Savannah Hawley-Bates
Missouri Government and Politics ReporterAs KCUR's local government reporter, I’ll hold our leaders accountable and show how their decisions about development, transit and the economy shape your life. I meet with people at city council meetings, on the picket lines and in their community to break down how power and inequities change our community. Email me at savannahhawley@kcur.org.
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The city council approved a plan to repeal the city’s 45-year-old Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Program after a lawsuit from Missouri’s attorney general alleged discrimination against white men. Business owners want input on the new small-business program meant to replace it. -
Kansas City officials delay Royals stadium decision, while giving out little info about funding planA city council committee pushed back discussions on bonds and lease agreements for a downtown Royals stadium. Critics say that still isn’t enough time to learn about the financing deal, and have turned in thousands of signatures to force a public vote. -
The candidates for November’s general election are now set. Can Trump-backed U.S. Rep. Mark Alford keep his seat against Democrat Jordan Herrera after gerrymandering eroded the district's strong Republican bent? -
The city passed legislation that limits speeds for electronic mobility devices and creates an age limit for some higher speed vehicles. Advocates helped create the ordinance, but worry about some changes the city council made to the rules. -
Independence police officer Jordan White was placed on leave for post-traumatic stress disorder after fatally shooting a 34-year-old mother and her 12-week-old baby. He alleges he was discriminated against and that the police department did not allow a proper return to duty. -
The apartment complex off North Lawn Avenue has been on the city’s radar for more than three years, when a city deal subsidized rents in exchange for repairs at the property. But after further neglect, the city is once again stepping in after demands from the complex’s tenant union. -
The city previously made a deal to subsidize rent at the apartment complex in the Historic Northeast in exchange for repairs. Conditions at the property have gotten worse, and the city is considering stepping in once again to make it habitable. -
The streetcar has seen record ridership numbers in the past month. Operators and mechanics say the growth is positive but has caused stress on the system. -
A county-wide sales tax could provide tens of millions of dollars each year for public transportation, potentially reversing the yearslong trend of Kansas City riders losing bus routes. Jackson County legislators want to hear what residents need before placing the tax on the ballot. -
The Round of 32 victory sends Colombia to the next round against Switzerland, and knocks Ghana out of the tournament. Fans of both teams gathered in Kansas City to eat traditional foods and cheer together.
