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🚧 69Express Lanes Open, ✨ Western Auto Sign Returns, 🏡 Lenexa Approves Habitat Homes
Published 11 days ago • 9 min read
As Kansas City prepares for a global spotlight in 2026, the region continues to see major infrastructure upgrades, policy shifts, and long-term investments that are shaping daily life across the metro. From transportation improvements and housing debates to health care expansion and statewide legislation, this week’s updates reflect a city balancing growth with community priorities. Here’s what’s moving the conversation forward across Kansas City and beyond.
This edition, we’re diving into: ▪ The 69Express lanes officially opening in Overland Park, adding tolled express options from 103rd to 151st Street to improve reliability along one of the region’s busiest corridors ▪ The iconic Western Auto Sign set to relight ahead of the 2026 World Cup, restoring a familiar piece of the Kansas City skyline ▪ The Lenexa City Council approving a 50-home Habitat for Humanity development despite neighborhood opposition ▪ Airbnb offering $750 incentives to new entire-home hosts in World Cup cities, including Kansas City ▪ A major expansion of the University of Kansas Cancer Center bringing research and advanced treatment together on the KU Medical Center campus ▪ The Missouri House of Representatives advancing legislation that would significantly roll back vehicle safety inspection requirements statewide
From highways and housing to hospitality and health care, these developments highlight how the metro is positioning itself for both immediate impact and long-term growth.
🛣️ 69 EXPRESS PROJECT OPENS SATURDAY The long-awaited 69Express express lanes along U.S. 69 in Overland Park will officially open to drivers Saturday, adding tolled northbound and southbound lanes from 103rd to 151st Street to improve travel reliability and ease congestion on one of the region’s busiest corridors.
🌟 WESTERN AUTO SIGN TO LIGHT UP AGAIN IN TIME FOR WORLD CUP Kansas City’s iconic Western Auto Sign is set to be relit by early June as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the city pledging support and ongoing work to stabilize lights and maintenance so the familiar skyline feature welcomes visitors.
🏘️ LENEXA CITY COUNCIL APPROVES HOUSING DEVELOPMENT DESPITE NEIGHBOR PUSHBACK The Lenexa City Council voted 7-2 to approve land rezoning and the sale of about 17 acres for a 50-home Habitat for Humanity project, overriding strong neighborhood opposition focused on the use of parkland and triggering possible legal challenges.
🏠 AIRBNB OFFERING $750 TO NEW HOSTS DURING 2026 WORLD CUP Airbnb launched its biggest new-host incentive program yet, offering $750 to new entire-home hosts in World Cup host cities (including Kansas City) who list and complete their first stay by July 31, as demand for accommodations surges ahead of the tournament.
🧬 GROUNDBREAKING CANCER RESEARCH AND TREATMENT CENTER COMING TO KANSAS CITY Construction is underway on a new University of Kansas Cancer Center complex on the KU Medical Center campus that will co-locate cutting-edge research and clinical care, offering advanced therapies and clinical trials with completion expected by late 2027.
🚗 MISSOURI COULD END ALMOST ALL CAR SAFETY INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS, BILL NOW HEADS TO SENATE The Missouri House of Representatives passed a bill that would eliminate most routine vehicle safety inspections statewide, dropping the requirement for cars and trucks older than 10 years or with high mileage, though the measure must still clear the Senate and receive the governor’s approval.
The potential move of the Kansas City Chiefs to Kansas just cleared two major milestones. The Kansas City Chiefs received unanimous support from the Olathe City Council to pledge local tax revenue toward a proposed $300M headquarters and training facility.
Kansas City Royals CEO and Chairman John Sherman signaled that plans for a new stadium are moving forward, though no final decision has been made.
🏢 DEVELOPMENT SCENE
New Trader Joe’s Coming to Merriam, Expanding Johnson County Presence
A new location of Trader Joe’s has officially been confirmed for Merriam, Kansas, adding another highly anticipated grocery option in Johnson County. City leaders announced the store will be built along Shawnee Mission Parkway, signaling continued retail growth in the area. While an exact grand opening date has not yet been released, officials expect the store to open in fall 2026. The announcement was met with excitement from both city representatives and the local visitors bureau, highlighting the strong community interest surrounding the project.
This new Merriam store will become the second Johnson County location, joining the existing Trader Joe’s in Leawood. The Kansas City metro currently has only two stores — one in Kansas City, Missouri, and one in Leawood — making this addition a notable expansion for shoppers on the Kansas side. Headquartered in California, Trader Joe’s operates more than 630 stores nationwide and is widely recognized for its private-label products, specialty snacks, and distinct in-store experience. The Merriam location further strengthens the chain’s footprint in the region and reflects continued demand for its unique grocery offerings.
Megan Moroney @ The Midland | country | 5 PM | INFO
Pecos & the Rooftops @ The Truman | country rock | 8 PM | INFO
Bad Bad Hats @ recordBar | indie pop | 8 PM | INFO
📌 Thursday, February 26
Perryman Band @ O’Dowd’s | blues rock | 9 PM | INFO
The 502s @ Granada (Lawrence) | indie folk | 8 PM | INFO
Wheel + Sound and Shape @ Bottleneck (Lawrence) | alt rock | 8 PM | INFO
Bad Omens + Beartooth + President @ T-Mobile Center | metalcore | 7 PM | INFO
Star Wars: The Story in Music @ Kauffman Center | symphonic/film score | 7 PM | INFO
Eli Young Band @ Knuckleheads | country | 8 PM | INFO
📌 REGULAR WEEKLY PROGRAMMING
NIGHTLY (7 NIGHTS A WEEK)
Green Lady Lounge live Kansas City jazz on two stages (upstairs + downstairs “Orion Room”) - $5 cover - 1809 Grand Blvd
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Kansas City is about to host the world. Literally.
We’re building a World Cup Guide that helps visitors find the best places to eat, drink, shop, and explore beyond the stadium. This guide puts local businesses front and center when thousands of fans are deciding where to go and what to do.
If you want visitors to experience the real Kansas City, this is where you show up.
WNBA Returns to Kansas City for First Game Since 2005
Kansas City will host its first WNBA game since 2005 when the Minnesota Lynx take on Nigeria’s women’s national team, D’Tigress, in a preseason matchup on April 27 at the T-Mobile Center. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m., with tickets going on sale Friday morning. The Lynx, a four-time WNBA champion, finished the 2025 season with the league’s best record, while Nigeria is currently ranked No. 8 in the FIBA World Rankings and made history at the 2024 Olympics by reaching the quarterfinals. The event marks a significant return for the league to Kansas City after two decades and highlights the city’s continued support for women’s sports.
In this video, we break down nine Kansas City suburbs that are either booming now or quietly setting up for growth — and what that means for home prices and future opportunity across the metro.
Historic Longfellow Gem with Timeless Detail and Modern Flexibility
Step inside this stunning Longfellow beauty at 2538 Holmes St, where historic elegance meets modern flexibility. Built in 1910, this five-bedroom, 2.5-bath property showcases original woodwork, pocket doors, high ceilings, two cozy fireplaces, charming stained glass, and inviting reading nooks that give it that old-school KC character you cannot replicate.
The white kitchen features stainless steel appliances, and the third-floor rec space plus walk-up basement open the door for expansion, a second unit, or even a commercial venture.
Here’s where it gets interesting: the property is zoned commercial and taxed commercial. The current owner carries a residential mortgage, and the home is currently operating as an Airbnb. It previously served as a law office and could continue commercial operations if someone wanted to create a bed-and-breakfast, speakeasy, restaurant, office space, or hybrid live-work concept.
On-site parking and a two-car garage add convenience, and the location puts you within walking distance to Crown Center, Hospital Hill, parks, and local eateries. Whether you’re looking for a primary residence, furnished rental, or a unique commercial opportunity, this one gives you options.
Listing Provided by: Erin Kuntzsch with KW KANSAS CITY METRO
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📍 Union Station | ⏰ Sat 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM Raise your glass at the 2026 KC Brew Fest, featuring an incredible lineup of local and regional craft beers, live music, and plenty of food vendors for a full day of tasting, fun, and community vibes.
📍 Atlas9 | ⏰ Sat 8:00 PM Dive into the Cinemorphia Animated Film Festival, featuring stunning animated films, special guests, and creative surprises for animation fans of all ages.
📍 The Gem Theater | ⏰ Fri & Sat 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM Celebrate storytelling at the Reel Black Film Festival 2026, featuring powerful films, thought-provoking discussions, and a spotlight on Black filmmakers shaping culture and cinema today.
Start your morning with a unique twist at Breakfast with Mini Cows, where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast while meeting and feeding adorable mini cows in a fun, family-friendly setting.
Ring in the Lunar New Year with vibrant performances, cultural activities, art displays, and delicious food, all celebrating tradition and community at the Zhou B Art Center.
📍 The Grand Theater | ⏰ Sat & Sun Get ready for a high-energy performance with Whiskey Dynamite, bringing their electrifying rock sounds, crowd-pleasing hits, and unforgettable stage presence to The Grand Theater.
We’re building the ultimate library of local guides to help you experience Kansas City like never before. From art walks to foodie finds, keep an eye out—new guides are dropping all year long. Download now, save for later, and share with a friend!
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Your Guide to Living, Working & Thriving in Kansas City
KC Scene is your go-to, unbiased resource for everything Kansas City—where to live, what to do, and how to make this city feel like home. Whether you're moving in or moving up, we’ve got you covered with real estate, development, lifestyle, and local gems.
As Kansas City and the surrounding region continue to grow, policy decisions, public projects, and community initiatives are shaping how residents live, work, and play. From city budgeting and housing debates to park improvements and state legislation, this week’s updates highlight the intersection of local priorities, long-term planning, and immediate impacts on daily life. Here’s what’s driving the conversation across the metro and beyond. This edition, we’re diving into:▪ Kansas lawmakers...
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