TOPIC 1: FINN TO PEN? Bishop Robert Finn and the local diocese have been charged with failure to report child abuse. TOPIC 2: SEEMS LIKE OLD TIMES! After a lengthy absence, Phill Kline is back in the news. A Kansas disciplinary panel has recommended that Kline be indefinitely suspended from practicing law in the state. Kline, a former attorney gene…

MASSIVE JOBS ANNOUNCEMENT: Ford adds 1,600 new jobs and promises $1.1 billion investment in KC assembly plant PROSPECT AVE NAME CHANGE: More on the City Council member effort to erase Prospect Ave and rename it Martin Luther King Avenue. But is that the best way to de-stigmatize its connection with a rash of homicides? PICKING KC’S NEXT TOP COP: Da…

MASSIVE JOBS ANNOUNCEMENT: Ford adds 1,600 new jobs and promises $1.1 billion investment in KC assembly plant PROSPECT AVE NAME CHANGE: More on the City Council member effort to erase Prospect Ave and rename it Martin Luther King Avenue. But is that the best way to de-stigmatize its connection with a rash of homicides? PICKING KC’S NEXT TOP COP: Da…

TOPIC 1: CHANGING PROSPECTS Councilman Jermaine Reed wants to change the name of Prospect Avenue to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive. This, he says, along with economic initiatives can revitalize and rehabilitate the Prospect area, hard hit by crime and violence. TOPIC 2: DE JA VIEW(S) Last week, Woody and Yael had dueling roasts and toasts about …

COVINGTON: A school district back in turmoil as John Covington resigns as superintendent of KCMO schools. The latest on this unfolding drama… KINDER: Will Peter Kinder’s “Penthouse” connection cost him the Governor’s Mansion? ZOO: Would you dig deeper into your pocketbook to pay for an expanded Kansas City Zoo? Signatures are verified this week to …

COVINGTON: A school district back in turmoil as John Covington resigns as superintendent of KCMO schools. The latest on this unfolding drama… KINDER: Will Peter Kinder’s “Penthouse” connection cost him the Governor’s Mansion? ZOO: Would you dig deeper into your pocketbook to pay for an expanded Kansas City Zoo? Signatures are verified this week to …

TOPIC 1: TEEN-FREE ZONE. The new curfew ordinance took effect last weekend and there were no problems on the Country Club Plaza. In fact, the Plaza may well have been the safest public place in the area this past Friday and Saturday. TOPIC 2: ATTACKS ON TAX. Kansas Citians are taxed in a myriad of ways as an excellent Star editorial explained last …

PLAZA: A 9:00 pm curfew and $500 fines – what the city is now doing to curb hordes of teens on the Country Club Plaza. BROWNBACK: The Kansas Governor is making national news. Why Sam Brownback’s administration is returning $32 million dollars in federal money to help the state enact health care reform. HIGHWOODS DROPS OFFICE BUILDING PLAN: After pr…

PLAZA: A 9:00 pm curfew and $500 fines – what the city is now doing to curb hordes of teens on the Country Club Plaza. BROWNBACK: The Kansas Governor is making national news. Why Sam Brownback’s administration is returning $32 million dollars in federal money to help the state enact health care reform. HIGHWOODS DROPS OFFICE BUILDING PLAN: After pr…

TOPIC 1: IT HAD TO HAPPEN! Last weekend, three teens were shot on the Country Club Plaza. Mayor James and other black leaders were in the area trying to assess the extent of the problem caused by large throngs of teens “hanging out” there. Now, he and they know. The mayor says he is working on solutions. TOPIC 2: DO WE NEED A KINDER, GENTLER (Peter…

Check, Please! Kansas City is KCPT’s restaurant review show where host Doug Fost sits down with regular viewers like you dine and dish on their favorite local eateries. Each episode features three guests; each recommends his or her favorite restaurant. The other two guests then go and experience it for themselves. After the guests have experienced …

TOPIC 1: NOT AS “SLY” AS HIS FATHER. Mayor James’ son, Kyle, made some news because of his involvement with disturbances in the P&L District. Young James refused to pay his restaurant bill, made rude and intemperate remarks to patrons, threatened some bystanders and told one police officer he “would have his job.” The mayor issued an apology for hi…

SATAN SANDWICH: Why is Kansas City Congressman Emanuel Congressman Emanuel Cleaver getting indigestion over a sandwich? IS NIXON A DEMOCRAT?: Why are some questioning the Missouri governor’s party credentials? CRUMBLING PIPES: More than 170 water main breaks in a month. Is it just the heat? Or a symptom of larger problems ahead? FOOT PATROLS: For t…

SATAN SANDWICH: Why is Kansas City Congressman Emanuel Congressman Emanuel Cleaver getting indigestion over a sandwich? IS NIXON A DEMOCRAT?: Why are some questioning the Missouri governor’s party credentials? CRUMBLING PIPES: More than 170 water main breaks in a month. Is it just the heat? Or a symptom of larger problems ahead? FOOT PATROLS: For t…

TOPIC 1: A CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCH Writing in the Star, Henry Bloch (H&R Block) calls for a balanced approach to the federal budget and tax policy. Noting that he’s a registered Republican, Bloch defends the idea of raising tax rates on the wealthy. TOPIC 2: A WIDENING GAP New Pew Center research says the gap in wealth between whites and minorities …

PLASTIC ONLY: The latest controversy at the Power and Light District. CHECKING THE QUALIFICATIONS: Who checks whether a candidate is qualified for office? The surprising story of an area elected official who allegedly lied about everything. KANSAS GOP BROKE: Despite holding almost every powerful position in the state, why is the Kansas Republican P…

PLASTIC ONLY: The latest controversy at the Power and Light District. CHECKING THE QUALIFICATIONS: Who checks whether a candidate is qualified for office? The surprising story of an area elected official who allegedly lied about everything. KANSAS GOP BROKE: Despite holding almost every powerful position in the state, why is the Kansas Republican P…

TOPIC 1: WHAT TIGHT BUDGET? The Kansas City Council has approved a pay raise for firefighters ranging from 2-18 percent. Firefighters received no raises for the past two years. The Council vote was 11-1. TOPIC 2: WHO’S ON FIRST? Steve Kraske writes that Kansas re-districting might result in the third congressional district becoming part of the firs…

CHRISTMAS IN JULY: They say it will create 20,000 jobs in our region. KC Chamber leaders call it “Christmas in July.” It’s so big, the Missouri Governor is calling lawmakers back into session to pass it. What’s the big deal? And why should you care? SHOE IN MOUTH: Deciding the fate of a long controversial piece of Kansas City public art 1000% INTER…

CHRISTMAS IN JULY: They say it will create 20,000 jobs in our region. KC Chamber leaders call it “Christmas in July.” It’s so big, the Missouri Governor is calling lawmakers back into session to pass it. What’s the big deal? And why should you care? SHOE IN MOUTH: Deciding the fate of a long controversial piece of Kansas City public art 1000% INTER…

TOPIC 1: THE LIST NARROWS. The Greater Kansas City Chamber has narrowed its list of 182 recommendations for the “Big Five” ideas to improve the metro area to 20. The chamber will select the final five in September. TOPIC 2: DOWNTOWN–COWTOWN? The American Royal Rodeo is moving from Kemper Arena to the Sprint Center. AEG officials say the event draws…

AMERICAN ROYAL MOVES RODEO TO SPRINT CENTER: For the first time since it was built in 1975, Kemper Arena will not host the American Royal Rodeo. Instead. the annual fall event is heading to Sprint Center. Does this move spell the end for Kemper arena? ALL-STAR GAME FROM ARIZONA TO KC: Mayor Sly James and Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders are in…

AMERICAN ROYAL MOVES RODEO TO SPRINT CENTER: For the first time since it was built in 1975, Kemper Arena will not host the American Royal Rodeo. Instead. the annual fall event is heading to Sprint Center. Does this move spell the end for Kemper arena? ALL-STAR GAME FROM ARIZONA TO KC: Mayor Sly James and Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders are in…

TOPIC 1: DIOCESAN DISPUTE! The Bishop of the Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese, Robert Finn, has refused to step down, despite intense criticism for his handling of child abuse and sexual misconduct allegations involving priests. Instead, Finn has appointed former U.S. Attorney Todd Graves to review policies and procedures to deal with such concerns. …

TORNADO: Total devastation in Joplin. The lessons for Kansas City… CATHOLIC PORN: A child pornography scandal escalates. Some call for the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph to step down. MCCASKILL UNDER FIRE: Missouri U-S Senator Claire McCaskill tells the New York Times she’s “shocked” by a new TV ad campaign from the League…

TORNADO: Total devastation in Joplin. The lessons for Kansas City… CATHOLIC PORN: A child pornography scandal escalates. Some call for the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph to step down. MCCASKILL UNDER FIRE: Missouri U-S Senator Claire McCaskill tells the New York Times she’s “shocked” by a new TV ad campaign from the League…

TOPIC 1: TROY AGAIN The City Council has finally named Troy Schulte City Manager, eliminating the “acting” from his title. We can discuss what his goals are and what obstacles he will face. TOPIC 2: CHIEF CONCERN Kansas City Police Chief Jim Corwin is retiring. The Star says his legacy is “mixed.” The paper also calls for the Police Board to consid…

LEGO: Another massive catch for Crown Center. Why is Lego picking Kansas City for its new mega play palace? AMBULANCE: The metro’s largest ambulance service is feeling the heat. And it’s not just over response times. A KCTV5 investigation documents how one area man died in the back of a of a Kansas City ambulance. But his death went unnoticed. POPS…

LEGO: Another massive catch for Crown Center. Why is Lego picking Kansas City for its new mega play palace? AMBULANCE: The metro’s largest ambulance service is feeling the heat. And it’s not just over response times. A KCTV5 investigation documents how one area man died in the back of a of a Kansas City ambulance. But his death went unnoticed. POPS…

SWEARING-IN: Sly James officially inaugurated as Mayor. THE OTHER MAYORS: Kansas City, MO may be the metro’s largest city, but aren’t other area mayor’s deserving of some attention, too? This week, our news reviewers pick out the metro’s most noteworthy mayoral officeholders. BASS PRO: Why Independence’s big catch is now leading to layoffs and furl…

Reviewers recommend BBQ on Southwest Blvd., Mexican in Prairie Village, and steaks in Zona Rosa.By Check, Please! Kansas City Podcast - Audio

Reviewers recommend a Thai place in Overland Park, Kansas, a Korean and sushi spot in the Northland, and a fine dining Italian restaurant in Brookside.By Check, Please! Kansas City Podcast - Audio

Reviewers recommend Indian cuisine in Overland Park, Kansas, an Italian bistro in Brookside and locavore cuisine in the City Market.By Check, Please! Kansas City Podcast - Audio

Reviewers recommend an artisanal locavore spot in Lawrence, Kansas; an English pub with Southern flair off the Plaza; and a microbrewery in Waldo.By Check, Please! Kansas City Podcast - Audio

Reviewers recommend a Mongolian barbecue on 39th Street, a classic Mexican restaurant on the Boulevard, and a small plates place in Brookside.By Check, Please! Kansas City Podcast - Audio

Reviewers recommend a breakfast/lunch spot in Independence, Missouri, a barbecue joint the Boulevard and a Chicago-style hot dog stop in Overland Park, Kansas.By Check, Please! Kansas City Podcast - Audio

Reviewers recommend a small plates bistro on Martini Corner, an Italian bistro in Overland Park, Kansas and a breakfast/lunch spot in downtown KC.By Check, Please! Kansas City Podcast - Audio

Ophelia’s Restaurant & Inn, Vietnam Cafe, The DishBy Check, Please! Kansas City Podcast - Audio

Ginger Sue’s, Hayward’s Pit BBQ, Paulo and BillBy Check, Please! Kansas City Podcast - Audio