AltWeeklies Wire
When You Get in Bed With the CDC-KC, You Get Screwednew
At its peak, City-Wide Auto Repair had eight employees on its payroll and kept three bays busy with repairs. "We used to do more inspections than anybody in the state of Missouri," boasts Steve Frisbee. Now his business has become a dumping ground.
The Pitch |
Carolyn Szczepanski |
03-02-2010 |
Business & Labor
What Happens When an Undocumented Immigrant Teen Needs a New Heart?new
Eduardo Loredo's eyes are ringed with dark shadows. He blinks slowly through a deep fatigue that resists the bright room at Children's Mercy Hospital. The 14-year-old is dying. Slowly.
The Pitch |
Carolyn Szczepanski |
01-26-2010 |
Immigration
With Nowhere Left to Run, Refugees are Still Waiting to Make This Homenew
When Foibe Nibitanga got a ticket to a new life in the United States, she didn't expect the fear and hunger of the refugee camp to follow her to Kansas City. The Burundi native leans forward, trying to speak over the cries of toddlers who, in the absence of toys, play with couch cushions and a set of keys.
The Pitch |
Carolyn Szczepanski |
01-12-2010 |
Immigration
Still at War, the Army Opens a New Front: Against Soldier Suicidenew
In 2008, 140 active-duty soldiers committed suicide. That's 75 percent more than the number in 2003 and the highest rate since the Army started keeping track three decades ago. Jim Haus was almost one of the casualties.
Missouri Professor Hopes to Bring Democracy to Sudannew
There are plenty of reasons for Abdullahi Ibrahim not to run in 2010's Sudanese presidential election. The election could be rigged. The repressive ruling regime could target opposing candidates. But that's exactly why Ibrahim decided to run -- and why he believes he can win.
Scenes from the Health-Care Struggle in Missourinew
Missouri now ranks in the nation's bottom five states when it comes to parent eligibility for Medicaid, and lawmakers, advocates argue, should do more to help the state's most vulnerable citizens, especially during a period of high unemployment.
Can Kansas City Turn Its Trash Problem into an Opportunity?new
In Kansas City, trash is consistently among the top citizen complaints. Landfill space is shrinking fast. And now the city's trash collection contractor is raising its prices. Kansas City is hoping to elbow its way out of the company's grasp -- and make some money doing it.
The Pitch |
Carolyn Szczepanski |
04-28-2009 |
Environment
A K.C. Jail Is Falling Apart, But Shutting It Down Might Be Destructivenew
Nancy Leazer, Superintendent of Kansas City's Municipal Correctional Institution, has made shuttering this crumbling facility far more complicated.
The Pitch |
Carolyn Szczepanski |
03-10-2009 |
Crime & Justice
The War on La Familianew
Familia Loca wanted revenge on a rival Kansas City gang. Instead, they spilled the blood of a 2-year-old girl.
The Pitch |
Carolyn Szczepanski |
05-06-2008 |
Crime & Justice
Missouri DOT Tosses Cyclists Over the Handlebarsnew
The bill killed by the state's Department of Transportation would've required the state to put up signs reminding motorists to watch out for bicycles.
The Pitch |
Carolyn Szczepanski |
04-22-2008 |
Transportation
Bob Berkebile is the Godfather of Green Buildingnew
In the past 25 years, Berkebile has moved from notoriety as the man in the middle of a deadly skywalk collapse to international respect as a key figure in making his industry more Earth-friendly.
The Pitch |
Carolyn Szczepanski |
04-15-2008 |
Housing & Development
Kansas City's Tax Dollars Not at Worknew
The Citadel Plaza shopping center was supposed to revive the inner city. Instead, it has leveled a neighborhood and left a contaminated mess. Now the developer wants more of our money.
The Pitch |
Carolyn Szczepanski |
01-08-2008 |
Policy Issues
Tags: public policy issues
Kansas City's Uneasy Ridersnew
To be a bicyclist in the city is to face fear, loathing -- and death.
The Pitch |
Carolyn Szczepanski |
11-14-2007 |
Transportation
Tags: transportation
The Real Frances Semlernew
A few months ago, mostly just gardeners and Minutemen knew the woman who's been at the center of Kansas City's biggest political controversy.
Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius Has a Dirty Secretnew
She preaches green, but her heart seems as black as coal.
