Kansas struggles with change trying to define itself as a pro-business state.  Local luthiers hand-build top quality string instruments.  Another health exchange deadline draws near.

Kansas Struggles to Discover New Red-State Model

Kansas Governor Sam Brownback has put the state on what he calls a “glide path to zero” income tax.   But that glide path is far from clear, and it is defiantly not smooth. Brownback believes Kansas can show the country what can happen when pro-business policies replace more traditional state government.  Learn more here.

In Search Of The 'Krutz' Sound

In the first of a series called Tools of the Trade, we take a look inside KC Strings. It’s a workshop owned by Anton Krutz in downtown Merriam, Kan., where luthiers hand-build 50 concert-level instruments each year.  A cellist and a violinist discuss the “Krutz” sound.  See the video here.

Royals Radio Voice Is Retiring

A mainstay of Kansas City Royals baseball broadcasting is retiring.  Bob Davis plans to devote more time to University of Kansas play-by-play.  Find out more here.

Missouri Health Exchange Deadline Draws Near

States can run the health exchange, the federal government can do it, or the federal government and the state can run one together. The deadline for states to run their own exchange has passed. Missouri and a host of other states now have until midnight, February 15, to indicate whether they wish to set up an exchange in partnership with the federal government. Otherwise, the federal government will completely oversee it.    Learn more here.