News & Issues
Stories from around the Kansas City Metro area on a variety of topics.
Gov. Laura Kelly Argues Kansans Deserve Progress on Tax, Health Care, K-12 Policy
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly on Tuesday encouraged the Republican-dominated Legislature to embrace a bipartisan approach to vexing political issues of taxation, health care and education.
Aloft Hotel Opens at Plaza; Strang Food Hall Coming Next Door
By Kevin Collison The new Aloft hotel has opened on the north edge of the Country Club Plaza, bringing a contemporary vibe to the venerable shopping district that includes a spacious “re-mix” lobby anchored by the WXYZ Bar. “We very much believe in the unique environment of the Plaza, the experience is unlike anything else…
Bioplastics: The ‘Best Kept Secret’ in Kansas
The state of Kansas has carved out a noteworthy role in the emerging bioplastics industry.
Why is KC’s Transit Agency Involved in Housing?
There’s a lot of money behind transit-oriented development, including billions of dollars in federal grants. But some local leaders are concerned about RideKC’s use of tax incentives.
Fire By Downtown Freeway Latest Flare-up in MoDOT’s Trash Problem
By Kevin Collison The Crossroad district’s frustration with MoDOT’s inability to care for its property, including a recent fire, is the latest flashpoint over the agency’s shortcomings maintaining the downtown freeway right-of-way. “MoDOT is either non-responsive or takes no action,” said Suzie Aron, a past president of of the Crossroads Community Association. “All of us…
Nick’s Picks | Chiefs Dominate Busy News Week Ahead
The Kansas City Chiefs and quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ injured ankle will dominate a busy news week.
Larks Landing Downtown, New ‘Active’ Entertainment Franchise
By Kevin Collison A new “active entertainment” concept that offers affordable, easy social activities including shuffleboard and arcade games with multiple players is planned for a unique location at 11th and Walnut. Dallas-based Larks Entertainment is opening a Larks franchise in the space below the WallStreet Tower condos formerly occupied by The Clubhouse Experience which…
Immigrant Labor
Many jobs in our area are performed by folks who have immigrated to the US, but the complexities of our immigration system can make this labor easy to exploit. This month, the Flatland team looks at industries that survive on immigrant labor and what systemic barriers affect these workers.
Mac Wins Key Support for Big Apartment Plan at Main and Armour
By Kevin Collison Mac Properties’ ambitious plan for a 10-story apartment and retail complex at Main and Armour received crucial support Wednesday from a City Council committee, one year after its initial proposal for the site was rejected. In a unanimous vote, the Council Neighborhood Planning and Development Committee endorsed what’s now a 300-unit project…
A Solution for Economic Problems: Hire More Immigrants
One way to address worsening labor shortages and inflation is fairly simple: Hire more immigrants. Improving the immigration process is more complicated.