News & Issues
Stories from around the Kansas City Metro area on a variety of topics.
As Ogallala Aquifer Declines in the Great Plains, States Weigh Metering Irrigation Wells
Water levels are dropping in the Ogallala Aquifer, and states in the Great Plains are considering whether to monitor groundwater irrigators are pumping out.
Design Revealed for UMKC Healthcare Building, Work Start Next Year
By Kevin Collison UMKC officials revealed the design of the $120 million Healthcare Innovation building planned for Hospital Hill today, and announced more government funding for the project has been secured. Former Sen. Roy Blunt helped obtain $10 million in federal support for the project, and the state of Missouri has increased its commitment from…
Columbus Park Townhome Project to Test Demand for Upscale Housing
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published July 26) By Kevin Collison Work has begun on a residential project in the Columbus Park neighborhood that is expected to fetch sales prices in the mid-$600,000 range for three-bedroom townhomes. The project by DAK Pacific LLC is being built on a small triangular site at 1015 Pacific…
Missouri Counties Want to Freeze Seniors’ Property Tax Assessments, But Aren’t Sure They Can
Many Missouri counties are confused by a new state law designed to give seniors relief from soaring property tax assessments.
Grain Belt Express Wins Final Approval in Missouri
Regulators have given final approval to the owners of the Grain Belt Express transmission line to drop off thousands of megawatts of clean energy in Missouri.
Developer Rescues Historic Seiden’s Fur Building; What’s Next?
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published June 15) By Kevin Collison Developer Chris Sally has swooped in to save a long-neglected, historic building in the heart of downtown that had been slated to be demolished this week. The big question now is, what is he going to do with it? “We called the owner…
West Bottoms Revival Continues with Two More Historic Rehabs
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published May 22) By Kevin Collison The West Bottoms redevelopment surge continued last week with tax incentives approved for the renovation of two historic buildings, one a 77-unit apartment project, the other a small office plan. The MCM Company of Cleveland continued onto the next phase of its West…
Making Connections for the Future of Farming
Farmer to farmer connections are vital for young producers seeking a future in agriculture. LandLink programs and farming networks help.
New Program Offers Hope for Reducing Violent Crime in KC
Results from the first year of the KC 360 program are showing progress in reducing violent crime in Kansas City’s historic Santa Fe neighborhood.
Plaza Restaurant Project Served Big Day, Expects Summer 2026 Opening
(Editor’s note: This article was published originally May 25) By Kevin Collison The Cocina47 restaurant project at the Plaza had a big day Wednesday, winning support from City Hall and Port KC, and converting a former staunch critic into an ally and indirect partner. The plan for a three-story building at 47th and Pennsylvania at…