© 2024 University of Missouri - KBIA
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Unpacking Biden's Infrastructure Plan | Local Newspapers Vanishing

Segment 1, beginning at 1:00: The American Jobs Plan would be historic should it pass through Congress.

The ambitious proposal would not only cover roads, bridges, and the traditional pillars of infrastructure, but also human capital. One component of the bill addresses affordable housing, pledging the construction of 2 million homes in addition to public school upgrades and training a clean-energy workforce. "This will far exceed the New Deal, it will far exceed the great society of LBJ," U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver said.


Segment 2, beginning at 27:51: Since 2004, 1,800 newspapers have closed in the United States. That’s about 100 per year.

Northeast News has been covering the historic northeast of Kansas City for 89 years, but the lack of revenue could mean the end of this local publication. On March 24, the paper ran a blank front page demonstrating how their reporting will vanish without adequate support. Journalists weigh in on the fate of local publications.

Copyright 2021 KCUR 89.3. To see more, visit KCUR 89.3.

Steve Kraske is an associate teaching professor of journalism at UMKC, a political columnist for The Kansas City Star and has hosted "Up to Date" since 2002. He worked as the full-time political correspondent for The Star from 1994-2013 covering national, state and local campaigns. He also has covered the statehouses in Topeka and Jefferson City.
Zach Wilson
Chris Young