02.22.2024

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Today’s Forecast

67º | 2% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:01 a.m. | Sunset 6:02 p.m.

Yay or Nay — the Crossroads ballpark question

Sports + arts collide in Kansas City’s decision of the decade. | Photo via Populous

Unless you’ve gotten lost in the outfield, you probably don’t need us to tell you about the Royals’ Crossroads ballpark proposal.

To put tensions lightly — what’s a homerun to some is the promise of a losing streak for others.

Since both camps have already begun their rally for public opinion, we thought it wise to offer a Crossroads ballpark primer for any fan not sure what team to root for.

A historic district by another name

Nowadays, we know the Crossroads as the cultural epicenter of the city, its arts district — and it has sort of always been that way. It was one of Hollywood’s largest distribution points from the 1930s to the 1970s. Kansas City’s Film Row housed major tenants like MGM, 20th Century Fox, Warner Brothers, Paramount and United Artists.

When Film Row eventually went kaput, the mid-80s ushered in an era of art galleries and artists flooding the area’s cheap, vacant buildings + warehouses. By 2001, the informally adopted Crossroads Arts District was officially coined with the creation of its community association + its young and cool reputation cemented with the introduction of First Fridays.

Now, arts and culture related organizations receive tax credits for planting roots in the Crossroads.

KCtoday_Crossroads Map — The complete package from the Royals.
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Photo via the Kansas City Royals

Ballpark comes, who goes?

Mix jocks with the artists and what do you get? A Crossroads ballpark. The ~18 acre site would occupy six city blocks and come with apartment, office, and hotel developments, along with the creation of the I-670 cap project.

No experience development will be necessary as the Royals intend to merge sports, arts + entertainment by utilizing existing businesses within the Crossroads and nearby Power & Light district.

While many of our readers are on board with the location, other community members aren’t so sure it’s a great deal.

Which business are booted?

Asked

How would you vote on the stadium sales tax extension?

A. I’d vote to extend it, I want a Crossroads ballpark.
B. I’d vote to end it, I don’t want to mix art + baseball.
C. Still unsure how I’d vote.

Pitch it to us

Events

Thursday, Feb. 22

Silent Concert | Thursday, Feb. 22 | 6-8 p.m. | Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, 4420 Warwick Blvd., KCMO | Free | Pop on the provided headphones and enjoy a vibrant fusion of jazz, R&B, and classical/contemporary Afghan music while viewing the galleries.
“Pretty Rings & Broken Things” Book Launch | Thursday, Feb. 22 | 7-9 p.m. | Monarch Books & Gifts, 7713 W. 151st St., Overland Park, KS | $30 | Local author Kat Singleton debuts the follow up to her romance novel, “Black Ties & White Lies.”

Friday, Feb. 23

Murder Mystery Dinner | Friday, Feb. 23 | 6-9 p.m. | Homesteader, 100 E. 7 St., KCMO | $62-$74.40 | The Grand Groundhog of the International Society of Groundhogs is hosting the annual Grand Groundhog Grandiosity seasonal party when tragedy strikes — can you figure out who dun it?

Saturday, Feb. 24

Archery Workshop | Saturday, Feb. 24 | 1-4 p.m. | Powell Community Center South Gym, Ct. #2, 6200 Martway St., Mission, KS | $12 | Channel your inner Legolas + learn how to pull back, aim, and fire a bow with precision.
Cocktails for a Cause | Saturday, Feb. 24 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Tavern in the Village, 3901 Prairie Ln., Prairie Village, KS | $30-$100 | Enjoy signature cocktails, appetizers, sweets, and raffles in support of the American Heart Health Association.
The Black Card Experience | Saturday, Feb. 24 | 9:30-10:30 p.m. | The Bird Comedy Theater, 103 W. 19th St., KCMO | $12-$15 | Fresh from performing live at SF SketchFest, Katherene Garry brings back KC Fringe 2023’s Best of Venue show about the stereotypes of black culture for one night only.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

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Skincare essentials that turn up the heat

Say bye-bye to dry skin with our list of skincare products. | Photo provided by Six & Main

Is dry skin making you feel frustrated during these winter months? Don’t worry, our online shop (Six & Main) features hydrating skincare products essential for weathering cold temperatures.

Step into a world of self-care as you explore a curated selection of winter skincare essentials, leaving your skin refreshed and revitalized.

Clean your face with the Purifying Face Wash by Roosevelt Supply Co. With added organic fruit extracts and activated charcoal, you’re sure to clean off the toughest dirt and grime without being harsh on your skin.

Exfoliate your skin using the Las Flores | Mini Hydrate + Brighten Duo, which is a powerful formula by Esteli that gently exfoliates and nourishes, leaving your skin looking and feeling refreshed.

Visibly improve texture, tone, and the look of fine lines and wrinkles with the Repair Hemp & Retinol Face Cream by She Biology, a hemp-strain skincare collection.

Shop all skincare

News Notes

Announced

History has been made in the world of KC nonprofits: Ashley Hufft, new president and CEO of Unbound, is the first woman to lead the organization in its 43-year history. Read more about how Unbound helps create global connections to lift families from poverty.

Plan Ahead

In my mind I’m going to Kansas City... is how the great James Taylor song should’ve gone. The singer-songwriter is making amends and stopping by the metro for a show on Wednesday, June 5 at Starlight. Tickets go on sale Friday, Feb. 23 at 10 a.m.

Sports

Can’t wait for PickleCon 2024? Paddle-lovers don’t have to thanks to KC’s newest professional sports team: the Kansas City Stingers. Starting April, the 12 teams of the National Pickleball League will face off one weekend a month for six months. (Startland News)

Opening

Working families have a new, affordable childcare option at The Nest (1750 E. Harold St.) in Olathe. The new spot joins two Open Minds Child Development locations + services kiddos from four weeks to three years old. (Johnson County Post) .

Sports

Kelvin Herrera, ex-Royals star pitcher, is playing a different kind of ball game now: politics. This week, Herrera was elected mayor of his hometown Tenares in the Dominican Republic — and he’s not the first MLB player to do so. (Kansas City Star)

Jobs

Want to dive deeper into the news you read everyday? Get paid to do it with a position at a KCUR partner organization. See more details + apply to be a Politics Reporter with The Kansas News Service or an editor with Harvest Public Media.

Home

Getting organized? This 24-piece glass storage container set is perfect for meal prep or storing leftovers and is on sale through the weekend.*

Transit

🚗 A tollbooth-free turnpike

KTAG users already know the drill: register, drive, skip the line. | Photo via the Kansas Turnpike Authority

Kansas Citians visiting kiddos at KU or driving to Colorado for a vay-cay can expect a trip with fewer stops starting this summer. A new cashless system will replace the Kansas Turnpike’s aging tollbooths in July 2024.

How it works

Currently, drivers have two options:

Pull into a toll lane, take your ticket, and pay when you need to exit... each and every time.
Or opt for reduced tolls + online payment by registering for a free KTAG. Overhead cameras will track the sticker so you can drive without pulling off.

The new system will allow for everyone to drive without stopping, as the 21 overhead gantries will now capture either your KTAG or a picture of your license plate. Non-KTAG users will be sent a bill in the mail.

Want a KTAG?

The Buy

A memory foam knee pillow for side sleepers, which can help protect spine alignment and support knee joints while you sleep. Bonus: Choose standard or large for a pillow that’s sized right for your body.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Madison

From the editor

Reader Mary Nell W. sent in a request that has had me pondering for weeks: Who makes the best cinnamon roll in the city?

Nowhere comes to mind — so I’m on a mission to fill the gray days ahead with the coziest quest ever: a search for the softest, tastiest cinnamon roll the metro has to offer.

Have a not-so-secret spot? Tell me where to go first.

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