Audio Feature

The Kansas Statehouse isn’t just where debates are held and laws are made. It’s also a living museum, filled with quirky artifacts and quiet tributes to the people who built the state.

A community health center in southeast Kansas hopes exposing kids to health care careers through fun activities could lead them into the field in the future. It’s one way to hopefully fight a long-term shortage of health care workers in rural areas.

When beekeepers saw widespread honeybee die-offs last year, researchers at the USDA Beltsville Agricultural Research Center stepped in to help. The Trump administration now plans to close the facility, sparking concern among beekeepers and scientists.

The Tarkio Republican is the latest GOP House incumbent to end a reelection campaign. Under Missouri's new congressional map, there's a lot more of Kansas City included in the 6th District, although it still heavily favors Republicans.

Kansas City's spending will remain relatively flat compared to previous years as the city tries to rein in its deficit. Still, some areas, like police spending, have continued to increase.

Missouri lawmakers are debating new internet laws aimed at keeping minors safe online, but critics warn the rules could threaten privacy and free speech.

A bill approved by lawmakers would allow 23-hour alcohol sales for a limited time during the World Cup this summer.

Authentic nautical folk songs help drive the tale of a man’s obsession with a great white whale in a world premiere at Music Theater Heritage. The musical features 19th-century shanties passed down generations of sailors.

Rural communities have been turning to nonprofits and other strategies to keep grocery stores open. But one of those new stores is closing in Kansas, which shows how challenging it can be to provide food in small towns.

The Hickman Mills School District is trying to help fill its budget shortfall by asking voters to approve a $20 general obligation bond, and allow it to shift 30 cents of the district’s debt service levy into the operating levy. Voters will decide both questions in the April 7 election.

The biggest tasks left are the state budget, where Gov. Mike Kehoe has proposed a number of spending reductions, and a Republican plan to eliminate the income tax.

Independence, Missouri, residents will vote on April 7 for their next mayor and to fill two at-large city council seats. Recent debates over tax incentives for a massive data center could factor into the election.