Good morning, this is Kansas City Local Pulse for Saturday, December 21, 2024.

We're starting with some breaking news from the past few days. Amazon workers at four facilities in the Kansas City area have joined a nationwide strike against the company. Members of Local 41 of the Teamsters Union are on the picket lines, calling for higher wages, better benefits, and safer working conditions. Amazon says the strike won't affect holiday deliveries, but it's a significant development in the labor market.

Speaking of jobs, Kansas City's labor market continues to tighten. According to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the city added more than 10,000 jobs in December compared to last year. This is the lowest unemployment level since the job market started to recover in April 2021. The tech job market is particularly booming, with 110,000 new jobs expected to be created driven by AI and automation. Top companies like Sprint and Black & Veatch are hiring, with salaries averaging $85,000.

In other news, the FBI is searching for two fugitives wanted in connection to multiple jewelry heists in Kansas. Vasile Sava and Onita Rostas are accused of stealing nearly $60,000 worth of jewelry from stores in Lawrence and Topeka. Authorities say the pair were part of a large Romanian-based conspiracy.

Moving on to city hall, the Kansas City Council has approved changes to how it enforces homeless camping around the city. The new ordinance allows for quicker camp clean-ups and shorter notices before clearing encampments. Mayor Lily Wu says the goal is to balance compassion with encouraging individuals to use emergency winter shelters.

In real estate news, there haven't been any major commercial or residential property sales in the past few days. However, the city is seeing a rise in new development projects, particularly in the downtown area.

As for weather, today is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of 45 degrees. It's a great day to get out and enjoy some holiday events. Speaking of which, the Kansas City International Airport is expecting over half a million travelers for the winter holiday season.

In business news, the newly-opened Farm Fresh Market in south Kansas City is hoping to address the area's food desert. The market offers fresh produce and other essentials to residents who previously had limited access to healthy food options.

In sports, the Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up to play the Houston Texans today. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes is expected to play despite some injuries.

In a feel-good community story, a local tattoo artist is giving back by creating beautiful works of art for those in need. The artist is offering free tattoos to individuals who can't afford them, spreading some holiday cheer in the process.

Finally, in today's crime report, the Kansas City Police Department is asking for the public's help in finding a vehicle involved in a hit-and-run crash. Authorities are also searching for two suspects in connection to a battery incident at a Lenexa store.

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

Good morning, this is Kansas City Local Pulse for Saturday, December 21, 2024.

We're starting off with breaking news from the labor front. Amazon workers at four facilities in the Kansas City area have joined a nationwide strike, part of the largest strike against Amazon in US history. The Teamsters Union is calling for higher wages, better benefits, and safer working conditions. Despite the strike, Amazon officials say it won't affect holiday deliveries.

In other labor news, Kansas City's job market continues to tighten. The latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that Kansas City added more than 10,000 jobs in December compared to last year, with the region's labor force sliding from a record level in the middle of 2023. This is the lowest unemployment level since the job market started to recover in April 2021.

On the tech front, Kansas City is booming. The city is expected to create 110,000 new tech jobs driven by AI and automation, with top companies like Sprint and Black & Veatch hiring. The average tech salary in Kansas City is around $75,000 per year, with certain skills like AI, machine learning, and data science in high demand.

Moving to real estate, there are no major updates on notable property sales or new development projects today. However, we do know that the city is making progress toward building a park over the south loop in downtown Kansas City.

From city hall, the Kansas City Council has passed a plan to explore letting the city handle animal services again. Additionally, the city is revisiting its homeless camping ordinance, which could allow for quicker camp clean-ups and shorter notices before clearing encampments.

Weather-wise, it's going to be a chilly day today, so make sure to bundle up if you're planning on heading out. There are no major weather alerts for today, but we'll keep you updated if anything changes.

In new business activity, there are no major openings or closings to report today. However, we do know that the $143 million data center in Kansas City is now open, which is expected to bring in new jobs and economic growth.

Looking ahead to community events, there are several holiday events happening around the city over the next few days. Be sure to check out the holiday lights at the Country Club Plaza or the ice skating rink at the Crown Center.

In local sports news, the Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up to play the Houston Texans today, with quarterback Patrick Mahomes set to play.

On a feel-good note, a Kansas City teen has been collecting holiday toys for the Uvalde community, showing the spirit of giving this holiday season.

Finally, in today's crime report, the FBI is searching for two fugitives wanted in connection to multiple jewelry heists in Kansas. The pair, Vasile Sava and Onita Rostas, have been indicted by a federal grand jury and are accused of stealing nearly $60,000 worth of jewelry.

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

Good morning, this is Kansas City Local Pulse for Friday, December 20, 2024.

We're starting off with some breaking news from the past few days. The Kansas City Police Department is asking for the public's help in finding a vehicle involved in a hit-and-run crash. If you have any information, please contact the KCPD. Also, three suspects have been arrested in an alleged strong-armed robbery of a 79-year-old woman at the Ward Parkway Shopping Center. The suspects, Omarion Swift, Jeremy Madden, and a juvenile, are facing charges of second-degree robbery and fraudulent use of a credit/debit card[4].

Moving on to our job market snapshot, Kansas City's tech job market is booming, with over 110,000 new jobs expected to be created due to AI and automation. Top companies like Sprint, Black & Veatch, and Garmin are hiring, with salaries averaging around $85,000. The cost of living in Kansas City is low compared to major tech hubs, making it an attractive place for tech professionals[5].

In real estate news, there haven't been any major commercial or residential property sales reported recently. However, construction is ongoing for the new Farm Fresh Market in south Kansas City, which aims to address the food desert in the area. The Overland Park Farmers' Market is also undergoing construction, which may impact RideKC users[1].

From city hall, the Jackson County Board of Commissioners has approved the allocation of $70.4 million in ARPA funding after weeks of debate. This funding will go towards various projects and initiatives in the county[1].

Weather-wise, it's going to be a chilly day today, with temperatures in the mid-30s. Make sure to bundle up if you're planning on heading out. The cold weather may impact some outdoor activities and events, so be sure to check for any cancellations or postponements.

In new business activity, the Kansas City-area Teamsters Union members have joined a nationwide strike against Amazon. This strike may affect delivery services in the area. On a more positive note, the newly-opened Farm Fresh Market is offering fresh produce and groceries to the community[1].

Looking ahead to the next few days, there are several community events happening in Kansas City. The Season of Hope Drive is still ongoing, and families are receiving gifts thanks to the help of Kansas Citians. The 'Motorcycle Toy Man' is also visiting kids in the area with holiday gifts[1].

In local school news, the Gardner school district has banned a controversial book, sparking debate over LGBTQ+ inclusion. The Independence school district has finalized its 2025 transit plans, with IRIS rides replacing IndeBuses[1].

On a feel-good note, a Kansas City tattoo artist is giving back to the community by creating beautiful works of art.

In today's crime report, the KCPD is still investigating the unsolved murder of a 17-year-old boy. The police are asking for the public's help in finding any information that may lead to an arrest. Additionally, two suspects are being sought in the battery of an employee inside a Lenexa store[1][4].

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

Good morning, this is Kansas City Local Pulse for Friday, December 20, 2024.

We're starting off with some breaking news. The Kansas City Police Department is asking for the public's help in finding a vehicle involved in a hit-and-run crash. The incident happened recently, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward[1].

In other news, the labor market in Kansas City continues to tighten. According to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data, Kansas City added more than 10,000 jobs in December compared to last year. This marks the lowest unemployment level since the job market started to recover in April 2021[2].

On the tech front, Kansas City is booming. The city is expected to create 110,000 new tech jobs driven by AI and automation. Top companies like Sprint and Black & Veatch are hiring, with salaries averaging $85,000. Coding bootcamps and local universities are offering essential training in high-demand skills like Python and cloud computing[5].

Moving on to real estate, there are no major updates on notable commercial or residential property sales this week. However, we do have some news on new development projects. The Lenexa Public Market is introducing a new vendor in January, Saap Saap Noodles, which will serve Laos and Thai cuisine[3].

From city hall, the Independence City Council has finalized its 2025 transit plans, with IRIS rides set to replace IndeBuses. This change aims to improve public transportation in the area[1].

Weather-wise, it's going to be a chilly day today, with temperatures expected to stay in the low 40s. If you're planning on heading out, make sure to bundle up.

In business news, Prefix coffee has closed its Grandview location but will soon open in another spot. The West Bottoms, one of Kansas City's oldest neighborhoods, is seeing some new activity, with the KC Renaissance Festival's village transforming into a winter wonderland[3].

Looking ahead to the weekend, there are plenty of community events to check out. The Hallmark Christmas Experience is still going on, and the Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting at Crown Center is a must-see.

In local school news, the Gardner school district has banned a controversial book, sparking debate over LGBTQ+ inclusion. On the sports front, the Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up for their next game.

For a feel-good story, we have the 'Motorcycle Toy Man' visiting Kansas City kids with holiday gifts. It's heartwarming to see the community coming together to spread joy during the holiday season[1].

Finally, in our crime report, three suspects have been arrested in connection with the alleged strong-armed robbery of a 79-year-old woman at the Ward Parkway Shopping Center. The incident happened last Thursday night, and the suspects are facing charges of second-degree robbery and fraudulent use of a credit/debit card[4].

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

Good morning, this is Kansas City Local Pulse for Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

We're starting with some breaking news from the past few days. A Missouri man who was missing in Syria for months has been freed after seven months in detention. He's choosing to stay in Syria despite pleas to return home[1].

In local job market news, Kansas City continues to see significant growth, especially in the tech sector. The city is expected to create around 110,000 new tech jobs driven by AI and automation. Top companies like Sprint, Black & Veatch, and Netsmart are hiring, with salaries averaging $85,000. The cost of living in Kansas City is low compared to major tech hubs, making it an attractive place for tech professionals[5].

Moving to real estate, the Kansas City housing market remains hot. Realtors have included Kansas City as one of the top 10 'hot housing' markets in 2025. A $362 million development with 600 apartments is headed to downtown Kansas City, adding to the city's growing residential landscape[2][3].

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 residents who rely on these services[1].

Weather-wise, it's a chilly morning in Kansas City, but we're expecting a relatively calm day. If you're planning to head out to pick up a Christmas tree, now's the perfect time. Speaking of Christmas trees, hundreds of families are flocking to Christmas Ranch Tree Farm in Excelsior Springs to find their perfect tree. The farm, run by Carol and Roy Freeman, has been a local tradition since 1982 and is expected to sell out its entire stock of over 1,000 trees by the end of the week[4].

In new business activity, a major data center worth $143 million has opened in Kansas City, celebrated by officials and Governor Parson. This development is expected to boost the local economy and create new job opportunities[1].

Looking ahead to community events, there's a feminine hygiene drive and expo benefiting Kansas City's domestic violence centers. If you're interested in supporting a good cause, this is a great opportunity to make a difference[1].

In local school news, Staley High School students have been creating their own businesses with loans from the school, showcasing their entrepreneurial spirit. Additionally, a Kansas teen has been collecting holiday toys for the Uvalde community, demonstrating the kindness and generosity of our local youth[1].

On a feel-good note, a Northland father-daughter duo has completed a nature trail, fulfilling their dream and adding a new outdoor space for the community to enjoy[1].

In today's crime report, a 16-year-old has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of a 15-year-old Olathe teen. The police are also investigating a shooting near Southwest Boulevard. We urge everyone to stay safe and aware of their surroundings[1][3].

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

Good morning, this is Kansas City Local Pulse for Wednesday, December 18, 2024. We're starting with some breaking news from the past few days. A tragic accident occurred in Overland Park on Tuesday afternoon, resulting in one fatality and two injuries[1]. Our thoughts are with the families affected.

In other news, the Kansas City tech job market is booming, with over 110,000 new jobs expected to be created in 2024, driven by AI and automation. Top companies like Sprint and Black & Veatch are hiring, with salaries averaging around $85,000[5]. This growth is not only good for the economy but also provides numerous opportunities for those looking to get into the tech industry.

On the real estate front, Kansas City has been named one of the top 10 'hot housing' markets in 2025 by a realtors' group. This is no surprise, given the recent population increase and the opening of a $143 million data center in the city[1][2].

In city hall news, the KCMO council has passed a plan to explore letting the city handle animal services again. This decision could have a significant impact on daily life for many residents[1].

Weather-wise, it's looking like a relatively calm day today, but we're keeping an eye on the forecast for any changes that might affect your plans.

In business news, a major cyberattack has hit several car dealers in the Kansas City area, highlighting the importance of cybersecurity in our increasingly digital world[3].

Looking ahead to the next few days, there are several community events worth noting. The Feminine Hygiene Drive and Expo is set to benefit KC's domestic violence centers, and a scholarship program is helping recovering addicts further their education[1].

In local sports, the Chiefs have been making headlines, and we're excited to see what the future holds for our teams.

On a more somber note, our crime report includes a shooting near Southwest Boulevard, which is currently under investigation by the KCPD[3]. We urge everyone to stay safe and aware of their surroundings.

Finally, a feel-good story to brighten your day: a Kansas teen has been collecting holiday toys for the Uvalde community, showing the kindness and generosity that makes our community so strong[1].

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

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.

Good morning, this is Kansas City Local Pulse for Friday, December 13, 2024.

We start with breaking news from last night. A shooting in south Kansas City left one man dead. Police were called to the 8700 block of Blue Ridge Boulevard around 5 p.m. on Thursday. The victim was found unresponsive in a nearby vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. Currently, police do not have a person of interest identified or anyone in custody. If you were in the area and saw or heard anything, you're asked to contact homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously.

Moving on to our job market snapshot, Kansas City continues to see growth. According to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the city added more than 10,000 jobs in December compared to last year. This is the lowest unemployment level since the job market started to recover in April 2021. The leisure and hospitality sector saw the largest gain, with an increase of 6,800 jobs, primarily in the Missouri portion of the metropolitan area.

In real estate news, Kansas City has been named one of the top 10 'hot housing' markets in 2025 by a realtors' group. This comes as no surprise, given the city's growing population and job market. We'll keep an eye on this trend and bring you updates on new developments and property sales.

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 residents, and we'll follow up on this story as more information becomes available.

Weather-wise, it's a chilly morning today, but we're expecting a mostly sunny day with temperatures in the mid-40s. This should make for a great day to get out and enjoy some of the city's holiday events.

Speaking of events, there are several community activities happening over the next few days. The Feminine Hygiene Drive and Expo will benefit KC's domestic violence centers, and the Mission barber who shared his story of humble beginnings is inspiring others. We also have a feel-good story about a Kansas teen who collected holiday toys for the Uvalde community.

In local school news, Staley High School students have been creating businesses with loans from the school, giving them real-world experience. And in sports, the Chiefs are always a highlight, but we also want to mention the local school achievements that often go unnoticed.

Unfortunately, we also have to report on crime. In addition to the shooting in south Kansas City, a 16-year-old has been charged with first-degree murder of a 15-year-old Olathe teen. We urge everyone to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

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

Good morning, this is Kansas City Local Pulse for Friday, December 13, 2024.

We're starting with some breaking news from the past few days. A man suspected of shooting and killing a KCK teen surrendered to police after a standoff. This incident has left the community on edge, and we'll continue to follow this story as more information becomes available.

In other news, the Kansas City labor market continues to tighten, with more than 10,000 jobs added in December compared to last year, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This marks the lowest unemployment level since the job market started to recover in April 2021. The region's labor force has slid from a record level in the middle of 2023, but overall, the job market is looking strong[1][4].

On the real estate front, a $3 million sidewalk project could connect Nashua Elementary School and the surrounding neighborhood. The Kansas City City Council committee reviewed the plan earlier this week, which aims to build about 10 blocks of sidewalks around the school. This project is part of the city's efforts to improve infrastructure and safety for residents.

In city hall news, the KCMO council passed a plan exploring letting the city handle animal services again. This decision could have significant impacts on daily life for pet owners and residents. 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, it's looking cloudy with some drizzle today, so make sure to grab your umbrella if you're heading out. The weather shouldn't affect too many activities, but it's always a good idea to check the forecast before heading out.

In new business activity, Mildred's was among the first recipients of Kansas City's Back to Business Fund grants. About 120 small businesses applied for grants since the fund was approved by the city council in September, and 30 businesses were awarded their grants this week.

Looking ahead to community events, there's a feminine hygiene drive and expo benefiting KC's domestic violence centers. This event aims to raise awareness and collect essential items for those in need.

In local school achievements, Staley High School students created businesses with loans from the school, showcasing their entrepreneurial spirit. And in sports news, the Kansas Jayhawks are gearing up for their next game, with longtime Leipold assistant Jim Zebrowski promoted to offensive coordinator at KU.

On a feel-good note, a Northland father-daughter duo's dream came true with the completion of a nature trail. This project is a great example of community members coming together to create something beautiful and beneficial for everyone.

In today's crime report, a 16-year-old was charged with first-degree murder of a 15-year-old Olathe teen. This incident is a tragic reminder of the importance of public safety and the need for community support.

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

Good morning, this is Kansas City Local Pulse for December 8, 2024. We're starting with some breaking news from the past few days. A standoff at a home south of Eudora ended tragically with two people found dead. The Kansas City Police Department is investigating this incident[1].

In other news, a 17-year-old was found dead inside a vehicle, and the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department is working to determine the circumstances surrounding this tragic event[1].

Moving on to our job market snapshot, Kansas City continues to see growth. According to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the city added more than 10,000 jobs in December compared to last year, marking the lowest unemployment level since April 2021[2][5].

In real estate news, there are no major commercial or residential property sales to report today, but we do have updates on new development projects. UMKC plans to redevelop a plot of land near the new KC Streetcar stop, which could bring new opportunities to the area[4].

From city hall, we have updates on decisions that affect daily life. The KCMO councilwoman has proposed that animal services return to being handled by the city, which could lead to changes in how these services are managed[4].

Weather-wise, it's a chilly morning, and we're expecting a cold day ahead. Make sure to bundle up if you're planning on being outdoors. We'll have more on the weather outlook later.

In new business activity, we have a local minister selling her lifetime collection of nativities, which is a unique holiday shopping opportunity[4]. Additionally, Flourish KC furniture bank is working to make homes feel like homes for families in need, and they're accepting donations[4].

Looking ahead to community events, Lee's Summit Social Services' Christmas store is set to provide gifts for children, and Northland Clothing Center is calling out for donations to support families in need[4].

In local school achievements, we don't have any specific updates today, but we'll be back with more news from our schools soon.

For a feel-good community story, a local shop is 'weathering' the global chocolate scene, bringing a taste of Kansas City to chocolate lovers everywhere[4].

Moving on to today's crime report, we have several incidents to report. A man was charged in connection with a deadly shooting, and another man was charged in the death of his ex-girlfriend's fiancé in Lee's Summit[1]. Additionally, there was a wrong-way crash on 69 Highway that resulted in one fatality[1].

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