News Stories

Make some noise: Massive riverfront development expected to anchor KC as a destination for prosperity

A proposed Berkley Riverfront stadium-side mixed-use development is a game changer for Kansas City, Raven Jemison shared, and it’s is a big reason she chose the role of KC Current president. “Just a soccer club, just a stadium, that’s awesome — obviously, sports is a great platform for economic development — but when you talk…

EDCKC celebrates leaders who transformed KCMO through equitable development projects

Reshaping Kansas City doesn’t come without focused, intentional efforts by development advocates and officials, said Mayor Quinton Lucas, offering a toast to one of his city hall predecessors and her work to revitalize the heart of the city. “​​Many of us are blessed to remember Mayor Kay Barnes thinking about what downtown could be, and…

Crowdfunding investment helps fan favorite food cart revive second-chance entrepreneur’s outlook

After spending a decade in prison, owning her own catering business has given Stephanie Blaco a new purpose in life, she shared, and a new small business crowdfunding platform is giving her the opportunity — when others wouldn’t — to scale up. “That’s what I believe has kept me out of prison,” the Mixing Bowl…

This KCK native started his own Black rodeo to celebrate cowboys left out of Western lore

Editor’s note: The following story was published by KCUR, Kansas City’s NPR member station, and a fellow member of the KC Media Collective. Click here to read the original story or here to sign up for KCUR’s email newsletter. Ivan McClellan’s new photobook, “Eight Seconds,” documents the Black riders, ropers and rodeo queens encountered in dusty arenas around the United…

Hemp acres shrink across Midwest; USDA data shows farmers turning away from CBD

Editor’s note: The following story was published by Harvest Public Media and KCUR, Kansas City’s NPR member station, and a fellow member of the KC Media Collective. Click here to read the original story or here to sign up for KCUR’s email newsletter. Fewer farmers are planting hemp across the Midwest and Great Plains; The decline is most acute in…