Newsletter-Mid-Week

State budget cuts hit local communities — services for homeless people, emergency health response, sewer upgrades

Gov. Mike Kehoe’s veto pen struck a handful of local items Monday as he approved the state’s fiscal year 2026 budget, including funds for Community Services League’s drop-in center for homeless people, the city of Independence’s mental health crisis response program, and $12 million for the city of Blue Springs for sewer plant improvements.

Read MoreState budget cuts hit local communities — services for homeless people, emergency health response, sewer upgrades

2025 Examiner Baseball Player of the Year: Blue Springs South’s Cooper Callahan caps ‘unbelievable’ season with top honor

Blue Springs South baseball coach Ben Baier is a man of few words. When he praises one of his players, it’s heartfelt, sincere and backed with the type of conviction that can only come from a man who cares deeply for his guys on and off the field.

Read More2025 Examiner Baseball Player of the Year: Blue Springs South’s Cooper Callahan caps ‘unbelievable’ season with top honor

Saturday’s FireFest coincides with antique fire equipment convention

Independence FireFest organizers say this year’s annual event Saturday outside Cable Dahmer Arena will have representation from around the country. The Independence 76 Fire Company, a non-profit group that restores and displays vintage fire service vehicles, hosts FireFest, and this week it also hosts the annual convention for the Society for the Preservation and Appreciation of Antique Motor Fire Apparatus in America.

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Jeff Fox on business: Economic uncertainty is taking its toll

Two recent economic snapshots suggest that the region’s economy, like the national economy, continues to move ahead but businesses and consumers are pulling back some as they expect higher inflation among other worries amid the tariff flip-flops and other uncertainties coming from Washington. Eight times a year the Federal Reserve posts its Beige Book reports, a summation of observations by business owners and others across the country.

Read MoreJeff Fox on business: Economic uncertainty is taking its toll