Kansas City's Northeast Newscast

On this week's episode of the Northeast Newscast, Publisher Michael Bushnell is joined in the studio by members of the Kansas City Museum’s Kansas City Airport Sacred Lands History Committee. Over the past few years, Lucille Douglass, Oralee Watkins-McKinzy, Dr. Gene Chavez and Anna Marie Tutera have been hard at work, documenting the history of the enslaved families who were buried on the land where the Kansas City Airport's new terminal sits. Their research will result in a digital exhibit in the terminal, and opportunities for a traveling exhibit.

On this week's episode of the Northeast Newscast, Pembroke Hill School Senior Erin William interviews Publisher Michael Bushnell for her Senior Capstone Project. Erin is a current intern with One Kansas City Radio station's podcast “I’ll Tell You When You're Older." Its first season captures the beauty and complexity of the culture in the Northeast, and her work with the podcast has inspired her current senior Capstone project: "How did the Northeast Kansas City community come to exist and what role did immigration trends play in its origin story?"

On this week's episode of the Northeast Newscast, we're joined by Major Martin Cobbinah, the new Division Commander of the Kansas City Police Department's East Patrol. We discuss his long tenure with the department, the importance of civilian staff to daily operations, and his goals for Kansas City's East Side.

On this week's episode of the Northeast Newscast, we're joined by Christina at Hoxie Collective for details on the final Kessler Park Plan Open House. We discuss the feedback from the community that they have received over the months of planning, opportunities for engagement and volunteering, and plans we can expect to see at the final Open House on Saturday. Join us at the Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce (2657 Independence Ave.) from 10 a.m. to noon to see the final plans and give your input.The plans can be viewed at kesslerparkplankc.com.

On this week's episode of the Northeast Newscast, we're joined by Jerusalem Farm's Project Director Jordan Schiele and AmeriCorps Vista Adam Rossi. We discuss the upcoming Northeast Sustainability Town Hall and the organization's work toward creating a Community Land Trust. The Northeast Sustainability Town Hall on February 11 at 2 p.m. at 606 Gladstone Blvd. will inform neighbors of sustainability plans different groups already have for Northeast and provide an opportunity to ask questions, collaborate and move toward a more sustainable community.Informational meetings for the Northeast Community Land Trust have already started, and video recordings will be available soon. Upcoming meetings at the North-East Branch of the Kansas City Public Library will focus on preparing for homeownership (Feb 4 @ 10 a.m.), understanding the ground lease process (Feb. 25 @ 10 a.m.) and the resale formula, and discussing ongoing commitments (March 11 @ 10 a.m.)

On this week's episode of the Northeast Newscast, we're joined by Kate Barsotti, the president of the Columbus Park Neighborhood Council, and Erin Royals, a tenant and urban planner. We discuss the six-acre Housing Authority of Kansas City property that currently has a Request for Proposals out, the neighborhood's fight against Type 2 Short-Term Rentals, and how nearby stadium builds could affect their tight-knit community. In this discussion, we reference resources that are free and accessible to the public, which will be linked below.Parcel Viewer can be used to search any property and see codes cases, permits, ownership information and more at maps.kcmo.org/apps/parcelviewer/. CompassKC can be used to search public records, explore activity happening in your neighborhood, apply for permits, view a calendar of public hearings, and more at compasskc.kcmo.org.The Small Apartment Study that Erin Royals references in the episode can be found here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12khzZPGxBIXmXkM_

On this week's episode of the Northeast Newcast, Publisher Michael Bushnell is joined by recently promoted Kansas City, Mo., Police Chief Stacey Graves. A 25-year veteran of the department, she was previously the acting Deputy Chief of the Patrol Bureau. They discuss community policing, the homicide rate, recruitment and retention of officers, local control and more. 

On this week's episode of the Northeast Newscast we're joined by Anita Dixon, Executive Director of Executive Director at UNESCO Creative City of Music - KC. Dixon was instrumental in Kansas City's recognition as the only Creative City of Music in the United States, and is working to leverage that title into tourism, cultural events and sharing the rich history of Kansas City as the birthplace of Jazz. Learn more about UNESCO Creative City of Music - KC at kansascitymuseum.org/unesco-creative-city-kc/.

On this week’s episode of the Northeast Newscast, the Northeast News staff recaps 2022 in our historic neighborhoods, discusses all of our goals for 2023 and shares some big news. Thanks for joining us and listening to the Northeast Newscast in 2022!

On this week’s episode of the Northeast Newscast, we’re joined by recently re-elected Missouri Representative Michael Johnson, a Democrat who represents District 23 and resident of Northeast Kansas City. We discuss his priorities for the next term, greatest successes and lessons learned in office, redistricting and more.

On this week's episode of the Northeast Newscast we're joined by Rosilyn Temple, founder of Kansas City's Mother's in Charge, an organization that seeks to reduce violent crime through prevention, education and intervention, and to guide and support the families of victims of homicide. Temple has been responding to homicide scenes for nearly a decade, helping families to communicate with police and get services in the immediate future and long term. For more information, visit kcmothersincharge.org.

On this week's episode of the Northeast Newscast, we're joined by Jackson County's First District Legislator Scott Burnett, who shares the highlights of his 24 years serving the county, discusses what's next for him, and his best advice for incoming legislators.  

On this week's episode of the Northeast Newscast we're at Latinx Education Collaborative, an education nonprofit focused on increasing Latinx representation in K-12 classrooms. Deputy Director Susana Elizarraraz shares her experience growing up in Northeast, teaching at Gladstone Elementary, and deciding to take on a larger role to advocate for and better her community. We discuss Latinx Education Collaborative's mission, why representation matters in education, the resources available for families and teachers, their Fund the Future campaign, Latinx Educator Awards nominees, and more. Visit latinxedco.org for more info.

On this week's episode of the Northeast Newscast, we're joined by Director of Inclusive Learning and Creative Impact Glenn North and Executive Director Anna Marie Tutera of the Kansas City Museum.We discuss the development of education programs and curriculum, planning interactive exhibits, using art to teach history, Kansas City's designation as a UNESCO Creative City, and upcoming events at the Museum. Find more information about the Kansas City Museum at kansascitymuseum.org.

On this week's episode of the Northeast Newscast, we're joined by KC Tenants Power  Political Director and KC Tenants Organizing Director Wilson Vance.We discuss Kansas City voters passing Question 2, authorizing a $50 million bond for affordable housing, upcoming listening sessions to create a 2023 People's Platform (take their latest survey at bit.ly/KCTPsurvey) , evictions during winter and COVID, the 4,000+ city-wide tenant union, and the future of affordable housing in Kansas City. On October 13, City Council passed a resolution guaranteeing the bond money will be directed to Kansas City’s Housing Trust Fund to create and preserve housing at or below 30% area median income (AMI), or between $550-$750 in rent. Vance, a South Indian Mound neighbor, is passionate about outreach in Northeast Kansas City and other neighborhoods that are underrepresented.

On this week's episode of the Northeast Newscast, we're sitting down with Art as Mentorship's founder Enrique Chi and Operations Director Peter Beatty.Art as Mentorship is a Northeast Kansas City-based non-profit organization that takes an innovative approach to fully grasp young students’ full potential through music programs. They envision an inclusive community where under-represented artists are emboldened to raise their voices through music.Enrique and Peter share info about the upcoming Rebel Song Academy, the heart of their programming. The 12-week music camp takes an innovative approach to exploring young artists’ full potential through creativity, mentorship opportunities, and fostering their inherent sense of exploration and achievement. Students work directly with industry-professional mentors to write, record, publish, and perform an original song. Find more info at artasmentorship.org.

On this week's episode of the Northeast Newscast, we're joined by Lisa Peña and Jenny Hines of Urban Hikes KC, a walking tour company helping you explore around downtown Kansas City, Mo., and Kansas City, Kan. The guides have 13 tours, some of them seasonal, and recently added a Hilly Historic Northeast tour and even a bike tour! Tours cover a variety of topics, including history, culture, street art, an urban scenic byway, many familiar Kansas City landmarks, and even a few hidden gems! Find more info about their upcoming Historic Northeast tour at urbanhikeskc.com.

On this week's episode of the Northeast Newscast, sponsored by the Kansas City Museum, we're joined by Dr. Jacob Wagner, who teaches Urban Planning and Design at UMKC. He is the faculty founder of the UMKC Center for Neighborhoods - a research and outreach unit dedicated to building the capacity of neighborhood leaders and advocates in Western Missouri. In this episode Wagner discusses Kansas City's status as a UNESCO City of Music and a member of UNESCO Creative Cities Network.  Kansas City received this designation in 2017 and remains the only UNESCO City of Music in the United States.

On this week's episode of the Northeast Newscast, we're joined by Jolt Lighting and KC Parks and Rec to discuss the upcoming Winter Magic light display on Cliff Drive.  The drive is approximately one mile long and completely adorned with game-changing holiday light displays. They chat about the display, extra fun activities, logistics, and even a sneak preview night for the neighborhood! Listen for all the details.

On this week's episode of the Northeast Newscast, we're joined by Neighborhood Services Department Director Forest Decker. We discuss upcoming programs to help neighborhoods accomplish their goals and the recently awarded Rebuild KC Grants. Northeast nonprofits, like Mattie Rhodes Center and Jerusalem Farms, and neighborhood organizations like Lykins, were among the 211 recipients. For more information on their projects, read this week's issue of the Northeast News.