News & Issues
Stories from around the Kansas City Metro area on a variety of topics.
Gatherings Create ‘Community of Reason’ Each Week At UMKC
A major story about religion in America in recent decades has been the decline of various Christian denominations and the rise of the religiously unaffiliated to about 25 percent of the adult population. But for all those decades, a group of people mostly outside of faith traditions has been operating in Kansas City. Just like…
Loews Exec Calls for Decking South Loop at Downtown Council Event
By Kevin Collison Loews Hotel Chairman Jonathan Tisch strongly backed an ambitious plan to deck part of the South Loop where it slices through downtown at the annual luncheon of the Downtown Council Thursday. “When I think about a big idea, it’s right outside this convention center and that is a cap over the highway,”…
Armour Crossing Development Increases Parking But Some Neighbors Want More
By Kevin Collison MAC Properties has expanded the development site of its planned $78 million Armour Crossing apartment to provide more parking, but is still facing pushback from some neighbors on the issue. The Chicago-based developer plans to build 340 apartments and 27,000 square feet of retail in several structures on the four corners of…
Alma Mader Brewing Brings Taste of Pacific Northwest to Kansas City
(Editor’s note: Alma Mader opened for business in mid-April 2019) By Kevin Collison With a place called Alma Mader Brewing, it’s appropriate that Nick Mader may be the best educated new microbrewer to join KC’s booming craft beer scene. Mader not only has the academic chops, he received his master’s in brewing from Heriot Watt…
The Death of Cursive
Heather Kincaid remembers learning to write cursive at Raymore Elementary School back in the ‘90s. The curlicue method of shorthand excited her — it was something grownups could do. Through the repetitive classroom exercises, complete with wide-ruled paper resembling newsprint and perfectly sharpened pencils, Kincaid became fluent in the style of handwriting that is sparingly…
Copaken Brooks Starts Work on Crossroads Apartment Tower
Construction of a 14-story apartment tower called REVERB at 18th and Walnut kicked off Monday, according to a release from Copaken Brooks. The $40 million project, first reported last June by CityScene KC, is expected to be completed in the summer of 2020. Copaken Brooks said local engineering firm Burns & McDonnell will partner to…
6 Kansas City places with surprising ties to the civil rights movement
Today is a chance to reflect not just on the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and the history of civil rights in the United States but also the sometimes-forgotten role played by important places right here in Kansas City. Below are a few places to consider checking out to commemorate how far we’ve come…
Power & Light District Hosts Big Downtown Chiefs Rally Today
Editor’s note: This information provided courtesy of the KC Power & Light District. Sports Radio 810, Heartland Coca-Cola and The Kansas City Power & Light District invite Chiefs fans to a free pre-game celebration in Kansas City Live! today. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. and include giveaways, contests and appearances by KC Wolf, Chiefs Cheerleaders and Chiefs…
AT&T Leaving Downtown, Selling Building; Prospective New Owner Plans Major Renovation
By Kevin Collison AT&T is shutting down operations at its 13-story downtown headquarters at 500 E. Eighth St., and has an agreement to sell it to a new owner who plans to redevelop the property. Maxus Properties of North Kansas City anticipates closing its purchase next month on the 362,000 square-foot building that opened in…
Local Pig & Pigwich Bring Home Bacon to City Market
By Kevin Collison The Local Pig and Pigwich have opened in the former Winslow’s space in the City Market, and owner Alex Pope is thrilled to be back where his life began in Kansas City. “I love the City Market,” he said. “We lived in the River Market when we first moved here in 2006….