News & Issues
Stories from around the Kansas City Metro area on a variety of topics.
City Manager Brian Platt Talks About Potential Railroad HQ Expansion, Police
By Kevin Collison City Manager Brian Platt continues his conversation with CityScene KC covering topics including a potential expansion by Kansas City Southern once its merger with Canadian Pacific is concluded, the Buck O’Neil Bridge linear park concept and the police department. Word is Kansas City Southern may expand its downtown presence following its merger…
Price of Progress: Grain Belt Express Pits Public Benefit and Private Property Rights in Race Against Climate Change
The Grain Belt Express, an 800-mile transmission line that would connect renewable wind energy in Kansas with customers in several states to the east, is facing opposition from landowners in its path.
City Manager Brian Platt Q & A: ‘Good Progress’ on Decking South Loop
By Kevin Collison City Manager Brian Platt has been on the job 16 months since coming here from Jersey City in December 2020. He recently sat down with CityScene KC at the Rochester Brewing and Coffee in the West Crossroads to talk about greater downtown and other topics including the Kansas City Police Department and…
Time Running Short for Dueling Missouri Marijuana Legalization Efforts
With the end of the legislative session only weeks away, and organizers of an initiative petition campaign sounding the alarm about an even more pressing deadline, dueling efforts to legalize marijuana in Missouri face uncertain fates.
Perfectly Imperfect: Will Kansas Finally See Medical Marijuana Legalization?
After a decade of failed attempts, the Kansas Legislature is as close as it’s ever been to approving medical marijuana. Here’s how it happened.
One Nine Vine Apartment Project Breaks Ground This Week
The first phase of the One Nine Vine development, a six-story apartment building with ground floor retail, is scheduled to break ground Wednesday in the 18th and Vine Jazz District. The $25 million project planned for what’s now a vacant lot at the southeast corner of 19th and Vine will include 80 affordable and market-rate…
Kansas Joins 25 Other States by Expanding Access to Nurse Practitioners
A new law allows Kansas-based nurses to expand their practice and independently care for patients.
BOK Financial Building New Crossroads Offices at 17th and Grand
By Kevin Collison BOK Financial has purchased part of the Grand Place redevelopment site near 17th and Grand in the Crossroads and plans to build a 10,000 square-foot branch bank there. The $4- to $5 million bank project is the first sign of progress in about two years on a major redevelopment plan focused on…
Nick’s Picks | Earth Day, Fountain Day and Various Comings and Goings
A busy week in Kansas City includes a departing Kansas City police chief, a new mayor in Independence and the annual Earth Day celebration.
Break Out the Tote Bags: Farmers Market Season Has Arrived
Kansas City area farmers markets are trying to hold the line on prices as grocery prices soar, while touting the benefits of buying fresh produce from local growers.