Kansas
Kansas City supports doula program for expecting mothers
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Doulas looking to expand their business are receiving a boost.
A doula is a woman, typically without formal obstetric training, who is employed to provide guidance and support to a pregnant woman during labor to improve outcomes, including lower cesarean rates, shorter labors, decreased postpartum depression, and more personalized birthing experiences.
“Doulas play a critical role in supporting healthy pregnancies, safe births, and stronger families,” said Dr. Marvia Jones.
The Kansas City Health Department, in partnership with Community Capital Fund (CCF), a 501c3, is launching the KC Doula Program, a new grant to support doula businesses and organizations.
Applications for funding opened June 16 with a deadline of July 28, 2025.
Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, the KC Doula Program provides financial assistance of up to $15,000 per awardee to enhance services and expand reach.
Grant funds can cover continuing education, insurance costs, business development, administrative support, and other professional development needs.
Eligible applicants must:
- Be 18 years or older
- Serve families within Kansas City, Missouri city limits
- Be a legally established business or nonprofit in Kansas City, Missouri
- Be an enrolled Medicaid provider or intend to use program funds to gain Medicaid Provider status
- Be a certified doula who has provided services for at least 12 months
Applicants will be notified of award decisions by August 18, 2025.
The first round of grant disbursements is scheduled for August 25, 2025.
Copyright 2025 KCTV. All rights reserved.
Kansas
Former Kansas City PTA treasurer facing up to 30 years in prison for bank and wire fraud
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – A former PTA treasurer from Lee’s Summit has pleaded guilty to nine counts of bank and wire fraud after stealing more than $100,000 from the organization, according to federal officials.
Officials said Holly Mikkelsen could face up to 30 years in federal prison without parole.
From Aug. 17, 2020, to July 23, 2025, Mikkelsen served as treasurer of the Summit Pointe Elementary School Parent Teacher Association (SPE PTA) in Kansas City, Missouri. The group is a nonprofit, school-based volunteer organization.
Prosecutors said that while serving as treasurer, Mikkelsen made unauthorized withdrawals from the PTA’s checking accounts for her personal benefit. Investigators said the alleged theft included writing and signing checks in the nonprofit’s name payable to herself, using those funds for personal expenses, withdrawing cash from ATMs, and transferring SPE PTA money into her personal accounts.
“The council is taking immediate steps to strengthen financial accountability across all affiliated PTAs, including a full review of existing protocols, dual authorization requirements for financial transactions, board financial training, and consistent audit practices district-wide,” said Lorenzo Harrison, Council President of LSR7 PTA. “The community will be kept informed as this process moves forward.”
Sentencing for Mikkelsen is scheduled for Sept. 24.
Copyright 2026 KCTV. All rights reserved.
Kansas
Damp at times into the holiday weekend
Early risers, give yourselves a few extra minutes before heading out the door this morning. Showers and storms to start the day will likely make for at least a slightly slower commute.
Brief periods of heavy rainfall will be possible. While rain will be around through much of the day, there will also be some breaks in the rainfall too.
Temperatures will stay below average while conditions will be damp at times. Highs today will be in the 60s and upper 50s.
New storms are expected to move in from the west by the evening. As they cross the state line from Colorado, they will initially need to be monitored closely.
A couple of Western Kansas storms during the evening could be strong to severe. While all forms of severe weather will be possible, the threat of a tornado is low and mainly confined to areas along the Kansas/Colorado line.
The severe threat should be lower after midnight despite skies remaining unsettled.
Spotty showers and thunderstorms will likely continue to show some life into Friday.
Despite clouds and rain through much of the day tomorrow, many high temperatures will begin to warm up into the 70s.
Some new storms will be possible later in the afternoon and evening but will still be spotty.
A Friday severe risk has expanded a bit since yesterday but is still confined to southern portions of the area. Wind and hail are the main threats.
Some strong storms to the south will be possible all the way into the overnight.
Saturday will be similar to Thursday and Friday. Spotty rain around through much of the day, more evening showers and storms rolling through, and damp through the overnight.
Once Saturday night rain moves out, Sunday will not be as active. Memorial Day will be mainly dry and warm before skies turn unsettled again.
Kansas
United Market opens in Kansas City’s Linwood Shopping Center, bringing fresh food back to Prospect
KSHB 41 reporter La’Nita Brooks covers stories in Kansas City, Missouri, and stories offering solutions on crime. Share your story idea with La’Nita.
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Hundreds of people packed the parking lot at Linwood Boulevard and Prospect Avenue on Wednesday for the grand opening of United Market KC, a new grocery store community members say represents more than a place to shop.
“A place where families can once again access fresh, affordable food right here in the heart of Prospect,” Helen, a speaker at the event, said.
La’Nita Brooks
The store replaces the former Sun Fresh location, which was marked by empty shelves and unpleasant smells before closing.
Under new ownership and a completely new brand, community leaders and the store’s owner say United Market KC is a new beginning for the corridor.
United Market opens in Kansas City’s Linwood shopping center, bringing fresh food back to Prospect
The grand opening drew the Kansas City, Missouri, mayor, several city councilmembers and community leaders, who all spoke at the event.
The day included performances, a live band, free samples and a flood of customers shopping the aisles for the first time. The first five customers received $100 toward their purchase.
La’Nita Brooks
Anthony Estrada, the owner of United Market, closed the ceremony with a heartfelt speech about his hopes to unite the community through food — a vision reflected in the store’s name.
“Extremely excited,” Estrada said. “I feel like the community really showed up. I feel like that’s what we need for the store to be successful. We’re here to serve the community the best we can.”
La’Nita Brooks
Marquita Taylor, president of the Santa Fe Area Council Neighborhood Association, said she was pleased with how quickly a new store followed the previous one and called on the community to help keep it thriving.
“I’m glad it didn’t take long from one store to the next. I’m glad and happy to see so many people here. And I just want the commitment of all these people to wrap your arms around this store because it has to stay safe,” Taylor said.
Community leaders said they are confident the store is here to stay.
La’Nita Brooks
Resident Billy Ray said the atmosphere inside the store matched the excitement outside.
“Beautiful, open, looking good, everyone’s walking around happy, shopping,” Ray said. “That’s what we want to see.”
United Market will slowly phase into a free membership concept after the first 30 days.
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