Good morning, this is Kansas City Local Pulse for Friday, July 4th, 2025.

We wake up on Independence Day with excitement in the air and a full slate of celebrations ahead. All city buildings are closed today, so city hall business will pause except for solid waste facilities, and there will be no regular trash pickup until tomorrow. RideKC buses and the KC Streetcar are running on holiday schedules, so be sure to double check before heading out.

Weather for the Fourth looks hot and clear, perfect for outdoor fun and fireworks. Temperatures will climb into the upper eighties by midday with a slight breeze and low chance of rain, so grab some sunscreen and plenty of water if you’re heading out to celebrate.

Kansas City’s official celebration, the Stars and Stripes Picnic, kicks off at three this afternoon at the National WWI Museum and Memorial. There’s live music, food trucks, and a sprawling vendor market all afternoon, leading up to a spectacular fireworks display just before ten tonight. If you’re across the metro, Overland Park’s Corporate Woods Founders’ Park will have a concert from five and fireworks at ten, and Leawood City Park features family activities and live music with fireworks at nine forty-five. In Lenexa, the Freedom Run winds through Old Town, followed by the Community Days Parade at ten AM and fireworks at the College Boulevard Activity Center later in the evening. These events are all free and open to the public, so there’s no shortage of places to celebrate across the area.

In community news, school districts across Kansas City canceled all summer activities yesterday, following reports of an unspecific safety threat circulating through Blue Springs Police. Law enforcement increased patrols, and thankfully, no incidents have been reported since. We’re seeing renewed conversations about school security and parent involvement.

On the city streets, our first responders were called to I-435 early yesterday after a pedestrian was struck and killed. Authorities are reminding everyone to use extra caution, especially during busy holiday travel. Police have not released names but are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Turning to the job market, Kansas City continues to show solid numbers. Unemployment is holding steady at just under four percent, with most new listings coming from tech, logistics, and healthcare. Real estate remains active despite rising interest rates; the median home price in Jackson County hovers around three hundred fifteen thousand. We’re seeing a mix of first-time buyers and out-of-towners, especially in the Waldo and Brookside neighborhoods.

In business news, several pop-up vendors are joining the Strawberry Swing at today’s picnic, offering locally made crafts and foods. The River Market welcomes a new bakery this week, while a longtime Crossroads coffee shop closed its doors Thursday, citing rising rents.

On the sports front, the 2025 Lexus All-Star Lacrosse Weekend kicks off today at CPKC Stadium, bringing top men’s and women’s players to town. If you’re a fan, there’s still time to grab tickets or join family events around the stadium. Local high schools wrapped summer leagues last weekend, with Park Hill South’s girls soccer team celebrating a big win in regionals.

For a feel-good story on this Independence Day, hundreds of volunteers spent their morning planting native wildflowers at Loose Park yesterday, part of an ongoing effort to restore pollinator habitats right in the heart of the city. Neighbors and kids worked side by side, showing just how special Kansas City’s community spirit can be.

That’s our Local Pulse for Friday, July 4th. Have a safe and happy Independence Day. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

Good morning, this is Kansas City Local Pulse for Thursday, July 3. As we wake up today, Kansas City is buzzing with anticipation for the long holiday weekend, and there is much to talk about around town.

We begin with breaking news from Blue Ridge Boulevard, where a standoff between police and suspects ended peacefully overnight after a tense day. Three officers from the Kansas City Police Department's SWAT team remain in the hospital, recovering after being shot while serving a search warrant. Police have three people in custody. Public safety remains a top concern as we head into the busy Fourth of July celebrations.

Turning to health, Wyandotte County is reporting nearly 50 cases of tuberculosis this year, which is more than all of last year. Health officials emphasize that the public risk is considered low, but they urge anyone with symptoms or concerns to contact their healthcare provider.

Weather will play a big part in our plans today. Expect heat and humidity as the dominant story: highs in the lower 90s, with a chance of a passing thunderstorm this evening. If you are planning outdoor festivities or hitting the road, keep an eye on the sky and stay hydrated.

For those looking for community fun, the KC Wheel at Pennway Point is offering an all-ages celebration through Sunday. The climate-controlled gondolas will give families a unique 150-foot-high view of downtown fireworks plus mini golf, food, and live music running all weekend.

School news is quieter this week, as many local districts have paused summer activities due to recent safety alerts. Several Kansas City area schools canceled Wednesday programming, responding to threats reported in Blue Springs. Law enforcement continues to investigate, and we are grateful for their vigilance in keeping students and staff protected.

On the city hall front, discussions are underway on property tax reform, with a newly formed Missouri committee seeking to ensure fairness for homeowners and municipalities. Meanwhile, Kansas City’s talent acquisition team is gearing up for a big on-site hiring fair on July 19. Employers from around the city will be on hand, and anyone looking for work is encouraged to attend.

In business, we welcome Origin Coi Won Coffeehouse, which just opened in Gladstone by first-generation Vietnamese immigrant Nhung Hoang. She hopes it becomes a community hub for Kansas Citians of all backgrounds. On a less positive note, the MERC Co+op is set to leave Kansas City, Kansas, surprising residents and one city leader, who called the closure not unexpected.

Quickly on the sports front, we congratulate former KU Jayhawk Gary Woodland, who has been named vice captain for the U.S. Ryder Cup team. Kansas City’s baseball and soccer teams both play home games this weekend, adding to our festive spirit.

Finally, a feel-good story for your morning: local immigrant and faith groups rallied in Olathe earlier this week, shining a light on community support and inspiration during these challenging times.

That wraps up today’s Kansas City Local Pulse. Have a safe and joyful start to your holiday weekend. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

Good morning, this is Kansas City Local Pulse for Tuesday, July 1st, 2025.

We wake this morning to a true Kansas City summer. Expect hot and sunny conditions across the metro, with highs brushing 91 degrees by mid-afternoon. It will be warm early and heat quickly, so if you’re heading out to work, summer camps, or one of our many parks, be sure to stay hydrated and take a break in the shade when you can. Looking ahead, the heatwave continues through the week, with temperatures staying in the low 90s. It’s also a good idea to check in on neighbors needing extra care, especially as we head into the holiday weekend.

In city news, Kansas City’s municipal offices will close this Friday for the Fourth of July, but solid waste facilities remain open for those last-minute cleanup runs. Trash collection schedules stay unchanged, so plan accordingly if you’re hosting a barbecue or block party. City hall is also reminding residents about fireworks safety. Emergency rooms reported a handful of minor injuries last year on the Fourth, so let’s keep it safe and legal this summer by following city guidelines and attending the public fireworks displays instead.

If you’re looking for family fun today, the Kansas City Public Library is hosting its “Pop in at the Park” event through the month. Swing by local parks for hands-on kids’ activities, free summer reading sign-ups, and a free book for every child. Kids Café meals will be available too, helping our families bridge the summer meal gap and keeping the learning going even when school is out.

Job seekers in Kansas City continue to see strong hiring across logistics and healthcare—leading industries for our metro area. The city’s unemployment rate remains low, hovering around four percent, and several new warehouse and distribution centers are holding open interviews this week off I-435 near Front Street. For those in real estate, July home sales are slightly above average, with median listing prices just over three hundred fifteen thousand dollars. The market is tightest in Brookside and the Northland, but we’re seeing a few more listings pop up after the spring surge.

In local business, a new bakery opened yesterday on Westport Road, drawing crowds for its sourdough and early morning pastries. Meanwhile, a beloved bookstore in the Crossroads announced it will close at the end of summer, citing rising rents. The owner says she’s grateful for twenty years of community support and plans to host a farewell party in August.

On the sports front, our Royals took another win last night at Kauffman, beating St. Louis in a tight nine-inning game. On the grassroots level, the Lincoln Prep track team brought home two state titles over the weekend. Congratulations to all the student athletes making Kansas City proud.

Public safety remains a top focus. Police responded to a burglary on 39th Street just after midnight—thankfully, no injuries were reported and one suspect is now in custody. Patrols are increasing around entertainment districts as we roll into the holiday, so expect to see more officers out tonight.

Finally, a feel-good story: volunteers from Midtown spent their Saturday transforming a vacant lot on Troost into a community garden, planting sunflowers and tomatoes for anyone to pick. It’s a small reminder that when we come together, we can make real change.

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, June 28, 2025.

We wake up today with the city under summer’s spell and a bit of rain in the forecast. Temperatures start in the mid-80s and, with showers rolling through, you’ll want to pack an umbrella if heading out. This pattern of heat with some storms is expected to stick with us over the next few days, so keep an eye on the sky if you have outdoor plans.

Our top story today is all about community investment. Kansas City’s Health Department has launched a new grant program for doulas, offering up to fifteen thousand dollars per recipient. This aims to boost local birth support services, helping families and birth workers alike. Applications run through July twenty-eighth, so if you or someone you know is interested, now’s the time to act.

On the job front, we’re still seeing a steady market, though business leaders across the region are making their voices heard in the ongoing debate over pro sports teams’ futures. The consensus: as long as the teams stay near Kansas City, business confidence remains high. New restaurants and shops continue popping up from Westport to the Crossroads, while a few mainstays are quietly closing their doors as leases end and business models shift.

In real estate, summer brings its familiar pace. Listings remain steady, with prices holding at last month’s averages. If you’re house-hunting, expect competition, especially near Brookside and Waldo, but patience and perseverance are paying off for local buyers.

Tonight, all eyes turn to Children’s Mercy Park, where Sporting Kansas City closes out its three-game homestand against Real Salt Lake. Kickoff is at seven thirty. Sporting is coming off an electrifying comeback win over Charlotte FC on Wednesday, scoring twice in stoppage time to take the match. Injuries and suspensions mean some roster changes, but the atmosphere promises to be electric as fans pack the stadium despite the threat of rain. Catch the game on MLS Season Pass or local radio, and don’t forget those ponchos.

Culturally, the Heartland Men’s Chorus takes the stage for their much-anticipated “Do It With Heart” performance, adding to a stacked weekend of music and art downtown and at Crown Center. Community events range from local food festivals to art walks, so there’s plenty to do between storms.

For schools, congratulations go out to the Central High debate team, who wrapped up their summer session with another regional award, earning well-deserved recognition for their commitment and talent.

On the public safety front, police responded overnight to an attempted car theft near 39th and Main. Quick action led to one arrest, and officers remind everyone to stay vigilant, especially with summer events drawing more folks out late into the night. No major incidents reported citywide, and overall, it’s been a quiet start to the weekend.

And a feel-good note to start your Saturday: Neighbors in the Ivanhoe neighborhood came together yesterday for a surprise birthday parade for Mr. Clarence, who turned ninety and is still known for mowing the block’s lawns and mentoring kids after school.

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, June 27, 2025.

We start today with a sense of momentum across our city, even as morning clouds and a chance of scattered showers keep us reaching for our umbrellas. The forecast calls for highs in the mid-eighties, and while the sun may peek out later, we’ll want to keep an eye on the weather if we’re planning lunch at the City Market or an afternoon out with family in Loose Park.

From City Hall, all eyes are on community health. Yesterday’s Supreme Court decision bars Planned Parenthood from accepting Medicaid patients in both Kansas and Missouri. Local providers worry about gaps in women’s health services, and city leaders are calling on residents to seek out local clinics for support as resources are realigned.

On the jobs front, manufacturing numbers in our region dipped again this month. Factories across the Tenth District, including those in the metro, are reporting fewer new orders and another small decline in employment. The mood among business owners is cautious but hopeful, with many expecting things to improve heading into the holiday season. If you’re job hunting, look for opportunities in nonmetallic and petroleum product manufacturing, which are still showing strength.

The real estate buzz continues around Union Hill and Brookside, with newly listed homes moving quickly thanks to summer demand. Listings under four hundred thousand dollars remain especially hot, so buyers need to act fast. On the business side, we welcome a new trailblazing outdoor gear shop opening today on Main Street, bringing much-needed options for our hikers and bikers. Meanwhile, Westport sees another closure as a beloved local café shuts its doors.

Turning to sports, the Kansas City Monarchs treated fans to a thrilling comeback last night. Down in Lincoln, they rallied in the ninth inning and pulled off a dramatic seven to five win. Back home, the Royals are struggling at the plate, still searching for a win this homestand as they face the Rays today, with the world champion Dodgers rolling into Kauffman this weekend—a great chance for us all to show our Kansas City pride.

Kansas City Public Schools celebrated another victory as the debate team from East High clinched the state finals, bringing home a trophy and plenty of bragging rights for our students.

For events, the First Fridays art walk returns to the Crossroads tonight, and this weekend the Jazz in the Park series continues in Swope Park. Families can also check out the annual Strawberry Festival in Independence, promising treats, music, and games.

A quick look at public safety: police reunited a missing ten-year-old with her family near Troost Avenue, a moment of relief for our community. No major incidents have been reported overnight, but as always, let’s stay aware and look out for one another.

And here’s a feel-good moment to close: volunteers from all neighborhoods came together this week to build new accessible hiking trails out west, proving yet again that Kansas City’s spirit is alive and well.

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 Thursday, June 26, 2025.

We start with breaking news around Kansas’ gender-affirming care ban for minors. Many local families, like the one of a Kansas teen named Bri, now face tough choices as their access to medication changes overnight. Pharmacies have already stopped filling certain prescriptions, with families considering long drives to Colorado just for care. The tension was on full display at a recent protest in downtown Wichita, showing just how deeply this new law is affecting our neighbors and sparking conversations about rights and identity across the metro.

Turning to public safety, we’re relieved to report that the two missing 17-year-old girls from Kansas City, Missouri, were found safe last night. Police also successfully reunited a ten-year-old girl with her parents yesterday, a bright spot in an otherwise challenging week. On the other side, detectives are still searching for a Mercedes-Benz involved in a recent fatal crash. If you have any information, authorities urge you to reach out.

Weather is definitely shaping our day today. After a run of storms, we’re looking at sunny skies and high temperatures right around 91 degrees. If you’re headed out, hydrate and grab some shade. Rain may return by the weekend, so if you’ve got outdoor plans, keep an eye on changing conditions.

Real estate is in the spotlight as Kansas City’s affordable housing crisis continues. A new nonprofit called Driven Development is eyeing properties to renovate and build new homes, hoping to address rising costs and shortages across the metro. In Lenexa, some residents are voicing concern about rapid growth, with new shops and restaurants springing up quickly—great for convenience, but raising questions about how much is too much.

In business news, Comcast has completed a major broadband rollout in Miami County, Kansas, expanding high-speed internet to more rural communities. Meanwhile, the kitchen at Overland Park Christian Church remains closed due to fire safety issues, pausing several nonprofit food programs and sparking a community fundraising push to get things cooking again.

On the culture beat, Hot Country Nights is back in the Power and Light District tonight, expected to draw big crowds for live music and dancing under the lights. If you’re hungry for more, Lawrence’s new partnership between Growing Food Growing Health and the Ballard Center is making fresh produce more accessible than ever—just in time for summer barbecues.

Sports fans, our Lady Bombers softball team took home second place at the USA Softball Beach Blast last weekend—a huge achievement. Also, as the city readies for the 2026 World Cup, keep an eye out for updates from City Hall on construction and public safety changes, especially near iconic sites like the 18th and Vine District.

Wrapping up, a feel-good story from this past week: local police and the community teamed up to help a family in need after a fire, showing once again the heart of Kansas City.

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 Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

We begin with breaking news from City Hall, where leaders are responding to a violent weekend that left six people dead and four others injured. Mayor Quinton Lucas is calling the situation unacceptable and has put a spotlight on several businesses that have become hot spots for trouble, especially the BP Gas Station at East 35th Street and Prospect Avenue. Police have been called there over two dozen times in the past year for everything from assaults to thefts, and the city’s Public Safety Task Force says these problem businesses may face stricter scrutiny and possible closures to help restore safety. Independence reports success with a similar approach, seeing crime fall after shutting down trouble spots on Noland Road.

As we look to the weather, today will feel warm but not overly hot. We can expect temperatures to hover in the low 80s, with a slight chance of a pop-up thunderstorm heading into the afternoon, so keep that umbrella handy if you’re out at lunch or heading to an outdoor event. The heat is expected to ramp up for the rest of the week, so enjoy today’s relative comfort before summer really shows its strength.

For sports fans, there’s a lot happening. The Royals kick off a home series against the Tampa Bay Rays tonight at Kauffman Stadium. First pitch is at 7:40, and the Royals are favored heading into the matchup. Over in soccer, Sporting Kansas City is set to host Charlotte FC in a non-conference game at Children’s Mercy Park. Top scorer Dejan Joveljic and the club look to keep the momentum going and add to their win column.

Turning to football, excitement is building as ticket reservations for the 2025 Chiefs training camp open this morning for season ticket holders, with the general public getting their shot tomorrow. Training camp always brings hope and enthusiasm to every corner of the metro.

On the cultural front, Kansas City is still buzzing from the fifth annual Make Music Day, which filled parks like Brookside Court, the Garment District, and Swope Park’s Lakeside Nature Center with free, live music last weekend. Dozens of local musicians and families joined hands-on workshops, making it one of the most community-driven events we’ve seen this summer.

The real estate scene is steady, with inventory slightly up from last month and homes selling quickly in neighborhoods near the Plaza and Waldo. Job openings in logistics and warehousing are on the rise, with around 300 new positions posted over the last week, especially in the Northland and near I-435.

On a feel-good note, local high schoolers from Lincoln Prep celebrated a big win at the national robotics championship, showing that our young people continue to lead in innovation and teamwork.

That’s your Kansas City Local Pulse for today. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

Good morning, this is Kansas City Local Pulse for Saturday, June 21, 2025.

We start today under a heat advisory that stretches until Sunday night, so let’s all take it extra easy. Temperatures will soar into the upper nineties, but the humidity is what really pushes things. If you have outdoor plans, especially with young kids or seniors, try to keep those activities early, seek shade, and don’t forget water. Expect a hot and sunny afternoon, and if you’re headed to a pool, you’re not alone—many are fully staffed this season, which is some welcome news given recent lifeguard shortages.

At City Hall, a big community conversation is coming up. On Tuesday evening, neighbors from both sides of US-71 are meeting at Blue Parkway Sun Fresh to reimagine the East Side. This summit is part of the Reconnecting the East Side project, a $7.5 million public effort to address the divide the highway created years ago. Expect everything from talks on green space to economic development. Your voice matters, and all are welcome.

Kansas City’s business outlook is in a holding pattern as excitement mixes with caution in De Soto. Panasonic’s massive $4 billion battery plant is just about ready, but with changes to federal policies and a dip in electric vehicle sales, hiring could be slower than first promised. The company can still collect incentives even if it taps the brakes, and while we were hoping for thousands of new jobs, the number may end up being lower as the market waits for more certainty.

On the real estate side, the latest on property tax talks in Jackson County: officials are considering a cap on commercial assessment increases. This could help slow the rise in business costs around the metro, but the discussion is ongoing and we’ll keep an eye on the outcome.

Culturally, tonight’s a big night at CPKC Stadium, where the Kansas City Current hosts Angel City FC. The Current have drawn big crowds all season and tonight is expected to be no different. Over in baseball, the Royals have kept their bats hot in a recent win over the Rangers, and local sports stories continue to inspire—like female flag football teams from across the metro, who are in Ottawa today chasing the college recruitment dream.

Crime in the city remains a concern. Overnight, Kansas City police responded to a fatal shooting that left one person dead and another wounded. There was also a critical hit-and-run injury last night, and police are asking for the public’s help in both cases. In more positive news, a missing teenage girl was found safe this week, giving one family much-needed relief.

Community spirit is in the air, highlighted by the March of Love event in Overland Park, where neighbors came together in a show of solidarity across faiths, and by the Flourish Furniture Bank, which is now able to help more local families find comfort at home.

That’s all for now. 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, June 20, 2025.

We wake up under a heat advisory that's going to stick around through Tuesday. The National Weather Service warns us to expect heat index values over 100 degrees, so let's take it easy outdoors today. Make sure to check on neighbors, drink plenty of water, and keep pets inside when possible. If you’re working outside, try to stick to the early morning or evening hours, and remember, heat stroke is an emergency.

Over at City Hall, there’s a spotlight on property taxes. Jackson County is considering a proposal to cap commercial property assessment increases, a move that could bring some stability to business owners along Main Street and in the West Bottoms. The new towing ordinances the city rolled out last month are now the subject of a lawsuit from local tow operators, so if you park downtown or near the Plaza, keep an eye out for any changes to towing enforcement as this plays out.

Kansas City’s job market is showing some resilience. Panasonic’s big new plant in De Soto is nearing full production and several local businesses are hiring in anticipation of that growth. We’re seeing hundreds of new openings posted this week, especially in logistics and entry-level tech. Meanwhile, a young developer is making waves across social media by documenting the restoration of a historic Crossroads building—he’s inspiring a new generation to invest right here at home.

On the housing front, the Lee’s Summit Housing Authority is under scrutiny from HUD after receiving a troubled performance rating, so residents in that area may want to attend the next city meeting for updates and have their questions ready.

Turning to safety, tragedy struck overnight with a shooting that left one dead and one wounded on Prospect Avenue. Kansas City police are investigating, and they’re also asking for help locating a missing teenage girl last seen near Meyer Boulevard. In other sad news, authorities in southeast Kansas report that two juveniles died after being struck by a freight train on a railroad bridge.

But we also see the heart of our community in action. The Veterans Community Project just opened a navigation campus in south Kansas City, giving veterans like Craig McGrath, who credits the program with helping him get back on his feet after PTSD, new hope and resources to rebuild.

On the sports side, our Kansas City Current lead the league and host Angel City tonight at CPKC Stadium; kickoff is at 5 p.m. Last week’s 4–2 victory over Louisville was pure fireworks, with goals from Lauren Milliet, Michelle Cooper, Bia Zaneratto, and Temwa Chawinga. Meanwhile, the Chiefs are back in the headlines as Coach Andy Reid and linebacker Nick Bolton spoke to the media yesterday, building excitement for the season ahead.

Local schools saw some standout results, with Kansas State’s tight end squad earning high praise for their potential to shake up the Big 12 this fall.

Our community rallies together, as seen in Wednesday’s March of Love in Overland Park, where local churches united for solidarity with the city’s Jewish community, and Platte County Board of Services marked fifty years of supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.

That’s our pulse on Kansas City this Friday. Stay cool, stay connected, and remember to look out for each other as the heat rolls in. 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 Thursday, June 19, 2025.

As we welcome Juneteenth, city offices across Kansas City are closed today to honor this important holiday. Many of us will celebrate our shared history and progress, with a special Juneteenth gathering planned this afternoon at the Lenexa Civic Center Campus from four thirty to six thirty. It’s a time for reflection and community, so keep an eye out for events across the metro, including tributes in the historic Steptoe neighborhood and beyond.

Weather today is classic Kansas City June—expect sunny skies and a high near eighty-five, with light humidity and only a slight chance of showers this evening. With ten hours of sunshine, it’s a great day to get out, but remember to stay hydrated. Looking ahead, we’re seeing similar weather tomorrow, perfect for outdoor events and family time.

In breaking news, the city is buzzing after Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe officially signed a major stadium financing bill into law. This decision could impact property taxes and bring jobs to our area as stadium plans move forward. Meanwhile, be mindful if you live in Jackson County—starting this week, short-term rentals are now taxed as commercial properties, which means higher costs for some homeowners.

On the safety front, overnight police responded to a tragic shooting that left one woman dead and four others injured, with the suspect still at large. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. Separately, a 16-year-old was hurt in a Lenexa apartment shooting, but police acted quickly and have a 19-year-old suspect in custody. We’re also seeing a new behavioral health campus rise in Midtown, thanks to a twenty-million-dollar redevelopment of an old grocery store, aiming to bring more resources to those in need.

Kansas City’s job scene remains active, with downtown businesses adjusting as property assessments climb. Some West Bottoms business owners are challenging these increases, voicing concern over rising costs, while others welcome the growth. On the brighter side of real estate, new listings in Brookside and Waldo are drawing young families, even as prices remain steady.

Now, to sports. Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce addressed the media after a strong showing at minicamp, promising fans another exciting NFL season ahead. For soccer lovers, the Kansas City Current hosts Angel City FC tomorrow night at CPKC Stadium, and three of our own have been invited to join the U.S. Women’s National Team—another proud moment for our city. Local schools are shining too, with several students earning regional science fair honors and state-level track medals.

For those looking to get involved, ‘No Kings Day’ protests are planned across the metro this weekend, with organizers emphasizing peaceful assembly. Meanwhile, the Heartland Men’s Chorus continues to uplift the community, blending music and identity in powerful performances.

Finally, a feel-good story—a group of original Steptoe neighborhood members is coming together to honor ancestors and inspire the next generation, showing the strength and unity in Kansas City’s historic communities.

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