Government Stories

Lawmakers redeploy bill to boost veterans as entrepreneurs; targeting easier access to capital, credit

Bipartisan legislation to help veteran small business owners and entrepreneurs overcome barriers on the home front is back in Congress, with backing from two area lawmakers who say the time is now to get resources to those who served. U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kansas, introduced the Successful Entrepreneurship for Reservists and Veterans (SERV) Act alongside…

State of the City: Combating crime among most urgent issues amid uncertain times, mayor says

Kansas City’s future hinges on smart investments in public safety, small businesses, and infrastructure, Mayor Quinton Lucas said Thursday in his annual State of the City address.  Speaking directly to city leaders and residents, Lucas painted a picture of a community on the rise — but facing pressing challenges that require bold action. “As cities…

‘It’s pretty gross’: Nearly 30,000 federal workers in Kansas City brace for layoffs

Editor’s note: This story was originally published by The Kansas City Beacon, a member of the KC Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, Kansas City PBS/Flatland, and Missouri Business Alert. Click here to read the original story from The Kansas City Beacon, an online news outlet focused on local, in-depth journalism…

How Trump’s views on climate raise questions for Kansas’ biggest bet: a $4B Panasonic plant in De Soto

Editor’s note: This story was originally published by Kansas City PBS/Flatland, a member of the Kansas City Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, The Kansas City Beacon, and Missouri Business Alert. Click here to read the original story. Headwinds don’t dampen enthusiasm of company executives, government officials The mammoth $4 billion…

Kansas student’s mobility tech for visually impaired users wins Congressional App Challenge

An Overland Park eighth grader’s app idea — using object detection and text-to-speech technology to help visually impaired individuals navigate their surroundings — earned him a visit to the principal’s office, then an opportunity to showcase his innovation in Washington, D.C. “I actually came across a video online, and it was about this blind woman…