Greg Orman concedes to incumbent Pat Roberts

By | November 5, 2014

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…

Republicans sweep: Roberts, Brownback win

By | November 4, 2014

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…

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

By | November 3, 2014

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…

Educators working down to the wire to defeat Missouri Amendment 3

By | November 3, 2014

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…

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

By | November 3, 2014

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…

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

By | November 3, 2014

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…

ADA access still an issue at KC polling places

By | November 3, 2014

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…

Kansas City Week in Review: Election Guide

By | October 31, 2014

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…

Health care compact gains attention as campaign issue

By | October 31, 2014

A once-obscure effort by a group of states to get out from under federal health care regulations has become an issue in the final days of the Kansas governor’s race. On Wednesday, Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Jill Docking teamed with Republican Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger at a Wichita news conference to criticize Republican Gov. Sam…

In the Midwest, yarn goes local

By | October 31, 2014

Northwestern Colorado has a rich heritage of raising sheep – either for their meat or for wool. But for decades the sheep herd has been slipping in numbers, both nationally and in Colorado, often outcompeted by countries like New Zealand and Australia. Where there’s been a resurgence, though, has been in local, niche markets. Some…

Concussion awareness event matches last year’s effort

By | October 30, 2014

An Overland Park, Kan., nonprofit raised $12,000 over the weekend to fund research into post-concussion syndrome among young athletes, according to the former Blue Valley High School basketball player who founded the nonprofit. Kylee Bliss established the nonprofit, HeadsUp Foundation for PCS, last year, and the organization held its second annual 10K trail run and…

Still one heck of a season — Royals fans dance loss away at watch party

By | October 29, 2014

Fans watching game 7 of the World Series at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum on Wednesday night were disappointed by the Royals loss, but still very supportive of the home team. The Hale Center for Journalism’s Todd Feeback captured reactions from the crowd as they watched the San Francisco Giants defeat the Royals 3-2.

Could this election swing control of Kansas House to center?

By | October 29, 2014

Rep. Jim Ward is a Wichita Democrat whose party loyalty has rarely been questioned, but even he says his party is likely to pick up only a few House seats in next week’s election.

But he said a few Democratic victories coupled with a few more by Republican moderates might be enough to swing the chamber currently controlled by conservative Republicans more toward the middle.

Kansas biz community: Is Gov. Brownback’s tax plan working for you?

By | October 29, 2014

Share your insights and experiences with KCPT and KCUR.

However Colorado votes, GMO labeling debate far from over

By | October 29, 2014

Voters in Colorado Tuesday will decide whether or not they want the state to require labels on foods containing genetically modified ingredients, or GMOs. The 2014 ballot measure highlights a much larger national conversation about the safety and prevalence of genetically modified foods.