Policy failures shape Kansas, Missouri communities: 6 revealing viewpoints
The curated articles discuss how economic and policy decisions have lasting effects on communities and individual lives. They highlight failures in both economic and moral judgment, showing how flawed strategies shape public policy and society’s priorities.
One article reviews how large tax cuts in Kansas under a past governor led to budget shortfalls and weakened school systems. Teachers had to find other jobs just to make ends meet. Another piece examines proposals to address homelessness, noting that sweeping people from streets or criminalizing poverty does not tackle root causes. A third article describes how Missouri’s mental health system fails families. Service rollbacks and lack of follow-up care leave people without support. One story focuses on rising property taxes. Homeowners see rates far outpacing inflation, adding financial stress and threatening community stability. Together, these examples show how previous economic choices create new barriers and shape debate about public responsibility and how we value each other.
NO. 1: NEW KU BASKETBALL COACH IS A CONVICTED FELON. TRUMP SHOULD PARDON HIM | OPINION
President Donald Trump should pardon new University of Kansas basketball assistant coach Tony Bland, a convicted felon. | Published August 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Toriano Porter
NO. 2: SWEEP UP THE HOMELESS VS. CITY-COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS? WHICH, IF ANY, WORK? | OPINION
MELINDA: | Published August 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Melinda Henneberger, David Mastio
NO. 3: HOW SHOPPING FOR SCHOOL SUPPLIES LED ME TO FIGHT FOR KANSAS FAMILIES | OPINION
It was one of those brutally hot August mornings Kansas is famous for — the kind where the air is heavy before you’ve even eaten breakfast. | Published August 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Derek Donovan
NO. 4: FRANK WHITE SAYS HE WON’T RUN AGAIN REGARDLESS OF RECALL, CITING CANCER RECOVERY
Jackson County Executive Frank White shared this week that health concerns played a role in his decision to step down at the end of his term and not to run again for his seat in 2026, regardless of the results of an upcoming election to recall him. | Published August 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Ilana Arougheti
NO. 5: I TAKE MENTAL HEALTH CALLS NO ONE SEES. MISSOURI’S SYSTEM IS ALREADY BREAKING | OPINION
We called it a win. | Published August 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Derek Donovan
NO. 6: WE KCK RESIDENTS LOVE OUR HOMES, BUT WE CAN’T AFFORD THESE TAX INCREASES | OPINION
I’ve owned property in Kansas City, Kansas, since 2013. | Published August 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Derek Donovan
The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.