KCUR

Four economists say the state relied on exaggerated numbers to make the Kansas City Chiefs deal, the largest public subsidy of a stadium in American history, look better. State officials say football teams bring in real value as millions flock to the stadium projects.

The workers lost their jobs as part of the president's promised federal workforce reduction effort. Experts say the impact will be far-reaching for the region's economy and for people who rely on federal services.

Abortion is Murder, a Christian group known for protesting with graphic signs, was permitted to protest inside the Kansas Statehouse just a few months after the Satanic Grotto was blocked from doing the same. The group says it is planning a counterprotest.

Democrats have proposed reducing child care costs, making housing more affordable and raising the minimum wage. Republicans want to pass property tax reform, cut waste and address rural health care costs.

The sheer size, scope and total projected dollar amount of the Chiefs' stadium project — which includes a new stadium in Wyandotte County and a new headquarters in Johnson County — dwarfs existing incentive districts in Overland Park and Olathe.

Stadium deals in Kansas and Washington — both involving relocations within the same metropolitan area — have set separate records for taxpayer subsidies to sports teams. That's despite decades of research suggesting stadiums are a wasteful use of limited tax dollars.

University of Illinois researchers analyzed traces of DNA in rivers and streams to learn how strips of trees near water — called riparian buffers — impact land species.

Residents describe fires, floods, infestation, and deterioration while living in Olive Park Village apartments controlled by a Cleveland-based housing management company. With the city citing unsafe conditions, remaining families now have to scramble for new homes.

The Center for Healthcare Quality & Payment Reform, a national policy organization, found 68 rural Kansas hospitals are at risk of closing, including 30 at immediate risk. Revenue isn't keeping up with costs.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to send "bridge" payments to farmers who grow soybeans, cotton and other crops before March. Commodity groups and economists say the aid brings relief to farmers and their lenders, but they need long-term solutions.