Brownie Wilson of the Kansas Geological Survey uses a metal measuring tape to determine the depth of the aquifer's water level in western Kansas. Statewide aquifer levels dropped by nearly two feet over the past year — this third-largest decline since the 1990s.

With the Ogallala Aquifer Drying Up, Kansas Ponders Limits to Irrigation

Water levels in the Ogallala Aquifer continue to plummet. But after decades of inaction, Kansas’ approach to water conservation might be shifting.

Torn Label Brewing Adds Spice to its Suds with Tacos Valentina

By Kevin Collison Next time you’re at Torn Label Brewing in the East Crossroads, you can pair your Alpha Pale Ale with  a taco or quesadilla prepared by Tacos Valentina. The microbrewery at 1708 Campbell became a new home to what had been a rambling, pop-up eatery about two weeks ago. Rafi Chaudry, owner of…

A wide shot of The Patriot rollercoaster at Worlds of Fun.

Weekend Possibilities | Worlds of Fun, Future and Easter

Warmer weather will be welcomed by folks looking to get out and about this Easter weekend. Egg hunts, live music, arts, crafts and roller coasters are on the agenda. Friday, April 7 7 p.m. Grammy Award-winning rapper, producer and songwriter Future is performing at T-Mobile Center, 1407 Grand Blvd., Friday night. The Future & Friends…

Kansas City-based author and illustrator Shane W. Evans.

KC Author of Banned Children’s Books Marches On

A Kansas City-based author of children’s books recently learned his work was on a list of the most banned picture books. Here’s how he responded.

Residence, Short-Term Rentals Planned for East Crossroads Building

By Kevin Collison A three-story industrial building in the East Crossroads would be enlarged and converted to a private residence and three short-term rental units under a plan endorsed by the City Plan Commission Tuesday. The owner, who was not identified at the Plan Commission hearing, intends to add a fourth floor to the vacant…

A voter enters the Brush Creek Community Center gym in Kansas City, Missouri, where a polling location was set up on Tuesday, April 4, 2023.

New Taxes on Recreational Marijuana, Airbnbs Win Voter Approval Across Kansas City

Customers purchasing recreational marijuana in Kansas City and neighboring municipalities will pay a 3% local tax on those retail sales, on top of the 6% state tax, following Tuesday’s election. New taxes and fees on short-term rentals also received Kansas City voter approval.

Between rows of piano keys (stacked vertically) we see plaques that read "Reuter Organ Company" A hand reaches to play several keys.

The Resonant Legacy of Pipe Organs in Lawrence, Kansas 

Lawrence has an honored place in the world of pipe organs. It is home to both Reuter Organ Co. and one of the nation’s largest university organ departments.

Incentives Increased for $91M AT&T Apartment Project

By Kevin Collison The renovation of the 13-story former AT&T building at 500 E. Eighth St. into 263 apartments is back on financial track after a city development agency increased its incentive package last week. The $91 million project, which is near the potential East Village ballpark site, had its property tax abatement hiked from…

Servaes Brewing Co.

Tap List | Servaes Plans Grand Opening for The Mosaic Room

Servaes Brewing Co. is planning a grand opening celebration for The Mosaic Room, part of a major expansion of the Shawnee brewery.

Truman Library visitors to the exhibit can examine Katy McCormick’s photographs displayed alongside witness testimonials of the bombings.

Truman Library Makes Plans to Host Hiroshima Trees

Descendants of trees that survived the Hiroshima atomic bomb that helped end World War II are expected to be planted at the Truman Library sometime in 2024.

Do Good Co. Returns with Fresh Look and Style After Brief Pause

By Kevin Collison Do Good Co. has reopened following a makeover guided by its new manager and if you’re in the market for a lightly-used Christian Dior or Chanel garment, it’s the “vintage sustainable boutique” for you. The shop at 413 E. 18th St. in the East Crossroads was opened a couple years ago by…

Marcus Kerr, a budtender and specialist at Luxury Leaf dispensary in St. Louis.

Missouri Sees Surge in Cannabis Jobs After Legalization Vote

The number of licenses Missouri approves for new cannabis industry employees each month has quadrupled since November.

Nick Haines

Nick’s Picks | Local Election Day, Trump Indictment

This week’s news highlights include local Election Day and criminal charges against former President Donald Trump.

Tin Roof Expands to Old Riot Room Space, Site of Westport Tragedy

By Kevin Collison The Westport building heavily damaged in the December 2021 tragedy where three people died in an accident has been rebuilt to house an expanded Tin Roof music club. The new venue opened last weekend and is located where the old Riot Room operated at 4048 Broadway. That well-known music club closed in…

A woman walking on a beach with the sun setting behind her.

I’m a Solo Ager and I’ve Hired a Death Doula

Erica Manfred, diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, hired a death doula to help her navigate the complexities of dying.