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.

Good morning, this is Kansas City Local Pulse for Tuesday, June 17, 2025.

We start with breaking news from Belton, where tight security and vocal protestors greeted Representative Mark Alford at Memorial Station last night. The congressman faced tough questions about jobs and federal program cuts, with many residents demanding clarity on the future for some of the thirty-four thousand government workers in Kansas City who may be affected by federal cuts. The town hall, which marked Alford’s hundredth public event, centered on big issues like immigration, tariffs, and accountability in government. The next stop for Congressman Alford’s town hall series is in Lincoln, Missouri later today.

Turning to City Hall, Kansas City’s ongoing conversation about public safety and civil liberties continues to draw attention. This past weekend, the Missouri National Guard was activated in anticipation of anti-Trump protests across the metro, a move Mayor Quinton Lucas openly criticized. The protests, including a major event at Mill Creek Park, remained peaceful, with hundreds standing in solidarity with national demonstrations against immigration enforcement activities. Community leaders are calling for more balanced law enforcement responses, especially after recent white nationalist activity downtown.

On the weather front, we are tracking strong storms moving through our area today. The National Weather Service warns of damaging winds up to sixty miles per hour, very large hail, and possible tornadoes, especially late afternoon into the evening. Quick-moving flash floods are also a risk, so if you have outdoor plans or commutes along I-70 or K-10, keep an eye on the skies and have your weather alerts turned on. The storm system could linger tonight, so be ready for delays or rescheduled community events.

In business news, the Central Avenue business district in Kansas City, Kansas, is feeling the effects of declining customer traffic, with many Latino-owned shops reporting a significant slowdown amid ongoing ICE activity concerns. Local leaders are working to find solutions and build trust, but the past six months have brought real challenges to the area’s economy.

Now for some quick community highlights. Local students are celebrating strong academic finishes, and high school baseball teams wrapped up an inspiring post-season series with several close wins recorded in Wyandotte and Jackson counties. In professional sports, the KC Current continues its season with Pride Month celebrations and a big home game coming up this weekend.

As for crime and public safety, emergency crews responded to a series of incidents over the past twenty-four hours. A motorcyclist was critically injured early Friday in the West Bottoms, and there was a tragic pool accident in Warrensburg. Police are also investigating a homicide from June 12 in Independence, with a suspect now identified. Authorities remind everyone to stay vigilant on the roads and around water as summer heats up.

And for a feel-good note, we want to shout out the volunteers who rushed to help an injured motorcyclist on K-10 yesterday, providing aid until first responders arrived. Their quick thinking made a real difference.

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 June 14, 2025. We're starting off with a busy morning in Kansas City. The city is waking up to a dense fog advisory, which was in effect until 9 AM this morning, affecting central, north central, northeast, and west central Missouri. This fog has made driving conditions hazardous, so be sure to slow down and use your headlights if you're on the road.

Today, thousands are expected to participate in the "No Kings" protests across Kansas and Missouri, with several events planned in the Kansas City area. These protests are part of a nationwide movement against authoritarianism, with rallies scheduled in places like Mill Creek Park in the Plaza and Overland Park. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has activated the National Guard as a precautionary measure.

In sports news, Sporting Kansas City is hosting FC Dallas at Children's Mercy Park tonight. The team is looking strong with only four players out due to injuries, and the match will be available to stream on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.

On the business front, downtown Pleasant Hill is seeing significant growth with renovated buildings and new investments. Meanwhile, Latino businesses in Kansas City, Kansas, are experiencing a decline due to growing ICE concerns.

In local crime updates, a medical call turned into a homicide investigation near 34th and Broadway in KCMO, and a motorcyclist was critically injured in the West Bottoms early yesterday.

We end with a feel-good note: a local Jewish family-owned hardware store is showing solidarity by displaying Stars of David in their window. 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 12, 2025.

Let’s start with the weather. We’re waking up to a few early showers across the metro, but we can expect clearing skies and mild temperatures by midday. If you’re planning outdoor activities near Loose Park or the Plaza this afternoon, conditions should be pleasant. We’ll keep an eye on anything popping up, but overall, it’s a good day to get outside.

From City Hall, there’s fresh momentum in housing and transit. Kansas City and Kansas City, Kansas, organizations are partnering to expand public transit and affordable housing, news that could bring improvements along Troost Avenue and State Avenue over the coming months. Meanwhile, architects have submitted their first plans to finally redevelop the long-vacant Liberty lot at Kansas and Water streets—a space that’s sat empty for eight years. Residents there are eager for a new era.

National issues are hitting close to home as well, with discussion around proposed Medicaid cuts sparking concern for local families. Area nurse practitioners and parents are watching closely as these federal decisions move through the Senate, worried about what the nearly 800 billion in projected reductions could mean for health services here.

Shifting to business, Kansas City is celebrating a major milestone this week. We recently hosted the World Trade Centers Association North American Regional Conference—an event that gathered leaders from across the continent right here in the heart of our city. Today at noon, the World Trade Center Kansas City is hosting a virtual session on protecting intellectual property and adjusting to new trade realities. Local business owners, especially those exporting goods, are encouraged to check it out.

Brookside is buzzing about the reopening of a long-missed restaurant space at 63rd and Rockhill. The former Brady and Fox location, marked by tragedy last year, is getting a second life with new owners set to bring fresh energy to the corner.

In sports, the Royals continue to struggle against the Yankees at Kauffman Stadium. Last night’s game ended in a six to three loss, with rising star Seth Lugo on the mound. The Yankees’ Aaron Judge hit his 25th home run of the season, and Kansas City remains winless against New York this year. Royals fans are hoping for a turnaround as the series wraps up tonight. Meanwhile, KC soccer culture is gearing up for the 2026 World Cup, and preparations are already visible around the city, from Lee’s Summit to downtown.

We’re thrilled to share that Académie Lafayette high school students recently returned from a cultural exchange trip to China—an experience focused on learning and global connection over conflict. It’s another proud moment for our local schools.

Crime remains a complex story. Over the past 24 hours, local authorities have been busy. The Kansas City Police Department located a missing 12-year-old boy who was seen driving in the city yesterday, and there were also new charges filed in a high-profile homicide case involving a Kansas City sports journalist. We urge everyone to stay vigilant and look after one another.

To end on a positive note, a Johnson County detective is leading a project to transform interview rooms for crime victims, making them more welcoming and supportive. It’s a quiet but significant step toward healing and justice in our community.

That’s it for today. 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 7, 2025.

The summer heat has arrived in Kansas City with temperatures expected to reach 29°C today. We're looking at sunny skies with mild conditions, though there's a possibility of scattered storms to the north. Perfect weather for the many events happening around town.

Speaking of events, Make Music Day preparations are in full swing as Kansas City gears up for its fifth celebration on June 21st. This year marks the first time the global music festival falls on a Saturday, and KC Parks and Recreation anticipates record participation. Last year featured 99 performers across 55 venues, and this year promises even more musical diversity, from R&B singer Jass to steel pan player Chill Phil.

Sports fans have options today. The Royals are facing the White Sox with Michael Wacha taking the mound. Meanwhile, UFC enthusiasts can catch the UFC 316 watch party at McFadden's in the Power and Light District starting at 8 PM, featuring $5 Jäger shots from 8-10 PM.

For family-friendly activities, head to the Vaile Mansion today for their antique vendor fair starting at 9 AM, complete with fruity treats and live music. Or check out the Waldo Brews Tour for a taste of local craft beverages.

Tonight, comedy fans can catch Fortune Feimster's early show at 4 PM, while music lovers might prefer Dawes performing at 8:30 PM. The Lawrence PRIDE Afterparty is also happening tonight, featuring Dorothy.

In community news, Mayor's Nights programming continues today, offering youth activities including Night Hoops, Night Kicks, Night Nets, and Night Swim, along with Club KC social activities. These programs provide safe, supervised spaces for our young people throughout the summer.

We're keeping an eye on developing stories affecting our community. Recent reports indicate potential Medicaid cuts are looming, which could impact healthcare access for many Kansas Citians. We're also monitoring the aftermath of a fatal shooting in KC and continuing flood concerns in some areas.

On the education front, discussions about school cell phone bans are intensifying as districts consider policy changes for the coming school year.

Housing developments continue to reshape neighborhoods across the metro, while workplace equity remains a focus for many local organizations working to close gender gaps.

The Brookside Art Festival is approaching, offering another opportunity to support our vibrant local arts scene.

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 6, 2025.

We wake up today under cloudy skies with overcast weather shaping much of the metro. Daytime highs reach around eighty-six degrees and winds run at about fourteen miles per hour, so it’s a good hair tie or ball cap day if you’re heading out. Rain chances are moderate through the afternoon, but most events should go on as planned, just keep your umbrella close by. The weekend outlook? Saturday looks similar, with warm temps and more clouds on the horizon.

Starting with breaking news, Kansas City’s neighborhoods are abuzz after a doubleheader showdown last night. The Royals split with the Cardinals in St. Louis, giving fans plenty to talk about. Seth Lugo took the mound for Kansas City and kept the game tight, showing why he’s become a reliable arm this season. Back here at home, anticipation is building for the Royals’ next home stretch, so expect traffic near Kauffman soon.

At City Hall, we’re seeing continued debates about public safety and infrastructure. The council met this week to discuss new measures for road repairs along Ward Parkway and plans to improve pedestrian safety near Union Station and the Crossroads district. No major votes yet, but we’ll keep watching as these discussions could mean smoother commutes and safer walks for all of us soon.

On the jobs front, local hiring continues to show resilience into June. Open positions have ticked up by about three percent since May, with hospitals and tech firms near Crown Center and North Kansas City leading current job growth. Real estate remains hot, too — median home prices across Johnson County and Brookside are up nearly six percent from this time last year, though homes are still moving quickly, with most listings snapped up in under two weeks.

A major highlight this month is Make Music Day, returning for its fifth year on June twenty-first. Organized by KC Parks and Rec, the festival will fill parks like Brookside Court, Garment District Park, and Swope Park’s Lakeside Nature Center with live music ranging from jazz and R&B to steel pan and indie rock. There will also be hands-on music workshops at Union Station, so it is a chance for families and music lovers alike to get involved.

Looking for something this weekend? Tonight, you can catch The Floozies at the Truman, or check out local acts like Scott H. Biram and Freight Train Rabbit Killer at the Brick on McGee Street. Gryffin headlines at Mosaic for those looking for a high-energy night out.

We love celebrating our schools and, this week, the Lincoln College Prep girls’ soccer team captured a big win in the state semifinals, drawing community pride and plenty of cheers along Troost.

Crime-wise, the city saw a quiet Thursday night, with police reporting only two significant incidents: a burglary on Independence Avenue, where an arrest was made quickly, and a vehicle theft near the Plaza that remains under investigation. Officers say there is no ongoing threat to public safety, but remind everyone to lock vehicles and check porch lights tonight.

On a feel-good note, a group of Westport neighbors have come together to create a community garden on Pennsylvania Avenue, turning what was once an overlooked lot into a blooming patch of sunflowers and fresh produce for all to share. Their effort proves again how the heart of Kansas City beats strongest when we work together.

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 3rd, 2025.

We're following a major development in the aftermath of last year's Chiefs Super Bowl rally shooting. Three mothers and their six children, who were injured during the February 2024 rally, filed a lawsuit yesterday in Jackson County Court. The suit claims the mass shooting was a "preventable calamity" and names multiple defendants including firearms sellers, Union Station, the city, and the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission. One of the plaintiffs is related to Lisa Lopez-Galvan, who was killed during that tragic event.

In Parkville, city officials are preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by loosening short-term rental policies. The Board of Aldermen voted unanimously last Tuesday to temporarily adjust regulations, which should benefit homeowners looking to capitalize on the influx of international visitors.

Sports fans have their eyes on Busch Stadium tonight as our Royals, standing at 31-29, face off against the St. Louis Cardinals in the latest chapter of the I-70 rivalry. First pitch is set for 7:45 PM. And speaking of rivalries, Mizzou football fans are buzzing about the return of the Border Showdown with KU making the trip to Columbia this season.

A blue alert was issued for a suspect wanted in connection with the shooting of a Lee's Summit police officer. Authorities are asking residents to remain vigilant and report any information.

Downtown Overland Park businesses are feeling the pinch from the farmers market construction, with some reporting a 40-45% drop in business since Marty Street closed six weeks ago. The city hopes the new market will ultimately boost foot traffic once completed.

Weather-wise, we're looking at scattered storms throughout today with temperatures reaching a warm 29°C. Pack an umbrella if you're heading out, as we're expecting about 10 days with rainfall this month.

Fishing enthusiasts have something to celebrate as the Missouri Department of Conservation has restocked several Kansas City area lakes with channel catfish, perfect timing for summer angling adventures.

In community news, a once-popular shopping center that served as a hub for neighborhood kids has unfortunately burned down, according to reports from June 2nd.

For those planning ahead, urban stargazers should note efforts to reduce light pollution in our area. The first state park in our region to earn recognition from Dark Sky International is working to fix lights causing unnecessary glare, which could eventually mean better stargazing even near the 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 Saturday, May 31, 2025.

Kicking things off, we’re following breaking news from overnight as Kansas City police investigate a homicide that left one person dead late Friday. This happened in the area of 39th Street and Prospect Avenue. No suspects have been named yet, and anyone with information is urged to contact local authorities. Meanwhile, a serious crash on K-10 near Ridgeview left a motorcyclist critically injured, and we’re keeping those families in our thoughts.

Kansas City’s weather is shaping up to be warm and inviting today, with highs expected in the mid-80s. Skies should stay mostly clear through the afternoon, but keep an umbrella handy just in case, as there’s a slight chance of a pop-up thunderstorm this evening. Looking ahead, the weekend stays warm and mostly sunny—great news if you’re planning to be outside or catch a game downtown.

From City Hall, discussions continue around proposed salary increases for Unified Government officials, sparking some debate among residents and city leaders. These decisions could impact how city resources are allocated, so we’ll keep you updated as the story develops.

In real estate news, the Kansas City housing market remains strong, with homes selling in just under two weeks on average and prices steady despite the recent dip in regional listings. For job seekers, several new postings from area hospitals and tech companies hint at steady hiring, especially for nursing and IT roles.

Turning to sports, the Royals are back at Kauffman Stadium today, wrapping up their series against the Tigers. Pitcher Michael Wacha is on the mound, aiming to snap a tough losing streak and give fans something to cheer about. Over on the soccer pitch, Sporting KC drew 1-1 in Houston last night, with a goal from Erik Thommy putting us ahead before the Dynamo equalized late in the second half.

Our school communities have a lot to celebrate as local districts recognized several students for academic excellence this week. A special shoutout goes to the Lincoln Prep debate team, who brought home top honors at a regional tournament.

Culturally, downtown is buzzing as the Crossroads hosts another First Fridays art walk tonight. Local artists and food trucks are lined up between 18th and 20th Streets, making it a perfect spot for an evening stroll. If you’re feeling outdoorsy, the Missouri Department of Conservation just restocked KC lakes with channel catfish for summer anglers—grab your fishing gear and head out.

On the business front, Olathe’s historic Hyer Boots brand has relaunched in its original location, drawing national attention to Kansas craftsmanship. Meanwhile, Parkville is loosening its short-term rental policy to help local businesses prepare for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

We’ll end with a feel-good note: Kansas City volunteers have rallied this week to support tornado relief efforts in St. Louis, sending truckloads of supplies and raising thousands for families in need. It’s a reminder that our community spirit shines brightest in challenging times.

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, May 30, 2025.

Douglas County is facing a concerning spike in suspected opioid overdoses, according to health officials. The county has issued an alert asking residents to be vigilant and ensure they have access to Narcan if they or loved ones use opioids. Meanwhile, the Kansas City Fire Department has announced the promotion of several firefighters during a ceremony held yesterday at City Hall.

Today's weather calls for partly cloudy skies with temperatures reaching around 68 degrees with a low of 57. There's a chance of light rain later in the day, so you might want to keep an umbrella handy if you're heading out this evening. The weekend forecast shows temperatures climbing to 76 degrees by Sunday with continued chances of precipitation.

In sports news, Sporting KC is preparing for their away match against Houston Dynamo FC tomorrow evening. The team is looking to break a streak of three consecutive draws, including last weekend's dramatic 3-3 tie with New England Revolution where they rallied from a two-goal deficit. Daniel Salloi, who scored in that comeback, has a strong record against Houston with three goals and three assists in previous matchups.

Local cultural events are ramping up for the weekend. The Brookside Art Festival kicks off tomorrow, featuring over 100 local and regional artists displaying works ranging from paintings to handcrafted jewelry. Festival organizers expect more than 10,000 attendees throughout the weekend.

On the business front, we're seeing continued concerns from local farmers about the impact of ongoing drought conditions. Several agricultural businesses in the region report decreased yields and are implementing water conservation measures.

Looking for something to do this weekend? Check out the ChickenNFrogs Comedy Showcase at The Improv tomorrow night, featuring rising comedic talent from across the Midwest. Tickets are still available but selling fast.

For writers in our community, the Chicken Soup for the Soul publishing company is accepting submissions for their "Funny Stories" collection until August 30th, with selected entries receiving $250 and publication in their upcoming 2026 book.

City Council has approved the new zoning amendments for the Westport district, allowing for mixed-use development while preserving historical facades, a compromise that received support from both developers and preservation groups.

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