Episodes

  • Kansas City News: Police Shooting, Tech Boom, Sporting KC, Salvation Army Funding, and Community Highlights

    Kansas City News: Police Shooting, Tech Boom, Sporting KC, Salvation Army Funding, and Community Highlights
    Feb 25 2025
    Good morning, this is Kansas City Local Pulse for February 25, 2025.

    We start with breaking news: a police-involved shooting in Kansas City, Kansas, is under investigation by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Early Sunday morning, officers responded to an apartment complex in the 700 block of Nebraska Avenue after a 33-year-old man, identified as Brian Hilt, attempted to break in. Hilt, who was armed, was shot and killed after disregarding police demands to drop his weapon. No officers were injured[2].

    In other news, the LINC Commission is meeting today at 2 p.m. at 2301 McGee St., Suite 600, to discuss various agenda items including board appointments and financial reports[1].

    Moving to the job market, Kansas City's tech scene continues to thrive, with a 16% workforce growth since 2021 driven by AI, automation, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Major employers like PwC and Garmin are expanding opportunities, offering competitive salaries and benefits packages. The average tech salary in Kansas City is around $85,000, with AI roles reaching up to $210,000 and Cloud Architects earning between $130,000 and $155,000[3][5].

    On the sports front, Sporting Kansas City is heading to Miami for the decisive leg in the Concacaf Champions Cup. The team aims to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit against Inter Miami CF. Meanwhile, four Sporting players made their MLS debuts over the weekend, including Shapi Suleymanov, Jacob Bartlett, Manu Garcia, and Dejan Joveljic[4].

    In community news, the Salvation Army in Kansas City has received $400,000 from the state of Kansas to supplement utility assistance programs. This funding will help residents pay their gas bills, particularly during the seasonally high utility cycle in March[2].

    Looking ahead, the weather today is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of 52 degrees. No significant weather alerts are currently in effect.

    In cultural news, Music Theatre Wichita is pushing for legislation that would provide a sales tax exemption for nonprofits operating community theaters. This bill aims to save the theatre around $75,000 a year by eliminating double taxation on building and set items as well as ticket sales[2].

    Finally, in a feel-good community story, Kansas Public Radio raised nearly $54,000 during the One Day, One KU fundraising campaign. The funds will be used to acquire a new, reliable vehicle for the station, which has been without one for the past five years[2].

    This has been Kansas City Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    3 mins
  • "Frigid Weather, Crashes, and Community Kindness: Your Kansas City Local Pulse Update"

    "Frigid Weather, Crashes, and Community Kindness: Your Kansas City Local Pulse Update"
    Feb 22 2025
    Good morning, this is Kansas City Local Pulse for February 22, 2025. We're starting off with some significant news from the past few days.

    First, let's talk about the weather. It's been a chilly week, and today is no exception. Temperatures are expected to be around 0 degrees Fahrenheit, with partly cloudy skies. This cold snap has caused several closures and delays, so make sure to check your local news for updates before heading out[2].

    In local news, an 11-year-old boy crashed his mom's car into a daycare in Kansas City, but fortunately, no injuries were reported. The incident is a reminder to always be cautious on the roads, especially during this cold weather[1].

    On the job market front, there are several career fairs happening this week. The Nursing, Healthcare & Life Sciences Career Fair is taking place virtually today, and the Kansas City Career Fair is happening tomorrow at the Courtyard by Marriott Kansas City Downtown/Convention Center. These are great opportunities to meet top employers and explore new career paths[3].

    In real estate news, the Lenexa City Council has approved an increase in capacity at a homeless shelter in the city. This move aims to provide more support for those in need during these cold winter months[1].

    Culturally, there are plenty of events to look forward to. Tonight, the indie rock duo Beach House is performing at The Midland, and tomorrow, the Aztec Shawnee Theatre is screening the classic 1934 film "Cleopatra." Additionally, the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art is hosting an exhibit titled "Fairy Tales Reimagined: The Brothers Grimm and Natalie Frank" on Thursday[3].

    In sports, Sporting Kansas City kicks off their MLS campaign today against Austin FC at Q2 Stadium. We're excited to see how our local team performs this season[5].

    On the crime front, there have been several significant incidents in the past 24 hours. An 18-year-old was killed in a car crash in King City, Missouri, and a man was critically injured in a shooting in Lawrence. Our thoughts are with the families affected by these tragedies[1].

    Finally, let's end with a feel-good community story. A KCPS teacher braved the cold to shovel driveways for neighbors, showing the true spirit of community kindness in Kansas City[1].

    This has been Kansas City Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    3 mins
  • "Kansas City Schools Accredited, Abortion Ban Trial, and Business Expansions: Local Pulse Update"

    "Kansas City Schools Accredited, Abortion Ban Trial, and Business Expansions: Local Pulse Update"
    Feb 21 2025
    Good morning, this is Kansas City Local Pulse for February 21, 2025. We're starting off with some great news for our local school district. After years of hard work, Kansas City Public Schools has regained full accreditation from the Missouri State Board of Education. This is a tremendous accomplishment for our students, staff, families, and community. Superintendent Mark Bedell's leadership has been instrumental in this turnaround, and we're proud to see our school district thriving.

    In other news, a trial that could permanently end Missouri's abortion ban is set for early next year. A judge in Kansas City has scheduled the trial for January 2026, following preliminary orders that allowed abortion care to resume in Missouri. This is a significant development in the ongoing debate over reproductive rights in our state.

    Now, let's talk about some new business activity in our city. American Rebel Holdings, Inc., a company that designs and manufactures patriotic products, including safes and beer, is expanding its presence in the Kansas City area. CEO Andy Ross recently appeared on NBC KSHB 41 to promote the company's products and values. You can find their store at 8500 Marshall Drive in Overland Park, next to the Bushnell Factory Outlet.

    Moving on to community events, we have a few exciting things happening in the next few days. Be sure to check out the local cultural events and festivals happening around town, including some great music performances. And if you're a sports fan, you know that the Kansas City Chiefs are always a topic of conversation. We're looking forward to their next game and the energy it brings to our city.

    In terms of weather, we're expecting a chilly day today with some winter weather woes. Make sure to bundle up and plan your activities accordingly. We'll have more updates on the weather outlook later in the day.

    On the job market front, we're seeing some positive trends in our local economy. While we don't have specific numbers to share today, we're hearing from local businesses that they're looking to hire and expand their operations.

    In real estate news, we're seeing some new developments and renovations happening around town. If you're in the market for a new home or looking to invest in some local properties, now might be a good time to explore your options.

    Finally, let's talk about some local school achievements. We're proud to see our students excelling in academics and sports. The Kansas City Public Schools' strategic plan is focused on student-centered goals, including improving reading and math scores, increasing graduation rates, and enhancing extracurricular opportunities.

    This has been Kansas City Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    3 mins
  • Frigid Temps Prompt School Closures, Community Rallies in Kansas City

    Frigid Temps Prompt School Closures, Community Rallies in Kansas City
    Feb 20 2025
    Good morning, this is Kansas City Local Pulse for February 20, 2025.

    We're starting off with a chilly note today. The extreme cold warning issued for our area has led to several school closures. Lawrence Public Schools, Eudora schools, Baldwin City schools, and several others in the surrounding areas have announced closures due to the bitterly cold temperatures. This marks the ninth inclement weather day for Lawrence Public Schools this year, and we understand the frustrations this causes for families[3].

    Moving on to weather, today is expected to be particularly cold, with temperatures hitting a low of -11 degrees Fahrenheit. However, there's some relief in sight. By Friday, we're looking at highs near 23 degrees, and by the weekend, temperatures are expected to bounce back into the 50s. So, hang in there; warmer days are ahead[1][3].

    In local news, we've seen a surge in community kindness amidst the winter weather woes. Local influencers and community leaders have been discussing ways to support families affected by the school closures and extreme cold. Tune in to our previous episodes for more on these community efforts[2].

    On the business front, we're seeing some new activity in the city. While specific details are still emerging, we're excited to share more about these developments in our upcoming episodes.

    Looking ahead to the next few days, there are several community events worth noting. This weekend, you can catch some local music at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Also, keep an eye out for the Chiefs' playoff hype; it's a great time to be a sports fan in Kansas City[2].

    In local achievements, we'd like to give a shoutout to the Baldwin High School girls basketball team, who are set to play at Eudora despite the school closures. Good luck to them!

    For today's crime report, we're focusing on public safety alerts. Given the extreme cold, please be cautious and check on your neighbors, especially the elderly and those who might be vulnerable to the cold.

    Finally, let's end on a positive note. Despite the cold, our community has shown incredible resilience and kindness. From volunteers helping with school closures to neighbors checking in on each other, it's moments like these that remind us of the strength of our community.

    This has been Kansas City Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    3 mins
  • KC Local Pulse: Winter Storm Disrupts Schools, Jobs, and Sports Events

    KC Local Pulse: Winter Storm Disrupts Schools, Jobs, and Sports Events
    Feb 18 2025
    Good morning, this is Kansas City Local Pulse for Tuesday, February 18, 2025. We're starting off with breaking news: a winter storm has hit our area, causing widespread closures and cancellations. Schools across the region, including Bishop Seabury Academy, Geary County USD 475, Lawrence USD 497, Leavenworth USD 453, and Oskaloosa USD 341, are closed today. The University of Kansas has also closed its Lawrence, Edwards, and Leavenworth campuses, with only essential employees required to report to work[4].

    This severe weather is impacting daily life, with Governor Laura Kelly issuing a Declaration of Inclement Weather for Shawnee County, ordering state office buildings to be closed. The Douglas County District Court is also closed today. If you were planning to attend the Concacaf Champions Cup Round One series match between Sporting Kansas City and Inter Miami CF, it has been rescheduled to Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Children's Mercy Park[4].

    Looking at the job market, there are over 1,200 jobs available in Kansas City, with positions ranging from customer service representatives to registered nurses. Notable employers include Children's Mercy KC, which is hiring for research assistants, and Sun Life, which is looking for absence leave specialists[1].

    In other news, the 2025 WIN for KC Women's Sports Awards took place on February 4 at T-Mobile Center, celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day. Local honorees were recognized for their contributions to women and girls in sports within the Kansas City region[3].

    On the economic front, the 2025 Economic Forecast indicates that the Kansas City labor market appears tighter than the U.S. overall, with manufacturing, healthcare, and construction sectors expected to grow significantly[5].

    For those planning outdoor activities, today's weather forecast predicts moderate snowfall, with temperatures averaging around -11 degrees Fahrenheit. We can expect light to moderate rainfall later in the month, with an average of 1.43 inches across approximately 6 days[2].

    In sports, the rescheduled Concacaf Champions Cup match is something to look forward to on Wednesday. Meanwhile, local athletes like Addison Bjorn, a five-star basketball player from Parkville, are making waves in their respective sports[3].

    In community news, we're keeping an eye on upcoming events, but due to the weather, many have been postponed or canceled. We'll keep you updated as new information becomes available.

    This has been Kansas City Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    3 mins
  • KC Love Event, Thriving Job Market, and Community Highlights: Your Saturday Local Pulse Update

    KC Love Event, Thriving Job Market, and Community Highlights: Your Saturday Local Pulse Update
    Feb 15 2025
    Good morning, this is Kansas City Local Pulse for Saturday, February 15, 2025. We're starting off with some exciting news about what's happening in our city today. If you're looking for something to do, the 2025 KC Love Event is kicking off at Union Station, featuring over 100 local artists, boutiques, and handmade vendors. It's a great opportunity to shop, enjoy some food, and take part in interactive activities. The event runs from 10 am to 5 pm today and continues tomorrow from 11 am to 4 pm.

    In other news, our job market continues to thrive. Over the past decade, the Kansas City Metropolitan Area has added more than 150,000 jobs, with that number still rising. This growth is driven by the city's emergence as a hub for innovation, particularly in tech and logistics. Large companies are moving in, including Eastern Airlines, which recently relocated its headquarters to Kansas City, creating 165 full-time jobs. This diversification of our economy means more opportunities for job seekers across various industries, from entry-level positions to executive roles.

    On the local news front, we have some updates from city hall. The recent snow event has had a significant impact on our daily activities, with many schools closing and roads being covered. Crews are working hard to return normalcy to the city. However, the snow has also caused some disruptions, including the closure of WB I-70 just west of downtown Kansas City due to police activity.

    In business news, True Value has announced it will move forward with closing its Kansas City facility, affecting about 50 jobs. On a more positive note, the city's relatively lower cost of living makes it an attractive option for entrepreneurs and job seekers alike.

    Looking ahead to the next few days, there are some great community events to check out. Although the 2025 WIN for KC Women's Sports Awards took place on February 4, it's worth mentioning the incredible achievements of the honorees, including Temwa Chawinga, the Kansas City Current forward who set the NWSL single-season scoring record.

    In local sports, we have some exciting news. The Kansas City Chiefs have been making headlines, but unfortunately, former Chiefs WR Kadarius Toney was arrested for allegedly assaulting a woman. On a more positive note, local high school athlete Addison Bjorn, a five-star basketball player, has been making waves with her impressive performances.

    In crime news, there have been some significant incidents over the past 24 hours. Police have located a missing woman, and there have been arrests in connection with a hit-and-run crash in downtown KCMO. Additionally, an Amber Alert was issued for a missing 16-year-old from Wisconsin.

    Finally, a feel-good community story: LC's Bar-B-Q legacy continues thanks to his granddaughter, Tausha Hammett, who is keeping the tradition alive.

    Weather-wise, we're expecting a chilly day today, but the sun should be out, making it a great day to get out and enjoy some of the local events.

    This has been Kansas City Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    4 mins
  • Winter weather woes, cultural events, and community kindness - Kansas City Local Pulse for February 14, 2025

    Winter weather woes, cultural events, and community kindness - Kansas City Local Pulse for February 14, 2025
    Feb 14 2025
    Good morning, this is Kansas City Local Pulse for Friday, February 14, 2025. We're starting the day with a look at the weather, which has been quite the challenge lately. The cold and snowy conditions have led to an increased number of school closings across the city. Many districts, including North Kansas City and Blue Springs, have announced changes to their school days due to poor road conditions on side streets[4].

    Speaking of weather, today is expected to be cloudy with overcast skies and no rain. Temperatures will be around 36 degrees during the day and 28 degrees at night, with a wind speed of 11 miles per hour[5].

    In local news, a significant development is the recent snow event that has impacted daily life. Crews are working hard to return normalcy to the city, but it's been a tough week for many residents and commuters[1]. On a related note, the city's snow days have caused disruptions for parents and could potentially mean more school days for students later in the year.

    On the cultural front, there are plenty of events to look forward to this weekend. The Magnolia in Brookside is hosting a dinner and concert event called "Love is in the Air!" tonight, featuring a three-course dinner and a performance by the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra's wind ensemble[3]. Additionally, the Winterlude Jazz Festival is happening at the Midwest Trust Center on Saturday and Sunday, with ten jazz acts taking the stages.

    In sports news, former Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney was arrested for allegedly assaulting a woman. This comes after the Chiefs' recent Super Bowl loss, which has left many fans looking for some love and positivity[1].

    On the job market front, True Value has announced that it will be closing its Kansas City facility, impacting around 50 jobs. This is a significant change for the local economy and those affected by the closure.

    In real estate, while there are no major announcements today, the recent snow and cold weather have certainly made an impact on daily activities and could potentially affect property values and sales in the coming weeks.

    In crime news, there have been several significant incidents in the past 24 hours. Two women were found dead in a Lenexa home, and a suspect is in custody. Additionally, a man was charged with killing a pedestrian in a hit-and-run crash in downtown Kansas City[1].

    Finally, a feel-good community story: Actor Tyler Hynes was spotted giving out free hugs in Kansas City after the Chiefs' Super Bowl loss, spreading some much-needed love and positivity.

    This has been Kansas City Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    3 mins
  • "Chilly Temps, Sports Honors, and Closed City Halls: Kansas City Local Pulse Update"

    "Chilly Temps, Sports Honors, and Closed City Halls: Kansas City Local Pulse Update"
    Feb 13 2025
    Good morning, this is Kansas City Local Pulse for Thursday, February 13, 2025.

    We're starting off with some significant updates from City Hall. Due to the severe winter weather, City Hall was closed to the public yesterday, and most city employees worked from home. Additionally, bulky item pickup services were canceled for yesterday and today. The Kansas City Municipal Court building was also closed, with hearings conducted virtually. If you were scheduled for a Walk-In Docket, please check for a Calendly scheduling email with your new court date[3].

    Moving on to the weather, it's been quite chilly in Kansas City. February has been cooler than usual, with temperatures averaging 3.9 degrees Fahrenheit, which is 2.9 degrees below the typical seasonal average. Today, we're expecting a sunny day with temperatures ranging from -5 to -14 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to bundle up if you're heading out[1].

    In sports news, the University of Kansas City's women's basketball team had a tough game against South Dakota yesterday, losing 63 to 56. Despite the loss, the team showed some great plays, with Alayna Contreras scoring several key jumpers[5].

    On a more positive note, the 2025 WIN for KC Women's Sports Awards took place on February 4 at the T-Mobile Center. The event celebrated National Girls and Women in Sports Day and honored several local athletes and sports professionals for their contributions to women and girls in sports within the Kansas City region[2].

    In terms of new business activity, there haven't been any major announcements in the past few days. However, we're always on the lookout for new openings and changes in the local business scene.

    Looking ahead to community events, there aren't any major events scheduled for the next few days. However, we encourage you to check local listings for any upcoming events that might interest you.

    In local school achievements, we'd like to mention that Parkville's Addison Bjorn, a five-star basketball player, was recently honored at the 2025 WIN for KC Women's Sports Awards. She's known for her versatility in scoring and is highly sought after by major collegiate basketball programs[2].

    Finally, in today's crime report, there haven't been any significant incidents or arrests in the past 24 hours. However, we always remind you to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

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