News & Issues
Stories from around the Kansas City Metro area on a variety of topics.
Tenants at Quality Hill Towers Formed a Union, Got Results
After months of deteriorating living conditions — including pest infestations and broken appliances — residents at Quality Hill Towers formed a tenants union.
Artist Studios, Gallery Space Planned for Historic West Bottoms Warehouse
By Kevin Collison A historic West Bottoms building at 1001 W. Eighth St. is slated to be renovated as a gallery and artist studio space by a pair of artists themselves, one with deep family ties to the area. The $700,000 project is being pursued by Geoff and Cathy Beaham Smith. Her family operated the…
Zoning Dispute Has Prairie Village Warring Over Housing
The issue of Prairie Village rezoning has left the quiet Kansas City suburb more divided than ever. Now, a group wants to kick out half of the City Council.
Nick’s Picks | ‘Life-Threatening’ Heat, Royals Stadium News
This week’s news in Kansas City will be defined by “life-threatening” heat and an update on stadium plans for the Kansas City Royals.
Historic Troost Safeway Slated to be Renovated for Small Businesses
By Kevin Collison A decrepit building on Troost that was one of the first modern Safeway supermarkets built in the 1940s would be renovated into space for small businesses under a plan being pursued by veteran urban developer Butch Rigby. Rigby, who’s experience includes renovating several buildings along East 63rd Street between Oak and Troost,…
Rural Rebirth: ‘The Hometown Feel’ in Ottawa
Ottawa is a Kansas river town that honors its rich history along with epic bike trails and a diverse array of downtown businesses.
Weinberger Closing Gallery After Dozen Years As Crossroads Arts Fixture
By Kevin Collison The Weinberger Fine Art gallery is closing at the end of this month, ending more than a dozen years of proprietor Kim Weinberger being an important fixture in the Crossroads art gallery scene. Weinberger plans to continue representing her artists online, but said dwindling sales at the gallery at 114 Southwest Blvd….
KC Auditor Flags Issues with Economic Development Sales Tax
Kansas City’s auditor has examined the Central City Economic Development sales tax, and made recommendations aimed at improving oversight of the funds.
Marion County Record Publishes Following Police Raid — and Gets Seized Property Back
The Marion County Record published again days after a police raid that made national headlines. Authorities also returned property taken during Friday’s raid.
curiousKC | Aging and Long-Term Care in Kansas City
In September, Kansas City PBS and Flatland will explore the challenges facing families and their aging members. “Age-Old Questions” reporting will provide a comprehensive look into many of the questions and concerns related to retirement, finances, caregiving, and the at-home care versus assisted living/nursing home debate, among other issues facing both the aging population and…