Nick’s Picks | Summer Beckons on Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer. Here’s a look ahead at the news of the week and weekend entertainment options in Kansas City.
New Owners Plan to Raise BLVD Tavern Crossroads Profile
By Kevin Collison A young family with strong restaurant management experience want to raise the profile of BLVD Tavern, a Crossroads establishment that can be easily missed on busy Southwest Boulevard. Derich Carlson and Grace Ryan recently purchased the tavern which has been in business for seven years at 320 Southwest Boulevard. They want to…
Harmony Project Helps Young Northeast KC Musicians to Thrive
Harmony Project is making a difference in the lives of young musicians in the Historic Northeast area of Kansas City, offering a path to higher education.
Gender-Affirming Care in Kansas City
Transgender rights continue to dominate headlines as legislatures across the country push restrictive laws. Those most directly affected by these measures must look at how they will access gender-affirming care, who will legally provide it and where they can find sanctuary. This month, “Flatland In Focus” examines these issues with members of the trans community…
Rock Island Bridge Project Gets $4M Boost from Kansas
By Kevin Collison Attendees at a ceremonial kickoff for the Rock Island Bridge project heard more than routine remarks from Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly this week, she also announced a $4 million state grant. “I have been following this project for a long time and was very excited when Lt. Gov. (David) Toland brought it…
Weekend Possibilities | Jazzy Jackie, KC Folk Fest and Willie Nelson
Between a jazzy tribute to Jackie Robinson at the Gem Theater, Kansas City Folk Fest and Willie Nelson at Azura Amphitheater, May’s penultimate weekend will have plenty of songs to fill the air. Friday, May 19 Noon – 1:30 p.m. Kansas City Community Gardens, 6917 Kensington Ave., will host What’s Really Bugging You? Insects in…
‘Transas City’: KC Offers Sanctuary Amid Anti-Trans Push
A loud clatter of skateboards, abandoned by riders grinning at a near wipeout, interrupts conversations among friends and new acquaintances. It’s the first time Late-Nite Bite, a monthly sober and queer event, has set up shop at Goofball Sk8boards in the Waldo neighborhood of Kansas City, and it’s clearly a success. Late-Nite Bite…
2000 Vine Project Nears Completion, Brewery Opening Soon
By Kevin Collison After five years, the developers of 2000 Vine are nearing the finish line of an ambitious historic renovation project that’s now the vanguard of an investment surge occurring in the 18th and Vine District. The renovation of the two, 150 year-old buildings into a blend of office, retail, a restaurant and the…
Affordable Housing In Kansas City, At What Cost?
For years, poor living conditions and health issues plagued tenants in an affordable housing complex in Kansas City. Now, tenants are fighting back.
UMKC Seeks 5,000-Seat Arena, Retail By Streetcar Stop
By Kevin Collison UMKC is pitching a development proposal that would anchor the south end of the new streetcar extension with a 4,000- 5,000 seat arena for sports and cultural events, according to a request for proposals issued Monday. UMKC is asking developers to submit proposals for a project that, while the university would not…
Tap List | Crossroads Businesses Come Together For Cats
Many of the bars, breweries and distilleries in the Crossroads are banding together to throw a huge party, or shall we say “pawty,” to help KC Pet Project.
Electric Vehicle Fleets are Coming on Fast
The electric vehicle revolution is bringing the battle to throttle climate change and achieve sustainability to unlikely locales in Kansas.
Boutique Hotel Plan Returns for Historic Building on Grand
By Kevin Collison A proposal to restore the historic Mason Building at 1110 Grand and reopen it as a 35-room boutique hotel has returned, led by a developer with a similar hotel venture in Lincoln, Neb. Nicholas Castaneda, a principal with the 49-room Kindler Hotel in downtown Lincoln, wants to redevelop the distinctive, copper-faced building…
Winners and Losers of Missouri’s 2023 Legislative Session
Just 43 of more than 3,000 non-budget bills introduced during the 2023 session of the Missouri General Assembly passed. Here are the winners and losers.
Nick’s Picks | Missouri’s Transgender Restrictions and KC’s Charter Changes
Top stories this week include new Missouri transgender restrictions, possible changes to Kansas City’s charter and graduation for many local students.