👀 This Week Around KC

• ​🏟️ KANSAS CITY ROYALS SEEK FAN INPUT ON NEW BALLPARK SITE​​
  The Royals sent out a fan survey on Monday asking for input on the team's future, including three potential stadium locations: Downtown/Near Downtown Kansas City, Clay County/North Kansas City, and Johnson County/Overland Park. Chairman/CEO John Sherman said fan voices will play an important role in determining where the team plays for the next 50 years, as their current lease at Kauffman Stadium expires after the 2030 season.​
• ​⚽ KANSAS CITY CURRENT TO HOST GOTHAM FC IN NWSL QUARTERFINAL NOV. 9​​
  The top-seeded Current will face No. 8 Gotham FC at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 9, airing on ABC. Kansas City finished the historic regular season with a 21-3-2 record and 65 points, setting new NWSL records for wins, points, and clean sheets, while beating Gotham twice during the regular season.​
• ​💵 MISSOURI HOURLY MINIMUM WAGE INCREASES TO $15 IN 2026​​
  Missouri's minimum wage will rise to $15 per hour starting January 1, 2026, up from the current $13.75 hourly rate. Governor Mike Kehoe signed HB 567 in July 2025, which sets the increase to $15 but removed the automatic cost-of-living adjustments that would have started in 2027 and repealed paid sick leave requirements that were part of the original Proposition A passed by voters in 2024.​
• ​🚂 UNION STATION CELEBRATING 111 YEARS IN KANSAS CITY​​
  Kansas City's Union Station marked its 111th anniversary on October 30, originally opening its doors on Oct. 30, 1914, after construction began in 1911. Designed by architect Jarvis Hunt in the beaux-arts style, the station cost nearly $6 million and was part of a $50 million investment, becoming the third-largest train station in the country at the time and what President Woodrow Wilson called "the gateway to the West."
• ​🧸 TOYS R US OPENS AT TANGER KANSAS CITY AT LEGENDS​​
  The beloved toy retailer opened a 7,000-square-foot seasonal holiday shop at Tanger Kansas City at Legends on Friday, October 31, featuring popular brands like Lego, Barbie, Hot Wheels, Nerf, and Paw Patrol. This is the first toy and game-focused retailer at the Legends and comes after Toys R Us filed for bankruptcy in 2017 and closed hundreds of stores in 2018, with the brand now making a nationwide comeback through Go! Retail Group.
• ​🗳️ JACKSON COUNTY VOTERS APPROVE ELECTED ASSESSOR; INDEPENDENCE KEEPS FOUR-DAY SCHOOL WEEK​​​
  Jackson County voters approved making the county assessor an elected position, ending Missouri’s only appointed-assessor system amid frustration over rising property taxes. In Independence, voters backed continuing the four-day school week with about 62% support, keeping classes Tuesday through Friday and enrichment programs on Mondays.
• ​🍷 VISIT KC LAUNCHES “KC BY THE GLASS” DIGITAL PASS FOR LOCAL DRINK DEALS​​
  Visit KC has launched a new digital passport called “KC by the Glass,” offering over $100 in exclusive savings at more than 25 local distilleries, wineries, and cocktail bars. Passholders can enjoy discounted drinks and tasting flights at fixed prices of $8, $10, or $12. The year-round program lets locals and visitors choose a 3-day pass for $5 or a 3-month pass for $10, with easy smartphone access and no app required.

What you might have missed last week

• Overland Park has approved plans for Marty Park, set to replace the former Marty Pool that closed in 2022.
• Boulevard Brewing Co. and Quirk Hard Seltzer have rolled out new products [Crimson and the Blueberry Quirk and Pay Heed Pale Ale for KU] celebrating partnerships with Kansas and Missouri athletics.
• Platte County Presiding Commissioner Scott Fricker says he can’t support Project Kestrel — a proposed $100 billion data center near KCI Airport — citing massive tax breaks for a global corporation and rising utility costs for residents.

🏢 DEVELOPMENT SCENE

Panasonic’s $4B De Soto Plant Begins Battery Production, Now Employing 1,200 Workers

Panasonic has officially started producing electric-vehicle batteries at its $4 billion, 4.7-million-square-foot facility in De Soto, Kansas, marking a major milestone in the region’s growing clean-energy sector. Since the first battery rolled off the line in July, the plant’s 1,200 employees have been producing about 300,000 batteries per day, with plans to ramp up to 500,000 daily as additional production lines come online through 2026.

The U-shaped facility, still under construction, will eventually house eight lines across two wings and employ up to 4,000 people once fully operational in 2027. At full capacity, the plant will support the production of up to half a million EVs annually, supplying major automakers including Tesla and Lucid.

🎨 ART SCENE

Deaunte Thomas and the Power of KC Art

This Week in the KC Art Scene: Mollified covers the story that shook our city — and the artist who helped it heal. When Kansas City’s Super Bowl celebration turned to tragedy, local painter and community builder Deaunte Thomas transformed grief into something powerful. His tribute to Lisa Lopez-Galvan became more than a painting — it became a movement, proving that art in KC doesn’t just hang on walls… it holds us together.

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🏐 SPORTS SCENE

KC Current Dominated The 2025 Regular Season

The Kansas City Current just wrapped up a record-breaking 2025 season — finishing with a 21-3-2 record, 65 points, and their first-ever NWSL Shield! They went unbeaten at home and made history as one of the most dominant teams the league has ever seen.

Star striker Temwa Chawinga led the charge once again, earning her second straight Golden Boot. As the team heads into the 2025 NWSL Championship (Nov. 7–9), we’re celebrating this incredible run with a Temwa Chawinga bobblehead giveaway!

Head over to our post to join the giveaway and show your support — just comment “CURRENT” for your chance to win. Winner will be announced on Championship Sunday, November 9!

🎯 REAL ESTATE SCENE

​SPONSORED BY MOVING TO KC​

Volker Shirtwaist with Original Details and Modern Updates

Step into this early 1900s Kansas City shirtwaist that beautifully preserves its classic craftsmanship while introducing thoughtful modern touches. The inviting front porch and intricate brickwork create timeless curb appeal, complemented by new James Hardie siding that enhances the home’s historic look. Inside, refinished original hardwood floors flow throughout the main level, leading you through a formal entryway and grand staircase that highlight the home’s old-world charm.

The spacious living room centers around a green-tiled fireplace, while the large dining area—framed by a bay window with original trim—sets the tone for gatherings both casual and elegant. The galley-style kitchen features brand-new countertops and a practical layout that blends efficiency with character. A full bath on the main level adds convenience without compromising style. Upstairs, three generously sized bedrooms share an updated bathroom, and the partially finished attic offers flexible space for a home office, playroom, or creative studio.

Located just steps from Volker’s local shops and restaurants, this home captures the essence of Midtown living—historic, vibrant, and full of personality.
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🏡 Property Overview

Price: $299,000

Address: 3948 Mercier St, Kansas City, MO 64111

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2

Square Footage: 1,812 sq ft

Lot Size: 2,752 sq ft

Built: 1900

📞 Ready to see it in person?
​Take a closer look at the details, and let’s get your tour scheduled!​

Listing Provided by: Kyle Talbot

Moving to KC | KW KANSAS CITY METRO

At Loans in KC, we understand that every financial situation is unique. That’s why we offer personalized loan solutions designed to meet your specific needs. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing you with fast and reliable service.
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🌆 This Weekend in Kansas City!