News & Issues
Stories from around the Kansas City Metro area on a variety of topics.
Masks Pose Challenges for Early Childhood Learning
As COVID-19 cases spike again, child care providers are wrestling with how the use of masks will affect the social and emotional development of children.
Patients Describe the Road to Recovery From COVID-19
Coronavirus survivors often have psychological effects ranging from anxiety to depression to PTSD. Many recovering from the disease feel stigma.
Crown Center WeekEnder Outdoor Concert Series Begins July 10
People craving live music during these Covid-bound times will be able to satisfy their ears at Crown Center beginning July 10 when the annual WeekEnder series resumes on its sprawling outdoor plaza. “We felt like the square offered a wide space where people can sit in a chair and keep a safe distance from everybody…
Blip Coffee Shifts Gears to New West Bottoms Location
By Kevin Collison Ian Davis knew his Blip coffee shop and roasterie in the West Bottoms was in for a bumpy business road when his connections on the West Coast warned him of the looming Covid-19 crisis in early March. “We were one of the first to close up because of Covid,” he said. “My…
A ‘Life in Limbo’: What’s Next for Kansas City’s DACA Recipients?
In June, the Supreme Court issued a ruling that upheld the Deferred Action of Childhood Arrivals program. Here’s what that means to recipients in Kansas City.
Grand Place, Historic KC Star Redevelopment, Tweaks Design, Opening Fall 2021
(Updated Aug. 27, 2020. Editor’s note: Tria Health will be the first office tenant at Grand Place. The firm, currently based in Overland Park, will relocate its headquarters and occupy 17,586 square-feet in the east building. It’s expected to make the move in September 2021. “Tria Health provides one-on-one consultations with pharmacists, supported by advanced health care…
Developer of Old KC Star Building Tweaks Plan, Checks Crossroads ‘Grocery’ Box
The ambitious redevelopment of the historic former Kansas City Star building into a mixed-use project called Grand Place continues to progress with some tweaks to the original plan and completion targeted for Fall 2021.
Defunding the KCPD: A Glimpse of How it Could Look
The Kansas City Police Department is already experimenting with some programs that reflect the goals of the defund the police movement.
Soulcentricitea Brewing Tea and Natural Goodness on Troost
By Kevin Collison Nika Renee is bringing her blend of tea, pastries and serenity to the Wonder Shops + Flats development at 30th and Troost, opening her Soulcentrictea shop in the former Blip coffee space. “I love tea and I’ve always been a tea fanatic,” she said. “Our theme is earth-based, crafted, soul-centered natural products.”…
Flashcube Opens for Residents Next Month Following $69M Renovation
By Kevin Collison The historic “Flashcube” building is scheduled to open to residents in mid-July following a $69 million renovation that converted a 1970s office building into a 184-unit, luxury apartment building. The nine-story, reflective glass-clad building at 720 Main already has 30 units committed through pre-leasing and its developer is asking for premium rents,…