Latest news with #KansasCityPublicLibrary
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Staying safe in extreme heat: Where to find cooling centers in Kansas City area
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City metro will be under an from noon Saturday until 7 p.m. Wednesday. Heat index values up to 105 to 110 are expected, according to the National Weather Service. View the latest Weather Alerts in the Kansas City region on FOX4 With the extremely high temperatures, finding ways to stay cool will be crucial. The heat and humidity will make this week extremely uncomfortable and potentially dangerous for those who do not pay attention to some key signs of heat illness. Doctors are reminding people to be aware of heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke. If someone is showing symptoms call 911 or get them to an ER. Here are some of the symptoms to look out for: Headache Dizziness Nausea High body temperature The city of Independence will have the Roger T. Sermon Center open as a cooling location Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sunday from noon until 6 p.m. Along with the cooling center in Independence, here are some other centers in Kansas City: Kansas City Public Library (Central Library) Garrison Community Center Garrison Square Spray Park Hope Faith – Cooling Site Guadalupe Center Gregg/Klice Community Center Tony Aguirre Community Center Kansas City Public Library (Ruiz Biblioteca De Las Americas) Parade Park Spray Park Spring Valley Spray Park To find a full list of cooling centers in the Kansas City metro visit the United Way of Greater Kansas City's website. FOX4 Newsletters: Sign up for daily forecasts and Joe's Weather Blog in your inbox Here's a list at some of the cooling centers in Kansas City, Kansas and Wyandotte County: West Wyandotte Library Eisenhower Spray Park Providence YMCA/Ball Family Center Turner Community Library Pierson Spray Park F.L. Schlagle Library Kensington Community Center South Branch Library Parkwood Pool Main Library Armourdale Community Center Bonner Springs/Edwardsville Library Bonner Springs Family YMCA To find a full list of cooling centers in Wyandotte County . For cooling centers in Johnson County, Kansas . You can find more information on staying healthy in the heat on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gov. Kehoe signs 2026 state budget, vetoes millions in funding for Kansas City metro
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe on Monday announced that he signed the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) state operating and capital improvement budget bills. Kehoe vetoed more than 200-line items, totaling about $300 million in general revenue. The Governor's Office said on Monday that the budget sent to his desk added 450 items and nearly $775 million more in spending beyond his original recommendation. Kehoe vetoed $1 million in funding for parking lot improvements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He vetoed an additional $1 million for the Kansas City Public Library, as well as $12 million intended to improve Blue Springs' sewer infrastructure. Some of the cuts impact Kansas City-area and statewide organizations. Here are some of the 208 items that were vetoed: Federal Road Fund Spending Authority – MoDOT Construction Program: $1,036,173,540 Sewer Infrastructure Improvements for Blue Springs: $12,000,000 Missouri Community Childcare Exchange: $2,500,000 (out of original $5,000,000) 6-12 Science Program: $2,000,000 Metropolitan Community College: $2,000,000 MO School Board Association – Safe and Drug Free Schools: $500,000 (out of original $1,000,000) State Board of Education Operated School Salary Increase: $1,829,350 (out of original $3,658,700) Kansas City Public Library: $1,000,000 FIFA KC Zoo/Starlight Theater Parking Lot Improvements: $1,000,000 Kansas City Arts Asylum: $250,000 Negro Leagues Baseball Museum: $750,000 (out of original $1,500,000) Chief Deputy Clerk for Western Dis. Court of Appeals: $20,826 Child Welfare Training Center Kansas City: $1,500,000 Kansas City Lyric Opera: $500,000 (out of original $1,000,000) Truman Presidential Library: $500,000 Buck O'Neil Center: $250,000 Jackson County Community Services League: $900,000 (out of original $1,000,000) Great Jobs KC – Kansas City: $500,000 Kanbe's Markets in Kansas City: $400,000 (out of original $500,000) High Aspirations in Kansas City: $100,0000 Palestine Senior Citizens Activity Center in Kansas City: $100,000 Veterans Advantage Urgent Care in Kansas City: $500,000 Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Practitioner Training in Kansas City: $36,000 KC Pre-Apprenticeship: $400,000 (out of original $2,000,000) 'While we exercised veto authority to rein in unsustainable spending, we are proud to support funding for smart policies advancing our shared vision of a safer, stronger and more prosperous Missouri,' Gov. Kehoe said in a news release. 'We believe this budget reflects our commitment to limited government, fiscal discipline and a long-term vision to support public priorities.' The 2026 fiscal year will begin on July 1, 2025. You can read more about what's included in the FY26 budget here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Yahoo
A memorial for a Pendergast? The legacy of ‘Big Jim' in Kansas City
What's Your KCQ is a collaboration between The Star and the Kansas City Public Library series that answers your questions about the history, people, places and culture that make Kansas City unique. Have a suggestion for a future story? Share it with us here, or email our journalists at KCQ@ The Pendergast name carries different meanings in Kansas City. For some residents, it recalls the freewheeling 'Paris of the Plains' era, when Boss Tom's machine kept liquor flowing and nightclubs thriving, giving rise to the city's distinct style of jazz. For others who value open governance and respect for law and order, it remains a symbol of corruption and political patronage. Today, most Kansas Citians seem drawn to the city's more colorful past. While that image fits well with throwbacks to its seedier side, it hardly seems like something the city would officially memorialize in a public place. That's why a KCQ reader found it odd to see the Pendergast name on a statue in West Terrace Park — and was even more surprised to learn it honored James Pendergast, not Tom as they had anticipated. The plaques on the monument offered only vague details, describing him as the 'embodiment of truth' — also unanticipated — leaving the reader wondering who James Pendergast was and why the city chose to memorialize him. The Pendergast name didn't always carry the same weight in Kansas City. Reporting on the apprehension of an accused murderer in its June 21, 1883, edition, The Kansas City Journal noted that the suspect had been found in a West Bottoms hotel kept by 'a man named Pendergast.' The local press — and the city at large — would soon learn exactly who that man was. Born in Ohio in 1856 to recent Irish immigrants, James Pendergast's family later settled in St. Joseph. After the completion of the Hannibal Bridge in 1869, Kansas City's booming West Bottoms offered plenty of work in packing houses and iron foundries. Pendergast answered the call, arriving in 1876. 'Big Jim,' as he came to be known, quickly built a reputation as a hard-working and trustworthy laborer. Years later, Fire Department Chief George Hale described him as a 'fine-looking, husky lad, steady as a church and careful of money.' Local lore claims that Pendergast made a small fortune by betting on a horse named Climax. True or not, his rapid rise was apparent. Around 1880, he went from working as a 'helper' at the D.M. Jarboe & Company foundry to serving as proprietor of the American House hotel, which he later renamed the Pendergast House. He also entered the saloon business, and opened The Climax — said to be named after the horse that launched his rise — on the same block as his hotel. Pendergast thrived in business, expanding his real estate holdings and opening new establishments, including a saloon at Fifth and Main streets. Location was key: His West Bottoms ventures sat near the bustling Union Depot railroad station, while his new saloon stood kitty-corner from the city's second City Hall. From that strategic vantage point, Pendergast set his sights on a new venture — politics. In 1882, he was elected to represent the West Bottoms in the House of Aldermen — the predecessor to today's City Council — a seat he held for 17 years. He became known for his skill at navigating municipal affairs and turning out supporters at the polls, earning him the title of 'Boss.' Pendergast didn't boast of his boss status but didn't shy away from the label. Nor did he apologize for his influence, explaining, 'All there is to it is having friends, doing things for people, and then later on they'll do things for you.' He lived up to those words. As a saloonkeeper, he functioned as a banker for West Bottoms laborers, exchanging paychecks for cash — without cheating them. In 1903, when a flood devastated the city's low-lying areas, Pendergast reportedly personally directed recovery efforts in his ward. As an alderman, he began the Pendergast tradition of securing city jobs for his supporters — but only after sizing them up. Despite an abundance of friends, Pendergast had no shortage of rivals — even within his own party. He led the Goats, named for his First Ward constituents, many of whom lived along the steep bluffs below Quality Hill. In contrast, his chief Democratic rival, Joseph Shannon, led the Rabbits, who drew support from newer neighborhoods southeast of downtown. Their clashes dominated Kansas City's Democratic politics for years. All Republicans, of course, were his opponents. Yet Pendergast was often praised for not letting politics turn personal — except for an 1888 incident at a Republican gathering in a downtown saloon, where he punched a man during a heated dispute and was arrested. Afterward, he became a teetotaler and gained a reputation for helping others struggling to overcome alcoholism — a remarkably selfless turn for a saloonkeeper. His selflessness extended to politics as well. When city officials proposed building a new railroad station on higher ground, safe from flooding, Pendergast supported the move—even though abandoning Union Depot would devastate his West Bottoms businesses. When a local reporter asked why he supported the Union Station vote, he simply replied, 'The public needs it.' Perhaps his most formidable rival was newspaper publisher William Rockhill Nelson. Nelson championed Progressive Era reforms aimed at eliminating poverty, managing the effects of industrialization, assimilating immigrants, and dismantling boss-led politics — putting him naturally at odds with Pendergast. When one of Nelson's reporters asked Pendergast in 1908 about his biggest election obstacle, he growled, 'You know … it will be The Kansas City Star-r-r-r.' In poor health, Pendergast retired from politics in 1910 and died a year later at age 55. Friendlier newspapers covered his life and funeral — then one of the largest in the city's history — in greater detail, but even The Star conceded he would be remembered as 'the man who never broke a promise.' Big Jim's empire was in good hands. Years earlier, he had been joined by his three younger brothers, including a rising Democratic power broker: a young Boss Tom. Democrats and Republicans quickly united around the idea of memorializing Pendergast. They chose a site in Mulkey Square Park, near 13th and Summit streets where he could watch over the First Ward for a bronze statue and fountain. A sculptor was commissioned, and funds were raised by public subscription. The monument debuted on Independence Day 1913. That July 4, the public gathered to see a bronze likeness of Pendergast seated atop a granite base. Beside him stood two children, also cast in bronze, holding water basins that served as fountains — a nod to his charitable nature. Tom's daughter, Marceline, pulled a cord to remove the cloth covering the statue, while a giant American flag served as a backdrop. A camera crew filmed the ceremony and the speeches from local dignitaries, later charging 10 cents to view the film and boasting, 'You can almost hear them speak!' Unfortunately, the monument faced trouble almost immediately. In 1914, thieves managed to dislodge one of the bronze children and carry it 150 feet before abandoning the 300-pound figure. The child was replaced, but by 1915, both figures had been stolen — and the fountain features were never restored. The local press debated whether the culprits were metal thieves or worse — Republicans. Pendergast sat alone until the city replaced the missing figures from the original casts in 1919. However, starting in the 1930s, thieves unwilling to move the heavy statues began sawing off the children's limbs piece by piece. During the construction of Interstate 670 in the late 1960s, the monument was relocated within the park. By 1976, both children were gone again. Big Jim, too heavy to steal and too thick to saw through, endured decades of vandalism. By 1990, when the Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners voted to restore the memorial, it bore a hacksaw gash in its neck, remnants of roofing tar that had been poured over its head, silver paint over its eyes, dried egg stains, initials carved into the granite base, and a hole — possibly from a bullet — in its backside. Along with approving restoration work, the parks board authorized moving the statue from its isolated spot in Mulkey Square to West Terrace Park. A Friends of Jim Pendergast organization, joined by local Irish clubs and labor organizations, helped fundraise for the restoration and commissioned local sculptor Tom Corbin to recreate the missing children — proving that Big Jim still has plenty of friends in Kansas City and that the Pendergast name means more than corruption and vice. Big Jim continues to watch over his beloved West Bottoms from his new vantage point.
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
How Kansas Citians once fought for a struggling school and won — briefly
What's Your KCQ is a collaboration between The Star and the Kansas City Public Library series that answers your questions about the history, people, places and culture that make Kansas City unique. Have a suggestion for a future story? Share it with us here, or email our journalists at KCQ@ In December, when Kansas City's Guadalupe Centers announced a plan to use the former FBI field office on Summit to expand its charter school program, a reader asked What's Your KCQ? about the history of another area school a few blocks to the south. Today the building at 1936 Summit St. still bears the engraving 'West Junior High School,' but those who have lived in the area long enough may recall the institution's final decade when it became both a senior high school and the center of community activism. By the late 1960s, years of highway construction had left the West Side physically isolated. Its declining population, made up of roughly equal numbers of Hispanic, Black and white residents, suffered from unemployment at double the citywide average. The Star reported that federal housing officials told the mayor the area was 'no longer viable as a residential community.' With a fifth of the population under the age of 20 and a dropout rate nearing 9%, neighborhood activists argued that a new high school would serve as a community anchor. After years of public pressure, the Kansas City Board of Education acquiesced and, in 1968, authorized an official study of education on the West Side. Results of the study called for both the establishment of a high school and meaningful community input in its administration. Despite the reservations of some members, the school board agreed to convert West Junior High into a high school in time for the 1969-70 academic year. Almost from the beginning, the question of community input caused friction with the board. West Side residents asked repeatedly for a more diverse faculty and curriculum, while the board, looking to cut costs as taxpayers fled the city for the suburbs, publicly considered closing the school at least six times over the course of the decade. By 1978, a cycle of falling standards, declining enrollment, and uncertainty over the school's future had clearly emerged. The board selected West High to house a 'minimagnet' business/management center. Despite community support, the program quickly came under scrutiny. At a meeting of over 100 West Side residents in early 1979, four school board members listened as parents complained of disinvestment and low academic expectations. Some claimed that teachers allowed students to watch television in class and didn't report absences. One teacher said West had become little more than 'a day-care center.' Representative Raul Rojas called the district's neglect 'mental genocide.' But perhaps the harshest criticism came from longtime community organizer Donaciano 'Don' Pecina. He read the names of 15 one-time West students who, he claimed, were now dead. These kids, Pecina said, 'didn't have a chance.' Tensions erupted again later that summer when the board was considering 'alternatives' for West and held a meeting to solicit community input. Pecina rose to ask if there was any possibility West would be closed. Board President Dr. Edward Scaggs refused to answer. When Pecina pressed the question, Scaggs adjourned the meeting. In response, the Westside Educational Task Force publicly accused district superintendent Robert Wheeler of targeting West as a form of retaliation against the community. Despite these tense exchanges, the 1979-80 school year passed uneventfully. However, on Aug. 4, 1980, superintendent Wheeler recommended closing West, and the very next day, the board voted 5-3 to do so, acknowledging that the sudden move might upset West Side residents. What ensued took district officials by surprise. At about 2:20 p.m. that day, Pecina and at least 28 others, including parents, teenagers, and children, entered the school with sleeping bags, food, lumber, and chains, and notified the principal that they were occupying the building. The protesters, now calling themselves the Coalition to Preserve Education on the West Side, agreed to a meeting with several state education officials as well as Wheeler and Scaggs, but also vowed to continue their occupation until Sept. 3, at which point they would establish their own community high school. About 5 p.m., Pecina read a statement from an upper window of the school to the applause of about 200 West Side residents gathered outside, who broke into chants of 'West, West, West!' By Aug. 14, a long-term siege became unnecessary. In a remarkable about-face, the school board agreed to the establishment of an experimental, 'community-sponsored' school at West. Under the agreement, a nine-person committee would work out a plan for the school, which would open in fall 1981 and operate for at least three years. The seven-day occupation ended with demonstrators and board members laughing and embracing. The committee's plan received board approval in February, but by April, talk of budget shortfalls again clouded the future; the district had already furloughed 800 employees and closed 13 buildings due to federal spending cuts. Amid these rollbacks, some board members remained committed to using the building for education, while others opposed reopening West at all when other area schools were being shut down. A.H. 'Scotty' Kilpatrick commented that the district was 'building false hopes on the West Side.' In late July, the board put an end to the uncertainty and announced that reopening West was simply unworkable. Pecina, who had volunteered on the planning committee for nine months, refused to concede defeat. He and others pledged that the school would open as planned on Monday, Aug. 31, no matter what the district said. That Friday, school district lawyers requested a restraining order against the volunteer teachers. Circuit Judge Donald Mason denied the request, ruling that the district had not sufficiently disproved the existence of a contract with the protesters, referring to the Aug. 14, 1980, agreement endorsing the experimental school. District officials had signed the document but backpedaled and claimed it was more of a 'concept' than a contract. At a time when trust in government was generally in decline, the school district's posture severely diminished its stature. Star columnist Rich Hood put it best when he wrote that the question at the heart of the proceedings was 'whether a government agency has to keep its promises.' Even a member of the school board lamented that 'West is a very blatant way of showing that we cannot be trusted.' The legal battle effectively ended in October, when Circuit Judge Julian Levitt ruled that the 1980 agreement was legally unenforceable. Nevertheless, he continued, it represented at the least 'a very solemn promise,' and 'it would be tragic if the school board does not make every attempt to create an experimental program at West.' Despite these sentiments, Levitt's decision plunged the final nail into West's coffin. Over the following decades, the building at 1936 Summit St. fell gradually into disuse before officially closing in 1999. In 2014, after over a decade of wrangling with potential buyers, the school board voted to sell the building to Foutch Brothers, LLC, who have since converted it into market-rate lofts.
Express Tribune
13-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
The World's Most Bizarre and Unique Buildings You Have to See
Architecture has a way of captivating our imaginations, especially when buildings push the boundaries of conventional design. Across the globe, some structures stand out due to their unique shapes, unexpected materials, and whimsical designs. These buildings not only serve as functional spaces but also as striking pieces of art, each telling its own story. Whether they're inspired by nature, whimsy, or sheer creativity, these unusual buildings have become landmarks in their respective cities. Here's a look at some of the world's most unconventional and fascinating buildings. 1. Kansas City Public Library – Missouri, USA (Built in 2004) Located in downtown Kansas City, the Kansas City Public Library is one of the most striking libraries in the world. Its design incorporates a large, colorful bookshelf as the building's exterior, with rows of giant books displayed on the facade. The "community bookshelf" is a unique and fun homage to reading and knowledge, making this building a favorite of locals and tourists alike. 2. WonderWorks Building – Tennessee, USA (Built in 2012) The WonderWorks Building in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is an upside-down building that immediately captures attention. Originally designed as an amusement park attraction, the structure is intended to look like it has been flipped upside down, with its roof resting on the ground. Inside, it's filled with interactive exhibits, including science-based games and puzzles, adding an educational twist to this unusual design. 3. Fuji Television Building – Tokyo, Japan (Built in 1997) The Fuji Television Building in Tokyo stands out thanks to its unique design, which features a giant sphere that is suspended from the structure. This sphere is a broadcasting studio and an iconic part of the Tokyo skyline. Designed by renowned architect Kenzo Tange, the building combines futuristic elements with a distinctive, industrial look. It's one of Tokyo's most photographed landmarks. 4. Crazy House – Da Lat, Vietnam (Built in 1990) The Crazy House in Da Lat is a one-of-a-kind hotel that looks like something straight out of a fairytale. Designed by architect Dang Viet Nga, the building is known for its bizarre and organic forms, resembling a treehouse intertwined with strange and surrealistic elements. Its whimsical appearance draws visitors from all over the world who come to explore its winding hallways, bridges, and animal-themed rooms. 5. Lotus Temple – New Delhi, India (Built in 1986) The Lotus Temple in New Delhi is an architectural marvel and a place of worship for the Bahá'í community. Shaped like a blooming lotus flower, the temple is made of white marble and surrounded by lush gardens. The building's smooth curves and petal-like structures have made it one of the most photographed buildings in the world, symbolizing unity and peace. 6. The Niagara Falls Building – Niagara Falls, Canada (Built in 1963) The Niagara Falls Building, located near the world-famous waterfall, is a quirky structure that sits on the edge of one of nature's most stunning sites. The building's most unusual feature is its design, with a stark, utilitarian look that contrasts against the natural beauty of the falls. Although not as architecturally celebrated as some other buildings on this list, its location and function make it a noteworthy structure. 7. Teapot Shaped Building – Meitan County, China (Built in 2014) In Meitan County, China, there is a teapot-shaped building that serves as a tourist attraction. The structure, standing as a giant teapot, represents the region's deep cultural connection to tea production. This fun and whimsical building has become a popular photo opportunity for travelers visiting the area. 8. Tianzi Hotel – Hebei, China (Built in 2000) The Tianzi Hotel in Hebei is a striking example of unconventional architecture, designed to resemble a human figure. The building consists of three towers, each shaped like a man. Standing at 10 stories high, this "human-shaped" hotel is an eye-catching and eccentric structure, making it a bizarre yet memorable landmark. 9. National Fisheries Development Board – Hyderabad, India (Built in 2011) The National Fisheries Development Board in Hyderabad has a unique and contemporary design, resembling a fish. The building's flowing, organic shape is meant to symbolize the importance of water and the country's rich fishing industry. The structure is a perfect example of functional architecture combined with symbolic artistry. 10. Piano and Violin Building – Huainan, China (Built in 2007) This whimsical building in Huainan, China, takes the shape of a giant piano and violin, symbolizing the city's love for music. The building's curving, smooth lines and intricate design make it stand out as an artistic tribute to the country's rich musical traditions. Inside, it houses a variety of cultural spaces for public enjoyment. 11. Kunsthaus Graz – Graz, Austria (Built in 2003) The Kunsthaus Graz, or 'The Friendly Alien,' is a futuristic art museum in Austria with a strikingly unconventional design. Its blob-like, organic shape is covered with blue transparent panels, making it appear as if it were dropped straight out of another world. The museum's design challenges traditional architecture and has made it a landmark in the city. 12. The Little Crooked House – Sopot, Poland (Built in 2004) This charming building in Sopot, Poland, appears to be crooked, with warped walls and windows, making it look like something from a dream or fairytale. Its unusual design is the result of inspiration from a Polish artist's illustrations. The Little Crooked House is a beloved tourist attraction, drawing crowds for its quirky, optical illusion-like features. 13. 'Big Basket' – Ohio, USA (Built in 1997) In Newark, Ohio, the "Big Basket" building serves as the headquarters for the Longaberger Company. Shaped like a massive picnic basket, the building was designed to reflect the company's product line. Although it's no longer in use as the company's headquarters, the Big Basket remains an iconic structure in the city. 14. Nautilus House – Mexico City, Mexico (Built in 2006) The Nautilus House in Mexico City is a surreal, ocean-inspired home shaped like a giant seashell. The building, designed by Mexican architect Javier Senosiain, features flowing curves, organic forms, and vibrant colors, making it one of the most unique homes in the world. The structure blends seamlessly with its surrounding environment, giving off a harmonious, nature-inspired vibe. 15. House Attack – Vienna, Austria (Built in 2006) In Vienna, Austria, the House Attack is a striking example of modern architecture with an unusual twist. A large house appears to be precariously balanced on top of a museum building, giving the illusion that it's about to fall off. This playful design, created by artist Erwin Wurm, is part of the collection at the Museum of Contemporary Art. 16. Lucy the Elephant – New Jersey, USA (Built in 1881) Lucy the Elephant is a historic building located in Margate, New Jersey. Shaped like an elephant, this 65-foot-tall structure has been standing for over 100 years. Initially built as a tourist attraction, Lucy has since become a symbol of the town and a fascinating piece of Americana. You can now book to stay a night inside! 17. The Dog Bark Park Inn – Idaho, USA (Built in 2003) In Cottonwood, Idaho, visitors can stay in a bed-and-breakfast located inside a giant beagle-shaped building. The Dog Bark Park Inn is a whimsical and fun place to stay, attracting visitors who enjoy quirky architecture and a love for dogs.
