News & Issues

Stories from around the Kansas City Metro area on a variety of topics.

KC Homeless Center Scores $50K Game Day Gift from NFL, Little Caesars

By Kevin Collison It was the kind of pre-game Chiefs gathering that occurred all around Kansas City Thursday, people munching pizza, getting pumped with loud DJ music and even a guest appearance by KC Wolf. But this one had a surprise delivered by the NFL and Little Caesars, a $50,000 donation to the Downtown Community…

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A group of older women hold their arms up in fifth position while seated.

Older Adults Embrace Vitality Through Dance

Vitality in Motion specializes in adaptive dance and adaptive yoga specifically designed for seniors.

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Latina Speakeasy, Bar Bringing Drinks and Tapas to West Bottoms

By Kevin Collison A mother-daughter team who relish their Latina heritage and look forward to serving cocktails, wine and tapas in a vibrant atmosphere are opening a new place in the West Bottoms this month. “We wanted something that showed that culture,” said Kandi Kerns. “It’s all about the shared experience, sitting with friends and…

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A caregiver meets with a patient.

Kansas Struggles with Shortage of Alzheimer’s Care Workers

The Alzheimer’s Association recently released a study that found Kansas is one of the states that can be considered a “desert” for dementia care.

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The Country Club Plaza remains one of Kansas City's most endearing landmarks.

Country Club Plaza Backers See Silver Lining in Loan Default

A loan default by the owners of the Country Club Plaza has lifted the hopes of Plaza advocates about the future of the venerable shopping district. 

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Local Plaza Backers See Silver Lining in Ownership Default

By Kevin Collison The owners of the Country Club Plaza’s default on their loan has raised the possibility of new management and lifted hopes of Plaza advocates about the future of the venerable shopping district. “For now, I am choosing to be optimistic that a new owner will bring new energy and abundant resources to…

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By the mid-1930s Kansas City area high school football players, like these members of the William Chrisman High School football squad in Independence, competed while wearing helmets and protective padded apparel.

Risks and Rewards of Playing High School Football

Kansas City football history is littered with players killed and maimed playing the sport. It was so violent high school football once was banned for 13 years.

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Devoured Pizza Opening Permanent Spot in Martini Corner

By Kevin Collison Devoured Pizza, which began during the Covid pandemic as a backyard operation for friends and family, plans to open a permanent space in Martini Corner within the next six months. Devoured plans to open a 20-seat place in the same building that houses Made in KC and Ludo’s at 325 E. 31st…

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Man in hat and mask squats working on Black Lives Matter street in Kansas City.

Supporters of Reparations Effort in Kansas City Seek Funds

A commission established by Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas to study Black reparations is seeking funding to support its work.

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Farmworkers take a quick break in a field in southeastern Iowa.

Poor Regulatory Safeguards Leave Farmworkers Suffocating in the Face of Increasing Heat Waves

A fifth of reported heat-related deaths are agricultural workers. Advocates are calling attention to the impact of climate change on this group from heat waves.

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