Maria Carter

The President includes funding for NBAF in his budget.  Kansas City recycles human waste as fertilizer.  The Missouri Senate gives first round approval to a bill that would ban the state revenue department from scanning source documents when people apply for a driver’s license or conceal carry license.

When  most of us think of a debate, presidential debates between two individuals come to mind. But the sport of argument and articulation is as radically different from this scenario as you can imagine. The world of college debate includes lightening fast speech arguments developed on the fly. The best team that encompasses these can be found at Emporia State University. Ryan Wash and Elijah Smith, two members of the ESU debate team recently won both the National Debate Tournament and the Cross Examination Debate Association championship tournament. 

Speech and communication is a fundamental and necessary part of our days.  Being able to articulate I thoughts, feelings and desires is perhaps the most distinguishing characteristic of being human.  But how hard is it to correct or relearn this intrinsic skill?  Today we explore the practice of Speech Therapy with Carol Koch, Associate Professor at the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Rockhurst University and Shatonda Jones, a Visiting Instructor of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Rockhurst University.

Kansas prepares to move the state agriculture department from Topeka to Manhattan.  A Missouri Senate committee has wrapped up work on a new criminal code, but it may be too late to get it passed by the legislature. A missing five-year-old girl was found unharmed.  The Kansas City Royals win their home opener.

Kansas Moves Agriculture Department

More than a half million Missourians will qualify for federal subsidies to help them buy health insurance according to a recent report.  The tax deadline is looming for most people, but farmers face an unusual situation this year.

Report Finds 525,000 Missourians Will Be Eligible For Insurance Subsidies

A proposal to move to a single terminal at KCI moves through the city council.  Sales tax collection could extend to vehicles bought outside of Missouri.  The American Heartland theater is closing in August.

Single Terminal KCI Plan Advances

The Kansas City council looks at tightening rules for funding events.  Local crime fighting efforts will get an assist from the federal prosecutor.  The Final Four is one of the biggest sporting events of the year and it has strong ties to the Kansas City area.

Mayweather Gaffe Spawns Tighter Funding Rules

Turnout was light, around 10 percent, at polling places in Kansas and Missouri for Tuesday's election. Voters were asked to consider raising taxes, ousting mayors, and more.

A proposed law in Missouri would require labeling of genetically engineered meat or fish even though no genetically modified meat is on the market.  The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is moving forward with plans to fully implement new standards for math, English and language arts.   It’s election day find out what’s on the ballot.

Election Day: What's On The Ballot?

Voters go to the polls for Election Day on April 2, 2013 in many cities across the Kansas City metropolitan area. Decisions will be made about bond issues, school board and mayoral races, and more.  Find out what’s on the ballot around the area here.

A New Frontier In Genetically Engineered Food

Over the last year or so, at least 20 states have introduced bills that would require labeling of genetically modified food. Some of these proposed laws – including one in Missouri – take aim specifically at genetically engineered meat or fish.  But while genetically modified grains may be part of an animal's diet, there are no genetically engineered animals on the market for human consumption.  Read more here.

Common Core Standards Tested In Missouri

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is moving forward with plans to fully implement new standards for math, English and language arts.   This spring, more than 360 public schools are taking part in a pilot program to test out a new assessment system for kids in grades 3 through 11. Learn more here.

Kansas Prosecutors Given More Time To Prosecute Sex Crimes

Tomorrow is election day across the area.  We have reports about the race for mayor in Kansas City, Kansas and on Question 3 in Kansas City, Missouri.  Missouri House Speaker Tim Jones says same-sex marriage should be left up to states.

Kansas City, Kansas Foes Battle For Mayor

Voters go to the polls for Election Day on April 2, 2013 in many cities across the Kansas City metropolitan area. Decisions will be made about bond issues, school board and mayoral races, and more.

The University of Kansas men's basketball team ended their season Friday night in Arlington, Texas, losing to Michigan 87-85.  KU led most of the game but a late rally by the Wolverines sent the game into overtime.  

Michigan moves on to the Elite Eight game on Sunday.  The Jayhawks finish their season with a 31-6 record.

An Iraq war veteran writes his last letter after years of struggle. The Missouri House passes a budget bill but doesn’t include money for Medicaid expansion. The Kansas City council passes a $1.3 billion spending plan. 

Two people have been charged in the murder of a UMKC student in a house near the university.  Community members speak out about proposed hospital sales in Kansas City, Kansas and Leavenworth.  A Kansas City Council committee takes up the so-called “Ban the Box” proposal.

Kansas City Voters To Decide Health Tax

Johnson County faces challenges despite being one of the driving forces in the Kansas economy.  The Kansas House passed a bill requiring the University of Kansas Medical Center to start a center focusing on stem cell research.  The Missouri House approves a budgets but rejects Medicaid expansion.

Johnson County An Economic Engine With Challenges