News & Issues

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

Photo in Kansas City Star of battle of westport veterans gathered in Kansas City

A Better Big Blue Battlefield in Kansas City | Part II

Editor’s note: This is the second installment of a three-part series on the restoration of the Big Blue Battlefield in Kansas City, Missouri. In the mid-19th century, overland trail teamsters driving wagons west sometimes followed a branch of the Santa Fe Trail out of Independence, using the shortcut to reach fields where the animals used…

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A ballot dropbox in Douglas County, Kansas

Nick’s Picks: Election Day, College Hoops, COVID Battle and More …

Election Day or Election Week? It’s nearly time to say goodbye to all the political ads that have appeared during every commercial break for the past couple of months. Are you going to miss them? What about all the candidate robocalls blowing up your phone? Election Day is finally here on Tuesday. But if you’re…

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An aerial view of two stadiums with a large expanse of parking lot surroum.nding the

On the Ballot | Sports Betting in Missouri

Introduction In the wake of Kansas legalizing sports betting, Missouri voters will decide whether or not to allow the same on the other side of the state line. Amendment 2 proposes allowing people 21 years old and older to bet on sports in Missouri. If it passes, the Missouri Gaming Commission would regulate sports betting statewide….

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Ranking box graphic with hand writing over a blue background.

On the Ballot | Ranked-Choice Voting

Introduction On Tuesday voters will decide whether to change Missouri law to prohibit ranked-choice voting and change the language in the Missouri Constitution to say that “only” U.S. Citizens can vote rather than “all”. Ranked-choice voting allows voters to rank all the candidates in order of preference. The way it works: Transcript Nick Haines [Host,…

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Close-up of a small bronze statuette of Lady Justice before a flag of Missouri.

On the Ballot | Court Fees to Support Law Enforcement Salaries & Benefits

Introduction Amendment 6, which asks voters to decide whether to amend the Missouri Constitution to allow state courts to charge administrative fees to provide pensions and other compensation to former sheriffs, prosecuting attorneys, and circuit attorneys, is on Tuesday’s ballot. The amendment is in direct opposition to a unanimous 2021 Missouri Supreme Court ruling that…

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