News & Issues
Stories from around the Kansas City Metro area on a variety of topics.
Pennway Point Proposal Would Add Ferris Wheel to Downtown
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published March 16, 2022. This week, the developer filed a $3.9 million building permit with the city for “Ferris Wheel site with associated amenities.” By Kevin Collison An entertainment district at the south end of the Broadway viaduct that would include a 170-foot Ferris wheel, neon sign museum and…
The (R)evolution of the ‘Soft Black Girl’
Many Black women are ditching the expectations of the “strong Black woman” stereotype and tapping into the “soft Black girl” lifestyle focusing on luxury.
Chillicothe Remembers the Holocaust Through the Lives of its Survivors
Chillicothe High School has staged a play preserving the story of Holocaust survivors George and Erika Mandler, who found a new home in the rural Missouri community.
Analysis: Parking, Traffic and Taxpayer Costs Are Key Downtown Ballpark Concerns
By Kevin Collison Last week’s “open letter” from Royals’ owner John Sherman about building a new ballpark in or near downtown, while not unexpected, still sent shock waves through the metro. Gauging from CityScene readership, the immediate reaction was huge with a record 20,000 plus page views of the article about his $2 billion announcement…
Kansas Coalition Pushing Payday Loan Reform
A coalition in Kansas has come together to push reform of the payday loan industry.
Nick’s Picks | Thanksgiving Week Stuffed with News and Fun
Nick Haines provides the outlook for a busy Thanksgiving week ahead in Kansas City.
Nationally-Renowned Ballpark Author Says Timing Right to Bring Royals Downtown
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published Jan. 31, 2020) By Kevin Collison Kansas City was “lucky” 15 years ago not to build a downtown ballpark when the Royals lease was last up, but that’s all changed now, according to Paul Goldberger, author of the new book “Ballpark: Baseball in the American City.” The Pulitzer Prize-winning…
Faith Leader Turns Grief Into Services for Suffering Families
Changemaker Bishop Frank Douglas Jr. lost his son – Cameron – when he was shot and killed at the age of 23. In response, he formed a nonprofit to support families who have lost loved ones to violence.
Plan Calls for Historic River Market Building to be Restored for Gym
By Kevin Collison A derelict historic building in the River Market at 407 Grand is slated to be restored to its original appearance as the new home of TheGymKC. TheGymKC, which has operated in the River Market at 200 Wyandotte, needs to relocate to make way for a redevelopment plan, according to the project application…
In Their Own Words: How HIV and AIDS Changed the Lives of 3 Kansas Citians
Three people living with HIV in Kansas City share what life is like and what they’ve experienced.