both the House and Senate want an amendment to limit the powers of the courts. KCUR's Steve Bell reports on House-Senate Joint Resolution One.
-
Memorial Service for Political Leader Philip Curls
KCUR's Sylvia Maria Gross was at Curls' memorial service on Friday (May 11, 2007) at St. James United Methodist Church. Among others, daughter Monica Curls, son Michael Curls, former State Senator Tom McCarthy, former US Congressman Alan Wheat.
-
Study to Treat Teens with ADHD and Substance Abuse...
A study led by the National Institute on Drug Abuse is researching how to treat teenagers who have both Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, and substance abuse problems. KCUR's Kelley Weiss spoke with Dr. Eileen Duggan of Crittenton's Children's Center about her work on this study to find the best way to treat both issues at the same time.
-
NJROTC Brings Home Honors
Every Spring, the top two-dozen or so high school Navy ROTC units in the nation head for Pensacola, Florida to compete in the National NJROTC finals. This year, when the scores on the various drill, athletic and academic competitions were totaled, a Kansas City area unit was among the top five in the nation. KCUR's Steve Bell visited Shawnee Mission North High School and filed this report.
-
Top Stories of the Week
Kansas City's new mayor and council took office and postponed some plans from the old council. The Kansas Legislature passed a budget that dips into its cash reserves for a half-billion dollars. And good police work prevented a shopping mall shooting tragedy from becoming a massacre. Steve Bell revisits those and other top stories on this week's KCUR Saturday News Review.
-
Mayor Mark Funkhouser's Inaugural Address
Listen to the full audio of Kansas City, Missouri Mayor Mark Funkhouser's inaugural address, delivered this morning (May 1, 2007) at City Hall directly following his swearing-in as mayor.
-
Police Tapes Tell Mall Shooting Story
Police say the shooting suspect gunned down Sunday after he killed two shoppers at the Ward Parkway mall "had a plan." David Logsdon had formerly worked at the Target store in the shopping center as a security guard.
-
Top Stories of the Week
The Kansas City School District returned to the concept of neighborhood schools. Kansas legislators overruled the governor's veto of a bill to forbid local governments from imposing more strict concealed carry laws. And mayor-elect Mark Funkhouser said, "No Town Car for me." Steve Bell revisits those stories and more on KCUR's Saturday News Review.
-
Prosecutor's DUI Policy Proposes Arrest of Hospital...
Health care laws shield patients and providers from intrusion on medical treatment. But, sometimes prosecutors can challenge these laws, like when police want a blood sample from a person suspected of drunken driving. KCUR's Kelley Weiss reports on the struggle between hospitals and Johnson County District Attorney Phill Kline's office on how to get blood samples in DUI cases.
-
Kansas City Museum Stays Open During Contract...
The City of Kansas City and Union Station officials announced yesterday (Wednesday) the Kansas City Museum at Corinthian Hall would stay open while a new contract is negotiated. KCUR's Laura Spencer reports.
-
KC-MO School Board Approves Major Reorganization
The Kansas City Missouri school board voted 5 to 2 to approve the superintendent's reorganization plan of the district's schools. Starting in the fall, the district will implement universal pre-kindergarten, and most middle schools will be phased out in favor of a kindergarten to eighth grade configuration. KCUR's Sylvia Maria Gross has more.
-
Officials Call for Building Regional Jail
Local leaders put in another push for building a regional jail in Jackson County.
-
Top Stories of the Week
The nation was nervous after its worst shooting disaster in history, and a security scare at Lawrence schools didn't help. Across the state line, Governor Blunt formed a task force on campus security, and said UMKC has a one of the best critical incident plans. Steve Bell looks back on those stories and more on KCUR's Saturday News Review.
-
UMKC Police Hope Plan Would Avert Virginia-Tech-Type...
Campus Poice Chief Scott Shelton says UMKC has a thorough plan to deal with a violent incident. And he believes a system is in place that can prevent tragedies like this week's massacre at Virginia Tech. But for the system to work, says Shelton, students, faculty and staff have to do their part. KCUR's Steve Bell reports.
-
Jails and Homeless Shelters: Unofficial Mental Health...
A shortage of mental health providers in Kansas City is forcing other unofficial organizations to pick up the slack. At a local Health Equity Conference one topic the medical community will explore is the role of jails and homeless shelters in providing this care. Dr. Stuart Munro, the head of the University of Missouri-Kansas City Medical School's psychiatry department, talked about the mental health system with KCUR's Kelley Weiss.
-
Top Stories of the Week
Gambling got the go-ahead in Kansas, but restrictions on local gun laws drew a veto. Missouri's governor and legislature argued over whether to change the state's new minimum wage law. And middle schools neared endangered species status in Kansas City, Missouri. Steve Bell recaps those stories and more on KCUR's Saturday News Review.
-
Dice-K at the K
In the Royals opening series against the Red Sox on Thursday, Japanese superstar Daisuke Matsuzaka threw his first pitch in the major leagues. KCUR's Sylvia Maria Gross talked to fans who had come from around the country, and some 200 reporters from around the world. Photo: Ryutaro Higuchi (left) and Shigeki Watanabe (right) came from Utah to watch Dice-K's debut. Their chests read Matsuzaka Generation.
Recommended Shows
PROGRAM INFORMATION
- Kansas City, MO
- Local News
- KCUR
- English
-
4825 Troost Ave, Ste 202
Kansas City, Missouri 64110(816) 235-1551 -
Visit the station website
Email the show
Update show info
