Good morning, this is Kansas City Local Pulse for January 1, 2025. We're starting the new year with a mix of updates and news that impact our daily lives.

First off, a significant development in road safety: Missouri's hands-free law is now in effect as of today. This law aims to reduce distracted driving by penalizing drivers who physically use their mobile devices while driving. Fines start at $150 for a first conviction and can go up to $500 for a third offense. This change is crucial, given that 106 people in Missouri were killed in 2023 due to distracted driving[1].

Moving on to the job market, Kansas City is expected to see a growth rate of 1.0% in 2024, with employment numbers reaching an estimated 1,156,343 by 2025. The labor force is also forecasted to increase, reflecting confidence in the local economy and the creation of new job opportunities[2]. In the tech sector, Kansas City is booming, with over 4,000 tech companies generating a $25 billion economic impact. The city has just landed a massive win as a federally designated Tech Hub, solidifying its place in the national tech scene. This means more job opportunities, especially in software development, AI, and data centers[4].

In local news, a KC man is facing multiple charges in a September double murder in KCMO. Additionally, there was a fatal overnight crash at Winner Road and Hardesty Avenue, and KCPD is investigating an overnight homicide involving a female[3].

On a lighter note, families across Kansas City spent Christmas Eve engaging in various activities, from watching the Chiefs game to enjoying the slopes at Snow Creek in Weston. The community also came together for the Neighbor2Neighbor Christmas Eve breakfast, highlighting the growing need among families[3].

Looking at the weather, today is expected to be chilly, so make sure to bundle up if you're planning on heading out. There are no significant weather alerts for today, but we'll keep you updated if anything changes.

In real estate, there are no major updates to report today, but we'll be keeping an eye on any significant property sales or new development projects.

From city hall, there are no new announcements, but we'll be monitoring any decisions that affect daily life in Kansas City.

In new business activity, there are no major openings or closings to report today. However, the tech industry is expected to see significant investments in 2025, particularly in areas like AI and data centers[4].

Upcoming community events include the annual Kwanzaa Celebration, which continues through the week. Also, Prospect KC teamed up with Local Pig to pass out 250 Christmas meals, showcasing the community's spirit[3].

In local school achievements, there are no specific updates today, but we'll be highlighting any notable achievements in the coming days.

Finally, in our feel-good community story, a Kansas City teen battling cancer received a special gift from Colleen Hoover on Christmas Eve, reminding us of the kindness and generosity in our community[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 January 1, 2025. We're starting the new year with a look at some significant developments in our city.

First off, a major change is taking effect today: Missouri's hands-free law is now being enforced. This means drivers who are physically using their mobile devices while driving will face penalties, including fines starting at $150 for a first conviction and up to $500 for a third offense. This law aims to reduce distracted driving, which has been a significant concern in Missouri, with 106 people killed in 2023 due to distracted driving[1].

Moving on to the job market, Kansas City is expected to see a strong performance in 2025, with a forecasted growth rate of 1.0% in employment. The labor force is also expected to increase, reaching 1,192,276 by 2025. Major tech companies are leading the way, with the Kansas City Inclusive Biologics and Biomanufacturing Tech Hub eligible for up to $75 million in federal funding. This is expected to drive job growth in software development, AI, and data centers[2][5].

In real estate news, Lenexa has set a $208 million blueprint for growth, including road projects and a new pool. This development is part of the city's efforts to enhance its infrastructure and amenities[3].

From city hall, we have updates on decisions that affect daily life. For instance, the city's illumination of City Hall Menorah celebrated Hanukkah, showcasing the community's diversity and inclusivity[3].

Weather-wise, it's a chilly start to the year, but we're expecting a clear day ahead. Make sure to bundle up if you're planning outdoor activities.

In new business activity, we have several openings and changes to note. For example, Prospect KC teamed up with Local Pig to pass out 250 Christmas meals, demonstrating the community's spirit of giving[3].

Looking ahead to community events, there are several activities planned for the next few days. Families can enjoy the slopes at Snow Creek in Weston, and there are various holiday celebrations across the city[3].

In local school achievements, we have stories of students and teachers making a difference. For instance, a Kansas City teen battling cancer received a special gift from author Colleen Hoover on Christmas Eve[3].

On a feel-good note, a Clay County deputy went viral for 'arresting' an elf, spreading Christmas cheer in a fun and creative way[3].

In today's crime report, we have a few incidents to note. There was a fatal crash at Winner Road and Hardesty Avenue, and police are investigating an overnight homicide involving a female. We urge everyone to stay safe and report any suspicious activity to the authorities[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 Monday, December 30, 2024.

We're starting with some breaking news from the past few days. A 93-year-old pedestrian was tragically struck and killed in Independence on Saturday morning[1]. Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time. Additionally, a house fire in Kansas City left a man with significant burns, and the Kansas City Fire Department is investigating the cause[1].

In job market news, Kansas City continues to see growth, with over 10,000 jobs added in December compared to last year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics[2]. This is the lowest unemployment level since the job market started to recover in April 2021. The tech sector is particularly booming, with 110,000 new jobs expected to be created due to advancements in AI and automation[5]. Top companies like Sprint, Black & Veatch, and Cerner are hiring, with salaries averaging around $85,000.

Moving to real estate, there have been some notable developments. The Pleasant Hill area is undergoing its largest parks development project, which will enhance community spaces[1]. However, we don't have specific updates on commercial or residential property sales, new development projects, or weekly median home prices and inventory levels for today.

From city hall, Congressman Cleaver's bill to honor WWI "Hello Girls" was recently signed into law, recognizing the contributions of these pioneering women[1]. Additionally, Johnson County Chairman Mike Kelly reflected on 2024 and looked ahead to 2025, discussing various initiatives and challenges[1].

Weather-wise, it's a chilly morning, but we're expecting a mostly sunny day with temperatures in the mid-40s. Perfect weather to get out and enjoy some of the holiday activities still happening around the city.

In new business activity, Harold’s Drive-In, a beloved local eatery, is closing its doors after nearly 70 years of serving up smashburgers and malts[3]. On a brighter note, Booth Creek Wagyu opened its fourth Kansas storefront in Prairie Village, offering high-quality Wagyu beef products[3].

Looking ahead to community events, while many holiday festivities have wrapped up, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy. The Kansas City Public Library hosts various events, and the Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail golf cart ride at Top of the Rock is a magical experience during this season[3].

In local school achievements, we don't have specific updates for today, but we're always proud to highlight the accomplishments of our local students and athletes.

For a feel-good community story, a Kansas City teen battling cancer received a special gift from author Colleen Hoover on Christmas Eve, bringing some joy during a challenging time[1].

In today's crime report, there have been several incidents. A Christmas Eve shooting in Kansas City's Historic Northeast left two people injured, and the Kansas City Police Department is investigating[1]. Additionally, a homicide involving a female victim is under investigation, and the police are seeking information from the public[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 December 30, 2024.

We're starting with some breaking news from the past few days. A 93-year-old pedestrian was tragically struck and killed in Independence on December 29. Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time[1].

In other news, the Kansas City labor market continues to tighten, with over 10,000 jobs added in December compared to last year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This marks the lowest unemployment level since April 2021[2].

Speaking of jobs, the tech industry in Kansas City is booming, with 110,000 new jobs expected to be created due to advancements in AI and automation. Top companies like Sprint, Black & Veatch, and Garmin are hiring, with salaries averaging around $85,000. If you're looking to get into tech, coding bootcamps and local universities offer essential training in high-demand skills like Python and cloud computing[5].

Moving on to real estate, we don't have any major updates today, but we'll keep an eye on any significant developments.

From City Hall, we have some updates on decisions that affect daily life. The city recently illuminated the City Hall Menorah to celebrate Hanukkah, and the annual Kwanzaa Celebration took place, with vendors explaining the significance of the holiday[1].

Weather-wise, it's a chilly morning, but we're expecting a partly sunny day with highs in the mid-40s. Perfect weather to get out and enjoy some of the city's events.

Speaking of events, there are plenty of activities happening around town. The Kansas City Chiefs are still basking in the glory of their recent games, and fans are showing their team spirit in unique ways, like one fan's 40-year-old Christmas tree tradition[1].

In local school achievements, we have some inspiring stories. A Kansas City teen battling cancer received a special gift from author Colleen Hoover on Christmas Eve, and a high school athlete was treated for a rare tumor at Children's Mercy Kansas City[1][3].

On a feel-good note, a Clay County deputy went viral for "arresting" an elf and spreading Christmas cheer, and a Northland community is mourning the sudden death of their neighborhood Santa Claus, but his legacy lives on[1].

Unfortunately, we also have some crime updates. A 7-month-old boy's death is being investigated as a homicide, and there was a Christmas Eve shooting in Kansas City's Historic Northeast that left two injured. Our thoughts are with the families affected[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 Sunday, December 29, 2024.

We're starting off with some breaking news from the past few days. A tragic overnight crash at Winner Road and Hardesty Avenue left one person dead and another injured. The Kansas City Police Department is investigating the incident[1]. Additionally, a Christmas Eve shooting in the Historic Northeast area left two people injured, and the police are still looking for suspects[1].

Moving on to the job market, Kansas City continues to see significant growth. According to recent data, the city added over 10,000 jobs in December compared to last year, with the unemployment rate reaching its lowest level since April 2021[2]. The tech sector is particularly booming, with companies like Sprint and Black & Veatch hiring, and salaries averaging around $85,000[5]. The healthcare tech and fintech industries are expected to see significant growth, with companies like blooom and ZOLOZ expanding their operations in the city[5].

In real estate news, there haven't been any major commercial or residential property sales reported in the past few days. However, the city is seeing significant development projects, including the largest parks development project in Pleasant Hill[1]. The weekly median home prices and inventory levels remain steady, but we'll keep an eye on any changes in the coming weeks.

From City Hall, we have an update on the recent legislative developments. The Jackson County Legislature passed a plan to keep $70 million in federal funding, resolving months of fighting between legislators[3]. This decision will have a significant impact on the community, and we'll continue to follow any updates.

The weather today is expected to be mostly cloudy, with a high of 42 degrees. This might affect some outdoor activities, but it's still a great day to get out and enjoy the city.

In new business activity, we have some exciting news. Potato Potatas, a food truck turned restaurant, has moved into the kitchen of the Don Bosco Community Center, serving up delicious stuffed baked potatoes and pot pies[3]. Additionally, Darleen Schillaci, a Lawrence stained glass artist, has become a popular vendor at Kansas City's Merry Market, selling unique ornaments and decorations[3].

Looking ahead to the next few days, there are some great community events happening. The Kansas City VA Medical Center is hosting a holiday celebration, and the City Union Mission is distributing warm clothing and meals to those in need[4]. We also have some exciting sports news, with the Kansas City Chiefs gearing up for their next game.

In local school achievements, we have some great news from the Kansas City area. Students are looking forward to a new year with fewer financial aid issues, and local schools are working hard to provide resources to vulnerable kids during the winter break[3].

Finally, in our feel-good community story, we have a heartwarming tale of a Kansas City boy scout who brought warmth to the City Union Mission through his generosity[4].

In today's crime report, we have some significant incidents to report. A 7-month-old Kansas City boy's death is being investigated as a homicide, and the police are still looking for suspects[4]. Additionally, a house fire in Kansas City left a man with significant burns, and the fire department is investigating the cause[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 Sunday, December 29, 2024.

We're starting off with some breaking news from the past few days. A 16-year-old has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of a 15-year-old Olathe teen, a tragic incident that has shaken our community[1]. In other news, a man suspected of shooting and killing a KCK teen has surrendered to police after a standoff[1].

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

In real estate news, Kansas City has been named one of the top 10 'hot housing' markets in 2025, with a significant increase in population leading to more demand for housing[1]. The city is also making progress on building a park over the south loop in downtown, a project that aims to revitalize the area[1].

From City Hall, the KCMO council has passed a plan to explore letting the city handle animal services again, a move that could lead to more efficient and effective services for our community[1]. Additionally, the city is celebrating the opening of a new $143 million data center, a major development that is expected to bring in new jobs and economic growth[1].

Weather-wise, it's going to be a chilly day today, with temperatures expected to stay in the mid-30s. Make sure to bundle up if you're planning on heading out.

In new business activity, Avila University is offering debt-free college to some Missourians in response to the FAFSA crisis, a move that could help make higher education more accessible to our community[1]. Meanwhile, Sports Radio 810 WHB has announced plans to simulcast its programming on 103.7 FM, expanding its reach to more listeners[1].

Looking ahead to the next few days, the Park Hill School District is hosting a workshop to help seniors apply for property tax credits, a valuable resource for our community[1]. Additionally, the Northland father-daughter duo who built a nature trail are hosting a completion ceremony, a heartwarming story of community spirit[1].

In local school achievements, a Kansas teen has collected holiday toys for the Uvalde community, a generous act that shows the kindness of our young people[1]. And in sports news, the Chiefs are gearing up for their next game, with fans showing their team pride in creative ways, like one fan's 40-year Christmas tree tradition[1].

Unfortunately, we also have some crime news to report. A man has been sentenced for lying about a gun found at a Chiefs rally shooting, a serious incident that highlights the importance of public safety[1]. Additionally, police have arrested a man after a standoff at the Westport Shopping Center, a situation that was resolved without harm to anyone[1].

Finally, we have a feel-good community story to share. Taylor Swift made a surprise visit to Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, bringing joy to the young patients and their families[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 28, 2024.

We're starting with some breaking news from the past few days. A tragic overnight crash at Winner Road and Hardesty Avenue left one person dead and another injured[1]. Our thoughts are with the families affected by this incident. Additionally, Kansas City police are investigating an overnight homicide involving a female victim[1].

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

In real estate news, we don't have any major updates today, but we'll keep an eye on any significant developments in the coming days.

From City Hall, we have some updates on decisions that affect our daily lives. The City Council recently approved changes to the 'failure to obey laws' ordinance, and the Kansas City Auditor released a report on how the city handles illegal dumping[3].

Weather-wise, it's going to be a cloudy and mild day today, with temperatures in the mid-40s. If you're planning on heading out, make sure to check the latest forecast before you go[4].

In new business activity, a Farm Fresh Market has opened in south Kansas City, aiming to address the food desert in the area[4]. This is a great development for our community, providing easier access to fresh and healthy food.

Looking ahead to the next few days, there are several community events worth mentioning. The annual Kwanzaa Celebration is taking place, and vendors are sharing what the holiday means to them[1]. Additionally, the Northland community is mourning the sudden death of a neighborhood Santa Claus, and a vigil is being held to honor his memory[1].

In local school achievements, we don't have any specific updates today, but we'll be back with more news soon. In sports, the Kansas City Chiefs recently won their 14th game of the season, with quarterback Patrick Mahomes leading the team to victory despite an ankle injury[4].

For our feel-good community story, a veteran was gifted a Parkville home adapted for injuries sustained in Iraq, just ahead of Christmas[4]. This is a heartwarming reminder of the kindness and generosity in our community.

Finally, in our crime report, we have some significant incidents to share. A 7-month-old Kansas City boy's death is now being investigated as a homicide[1], and a Christmas Eve shooting in the Historic Northeast left two people injured[1]. We urge everyone to stay safe and vigilant, especially during the holiday season.

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 28, 2024.

We're starting with some breaking news from the past few days. A tragic overnight crash at Winner Road and Hardesty Avenue left one person dead and another injured. Our thoughts are with the families affected by this incident[1]. Additionally, Kansas City police are investigating an overnight homicide involving a female victim, and we'll continue to follow this story for updates.

In other news, the city's labor market continues to thrive. According to recent data, Kansas City added over 10,000 jobs in December compared to last year, marking the lowest unemployment level since the job market started to recover in April 2021[2]. This growth is driven by top companies like Sprint and Black & Veatch, which are hiring in high-demand fields such as AI and automation. The tech sector is particularly booming, with over 110,000 new jobs expected to be created in the coming years, thanks to AI and automation[5].

Moving on to real estate, there have been notable developments in the city. The Pleasant Hill area is undergoing its largest parks development project, which will enhance community spaces and recreational facilities[1]. However, specific details on recent property sales, median home prices, and inventory levels are not available at this time.

From City Hall, we have updates on decisions that affect our daily lives. The City Council recently approved changes to the 'failure to obey laws' ordinance, and the Kansas City Auditor released a report on how the city handles illegal dumping[3]. These decisions aim to improve public safety and community well-being.

Weather-wise, it's going to be a cloudy and mild day today, with a series of systems expected to pass through the area by the end of the year[4]. This might impact outdoor activities, so be sure to check the forecast before heading out.

In new business activity, the Farm Fresh Market has opened in south Kansas City, addressing the long-standing issue of food deserts in the area[4]. This is a welcome addition to the community, providing easier access to fresh and healthy food.

Looking ahead to community events, there are several activities planned for the next few days. The annual Kwanzaa Celebration is ongoing, with vendors explaining the significance of the holiday[1]. Additionally, the Northland community is mourning the sudden death of a neighborhood Santa Claus, and a vigil is planned to honor the 168 lives lost to homicide in the Kansas City area in 2024[4].

In local sports, the Kansas City Chiefs have achieved a club-record 14th win, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes despite an ankle injury[4]. And in a heartwarming story, a veteran was gifted a Parkville home adapted for injuries sustained in Iraq, just ahead of Christmas[4].

Finally, in today's crime report, we have a few significant incidents to note. Besides the aforementioned homicide and crash, there was a Christmas Eve shooting in Kansas City's Historic Northeast that left two people injured[1]. The police are investigating these incidents, and we urge everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

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 27, 2024.

We're starting with some breaking news from the past few days. A tragic overnight crash at Winner Road and Hardesty Avenue has left one person dead and another injured. Our thoughts are with the families affected by this incident[1].

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

Speaking of jobs, the tech industry in Kansas City is booming, with top companies like Sprint and Black & Veatch hiring, and salaries averaging $85,000. The city is expected to create 110,000 new tech jobs driven by AI and automation, making it an emerging tech hub with diverse roles in fintech, healthcare IT, and e-commerce[5].

Moving on to real estate, there are several new development projects underway in the city. Pleasant Hill is undergoing its largest parks development project, which will bring new recreational spaces to the area[1].

In city hall news, the City Council recently approved changes to the 'failure to obey laws' ordinance, and the Kansas City Auditor has released a report detailing the results of an audit conducted on how the City handles illegal dumping[3].

Weather-wise, it's going to be a cloudy and mild day today, with a series of systems expected to move into the area by the end of the week. This might impact your holiday travel plans, so be sure to check the forecast before heading out[4].

In new business activity, a Farm Fresh Market has opened in south Kansas City, aiming to address the food desert in the area. This is a welcome addition to the community, providing easier access to fresh and healthy food[4].

Looking ahead to community events, there are several activities planned for the next few days. The Kansas City area 'The Longest Night' vigil will take place to honor the 168 lives lost to homicide this year[4].

In local school achievements, researchers at Saint Louis University found that at least 1 in 16 school-aged children in Missouri are now educated at home, with many families in the Kansas City area opting for homeschooling[4].

On a feel-good note, a veteran who sustained injuries in Iraq was gifted a Parkville home adapted to his needs, just in time for Christmas[4].

Unfortunately, crime remains a concern in our city. A Christmas Eve shooting in Kansas City's Historic Northeast left two people injured, and the police are investigating an overnight homicide involving a female victim[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 December 27, 2024.

We're starting with some breaking news from the past few days. On Christmas Eve, a shooting in Kansas City's Historic Northeast left two people injured. The incident is still under investigation by the Kansas City Police Department[1].

Moving on to our job market snapshot, Kansas City continues to see significant growth. According to recent data, the city added over 10,000 jobs in December compared to last year, marking the lowest unemployment level since April 2021[2]. The tech sector is particularly booming, with projections of 110,000 new jobs driven by AI and automation. Companies like Sprint and Black & Veatch are leading the charge, offering salaries averaging around $85,000[5].

In real estate news, there haven't been any major announcements in the past few days, but we're keeping an eye on developments that could impact our community.

From City Hall, we have updates on decisions that affect our daily lives. The City Council has been working on various projects, including the adoption of the Wendell Phillips Downtown East Neighborhood Plan and Development Strategy[3].

Weather-wise, we're expecting cloudy and mild conditions today, with a series of systems near Kansas City to end 2024. This might impact your holiday travel plans, so be sure to check the latest forecasts[1].

On the business front, a new Farm Fresh Market has opened in south Kansas City, aiming to address the food desert in the area. This is a welcome addition to our community, providing easier access to fresh, healthy food[4].

Looking ahead to community events, there are several activities planned for the next few days. The Kansas City area 'The Longest Night' vigil will honor the 168 lives lost to homicide, and various holiday events are still ongoing[1].

In local sports, the Kansas City Chiefs recently achieved a club-record 14th win, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes despite an ankle injury[1].

For a feel-good story, a veteran was gifted a Parkville home adapted for injuries sustained in Iraq, just ahead of Christmas. This is a heartwarming example of our community's generosity[1].

In our crime report, we have a few significant incidents to mention. A billboard on KCMO's eastside is asking for tips in the 2003 homicide of Larry Riley, and the FBI is looking for two fugitives possibly in Kansas wanted in jewelry heists[4].

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