News & Issues
Stories from around the Kansas City Metro area on a variety of topics.
Community Colleges Confront Slumping Enrollment. Can it be Fixed?
Enrollment at community colleges in Missouri and Kansas have declined nearly 30% since 2012 as fast-growing technical schools pose stiff competition.
Kansas City Strikes Out on Big Bid for Sustainability Funds
The Kansas City area won’t get any of nearly $200 million it sought as part of a nationwide competition for $4.3 billion in federal sustainability grants.
Kansas City Home Builders Push Back on Energy Efficiency Rules, Blame Them for Housing Crunch
Homebuilders say Kansas City’s energy efficiency standards hinder housing construction and increase costs. Environmentalists say they combat climate change.
Farm to Trouble: Could the Mississippi River Benefit from This Strategy to Improve Water Quality?
A Chesapeake Bay program could be a model for the Mississippi River as it deals with runoff that fouls water and contributes to a dead zone off the Gulf Coast.
Nick’s Picks | Biden Fallout, Summer Olympics and Olivia Rodrigo
President Joe Biden’s decision to end his reelection campaign has sent shockwaves through the political system. Here are nine stories to track this week.
Beating the Heat: Help for Households Without Air Conditioning
More than 10,000 Kansas City area households have no air conditioning, and many others struggle to maintain their units. Here are some programs that can help.
Public Safety Debate Shapes Jackson County Prosecutor Race
Concern about public safety makes the Jackson County prosecutor race one of the most consequential on the upcoming August primary ballot. Meet the candidates.
As Landfills Approach Capacity, Upcycling Gains Momentum
As Kansas City area landfills approach full capacity, more people are embracing upcycling as a sustainability strategic to divert waste.
New Owners Spark Hope for Country Club Plaza
Many people with a stake in the Country Club Plaza say the new owners of the iconic shopping district have made a good first impression.
‘False Certitude’ Defines Our Religion, and Our Politics
Institutional religion has set a pattern for the sad reality of political divisions among our citizens — encouraging a false certitude about what we believe.