News & Issues
Stories from around the Kansas City Metro area on a variety of topics.
Thirsty? Your Hoppy Guide to the Downtown KC Craft Beer Scene
(Editor’s note: This article was last updated March 10, 2022) Kansas City’s downtown craft beer scene traces its hoppy roots back to Nov. 17, 1989. That’s the date John McDonald, founder of Boulevard Brewing, delivered his first keg of Pale Ale to Ponak’s Mexican Kitchen just a few blocks down the road on Southwest Boulevard….
‘Pulled Over: The Hannah Fizer Case’ Tells the Story of a Sedalia Shooting
A new, 16-minute documentary from Independent Lens chronicles Hannah Fizer’s death at the hands of a Pettis County deputy.
Made in KC Grows Urban Footprint
(Editor’s note: This article originally appeared Aug. 8, 2021) By Kevin Collison At a time traditional retail is struggling, Made in KC is bucking the trend with an expansion in the works at its Country Club Plaza outlet, a new downtown café and finally, a chance to serve beer and wine at its streetcar location…
Use of the Force: KC Debates Police Department Staffing
Kansas City is grappling with how to allocate resources for its police department this budget season. Much of the debate turns on how many police officers are needed, and how they should be deployed.
Crossroads Plan Would Revive Film Row Buildings, Add Apartments, Retail
By Kevin Collison A sweeping redevelopment concept that would renovate two historic Film Row buildings and build an apartment project along 17th street south of the Kauffman Center is being pursued by philanthropist Shirley Helzberg. The proposal, which is in the preliminary stages, also would renovate a low-rise, L-shaped industrial building at the northwest corner…
American Farm Bureau Federation Claims it’s the ‘Voice of Agriculture.’ Others Beg to Differ
While the best-known, best-funded “voice” of farmers, the American Farm Bureau is far from the only one.
Café Corazón Opens Crossroads Location
(Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared May 20, 2021, the new Crossroads location is now open.) By Kevin Collison Café Corazón is bringing its Hispanic heart to the Crossroads, planning to open a second location at 110 Southwest Boulevard within the next two months. The family-run café, which offers espresso drinks and foods with a…
Tap List | Comparing Whiskey Barrel-Aged Beers
Flatland beer enthusiast Cassie Niemeyer taste tests three bourbon barrel-aged beers available in Kansas City.
Voting Rights Groups Launch Court Battle Over New Kansas Congressional Map
The American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas and Loud Light filed two separate lawsuits Monday arguing the congressional map endorsed by a GOP supermajority in the Legislature intentionally violates constitutional rights of Democrats and communities of color.
‘Auschwitz’ Exhibit Shatters Attendance Record, Prompts Scalper Warning
By Kevin Collison Union Station’s ongoing Auschwitz exhibition has shattered attendance records and demand remains so strong it’s receiving the ultimate backward compliment in the event world, people are scalping tickets. The “Auschwitz, Not Long Ago, Not Far Away” exhibit has drawn more than 330,000 visitors since it’s opening last June, enough to fill Arrowhead…