News & Issues
Stories from around the Kansas City Metro area on a variety of topics.
Nick’s Picks | Pandemic Scrambles Chiefs Game, Election Season
The COVID-19 pandemic is scrambling the Kansas City Chiefs schedule and the final month of election season.
Elegant Hotel Kansas City Opens in Historic KC Club Building
By Kevin Collison The new Hotel Kansas City opened Thursday, and the beautifully restored building retains the signature features of the historic Kansas City Club accented with a sophisticated blend of modern flourishes. “We are the most luxurious hotel in the market, there’s no other comparisons,” said Sarah Beck, director of sales and marketing. “Our…
Music Venues, Bars and Restaurants Brace for Long, Hard Winter
Kansas City music venues, bars and restaurants are bracing for a long, hard winter as the COVID-19 pandemic drags on. Among other things, they would appreciate some government help.
No Vacancy Offers Cozy Stay in the Crossroads
By Kevin Collison The Crossroads is home to some unique, eclectic businesses, and Spencer Sight’s new hotel venture at 1717 Wyandotte certainly qualifies. It has only eight rooms. “It’s quaint enough to be furnished like a well-appointed loft, while offering the comfort and consistency of a boutique hotel,” he said. “Each guest room has a…
Could Strong District Attorneys Be a Solution for Police Accountability?
The creation of a Community Integrity Unit in Wyandotte County may be instructive as communities nationwide grapple with how to oversee investigations into police misbehavior.
Developers Pursuing Big Residential Projects at 18th & Vine District
By Kevin Collison Private developers are pursuing two major residential and retail projects in the 18th & Vine District that would revitalize an approximately two-block section on the west side of the historic neighborhood. A local development group, 1900 Vine Street LLC, that includes Kelvin Simmons, a former Kansas City Councilman and state economic director,…
Kansas Firefighters Go West to Fight Fires, and COVID-19
Dozens of Kansas firefighters have been battling wild fires in the West, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with no end in sight.
Farm-to-Tablet: TikTok Farmers Shine a Light on Rural Life
While the United States and China fight over the fate of TikTok, farmers are embracing the social media platform to share their lives.
Kansas City’s Place in Chicano History
On Sept. 16, 1969, students mobilized a Chicano walkout at Kansas City’s West High School. Self-made periodicals, newsletters and newspapers were integral to getting the movement going.
New Royals Owner Talks About Downtown Baseball, East Village
(Editor’s note: This article first appeared in CityScene KC on Jan. 3, 2020) While cautioning it’s early in the game, John Sherman, the new owner of the Royals, has no problem talking up the economic benefits of downtown baseball and says he’s already being lobbied on possible sites. “Baseball creates more economic opportunity in denser…