A man trapped in the holding tank beneath a portable toilet was freed by Kansas City firefighters after a viral rescue video circulated following a World Cup watch party pickup.

An 18-year-old was sentenced to 30 years in Clay County for an armed Waffle House robbery; prosecutors say the term will run alongside a 23-year sentence for a fatal shooting.

The Kansas City Board of Public Utilities says scammers are sending fake ‘gas leak’ texts. Save BPU’s official short code (80213) and verify alerts via bpu.com or 913‑573‑9190.

Hole In Da Wall opened a Rocket Stop counter in Claycomo this week, bringing its fried catfish, loaded fries and burgers to the Northland as owners plot more locations. The menu features value-minded meals and $10 lunch specials.

KC Fringe pares down to 37 shows but keeps access cheap: a $5 Fringe Button and mostly $15 tickets get you into the 22nd festival running July 16–26.

ReStart's Family Lodge converts a Midtown hotel into 45 furnished transitional apartments for families. Volunteers and partners are outfitting units ahead of a ribbon-cutting this week.

Dangerous heat and high humidity arrive Monday in Kansas City; highs near 98°F and heat index as high as 107°F.

An anonymous Jackson County player turned a $20 Missouri Lottery Scratchers ticket into a $100,000 win after buying a ticket at a BP on Hickman Mills Drive.

Independence has launched a national search for its next police chief; interim Chief Doug Brinkley will stay in place and applications are due Aug. 17.

Wyandotte County prosecutors dismissed a long‑running murder indictment against Ormond L. Wimberly Jr.; he remains imprisoned for a separate 1981 Topeka killing.

Lawmakers and researchers in Topeka are debating whether Kansas should tie school funding to student results as a task force prepares recommendations.

After a record Country Stampede, Kustom Entertainment struck a multi‑season deal to stage bigger festivals at Gilley’s Park City — promising larger crowds and a tourism boost for Wichita.

816 Day expands into a four-day series Aug. 13–16 with expanded events across downtown and a free festival at Power & Light. Expect bridge parties, youth showcases and pop-ups.

A rider died early Wednesday after a crash on U.S. 24 near Duvall Ave in Independence; police say speed may have been a factor.

Nike's Country Club Plaza location unexpectedly closed this weekend, leaving an empty storefront at 450 Nichols Road and no immediate comment from the brand.

NSF picked a UMKC‑led team to build a domestic supply chain for battery, medical and aerospace materials — a plan that could unlock up to $160M and thousands of local jobs. Project leaders say the award starts with $15M and will scale if milestones are met.

A longtime Kansas City nonprofit opens a new east-side center on Aug. 1, 2026, to centralize counseling, legal help and wound care for survivors of violence. The day will include a community back-to-school celebration.

Loud booms across the Kansas City metro this week were likely caused by Fort Leavenworth training and a nearby transmission‑line project. Officials urged residents to monitor official channels.

The Rise at Lenexa City Center was pared back to about 121–122 active‑adult apartments in a nine‑story plan that keeps office space, structured parking and a rooftop bar.