News & Issues
Stories from around the Kansas City Metro area on a variety of topics.
Nick’s Picks | Wearing Masks, Pondering Names and an Independence Day Like No Other
Debates over wearing masks to tamp down the COVID-19 pandemic and renaming public landmarks following the death of George Floyd continue this week in the Kansas City area.
Flying Saucer Spins Out of Power & Light District
The Flying Saucer Draught Emporium, one of the earliest tenants at the Power & Light District, has closed its doors permanently, according to a company official in Dallas. The establishment at the southeast corner of 13th and Walnut opened in 2008 and featured more than 240 beers along with pub food. While its name evokes…
East Village Transit Center Opening in Early August
By Kevin Collison The new East Village Transit Center at 12th and Charlotte, the final installment in a $56 million service improvement program by the KC Transportation Authority, is scheduled to open for its first bus riders on Aug. 2. KCATA officials believe the new $5 million facility will be a substantial improvement over the…
Covid-Delayed Hotel Cambria Project Still On, No Timeline for Construction
By Kevin Collison The South Dakota developer of a proposed 149-room hotel at Ninth and Wyandotte in the Garment District still intends to follow through with his plan although construction likely may be delayed until next year. “The project is on hold,” said Luke Jessen, development manager for Lloyd Cos. of Sioux Falls. “We don’t…
Farmers Also Getting Government Help During Pandemic
Just as individuals got stimulus checks and businesses tapped the Paycheck Protection Program to survive the economic shock caused by the pandemic, farmers are getting cash to compensate for steep drops in crop prices.
Seventh Annual Art in the Loop Blossoms with Poppie-Wrapped Streetcar
This summer’s Art in the Loop program is finally rolling in full thanks to the weekend debut of a streetcar wrapped in poppies, probably the most visible aspect of the annual downtown art event. “Hope & Gratitude” a vivid graphic by artist Ada Koch, who has used poppies as a theme for a variety of…
Tap List | Toasting the Brave Hearts Among Us
The craft brew business isn’t for the faint of heart during this pandemic. So let’s raise a toast for the brave hearts, both old and new, among us.
Struggling to Stay Sober During a Pandemic
Support networks are becoming even more important for alcoholics and recovering alcoholics living through a global pandemic.
Backers of Luxury Hotel Project by Kauffman Center Seek Council Approval
By Kevin Collison Backers of a proposed $63 million ultra-luxury hotel project by the Kauffman Center intend to bring their plan before the Kansas City Council within a few weeks saying they “feel really good” about their prospects for winning a supermajority. “We’ve met with all the Council members and they’ve afforded us an open…
Nick’s Picks | Nichols Name Dropping Across Kansas City
Debate over the removal of the J.C. Nichols name from public streets and fountains continues this week, as the city considers stripping pot possession from its criminal codes.