Person in glasses with boxing gloves in dark room

Gender-Affirming Care in Kansas City

Transgender rights continue to dominate headlines as legislatures across the country push restrictive laws. Those most directly affected by these measures must look at how they will access gender-affirming care, who will legally provide it and where they can find sanctuary. This month, “Flatland In Focus” examines these issues with members of the trans community…

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Rock Island Bridge Project Gets $4M Boost from Kansas

By Kevin Collison Attendees at a ceremonial kickoff for the Rock Island Bridge project heard more than routine remarks from Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly this week, she also announced a $4 million state grant. “I have been following this project for a long time and was very excited when Lt. Gov. (David) Toland brought it…

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The Gem Theater marquee

Weekend Possibilities | Jazzy Jackie, KC Folk Fest and Willie Nelson

Between a jazzy tribute to Jackie Robinson at the Gem Theater, Kansas City Folk Fest and Willie Nelson at Azura Amphitheater, May’s penultimate weekend will have plenty of songs to fill the air. Friday, May 19 Noon – 1:30 p.m. Kansas City Community Gardens, 6917 Kensington Ave., will host What’s Really Bugging You? Insects in…

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Folks hold up pink white and blue signs that read "We Are Still Here" at a transgender rights protest in Kansas City.

‘Transas City’: KC Offers Sanctuary Amid Anti-Trans Push 

A loud clatter of skateboards, abandoned by riders grinning at a near wipeout, interrupts conversations among friends and new acquaintances.   It’s the first time Late-Nite Bite, a monthly sober and queer event, has set up shop at Goofball Sk8boards in the Waldo neighborhood of Kansas City, and it’s clearly a success.   Late-Nite Bite…

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2000 Vine Project Nears Completion, Brewery Opening Soon

By Kevin Collison After five years, the developers of 2000 Vine are nearing the finish line of an ambitious historic renovation project that’s now the vanguard of an investment surge occurring in the 18th and Vine District. The renovation of the two, 150 year-old buildings into a blend of office, retail, a restaurant and the…

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Tenants have been meeting to discuss their goals and the lawsuit they plan to join. (Vicky Diaz-Camacho | Flatland KC)

Affordable Housing In Kansas City, At What Cost?

For years, poor living conditions and health issues plagued tenants in an affordable housing complex in Kansas City. Now, tenants are fighting back.

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UMKC Seeks 5,000-Seat Arena, Retail By Streetcar Stop

By Kevin Collison UMKC is pitching a development proposal that would anchor the south end of the new streetcar extension with a 4,000- 5,000 seat arena for sports and cultural events, according to a request for proposals issued Monday. UMKC is asking developers to submit proposals for a project that, while the university would not…

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Interior view of Casual Animal, one of the stops on the Caturday in the Crossroads bar crawl.

Tap List | Crossroads Businesses Come Together For Cats

Many of the bars, breweries and distilleries in the Crossroads are banding together to throw a huge party, or shall we say “pawty,” to help KC Pet Project.

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An electric school bus being assembled at IC Bus in Tulsa.

Electric Vehicle Fleets are Coming on Fast 

The electric vehicle revolution is bringing the battle to throttle climate change and achieve sustainability to unlikely locales in Kansas.

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Boutique Hotel Plan Returns for Historic Building on Grand

By Kevin Collison A proposal to restore the historic Mason Building at 1110 Grand and reopen it as a 35-room boutique hotel has returned, led by a developer with a similar hotel venture in Lincoln, Neb. Nicholas Castaneda, a principal with the 49-room Kindler Hotel in downtown Lincoln, wants to redevelop the distinctive, copper-faced building…

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Members of the Missouri House throw paper into the air to celebrate the end of the 2023 legislative session.

Winners and Losers of Missouri’s 2023 Legislative Session

Just 43 of more than 3,000 non-budget bills introduced during the 2023 session of the Missouri General Assembly passed. Here are the winners and losers.

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Nick Haines

Nick’s Picks | Missouri’s Transgender Restrictions and KC’s Charter Changes

Top stories this week include new Missouri transgender restrictions, possible changes to Kansas City’s charter and graduation for many local students.

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Port KC Seeks Big Project with Public Parking by New Soccer Stadium

By Kevin Collison Port KC is seeking proposals for a big mixed-use development that could add hundreds of apartments, hotel rooms and commercial space to the riverfront, and address its need to provide parking for the new women’s professional soccer stadium. The request for proposals (RFP) is seeking submissions for what’s called Parcel 9, a…

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A mother and two children sitting in the grass.

More People Opting for End of Life Alternatives

Ten states permit end of life via Medical Aid in Dying. Why do patients request to end their lives early, and how do medical providers make sure they mean it?

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New Affordable Housing Plan Jazzing Up Investment at 18th and Vine

By Kevin Collison A proposed 48-unit affordable apartment project that also would include the former House of Hits building is the latest in a surge of redevelopment either underway or in the works in the 18th and Vine District. The $21 million Jazz III project would occupy the entire south side of 18th Street between…

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