Civic Affairs

Twila Foley (left) and her son, Christopher Foley. Twila was Christopher's guardian from when he turned 18 to when he was 30, when his father became his guardian. (Photo courtesy of Twila Foley)

Blocked from seeing her son, a Missouri mother fights to change the state’s guardianship law to help others like him

When Twila Foley brought a Christmas gift for her son, Christopher, to his nursing facility in Plattsburg, Missouri, she was not allowed to enter the building’s lobby. Instead, she watched him open his gift — a pillow with a picture of his dog, Oakley, printed on it — through a glass door. Christopher asked the…

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Amber Arnett-Bequeaith, also known as The Queen of Haunts, poses on the steps of The Beast haunted house.

Nick’s Picks | Gerrymandering, Brewing, Haunting and More …

Final Redistricting Vote Missouri lawmakers are expected to sign off this week on a new congressional map that could force out Kansas City Congressman Emanuel Cleaver. The full House is expected to vote on the measure today. If approved, some dramatic changes are on the way. Downtown Kansas City, the Plaza, and Brookside would all…

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When the Bruce R. Watkins Drive (the view here looks south from Linwood Avenue) was constructed, it cut in two the historic, predominantly Black Ivanhoe neighborhood, which runs from 31st to 47th streets and from Prospect Avenue to Paseo Boulevard. The freeway’s history is an example of how government decisions led to injustice for Black residents. (Bill Tammeus | Flatland

Many ‘Moving Parts’ Complicate Work of KC Reparations Panel

Kansas City’s history of racial division and injustice is painful and often appalling. But the city now has an opportunity through the Mayor’s Commission on Reparations to show other cities — and maybe the nation itself — how to begin repairing the vast damage inflicted on Black citizens by discriminatory, foolish, destructive, and indefensible past…

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Missouri Capitol Building in Jefferson City

Nick’s Picks | Diapers, Troops, Fans and More …

It’s the last blast of summer for many Kansas Citians this week. Expect quiet commutes and empty desks as Labor Day’s three-day break has folks heading out early.  Many area schools are also cutting the week short. Here are some other local stories we’re keeping tabs on this week… New Laws From Diapers to Marriage…

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The 2025 Big Slick fundraiser in May generated more than $4.5 million, a record amount. (Children’s Mercy Hospital)

Kansas City Looks to Build On History of Philanthropy

It started with a conversation on a Lake of the Ozarks dock. Comedian Rob Riggle was describing his recent visit to Kansas City’s Children’s Mercy Hospital.  “He had hosted the hospital’s annual Red Hot Night fundraiser [in 2009] and they had taken him on a tour,” Julie Riggle McKee, Riggle’s sister, said recently. Like anyone…

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