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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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When hip-hop hit Kansas City streets, the effect was immediate. The new sound took over record stores, local high schools and underground dance parties. 2023 marks 50 years since the art form got started, and Kansas City is honoring its own contributions to the culture.
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The city's Right to Counsel program provides free legal representation to tenants who end up in eviction court. Program leaders say it's working.
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The announcement that hearings will be pushed to an indefinite time comes days after an audit slammed the assessment process and after a lawsuit from the Missouri Attorney General.
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COVID-19 relief dollars covered most of the budget gap from the zero-fare program — and they’ll all be spent by 2025. That means the transit agency will have to find additional revenue to cover the difference.
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The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced earlier this year that it would foreclose on Parade Park, a townhouse complex that once was a symbol of pride for Black Kansas City families. Under the plan, Kansas City would buy the properties from HUD and then transfer them to a private developer to rehabilitate.
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The citywide tenants union KC Tenants helped craft the proposed legislation, which would make it illegal for landlords to refuse to rent to someone based on their source of income.