Government

‘Punching above our weight’: KC requests $75M in federal funds as region’s Tech Hubs effort builds even more momentum

By Tommy Felts / March 15, 2024

Leaders of Kansas City’s Tech Hubs initiative won’t find out until this summer if the regional effort will receive a new round of federal funding, but there’s already plenty to cheer, shared Dennis Ridenour. “We fully expect to be here — or someplace like this — four or five months from now celebrating our region’s…

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Lawmakers want to divest TikTok from Chinese influence, not kill the popular app, says Davids

By Tommy Felts / March 14, 2024

A nationwide ban on TikTok, a video sharing app popular with young people and an increasing number of brands, is edging closer with legislation to curb the China-linked platform passing Wednesday in the U.S. House. U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kansas, was among lawmakers supporting the move, voting “yes” on the bill and urging ByteDance, TikTok’s…

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GOP lawmaker from Missouri takes over chair of Small Business Caucus in DC

By Tommy Felts / March 12, 2024

Entrepreneurship and small businesses are the lifeblood of America, said Mark Alford, pledging to use his new leadership role within the Small Business Caucus to help fellow congressmen workshop and pursue policies that will “ensure the safety and prosperity of Main Street America.” U.S. Rep. Alford, R-Missouri, publicly took over the co-chair role of the…

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A Topeka program pays cash to new residents; Now it’s focusing on Latino immigrants

By Tommy Felts / March 7, 2024

Editor’s note: The following story was published by KCUR, Kansas City’s NPR member station, and a fellow member of the KC Media Collective. Click here to read the original story or here to sign up for KCUR’s email newsletter. Interest in Choose Topeka’s relocation incentive has spiked among first-generation Latino immigrants; Program officials say the city’s established Spanish-speaking community is…

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U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kansas, Wednesday at Ronawk in Olathe

Davids’ effort to level the playing field for Native entrepreneurs passes US House, moving to Senate

By Tommy Felts / March 1, 2024

Legislation meant to address entrepreneurship challenges specific to Native and tribal business owners advanced in the U.S. Congress this week, with a Kansas City lawmaker championing the effort to bring equity to an overlooked corner of the small business community. “In Indian Country, Native-owned businesses employ over 300,000 Americans and are vital drivers of our…

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