Plus, UMKC enters five-year partnership with the Chiefs.
 
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Today’s Forecast

40º | Rain/snow mix | 98% chance of rain |
Sunrise: 7:37 a.m. | Sunset: 5:12 p.m.
 

📖 Today is World Literacy Day

Boost literacy in Kansas City by supporting these four nonprofits
lead to read kc.jpeg
Reading together is an underrated passtime. | Photo by Lead to Read KC
Did you know that one in five Americans have low literacy skills? Kansas City’s numbers are slightly better than the national average — but there is still room for improvement.

Studies show that in 2022, 76% of Kansas City Public School Students and 72% of Kansas City charter school students didn’t read proficiently.

Why is this important? Higher literacy skills has been linked to better life outcomes including better health, financial stability, and higher income levels.

Bonus: Raising the collective US literacy rate by just 1% is also projected to boost our economy by $240 Billion. Yes, you read that right.

Interested in helping raise KC’s literacy scores? Here are four local literacy nonprofit organizations you can bookmark.

Lead to Read KC | This organization is dedicated to improving early reading as volunteers visit classrooms to read with assigned little buddies. Its always looking for more adult readers who are willing to donate an hour a week.

Literacy KC | This one is for the adult learner. The many adult programs include family reading, digital literacy, and high school equivalency test preparation. Its annual mini golf fundraiser, Literacy KC Classic, is Saturday, Sept. 16.

Turn the Page KC | This nonprofit provides free classroom reading resources and is developing a holistic approach to improving childhood reading rates. You can get involved by purchasing a bundle of books for a kid.

Reach Out & Read KC | KU Medical Center’s reading program prescribes children books and educates parents on the importance of literacy. It works with clinics throughout the metro to provide free books to its patients.
Mid-America Regional Council
 
Events
Friday, Sept. 8
  • Skate Night in the Park | Friday, Sept. 8 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Southeast Community Center, 4201 E. 63rd St., Kansas City, MO | $5 | Kick off the weekend with an outdoor skate session — skates not included.
Saturday, Sept. 9
  • 2023 KC Haiti Symposium | Saturday, Sept. 9 | 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Polsinelli Conference Center, 900 W. 48th Pl., Kansas City, MO | Free | Network with other organizations and individuals who are involved with Haiti either in person or on Zoom.
  • Turkey Creek Car and Motorcycle Show | Saturday, Sept. 9 | 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Merriam Marketplace, 5740 Merriam Dr., Merriam, KS | $0+ | Check out 250+ classic cars, hot rods, street rods, antique cars, trucks, and custom motorcycles.
Sunday, Sept. 10
  • Goat Yoga | Sunday, Sept. 10 | 2-3 p.m. | Bourgmont Winery, 20299 Quivira Rd., Bucyrus, KS | $30 | Get your downward goat on while you enjoy snuggles and laughs.
  • 2023 Fall Playoffs Cup | Sunday, Sept. 10 | 2 p.m. | Kansas Speedway, 400 Speedway Blvd., Kansas City, KS | $45-$100 | The NASCAR Xfinity Series returns to the Kansas Speedway.
Monday, Sept. 11
  • The Permission Parties | Monday, Sept. 11-Tuesday, Sept. 12 | 7-10 p.m. | EdgeWater at City Center, 8395 Renner Blvd., Lenexa, KS | $50-$80 | This multi-sensory listening + tasting series includes six Chinese-inspired dishes that share a common emotion with each track on Alex Wong’s album “Permission.”
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Weather
Sports
  • The Kansas City Chiefs fought hard but lost to the Detroit Lions at Arrowhead Stadium yesterday. The final score was 21 to 20. Now the team will hit the road and face the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, Sept. 17.
Opening
  • Raise your mugs. Today is the grand opening for The Roasterie‘s new location at I-435 and State Line Rd. As a part of the celebration, 10% of today’s sales benefit Nuture KC, an organization working to reduce infant mortality + improve family health.
Eat
  • Jack Stack BBQ may soon feed the Northland. The local staple is in talks to build a new location at Edgewood Farms (8001 NW Roanridge Rd.). If the project moves forward, the new restaurant + its parking lot would take up 2.5 acres. (Kansas City Business Journal)
Edu
  • University of Missouri - Kansas City has a new chief. Well, Chiefs. The school entered a five-year partnership with the Chiefs to provide students opportunities such as mentorship and career-shadowing within the NFL organization.
Coming Soon
  • Latina-owned joint-businesses Fuego (a bar) and Trago (a speakeasy) open Friday, Sept. 15 — at 1412 W. 12th St., KCMO. Fuego will offer liquor, beer, and Latin-themed drinks like Amate Picante + Mezcal Merengue. Trago will be available by reservation only. (City Scene KC)
Civic
  • Shawnee City Council approved its 2024 budget last week, which estimates the city will generate $30.7 million in property taxes. It also adds full-time salaries for three firefighters, one ALS coordinator, one building inspector, and one facilities specialist. (Shawnee Mission Post)
Film
  • Taylor Swift’s new concert film releases Friday, Oct. 13 — and it’s already smashing records. The film generated $26 million in pre-sales for Leawood-based biz AMC. AMC’s previous pre-sale record was $16.9 million and was held by “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” (Kansas City Business Journal)
Fact or Fiction
Active
  • Blade & Timber’s Axe Throwing leagues are back. Join them on Tuesday nights for an eight-week session kicking off Sept. 12. Save 70% on gameplay, compete for prizes, sharpen your throwing skills, and make new friends. Sign up.*
 
Development

🚧 It’s the final countdown

The final phase of Wornall Road improvements begin this month
Wornall Road | 85th to 89th Street
The Wornall Road project is now at the end of the road. | Photo by CFS Engineers
It’s been a long road. Since 2018, the City of KCMO and the Waldo Community Improvement District have been working on Wornall Road’s infrastructure.

The City allocated ~$13.8 million to complete the project in two phases.

Phase one was completed in spring 2019. Upgrades were added from 85th Street to 89th Street — including a sidewalk, streetlights, and a new water line.

Now comes the finale: 74th Street to 79th Street.

Project bid reviews for phase two are expected to be completed this month. Then, contracts will be issued to:
  • Reconstruct the roadway to improve traffic flow
  • Add a new sidewalk along 79th Street
  • Add interconnected signals + LED streetlights
  • Modify the parking lot at 75th Street and Wornall Road
  • Integrate the smart sewer program
  • Extend the Trolley Trail Track from 74th Street to 75th Street
  • Replace the water main
Construction is projected to last 15-18 months.
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The Wrap
 
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Today’s edition by:
Charmaine
From the editor
I’m excited to get through this weekend. Why? Next week I get to see my parents. It’s been almost a full year since I saw them last.

They’ve only ever been to Kansas City one time. What souvenir should bring them to let them know how amazing KC is? Let me know.
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