News & Issues

Stories from around the Kansas City Metro area on a variety of topics.

This double display case at the Country Club Plaza branch of the Kansas City Public Library holds books provided to the library by an interfaith group called Cultural Crossroads.

‘Canceled, Censored, Banned’ Sparks Questions About Government, Books and Public Libraries

Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft’s proposed rule addressing material at public libraries has sparked questions about book restrictions. Here are answers.

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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.

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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…

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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.

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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…

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