News & Issues
Stories from around the Kansas City Metro area on a variety of topics.
Looking Ahead to Medical Marijuana, Clinic Opens In River Market
By Alex Smith Medical marijuana is not yet available for purchase in Missouri, but patients may be able to jump start the process and get it with the help of a newly opened clinic. The Green Clinic opened for business this week in a fourth floor loft at 415 Delaware in the River Market, with…
Porter Teleo Designs for the World from East Crossroads
By Kevin Collison Porter Teleo, an international wallpaper and fabric design firm, got its start 15 years ago when two dynamic women met for coffee at the former “Andrew Drips” on the Westside. “We had common interests in art and design, and we were both willing to work like dogs,” Kelly Porter recalled. “We weren’t…
School Shootings Pit Safety Vs. Pedagogy
In the aftermath of World War II, amidst Cold War tensions with the Soviets, U.S. students practiced “duck and cover” drills to prepare for nuclear attack. Fast forward more than half a century, and one of the most common safety precautions in schools today has nothing to do with a far-off threat; “active shooter” drills…
New Owner of City Center Square Seeks Incentives for Major Overhaul
(Updated Feb. 25: The Port KC board unanimously endorsed incentives for the $85 million redevelopment of the former City Square Building. Michael Collins of J.E. Dunn said development cost estimate includes acquisition, renovation and other expenses. Some of the work may be completed by the end of the year.) By Kevin Collison The new owner…
Cupid’s Arrow Points Downtown for Valentine’s Day
By Brian McTavish A key to a successful Valentine’s Day date? Location (lub-dub). Location (lub-dub). Location (lub-dub). It’s why the beating heart of downtown Kansas City will prove an especially attractive destination for couples with Cupid on their minds – from first-date flirters to veteran sweethearts still celebrating the cherub’s true aim. Certainly, there are…
RE Relocates to Westside
By Kevin Collison RE aka Restoration Emporium has relocated from the West Bottoms to 1717 Washington St. opening a combination retail and workshop for its home furnishings and decor operation. Josh Huff said the family business had to leave its home of several years in the Bottoms at 1300 Liberty after the building was sold….
What You Need to Know About KC’s Mayoral Election
With Sly James’ term coming to an end, Kansas Citians will choose their next mayor this year. There’s a large field, and lots of dates to remember, so Flatland has compiled some key information for you. So, c’mon folks, get out and vote. Turnout four years ago was anemic – the weakest showing since the…
East Crossroads Record Shops Play Well Together
By Brian McTavish It was summer 2015 when Josey Records, a small Dallas-based chain, and tiny indie Revolution Records opened almost around the corner from one another in the East Crossroads. Scratching for then-scarce foot traffic, either record store might have viewed the other as an enemy to be ignored or outright vanquished in the…
Sequence Climb Draws Swinging Crowd to Crossroads Opening
By Kevin Collison Sequence Climb threw a grand opening party last weekend that drew almost 500 people to cling and swing over its 10,000 square-feet of climbing surfaces. “The community has rallied around us and we’ve made a ton of good friends,” said co-owner Graham Hess. “There’s been a huge outpouring of support from a…
Plan Commission Rejects Plaza Bowl Height Restrictions, City Council Next Stop
Editor’s note: Despite the Plan Commission recommendation, the Kansas City Council voted unanimously to approve the Plaza Bowl mandatory height restrictions at its meeting Thursday, Feb.14.) By Kevin Collison A proposal to mandate height restrictions on development in the core of the Country Club Plaza, the so-called “Plaza Bowl” plan, was rejected unanimously Tuesday by the…