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Ruckus, Thursday, May 16, 2013:

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT?
Both Missouri and Kansas legislatures are in the waning days of their current session. Kansas has already passed tax cuts. Now, Missouri has followed suit. Governor Nixon, however, has indicated he may veto the bill saying it threatens vital state interests.

NEW EYES ON KCI
We’ve heard much criticism on Ruckus and elsewhere about the plan for a one-terminal KCI. Now, the Star has editorially offered some possible benefits a new airport would provide. Among them: better security; more passenger access to amenities; and environmental friendliness. Let’s hear what our guest panelists think about the KCI plan.

THINGS GO BETTER WITH KOCH?
The Koch brothers are said to be interested in acquiring some of the nation’s largest newspapers. The Star’s Steve Rose says the duo is already a major political force. Adding newspapers to their orbit should be scary to both liberals and conservatives.

LAP-BAND DANCE
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie—40 pounds lighter, thanks to a lap-band–is answering critics of his sometimes maverick conservative Republicanism. We’ll play a portion of his response which is in the news story you’ll receive.

Ruckus: May 2, 2013
STEVE ROSE SITS IN FOR WOODY

GO AHEAD, BUTT IN
Steve writes in a recent column that he usually doesn’t “butt in” on issues across the state line. But he willing to make an exception when it comes to the KCI terminal debate.

“I” STAND FOR IRRITATING!
An area of I-35 near downtown Kansas City is reduced to two lanes of traffic in each direction because of a bridge replacement project. The construction is causing major traffic disruptions during rush-hour periods and when people are driving downtown for evening events. The work will continue until December 20th.

GWEN AGAIN!
Gwen is a frequent presence on local media because of her work with the Urban League and her role as a civic leader. One of her most recent projects involves working with columnist Lewis Diuguid on articles examining the social and economic issues still facing the African-American community. Gwen prescribes a re-birth of housing, business and jobs in the 3rd and 5th districts as a way to improve the economic climate and create a new crop of black civic leaders for Kansas City.

BROWNBACKSLIDE
Governor Brownback, often criticized for his conservatism, is now being accused of acting like a moderate in trying to preserve a sales tax destined to expire this summer. His often cooperative conservative colleagues in the legislature seem resistant to his entreaties. Brownback wants the sales tax revenues to offset losses caused by his and the legislature’s support of lower income taxes.

ROASTS AND TOASTS

This week May 9, 2013: the endless debate over economic policy continues; the litigation concerning the two-mile streetcar starter system in Kansas City is now headed to the state Supreme Court; time to talk politics with the consultants; it seems both Missouri and Kansas legislatures are rebuffing federal authority when it comes to gun legislation.

THE GREAT DEBATE
Our reactions.

THE NEW COMEBACK KID!
Congressman Todd Akin is staying in the race for the U.S. Senate and is getting support from some key Republicans who earlier had called for him to leave because of his controversial “rape“ comment. Despite his impressive showing in the polls and enhanced financial support, national analysts (it seems to me) are still discounting his chances.

A SECOND TIME FOR THIRD GRADE
The Republican Chairman of the Kansas House Education Committee is interested in “retainer” legislation that would require third-graders not reading at grade level to stay third-graders. This would preclude ‘social promotions” where children are moved to the next grade level, despite their academic deficiencies.

FOOD NAZIS AND THE SLIPPERY SLOPE
Star columnist Tom McClanahan writes about increasing government intrusion into what and how much people eat and drink. While he thinks some government involvement is reasonable, McClanahan is concerned about “the slippery slope” and those he calls “America’s Food Nazis.” The columnist points to efforts by New York City to control soft-drink size and federal government’s calorie standards for school menus.

ROASTS AND TOASTS

THE TODD SQUAD
Backers of Congressman Todd Akin continue to show support for the embattled candidate whose comment about rape and abortion caused many to think he would have to abandon his campaign.

WHITE COLLAR CRIME?
Bishop Robert Finn of the Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese has been found guilty of failure to report suspicions of child abuse. His two-year probation has been suspended. As a result of the court ruling, some Catholics and others believe Finn should resign. Ultimately, any decision will be made by Rome.

THINK LOCAL!
If Missouri voters approve local control of the St. Louis Police Department this fall, it seems likely Kansas City will try and follow suit. Mayor James has expressed support for the St. Louis initiative and says if a consensus develops, Kansas City may ask the legislature for approval next year.

THE INVISIBLE MAN?
In his political column, Steve Kraske points out that Governor Brownback was largely ignored at the GOP convention, raising questions about his potential strength as a future presidential contender. Kraske writes that other Republicans are now dominating the discussion about 2016: Rubio, Ryan, Haley, Christie. Kraske also speculates that Brownback may no longer be as ambitious as before when he sought the presidential nomination in 2008.

ROASTS AND TOASTS