Good morning, this is Kansas City Local Pulse for March 15, 2025.
We're kicking off the weekend with some exciting news from the sports world. The Kansas City Current are set to open their 2025 regular season today against the Portland Thorns at CPKC Stadium. This match marks the first birthday of the stadium, which has quickly become a fortress for the Current. Last season, they sold out all 13 home matches and posted an impressive 15-1-2 record across all competitions. Kickoff is at 11:45 AM, and fans can catch the action on ABC or listen on 90.9 The Bridge.
In other sports news, former Kansas City Royal Alex Gordon has been elected to the team's Hall of Fame. Gordon's defensive prowess and clutch hitting made him a fan favorite during his 14-year career with the Royals.
Shifting gears to weather, we're in for a wild ride today. The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Watch and Fire Weather Watch for the Kansas City area. Expect very warm and windy conditions with a chance of severe storms this afternoon. If you're heading to the Current game or have other outdoor plans, stay weather-aware and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
On the business front, we've got some good news for job seekers. Nortian Foodtech, LLC has announced plans to build a new facility in St. Joseph, which is expected to create numerous job opportunities in the region. Meanwhile, in Independence, officials are moving forward with multi-million dollar improvements to the Downtown Square, which should boost local businesses and attract more visitors to the area.
For those interested in real estate, the Panasonic plant in De Soto continues to drive growth and change in the area. Residents are grappling with the rapid development, but many see it as a positive sign for the local economy.
In community news, the Blue Springs Golden Regiment band is preparing to march in Ireland's St. Patrick's Day parade. It's a fantastic opportunity for these young musicians to showcase their talents on an international stage.
On a somber note, we're following up on a tragic incident from earlier this week. Three Kansas City Police Department SWAT officers are recovering in the hospital after being shot while serving a search warrant on Tuesday night. The standoff on Blue Ridge Boulevard ended with three people taken into custody.
In transportation news, the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority is considering eliminating 13 bus routes due to budget cuts. Public hearings will be held soon, and we encourage residents to voice their opinions on these potential changes.
Lastly, we want to highlight a heartwarming story from our community. The Center for Digital Inclusion has been offering technology education programs to incarcerated women since 2019, serving over 1,000 participants. These programs, which include Microsoft Office and coding courses, are helping women develop valuable skills for their future.
This has been Kansas City Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.