Kansas City Politricks: Petitions & Big Tech

We want to catch up with more than a few links from pay-for-play sources and other items that are overtly politicized.

Take a peek . . .

Check www.TonysKansasCity.com news gathering . . .

Show-Me Democracy Curtailed

Initiative petitions let Missouri voters make policy, but some lawmakers say they're gone too far

Missouri is one of 26 states that uses an initiative petition process.

Everybody Against China Land Grab

Bipartisan group of lawmakers push to restrict foreign ownership of Missouri farmland * Missouri Independent

Citing concerns about the environment, food security and the fate of family farmers, Missouri legislators have filed several bills that would restrict foreign ownership of agricultural land . Both Democratic and Republican senators have pre-filed bills ahead of the January start of the 2023 Missouri General Assembly session to halt foreign purchases of Missouri farmland.

Gender ID Talking Points Shared

Transgender Kansans face energized enemies. The words you use can make a difference. - Kansas Reflector

Kansas Reflector welcomes opinion pieces from writers who share our goal of widening the conversation about how public policies affect the day-to-day lives of people throughout our state. Iridescent Riffel is a graduate student studying higher education administration at the University of Kansas, where she serves as both an academic adviser and assistant complex director.

Show-Me Tech War Cont'd

No immunity for Big Tech or amnesty for illegal immigrants, Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley argues

Big Tech companies should no longer be immune from lawsuits over "illegal content" on social media sites, Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley told The Heartlander Thursday. And no amnesty for illegal immigrants should be rushed through Congress this year either, he says. "My view is, no more blank checks and free lunches for the Big Tech companies.

Anybody Asking About FIFA

When the World Cup comes to Kansas City, tough questions will follow - Kansas Reflector

With Kansas City hosting games for the 2026 event, our region will be dipped into that World Cup stew. As local journalists, many of us will decide how to cover it.   

Abortion Politicking Redux

Dole Institute panel: GOP dominance submarined by demise of Roe vs. Wade, Trump's unruly politics - Kansas Reflector

LAWRENCE - A panel of political strategists and journalists said unraveling of abortion rights by the U.S. Supreme Court and antics of former President Donald Trump recast the 2022 election cycle to save Democrats from humiliating Republican seizure of both the U.S. House and Senate.

Check Out Latest Front In Culture War

Kansas town's library lease renewed after months of debate about LGBTQ content - Kansas Reflector

ST. MARYS - The Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library's lease is safe for another year, following community uproar and legal pressure from the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas. The Saint Marys City Commission voted to extend the lease, without restrictions, during a meeting Tuesday night.

Tossing Out Cases

Missouri Republicans file bills to automate expungements for non-violent offenses * Missouri Independent

Crista Hogan estimates tens of thousands of people in Greene County are eligible to clean their criminal records of old non-violent misdemeanor and felony offenses - offenses she says limits their access to good-paying jobs and safe housing. But under state law, it requires people to file an arduous petition in court, along with a $250 fee.

NEVER Understanding Algorithms

Who needs college algebra? Kansas universities may rethink math requirements

WICHITA, Kansas - At most Kansas colleges and universities, students face required classes - or the proficiency tests to get out of them - to earn a bachelor's degree. Including college algebra. It's a long-held requirement and often daunting. About one in three Kansas students fails college algebra the first time around.

Mommy Dearest Deets

Missouri launches pregnancy-associated deaths dashboard

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services announced Thursday it has launched a dashboard for pregnancy-associated deaths. The which can be found on the department's website, reports on the data from the Maternal Mortality Review Committee from 2017-2019.

Now Hiring Newsie Fundraisers

Help Wanted: KPR Is Looking for a New Statehouse Reporter

Friday, December 9th, 2022, by J. Schafer Kansas Public Radio Seeks Kansas Statehouse Bureau Chief To Join KPR's Award-Winning Team TOPEKA, Kan. (KPR) - Kansas Public Radio, located at the University of Kansas, is looking for a Kansas Statehouse Bureau Chief to cover all aspects of state government in Topeka for KPR and its reporting partners.

Show-Me Sneak Peek . . . 

Missouri lawmakers prefile bills for 2023 legislative session

Early bills signal a continued focus on school sports, gun access and women’s health care, among other topics.

Developing . . .