News & Issues
Stories from around the Kansas City Metro area on a variety of topics.
Utility Gap
Between increasingly intense heat waves and freezing cold spikes, a warming planet means unexpected weather events will be more common. As demand for utility services rises during these times, so do our monthly bills. We’ll look at why these costs affect some more than others and examines some resources available to help those struggling to…
Final Barney Allis Plaza Rebuild Plan Has $112.4M Price Tag
By Kevin Collison Almost three years after launching its search, the city now has solid design plan and price tag for reviving the crumbling Barney Allis Plaza, but appears to be no closer to figuring out how to pay for it. At a briefing to a Council committee Wednesday, consultants said the Plaza built in…
Barney Allis Plaza Rebuild Plan Has $112.4M Price Tag
Almost three years after launching its search, the city now has solid design plan and price tag for reviving the crumbling Barney Allis Plaza, but appears to be no closer to figuring out how to pay for it.
Many Feel the Chill of Mounting Utility Bills
Kansas Citians struggling to make ends meet face utility debt, especially if they live in poorly weatherized homes. What support is out there?
Work Expected to Resume This Spring on Hilton Boutique Hotel Project
By Kevin Collison Work on renovating the historic Palace Clothing Co. building at 12th and Grand into a boutique hotel is expected resume this spring following a lengthy delay caused by the Covid pandemic. Mark Patel, the developer of the planned 110-room Canopy by Hilton, is accepting bids and finalizing a general contractor for the…
Marijuana, Utility Contracts: Records Show Continued FBI Interest in Independence Deals
The line of questioning in a sworn deposition provides fresh details into an FBI probe that’s transfixed state and local politics ever since news of it surfaced in 2019.
Hunger Pains Hitting Hard in Rural America
Rural counties account for 87% of the counties with the highest rates of food insecurity in the nation. About 2.2 million rural households face hunger.
December 2021 Was the Warmest on Record in Missouri and Kansas — By a Long Shot
Kansas and Missouri logged their warmest average December temperatures on record last month, according to data released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Can YOU Really Impact Climate Change?
Eliminating food waste, ditching your timed coffeemaker and turning down your thermostat are a few helpful habits that can make a difference in the fight against climate change.
More Apartments Coming to West Bottoms
By Kevin Collison Construction on the $29 million second phase of the West Bottoms Flats development is expected to begin this spring and its Cleveland developer already is contemplating a third installment. MCM Company intends to complete the renovation of the Abernathy Furniture Co. building, at 1525 W. Ninth St. adding about 100 apartments to…