Latest Stories
Lei Away staycation: Festival celebrates shared language of Aloha, tiki culture and creativity in KC
What began as a celebration of tiki vibes and tropical aesthetics has danced into an all-out luau that showcases authentic Polynesian traditions, culture and makers alongside local businesses and island enthusiasts, said Johnny Dawbarn. The three-day Lei Away 2024 festival returned this weekend to the Crossroads with events ranging from a talk on the history…
If you build it, they will come: KC leaders pitch downtown baseball to expats eying a return to home plate
Downtown baseball remains a winning prospect for Kansas City — and the Royals — civic and business leaders told a crowd of former residents who are considering a move back to KC, encouraging them to imagine a homecoming of big league proportions. “I think everyone agrees that Major League Baseball is a downtown sport,” Jon Stephens,…
Historic Troost space getting restocked; long-vacant Safeway next on Screenland’s grocery list
A one-story, long-empty, red brick building on Troost is now on the National Register of Historic Places — and set for new uses that reflect the modern-first vision behind its original construction. Redevelopers from Screenland Real Estate Services said the space at 3740 Troost Ave. was one of the first — if not the first…
This beloved family chicken chain is dropping its first new location in decades; Go for its G-Sauce in 2025
Kansas City’s longtime favorite Go Chicken Go is expanding to the Northland — its first new location in nearly 25 years. The hometown staple — a family-owned, third generation business based in Overland Park — is taking over the former Taco Bueno freestanding building at 380 N.E. Vivion Road, for an early 2025 opening. The new…
BLK + BRWN owner calls on funders to co-author bookstore’s story of activism for silenced narratives
A recently launched crowdfunding campaign to help BLK + BRWN make rent could mean the difference between access and censorship for the community served by the indie bookstore, said Cori Smith. “This is my flavor of activism,” Smith said of BLK + BRWN, the 39th Street business she describes as both a passion project and…
Fresh pour at former Ça Va space: Popular chef takes over Westport hotspot with crisp new Champagne concept
Westport Champagne bar and bistro Ça Va closed in March for a quick rebrand. Six months later, a new name, owner and concept are bubbling in the space — with plans to reopen by the holidays. Chef Amante Domingo — perhaps best known for his Midtown restaurant The Russell — is taking over the spot…
How a $4B Panasonic plant could ‘revolutionize region’s economy’ — starting next year
Editor’s note: This story was originally published by Kansas City PBS/Flatland, a member of the Kansas City Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, The Kansas City Beacon, and Missouri Business Alert. Click here to read the original story. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly believes the opening of the $4 billion electric car…
Kansas company behind 1-800-GOT-JUNK? integrates home services into one portal (with just one payment)
Lenexa-headquartered Southwind hopes to ease the hassles of home ownership by launching a customizable, comprehensive service program, said Jeffery Anderson. The sprawling home services company — with brands like 1-800-GOT-JUNK? and MVP Heating, Cooling, and Electrical — recently introduced OneOS Home, which is an innovative platform designed to revolutionize how homeowners access and manage essential…
Mom’s ‘modern throwback’ dress collection celebrates girlhood, innocence of times past
Inspired by her five daughters, Joelle Smith created a dress line and online boutique she hopes captures the innocence, beauty, and whimsical spirit of young girls — even though hers are now grown. “When they were little girls, I loved watching them put on a dress and just light up and then twirl and play…
Midwest-made crossover artist charts solo success that eluded him when he was young
Sebastian James assumed until recently that his music career had already peaked, the hometown hit-maker shared. In 2011, the 18-year-old Riverside native and Park Hill South graduate started touring the country as the drummer for the Nigel Dupree Band, opening for bands like Korn and Stone Temple Pilots. But this year, at 30, he launched…
