News & Issues
Stories from around the Kansas City Metro area on a variety of topics.
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.
Farm to Trouble: Mississippi River Basin Farm Runoff Pollutes Upstream Waters
Worsening local effects on health and recreation in Midwest states are spurring action on problems that also cause the Gulf of Mexico’s chronic “dead zone.”
Missouri Amendment 1: Child Care on August Primary Ballot
Amendment 1 on the upcoming Missouri primary ballot would help clear the way for child care businesses to be exempt from property taxes.
Nick’s Picks | Election Season and Weather Heat Up
The Republican National Convention begins today in Milwaukee, less than 48 hours after a gunman tried to assassinate the party’s expected nominee Donald Trump.
‘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.