On this week’s episode of Women Speak — a segment on Northeast Newscast — hosts Northeast News Editor-in-Chief, Julia Williams and former Missouri House Representative for District 19 Ingrid Burnett sat down with Owner of LIA (Life is Amazing) Inspiration and Member of Independence Plaza Neighborhood Council (IPNC) Laura Palacios to continue our series on women who influence policy.

Throughout this episode, Palacios discusses her political science background, her activist journey and the steps that have led her to her current work today — particularly in the Historic Northeast. Palacios delves into the various boards she has served on over the past 15 years, including the Missouri Chapter of the National Women’s Political Caucus and her experiences as one of the few Latina members among these boards at the time.

Burnett, Williams and Palacios discuss happenings within the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson city including a special session request for the legislature from Gov. Mike Kehoe. Within the special session call, three items are proposed for approval including Kansas City Stadium subsidies at Truman Sports Complex, relief aid for Missourians impacted by the storms and capital projects from Missouri House of Representatives Bill 19. These bills are discussed in length as well as a lawsuit, which the Missouri Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has filed against Missouri Attorney General, Andrew Bailey and the University of Missouri.

*This podcast was recorded on Wednesday, May 28. Since its recording, this Special Session — which Burnett, Palacios and Williams discuss in this episode — ended on Wednesday, June 11. The Missouri House of Representatives approved $1.5 billion in funding for Kansas City sports stadiums as well as $125 million to aid areas of St. Louis, which faced severe weather damages, according to an article by the Missouri Independent. All three of these bills were previously approved in the Missouri Senate and made their way to the Governor’s desk, which he signed into law on Saturday, June 14.*

Music used within this Women Speak episode is a song called “I Wish I Knew You Then” by Kansas City local artist Honeybee and the group’s lead female vocalist, Makayla Scott.

“I Wish I Knew You Then” is a recent single, which Honeybee released in March 2025. Honeybee’s latest single “Lindenlure,” was released on May 30 and is now available on its streaming platforms. 2025 singles “I Wish I Knew You Then,” “Charmed Life” and “Lindenlure” as well as additional Honeybee tracks are available on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, TIDAL and Youtube Music.

*Disclaimer* I Wish I Knew You Then and any previous or future Honeybee songs used by The Northeast News within the Women Speak podcasts are courtesy of and approved by Makayla Scott and Honeybee under proper copyright law. Honeybee songs are not royalty free nor subject to free use and should not be used by additional publications or organizations without proper consent.

This podcast as well as all Women Speak episodes are made possible by The Northeast News, Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and Independence Avenue Community Improvement District.