News Archives

By Matt Hackworth

KANSAS CITY – As the Kansas City city council continues to struggle with surmounting an expected $50 million shortfall in next year's budget, problems like deferred maintenance are snowballing. Deferred maintenance is city hall jargon for the repairs to streets, bridges and buildings the city puts off to save money. But as K-C-U-R's Matt Hackworth reports, those repairs and dollars eventually add up:

By Matt Hackworth

KANSAS CITY – Last year, around 30 U-S Peace Corps members were expelled from Russia. That country's government accused the American volunteers spying. The group's expulsion turned into a diplomatic fracas between Washington and Moscow, and Kansas Citian Alex Wendel was caught in the tension. Wendel taught English on the Eastern Russian island of Sakhalin (Sack-hal-eeen). Wendel told K-C-U-R's Matt Hackworth he knew there were problems when he was stranded in China, waiting for the Russian government to renew his visa.

By Steve Bell

Topeka – Many Kansans have been concerned in recent weeks over reports that their legislature is considering ending all sales tax exemptions, including those for medical services and prescription drugs. KCUR's Steve Bell talked with the chairman of the House Taxation Committee to find out whether higher taxes are in Kansas future.

By Steve Bell

Kansas City, MO – Civic leaders on the Greater Downtown Development Authority have narrowed proposals seeking bond underwriting to twenty. Steve Bell looks at some proposals that made the cut and some that didn't.

By Missy Shelton

JEFFERSON CITY – Lawmakers are evaluating the arguments for and against a mandetory counciling and waiting period for women seeking abortions. Missy Shelton reports.

By Matt Hackworth

KANSAS CITY – Ecstacy was once popular at all-night dance parties called raves. But here in Kansas City, rave promoters are trying to work with police to keep drugs out of the parties. Still, promoters continue to be concerned about police busts, which some say are unfairly targeting raves. K-C-U-R's Matt Hackworth reports.