News & Issues
Stories from around the Kansas City Metro area on a variety of topics.
Midwest Faces Future of Hazardous Heat, and Homes Aren’t Ready
Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska are part of an emerging “extreme heat belt” that could deliver more scorching days that will test existing dwellings.
Historic Scarritt Up for Auction, Renovation Plan Collapses
By Kevin Collison In a setback to historic preservation, a $50 million plan to redevelop the 115 year-old Scarritt office tower and adjoining Arcade apparently has collapsed and the buildings are scheduled to be sold at auction next month. The 11-story tower at 818 Grand and its four-story Arcade at 819 Walnut are set to…
Long-Term Care Industry Scrambles to Care for Older Adults
The long-term care industry, which already struggled to attract workers, facing a staffing crisis in the wake of the COVID pandemic.
Evergy to Lead Group Building Massive KCI Solar Farm
Kansas City has struck a deal with a consortium led by Evergy to develop a massive solar farm at Kansas City International Airport.
KC Wheel on Course for November Opening at Pennway Point
By Kevin Collison The frame has been completed on the 150-foot KC Wheel, the high-profile centerpiece of the Pennway Point entertainment district, and its builder anticipates it will be carrying riders by early November. The attraction being built by Icon Experiences is part of an ambitious redevelopment plan by developer Vince Bryant to create an…
Many Older Adults Think the Best Is Yet to Come
Age Wave founder Ken Dychtwald takes close looks at his life and his generation, and finds reasons to be encouraged about aging and older adults in America.
Puttery Starts Putt-Putt Play on Plaza
By Kevin Collison The Puttery, an upscale miniature golf concept out of Dallas, is opening Thursday (Sept. 14) in the Country Club Plaza, adding an adult-only entertainment destination to the mix of tenants. “The Plaza is well known for its retail and dining, but we’ve found that Millennials prefer experiences over purchasing items,” said JW…
Wind Nearly Stopped Blowing Through Midwest Turbines in June
The amount of renewable energy produced in the Midwest declined sharply in June because less wind blew through turbines in the region.
With Longtime Goal Close, Downtown Council Goes Quiet on Ballpark
By Kevin Collison The biggest and loudest civic cheerleader for a downtown ballpark for almost 20 years has gone quiet as its goal becomes achingly close, choosing instead to work behind the scenes. The Downtown Council, downtown’s premier private advocate, has embraced more low-profile tactics including enlisting corporate leaders to write letters of support and…
Nick’s Picks | Auto Strike, 9/11 and Royals Stadium
This week’s news in Kansas City include a potential auto strike, a 9/11 anniversary and a possible stadium announcement by the Royals.