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.
-
When the Kansas City Chiefs won the Super Bowl last year, close to 1 million flooded the streets of downtown for a victory parade and rally. To celebrate their second win in a row, this Wednesday's event could bring even more — especially if Taylor Swift shows up.
-
The Chiefs will make their fourth Super Bowl appearance in five years — and this time as the reigning champions. Kansas City upset the Ravens in Baltimore, 17-10, to win the AFC Championship.
-
Advocates say the anti-discrimination law — which bans landlords from denying tenants based solely on their source of income, credit score or previous evictions — will open up more housing options for thousands of renters.
-
The Jackson County Legislature overrode County Executive Frank White's veto just over 24 hours before the deadline to finalize the April ballot. Jackson County voters will now get to decide this spring whether to fund the teams' stadiums through a 3/8ths cent sales tax for the next 40 years.
-
The Royals have yet to choose a final site for the team's ballpark, but have said that they want the current 3/8th-cent stadium sales tax renewed for 40 years to fund the project. That renewal is no longer slated for the April ballot in Jackson County after county executive Frank White vetoed the measure.
-
The document adopted by the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority represents a concrete action to keep the Chiefs and Royals in the city, after months of escalating rumors that they might jump ship to North Kansas City or Kansas. It has yet to be signed by either teams.
-
Missouri's Abandoned Housing Act has paved the way for neighborhood groups to take control of empty homes and turn them back to productive use. But residents fear nonprofits with no interest in improving Kansas City neighborhoods are using the law to buy up cheap homes.
-
Los Royals aún no han elegido un sitio final para su estadio de béisbol, pero han dicho que quieren que se renueve el IVA (Impuesto al Valor Agregado) actual de ⅜ de un centavo por 40 años para financiar el proyecto. En Jackson County esos aranceles de renovación están programados para la votación de abril.
-
During Restaurant Week, from Jan. 12 to 21, Kansas Citians can eat at more than 200 participating restaurants offering special menus during the annual event. But many establishments are still struggling with staffing even while they're expecting bigger-than-normal crowds.
-
These special taxing districts are especially popular in the city's commercial and entertainment districts. But some reports have revealed a lack of accountability and oversight.