Celisa Calacal
Missouri Government & Politics ReporterAs KCUR’s Missouri politics and government reporter, it’s my job to show how government touches every aspect of our lives. I break down political jargon so people can easily understand policies and how it affects them. My work is people-forward and centered on civic engagement and democracy. I hold political leaders and public officials accountable for the decisions they make and their impact on our communities. Follow me on Twitter @celisa_mia or email me at celisa@kcur.org.
-
The Food and Drug Administration announced Wednesday that the overdose-reversing drug Narcan was approved for over-the-counter sales. Missouri residents can already get the drug without a prescription from a pharmacy. -
People who showed up to the Clymer Community Center Saturday expected a three- or four-hour wait for a voucher from the Kansas City Housing Authority. Instead, some waited upwards of six hours and still walked away empty-handed.
-
The City Council passed a resolution directing the city manager to report on what such a program would look like. Officials say a city ID would help people who don’t have valid identification access city services.
-
Incumbent Councilman Eric Bunch is seeking re-election. He's being challenged by his former legislative aide and a former member of the Missouri House of Representatives.
-
The KCPD's budget takes up the largest chunk of any city department. This marks the first time the city must allocate 25% of its general revenues to the KCPD since the passage of Amendment 4 last year.
-
It’s already illegal for health care providers to practice so-called conversion therapy in parts of Jackson County, but the failed ordinance would have outlawed use of the discredited practice on minors across the county and made it easier to report abuse.
-
Since launching last June, right to counsel has helped hundreds of tenants avoid eviction, proof to advocates that the program is working.
-
Michael Graham, the former chief financial officer of Kansas City's transit agency, filed a lawsuit alleging that he was pushed out after sounding the alarm about the organization's finances.
-
Iris is an on-demand ride service app like Uber or Lyft. Scheduled to begin operating on March 15, it is designed to address long-standing dissatisfaction among Northland residents with limited public transit options.
-
A primary contest in April kicks off a 2023 election cycle that will add several new members to the Kansas City Council, the results of which could affect the direction of the city and Mayor Quinton Lucas’ agenda.
