A bluegrass band posing with their instruments.

The Weekend Starts Today

November 20 is National Absurdity Day. To mark it, we should celebrate all that is unreasonable, illogical or inappropriate. Which, given recent events, seems like a wholly reasonable, logical and appropriate thing to do. One good way to do that is to take a brief respite from politics and enjoy some of what the city…

Crane Brewing's beer flights

On Tap | Crane Brewing Company’s Taproom Is Ready To Serve Flights

Grandma’s fridge is gone, and the mismatched tables will go back to bingo halls or Rotary clubs or wherever mismatched tables retire. Crane Brewing Company is gearing up to open its permanent taproom on Friday, November 25. “We always wanted a spot where people who enjoy our beer can come to the source and meet…

Take 5 For Your Health

Water Task Force Leaning Toward Sales Tax Proposal A group appointed to study funding sources for Gov. Sam Brownback’s 50-year water plan is leaning toward proposing a dedicated sales tax. Earl Lewis, assistant director of the Kansas Water Office, presented the preliminary results of the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Monday at the annual Kansas…

An artist between two landscapes

Five Reasons to See ‘Surveyor’ at Epsten Gallery

You Like Craft Before any artwork can be perceived conceptually, it has to be taken in on a simple, aesthetic level. The work of Israeli artist Yuval Yairi, on display at Epsten Gallery from now until Jan. 22, is worthy of your aesthetic appreciation. These works are, quite simply, elegantly done. Some are big and…

Question 2 sign

An Election Outcome You Might’ve Missed

It might be easy for social services supporters in Jackson County to be asking “What if?” in the wake of Tuesday’s election, when residents resoundingly approved creation of a Children’s Services Fund through a new eighth-cent sales tax. After all, the projected proceeds could have been nearly three times larger, if not for bureaucratic snafus…

A man and woman standing on their farm.

These Colorado Veterans Are Finding Peace On The Farm

Ben and Leticia Ward’s farm in Fountain, Colorado, just outside Colorado Springs, doesn’t look like an army base. But it’s not hard to uncover whiffs of military influence at Little Roman Farm. A stack of sturdy fiberglass bins next to a greenhouse seem benign, ready to be put to use as brooding bins for chickens…

Can’t Hurry Love: Rare Snail Finds Romance After Global Search

A genetic fluke stood in the way of love for a lonely and unique snail named Jeremy. But thanks to a public appeal, the snail has hopefully found a mate — or maybe even two.

Love Itself: Leonard Cohen’s Holy Touch

The revered songwriter, who died Thursday at the age of 82, compelled us to dwell on the relationship between the profane and the profound.

Coffee Being Poured From a Tap

Thanksgiving on The Grill & Other Weekend Possibilities

Give yourself over to Thanksgiving early with Pie Night at Glacé Artisan Ice Cream (4960 Main Street). Dolce is bringing the pie that Glacé will top with paired ice cream, whipped cream, and a caramel drizzle sauce. Pie is served beginning at 5 p.m. The 2016 Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Dinner is Sunday at 4 p.m….

Crossroads Academy Plans Downtown Kansas City High School, Will Be Housed Temporarily in Commerce Tower

By Kevin Collison (Update: Park University announced May 25 it will temporarily house students for the planned Crossroads Academy high school at its downtown campus in the former Commerce Tower building) Four years after opening a school for 190 elementary students in a former office building on Central Street, Crossroads Academy is planning to open…

One man and two women standing outside a court house.

Victims’ Families Disappointed No Criminal Charges in Blast That Killed Six

TOPEKA, Kan. – Officials of Kansas City-based Bartlett Grain will not face criminal charges in the aftermath of a 2011 explosion at the company’s Atchison elevator that killed six workers, the U.S. Attorney for Kansas said Thursday. The announcement came just as family members of the workers who were killed emerged from a nearly 2-hour…

Cinnamon rolls

Brioche Pastry Shop rolls into The Crossroads

The unmistakeable scent of fresh-baked cinnamon rolls and croissants fills Brioche, a brightly lit bakery and coffee shop, that opened two weeks ago at 2000 Main Street in the Crossroads. Owners Ida Kelley and pastry chef Brandon Kelley relocated to Kansas City from Jefferson City, bringing their baking business with them. In 2009, the couple…

yard sign exhibit at Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art

The Day That Was

No matter how you feel about Tuesday’s outcome, Election Day is over. Unrelenting attack ads and mailers marked brutal campaigns from president on down. In the end, Kansas City-area voters voiced their opinions on everything from tobacco taxes to judicial retention. Here’s our social media rundown of how a long, divisive campaign season ended with Tuesday’s…

Trump Wins. Now What?

After a presidential election that defied expectations, here’s what to expect from the president-elect.

Two basketball players running for the ball.

The Weekend Starts Today

This Friday is Veterans Day. And we need it. No matter how divided the country has been, at least we can all celebrate the sacrifices of those who served our country. The NFL has never been shy about saluting service. The Chiefs are on the road, though, meeting Cam Newton’s Panthers in Carolina. In the…