Olivia Acree

1 week ago | ourcommunitynow.com | Olivia Acree

Share KINGSVILLE, Mo. — A wave of federal funding cuts from the Trump administration is being felt across the Kansas City area. This time, cuts are affecting Powell Gardens . The gardens were awarded a $217,000 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), expected to be disbursed over two years. After receiving just one year of funding, the grant was pulled. The funding supported behind-the-scenes work: human resources, safety training, community outreach and more.

1 week ago | kshb.com | Olivia Acree

KINGSVILLE, Mo. — A wave of federal funding cuts from the Trump administration is being felt across the Kansas City area. This time, cuts are affecting Powell Gardens. The gardens were awarded a $217,000 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), expected to be disbursed over two years. After receiving just one year of funding, the grant was pulled.

1 week ago | kshb.com | Olivia Acree

KSHB 41 reporter Olivia Acree covers portions of Johnson County, Kansas. Share your story idea with Olivia. As Panasonic brings new energy and jobs to De Soto, the city is using that momentum to bring some life into its downtown. Inspired by community input following the 2022 announcement of the Panasonic plant, local leaders are launching a weekly event called Rhythm and Roots. Change took off for sleepy Downtown De Soto last year with the opening of a new brewery, Force of Nature.

2 weeks ago | kshb.com | Olivia Acree

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — When tragedy hits a firefighter anywhere in the country, there’s an organization that steps in to help. Their newest cause is supporting Graham Hoffman’s family after his tragic death. The organization is called The Yard Foundation, and it’s a fundraiser platform created by firefighters, for firefighters. The founders know what its like to deal with the loss of one of their own. “It's absolutely devastating. Our hearts definitely go out to those guys.

2 weeks ago | kshb.com | Olivia Acree

LEE'S SUMMIT, Mo. — All dentists fix cavities, but one Lee’s Summit dentist is tackling a much bigger issue — the gap in dental care for veterans. Marco Gargano has traded combat boots for a white coat, but his mission remains the same. “To serve the people who have served our country,” said Gargano. A veteran himself, Gargano has seen firsthand how dental health often falls through the cracks, especially in veteran communities.