Kansas City Politricks: Local Control Redux, Debt Threats & Snail Mail Crisis

None of these stories are REALLY news but they deserve at least a quick peek given that constant political flexing is a beloved part of our discourse . . . Check-it . . .

Show-Me Games For Money & Power

Kansas City fights the state of Missouri for control of its police department

Many cities argue over "defunding the police." In Kansas City, Mo., they are debating whether the city - or the state - should manage the law enforcement budget.

Legal Money Moves

Kobach, Bailey threaten legal action if Biden uses 14th Amendment to avoid default

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey and Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach are pushing back against President Joe Biden's suggestion that he could ignore the federal debt ceiling and keep paying the country's bills to avoid an unprecedented default.

Show-Me Political Life Lessons

Missouri education bills reach governor's desk, potential changes ahead

It may become easier for retired teachers to return to the classroom for longer, for public schools to offer elective courses on the Bible, and for certain medical professionals to get help paying for education — if Gov. Mike Parson signs the related bills into law.

Pricey Crackdown Postscript

Missouri ex-House speaker fined $47K for alleged campaign finance violations

COLUMBIA, Mo. - A disgraced former Missouri House speaker has been fined $47,000 for allegedly breaking campaign finance laws, according to records released Tuesday. The Missouri Ethics Commission, which handles ethics violations by politicians, said it uncovered the alleged misconduct during an audit of Republican John Diehl's campaign last year.

Kansas Gun Debate Rages

Kansas NRA affiliate skewers local officials aiding anti-violence work of Moms Demand Action - Kansas Reflector

TOPEKA - Kansas supporters of Moms Demand Action rejected Tuesday claims by the Kansas State Rifle Association that a series of local government proclamations recognizing a national gun violence awareness day was evidence of a campaign to promote unconstitutional seizure of firearms. The Kansas State Rifle Association, the state lobbying affiliate of the National Rifle Association, said proclamations issued by officials in Parsons and Roeland Park served interests of an organization bent on limiting "rights of Kansans while doing nothing effective to reduce violence."

Politely Ignoring Performance

Districts continue to ignore the school needs assessment law - The Sentinel

For the third consecutive year, a review of 25 school districts' adherence to the school needs assessment law underscores why Kansas has a deepening achievement crisis - the public education system thumbs its nose at every accountability effort.

NYT Against Autos In KC

Highways Have Sliced Through City After City. Can the U.S. Undo the Damage?

The Biden administration is funding projects around the country aimed at reconnecting communities that have been divided by transportation infrastructure. Send any friend a story As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Anyone can read what you share.

Bi-Partisan Study Uncovers Institution In Decline

Postal service audit exposes Kansas City mail problems

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The mail arrives late at night or it's dumped on your porch, instead of in your mail slot just inches away. Or worse yet, your mail doesn't arrive at all . It's the sad state of mail delivery across the nation, and particularly in Kansas City.

Developing . . .