Good morning, this is Kansas City Local Pulse for Saturday, August 16, 2025. We start today under a heat advisory that runs through Monday night. It is already shaping up to be another scorcher with highs heading toward the upper nineties and the heat index nearing one hundred and five. Be careful out there, especially if you have outdoor plans at local parks or are heading to any events. Remember to hydrate and check on neighbors who might need a little help during these hot stretches.

Turning to city news, officials and residents are still talking about the recent closing of the Sun Fresh grocery store in Midtown near 31st and Linwood. This has left many in the Ivanhoe neighborhood concerned about food access, but there is some good news. Cosentino’s has announced plans to buy the former market in Westport, signaling hope for more grocery options soon. On the city transit front, Kansas City leaders and the KCATA signed an agreement this week that will keep city buses running for the foreseeable future, reassuring daily commuters across the metro. At city hall, Independence Police Chief Adam Dustman tendered his resignation effective Friday. The department is undergoing a search for new leadership as the community processes this transition.

Community spirit is high as we celebrate 816 Day today. Local businesses from the River Market to the Country Club Plaza are offering special deals. If you want to enjoy the sun, Lee’s Summit is hosting the grand opening of its Green Street Market Plaza this weekend, featuring food trucks and live music.

On the education scene, Blue Valley School District welcomes a new superintendent just in time for the new school year. In Raytown, South Raytown High and the Herndon Career Center are starting classes virtually next week, adjusting quickly to ongoing construction delays. And we send our congratulations to Central High’s debate team, which recently took home top honors at a regional competition.

The job market is a mixed bag at the moment, with several recent grads talking about challenges landing roles. Unemployment remains slightly above the previous year, but there are openings in logistics and healthcare, especially in the Northland and near KU Med.

For sports, Sporting KC faces a tough match against Orlando City away this evening at 4:30. Meanwhile, the Chiefs took a preseason loss to the Seahawks, 33-16, but young players showed promise and we’re optimistic as the regular season approaches. On the local baseball scene, the Monarchs notched their third consecutive win last night at Legends Field.

In real estate, home sales remain steady with roughly five hundred new listings this week, while rents on both sides of State Line are holding firm after last month’s spike.

Now a quick look at crime and safety. There is an active investigation in Independence following a fatal crash late last night on 23rd Street. Overland Park Fire crews responded to a suspicious fire early Friday morning off Metcalf near 87th, but no injuries were reported. Also, residents in South Plaza are voicing frustration after a string of overnight car break-ins. Police are stepping up patrols in that area.

On a positive note, we spotlight a Kansas City man honoring his late mother by arranging supportive tours for ALS warriors across our city, building community and spreading kindness one story at a time.

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