Good morning, this is Kansas City Local Pulse for Saturday, December 14, 2024.

We're starting with some breaking news. A Missourian who was detained in Syria for seven months has been released and flown out of the country, according to a US official. This comes as a relief to the family and friends who had been advocating for his return.

In local job market news, Kansas City continues to see growth. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the city added over 19,500 jobs in August compared to last year, with a 1.7 percent increase in employment. The leisure and hospitality sector saw the largest gain, with 6,800 new jobs. This is a positive sign for our local economy.

In real estate news, Kansas City has been named one of the top 10 'hot housing' markets in 2025 by a realtors' group. This is due to the city's growing population and increasing demand for housing. We're also seeing new development projects, such as the $3 million sidewalk project that could connect Nashua Elementary School to the surrounding neighborhood.

From city hall, the KCMO council has passed a plan to explore letting the city handle animal services again. This decision could impact daily life for many pet owners in the city. Additionally, officials and Governor Parson celebrated the opening of a $143 million data center in Kansas City, which is expected to bring in new jobs and economic growth.

Weather-wise, today is looking cloudy with some drizzle this evening. This might impact outdoor activities, but it's a good excuse to stay indoors and catch up on some local news.

In new business activity, we're seeing some exciting openings and changes. Mildred's is one of the first recipients of the Kansas City Back to Business Fund grants, which will help small businesses recover from the pandemic. We're also highlighting a local shop, Panache Chocolatier, which is making waves in the global chocolate scene.

In community events, the OP Farmers' Market is gathering one last time before major renovations. This is a great opportunity to support local vendors and get some holiday shopping done. We're also looking forward to the upcoming Chiefs game, with fans prepping for a full day of tailgating ahead of Sunday Night Football.

In local school achievements, we're congratulating the students at Staley High School who created businesses with loans from the school. This is a great example of entrepreneurial spirit and innovation. In sports news, the Missouri Tigers beat No. 1 Kansas 76-67, with Tamar Bates scoring 29 points.

In a feel-good community story, a Northland father-daughter duo has completed a nature trail, making their dream a reality. This is a great example of community building and outdoor enthusiasts coming together.

In today's crime report, we're seeing some significant incidents. A 16-year-old has been charged with first-degree murder in connection to the death of a 15-year-old Olathe teen. We're also reporting on a man who surrendered to police after a standoff in connection to the shooting and killing of a KCK teen. Our thoughts are with the families and communities affected by these incidents.

This has been Kansas City Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.