News & Issues
Stories from around the Kansas City Metro area on a variety of topics.
Baltimore Demo Leaves Question, What’s Next?
By Kevin Collison A small commercial structure at 1626 Baltimore owned by philanthropist Shirley Helzberg has been razed and a building she owns next door is slated to be demolished soon, leaving Crossroads neighbors curious about her future plans. The 14,000 square-foot vacant building at 1626 Baltimore was torn down recently. Pete Lacy, Helzberg’s real…
Mark Twain Tower Developer Expects to Resume Work Soon
By Kevin Collison The Washington D.C. developer of the historic Mark Twain Tower expects to resume work soon renovating the building into 222 apartments after a lengthy delay caused in part by the Covid pandemic. Phil Aftuck of The Bernstein Cos. said his firm is close to finalizing financing for the $60 million redevelopment which…
Sunday’s ‘Stop Asian Hate KC’ Vigil Offers a Safe Space for Healing
Jackie Nguyen, owner of Cafe Cà Phê, says she’s taking a stand for the Asian American and Pacific Islander community in Kansas City. The vigil she is sponsoring on Sunday is a way for the community to find support and healing.
‘We Are Significant’: Resources in Response to Violence Against Asian Americans
A PBS employee reflects on the response to recent attacks on Asian Americans in Atlanta, Georgia.
Rural Resilience: Mental Health Care Providers Face Challenging Times Along With Their Patients
Rural mental health workers face increased client loads, workforce shortages, bad broadband connections and a revolutionized system as COVID-19 pandemic rages on.
Streetcar Riverfront Run Approved, Early 2024 Service
By Kevin Collison Streetcar service from Union Station to Berkley Riverfront Park is expected to be running by early 2024 following the unanimous approval by the Port KC board of an agreement with the KC Streetcar Authority and the KCATA Monday. The half-mile, $20.2 million extension from the current north terminus in the River Market…
Kansas Considers Making Medical Marijuana Legal, But Very Hard To Get
Kansas lawmakers are considering tight restrictions for any medical marijuana law in the state.
curiousKC | Does the COVID Vaccine Cause Shingles?
Does the COVID vaccine cause shingles? The short answer, no. Learn more here.
Le Chronic Cafe Serves Aunt Kathy’s Eclairs, Comfort Food
By Kevin Collison In opening Le Chronic Cafe at the City Market, chef Bryan Merker is fulfilling a promise he made to his Aunt Kathy years ago. As a kid in Kansas City, he always enjoyed the wonderful eclairs his aunt prepared. “My aunt was an amazing baker,” Merker recalled. “She always made eclairs so…
Nick’s Picks | Vaccine Expansion and NCAA Basketball
COVID vaccination expansion and the NCAA basketball tournament tops a bounty of news during the first full week of spring.