News & Issues
Stories from around the Kansas City Metro area on a variety of topics.
Jazz Hill Affordable Housing Plan Moves Forward on The Paseo
(Editor’s note: The full City Council approved funding for the redevelopment plan.) By Kevin Collison Construction is expected to begin soon on a $33.8 million Jazz Hill project that will renovate 11 historic but derelict apartment buildings on The Paseo near downtown into 197 affordable apartments. An additional $150,000 for the project was endorsed Wednesday…
Dog Treats Help Unhoused Youth ReStart Their Lives
A reStart program that produces dog treats also provides an opportunity for houseless people to gain valuable work experience and a pathway to new homes.
KC Leaving $2M Annually ‘On the Table’ by Not Taxing Airbnbs
An audit estimates there are more than 1,800 short-term rentals in Kansas City that aren’t contributing to the local tax base.
Stalled Hyatt Hotel Project Revived with New Development Team
The long-stalled Hyatt House hotel project at Ninth and Broadway may have fresh life with its Colorado developer taking on two partners and asking for a transfer of its tax incentive package to the new team. Pedersen Development of Boulder is seeking approval of the new development arrangement from the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority….
A Hotter, Drier Future Could Change How We Eat, Breathe and Get Our Water
This year’s drought could be a dress rehearsal for a drier, hotter future that scientists predict climate change has in store. Long-lasting droughts could alter the way we live.
Regional Skate Park, Artworks, Could ‘Enhance’ New Buck O’Neil Bridge
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published Feb. 3, 2022) By Kevin Collison Creating a regional skate park beneath the approach ramps to the new Buck O’Neil Bridge is among the ideas in a report prepared by a group tasked to enliven what’s now a bland infrastructure project. Work is well underway on the $220…
Here’s How This Year’s Drought has Battered the Midwest — and What it Might Mean for Next Year
From deadly wildfires to choking dust storms to decimated crop harvests, this year’s drought has left its mark across the country. For the hardest hit areas, such as the Great Plains, recovering from the far-reaching impacts of this historically dry year won’t be easy.
Near Murder, Gun Death Drive Work of KCMO Youth Mentor
Changemaker Reynard Zweifel directs programming for the Kansas City performing arts group HYPE — Helping Youth Prepare for Excellence.
Nick’s Picks | Cyber Monday, KCI Countdown, Lezak Retires
Cyber Monday, the countdown to opening a new Kansas City International Airport and Gary Lezak’s retirement top this week’s news forecast.









