By Maria Carter

Kansas City, MO – A survey of rural bankers in Missouri and nine more Midwest and Plains states indicates growing optimism about the regional economy despite mixed financial signals.

Two candidates for Kansas attorney general continue to spar over a controversial Arizona immigration law.

The medical condition is improving for a Collins man swept more than a mile through the Raymore sewer system where he'd been working.

Kansas City, MO – The Kansas City city council has reversed direction on its rejection of a reappointment to the TIF commission.

Council members gave no reason last week when they voted against the mayor's proposal to reappoint Claudia Onate-Greim, chair of the city's TIF advisory commission. But when the mayor exercised his power to call for a second vote yesterday, they talked.

Some "no" voters complained of poor communication from the mayor's office and a "closed-to-business" attitude on the part of the commission.

By Steve Bell

Kansas City, MO –

By Kansas Public Radio

Lawrence, KS – Most Kansas hospitals are not making the grade, according to an annual survey. The national hospital monitoring service called "Health Grades" says the state's hospitals are in the bottom tier compared with other states.

Kansas City, MO – Kansas City faces an additional 2012 budget expense of more than twenty million dollars. Pension experts recommend yesterday that the city pay in the extra money to bring the fund up to best practices.

Councilman Ed Ford says that's one of many expenses that will make 2012 a tough budget year. He says there's already an expected $12 million shortfall.

By Steve Bell

Kansas City, MO –

By Maria Carter

Kansas City, MO – Kansas City mayor Mark Funkhouser fomally kicked off his campaign for reelection yesterday, with his wife, Gloria, serving again as his campaign manager.

The Missouri Gaming Commission will hear pitches from developers vying for the state's lone available casino license.

The campaigns for Congress in Kansas's two most competitive races are getting expensive.

Kansas City, MO – Kansas City mayor Mark Funkhouser made the formal announcement Tuesday: he's running for reelection.

Funkhouser's told reporters his administration has put city finances in order, reined in lucrative development TIF deals that cost the city millions and gotten the metal plates off of the streets.

nd He says controversies over his board appointments, rebuffs by the council and the lawsuit accusing his wife of discrimination at the office have simply primed him for a rugged campaign.

By Steve Bell

Kansas City, MO –

Kansas City, MO – This year Democrat Ike Skelton is facing his strongest challenge in years by Republican challenger Vicky Hartzler.

Maria Carter and Brian Ellison talk about the accuracy of attack ads from each of the campaigns.

Ike Skelton's Ad Against Vicky Hartzler