KS - November 26 2024

1. Kansas Launches New $43 Million Unemployment System
2. KBI Proposes $114M Headquarters to Replace Aging Facility
3. Bombardier in Wichita Delivers First Global 6500 to U.S. Army
4. KC Current Advances Riverfront Mixed-Use District Plan
5. Potential Amelia Earhart Plane Wreckage Turns Out To Be Rock
6. Sports
7. Restaurant Review: Martinelli’s Little Italy – Salina, KS

1. Kansas Launches New $43 Million Unemployment System

Kansas officials touted the release of an updated unemployment insurance system, replacing one that was implemented in the 1970s that used outdated technology in coding languages that are no longer taught. The new system was built by Tata Consultancy Services for $43 million, and uses cloud computing that Kansas Labor Secretary Amber Shultz said will scale over time. It went live for claimants on Tuesday.

Article Source: Topeka Capitol-Journal

2. KBI Proposes $114M Headquarters to Replace Aging Facility

The director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation proposed construction of a $114.4 million headquarters to replace administrative buildings that subjected employees to fire-safety dangers and security threats from homeless people and drug addicts. Tony Mattivi, director of the state law enforcement agency, told the Kansas Legislature’s joint budget committee Monday the headquarters located in a former Topeka junior high school was declared functionally obsolete in 1996. That main structure was built in 1929 a decade before the KBI was created.

Article Source: KS Reflector

3. Bombardier in Wichita Delivers First Global 6500 to U.S. Army

Bombardier delivered the first Global 6500 aircraft to the U.S. Army’s “Hades Program.” The plane has sensors that can detect movement on the ground and give soldiers information about the terrain. The surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft can fly in all weather conditions and help protect soldiers’ lives on the ground. Wichita officers and firefighters hand out Dillons giftcards to shoppers Senator Jerry Moran says this project will serve the military and bring new opportunities to the air capital of the world. 

Article Source: KSN

4. KC Current Advances Riverfront Mixed-Use District Plan

From April 2024 

The Kansas City Current has unveiled what's next for the $800 million-plus riverfront development it plans around CPKC Stadium — and whom the team has enlisted to help design and build it. The Current shared plans Monday to break ground later this year on the first of several mixed-use phases at Berkley Riverfront, equaling more than $200 million in private investment  

Today 

The Kansas City Current's coming mixed-use district looks to distinguish itself with new retailers, restaurants and public spaces active year round, rather than just on game days at CPKC Stadium.  In the past six months, the team has conducted market research to understand how to curate the right mix of businesses for 53,000 square feet of retail planned in the district's $200 million first phase, said Scott McCubbrey, managing director of Marquee. That mix is planned to be "hyperlocal" in focus, with a combination of local and national food and beverage operators, plus fitness and entertainment tenants. At its peak, CPKC Stadium is expected to host about 50 annual events. Marquee will draw from experience building stadium-adjacent mixed uses elsewhere, including around Wrigley Field in Chicago and Target Field in Minnesota…  utility work for the first district phase probably would start by year's end or in early 2025, with visible construction progress expected by the time the Current's next season begins in March. Other coming announcements could be a name for the district and exciting retail partnerships.

Article Source: KC Biz Journal

5. Potential Amelia Earhart Plane Wreckage Turns Out To Be Rock

In January, an ocean exploration company published a photo of what it said could be the wreckage of the plane flown by pioneering aviator Amelia Earhart when she disappeared in 1937 while attempting to fly around the world. The news gained international attention as it suggested a possible bookend to one of the greatest unsolved mysteries of the 20th century. Eleven months later, the company has identified the plane-like object as a rock formation – not the crashed plane of one of the most important figures in aviation history.

Article Source: Topeka Capitol-Journal

6. Sports

Tonight  

KU v Duke basketball

7. Restaurant Review: Martinelli’s Little Italy – Salina, KS

Salina is just a 30-minute drive north of McPherson along Interstate 135. Our reservation at Martinelli's Little Italy was set for 6 p.m., but by the hunger-induced silence in the car, that may have been too late. This was our second attempt to dine at Martinelli's. Our first try was the night before the Salina Marathon and the surge of runners carbo-loading resulted in wait times exceeding an hour. The restaurant enjoys an outstanding reputation in the area, and we were eagerly looking forward to our visit. Salina's downtown has undergone significant revitalization in recent years and was bustling with activity on this Friday evening. Martinelli's is located directly across the street from Watson's Theater. Inside, its large windows overlook Santa Fe Street, while red checkered tablecloths adorn each table. Bread and olive oil were served shortly after we sat down and it was so good (or we were so hungry) that we ended up ordering another loaf. We were advised to try the Martinelli's chopped salad before our meals. A lively debate ensued over whether to order the half size or the family size. Ultimately, we opted for the family size, which turned out to be the right choice. I’m not exaggerating when I say this might have been the best salad I’ve ever had.   

Everything is available in three portion sizes: quarter, half, and family. The quarter size serves one to two people, the half serves three to four, and the family size is designed to feed an entire family. In my opinion, the half size offers the best value for your money and provides enough for leftovers the next day. Additionally, if you’re a growing boy, I’d definitely recommend going with the half size. For the main course, we all chose pasta. I ordered Martinelli's Pasta, featuring shell noodles tossed in Alfredo sauce with chicken. Mom opted for pasta with shrimp, while Dad went with pasta and chicken. I opted for the half size, leaving me with leftovers to take home, while my parents each chose the quarter size. Too full for dessert, we settled the check. I highly recommend Martinelli's Little Italy—it won't disappoint. Although I don't plan to run a race tomorrow, we certainly succeeded in carbo-loading.

Sources

1. https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/state/2024/11/26/kansas-unemployment-claims-system-joins-digital-age-with-41m-upgrade/76502172007/

2. https://kansasreflector.com/2024/11/26/kbi-seeks-114-4-million-for-new-headquarters-and-exit-from-horrible-neighborhood-in-topeka/

3. https://www.ksn.com/news/business/bombardier-delivers-the-first-global-6500-aircraft-to-the-u-s-army/

4. https://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/news/2024/04/22/kc-current-marquee-cpkc-stadium-berkley-riverfront.html
https://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/news/2024/11/25/kc-current-palmer-square-berkley-riverfront.html?ana=RSS&s=article_search

5. https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/nation/2024/11/25/amelia-earhart-missing-plane/76565295007/