Plus, get cats with a side of crystals.
 
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Today’s Forecast

86º | 6% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:49 a.m. | Sunset 7:44 p.m.
 

🚎 History repeating itself

Traveling along Midtown KC’s trolley history
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Seen here at its barn, this was one of the original streetcars that drove the Washington/Summit line. | Photo courtesy of the KC Library
The KC Streetcar’s Main Street extension is on course to open in 2025, and there’s something interesting about this new line — it has an uncanny resemblance to the original.

With Editor Charm at the wheel, let’s take another look at KC’s trolley history, diving into Midtown’s retired trolley tracks.

Retracin’ the original

Summit Street (partially renamed Southwest Trafficway) was home to one of Kansas City’s original trolley tracks: the Washington/Summit line.

According to KC Library archives, the line ran from the West Bottom’s Union Depot on 9th Street, wrapped around Washington Street, then traveled all the way to Midtown on modern-day Southwest Trafficway.

Summit street before and after

Imagine if the tracks still went right in front of these houses? The ease of access would have been amazing.

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Photos courtesy of KC Library and KCtoday

It first opened in 1889 and, while I haven’t been able to find the exact date this route closed, I do know that all these historic tracks shuttered by 1954.

Fast forward 135 years and we’re rebuilding what once was, but with a modern flare.

Today’s track

The current Main Street line starts in the River Market, about two miles to the east from where the Washington/Summit line began.

The extension will bring the trolley to Midtown, with stops located not even a mile east of the original Summit Street route — Union Hill (31st + Main), Armour (35th + Main), and Westport (39th + Main).

The new track is sitting at 97% completion, meaning it’s almost ready to roll into history. Keep up with the project’s progress at buildkcstreetcar.org, and stay tuned for another ride with KCtoday’s trolley series.
 
Events
Wednesday, Sept. 4
  • Here Come The Mummies | Wednesday, Sept. 4 | 7 p.m. | Uptown Theater | $14-$36 | Get moving with the funk-rock band comprised entirely of 5,000-year-old Egyptian mummies with one thing on the brain: music.
  • Dancefestopia | Wednesday, Sept. 4-Sunday, Sept. 8 | Wildwood Outdoor Education Center | $129-$550 | Enjoy up to seven days and seven nights of camping + music.
Thursday, Sept. 5
  • Recovery Meditation | Thursday, Sept. 5 | 9-10 a.m. | Inner Space Yoga | $7-$25 | Regulate your nervous system, release stress, and restore your ability to focus at this beginner friendly class.
  • Superstition Swap Watch Party | Thursday, Sept. 5 | 6-10:30 p.m. | No Other Pub | Free entry | Bring your lucky talisman to trade with other fans while the hosts of the popular podcast “The Athletic Football Show” provide live, in-person commentary on the game.
  • Tim Murphy Art Gallery Opening Reception | Thursday, Sept. 5 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Merriam Community Center | Free | Meet the artists and sip on complimentary refreshments at the gallery’s monthly bash.
Friday, Sept. 6
  • $5 Friday at KC Wine Co | Friday, Sept. 6 | 4-9 p.m. | KC Wine Co. | Menu price | Beer and cider pints, glasses of wine, and pizza flatbreads are all five bucks a piece at this weekend kick-off featuring live music and yard games.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Civic
  • The City of KCMO received a $9 million federal grant to upgrade old buildings so they meet energy + greenhouse gas emissions targets. Now begins a three-year-long project to collect data, develop a plan, and implement change.
Eat
  • Midtown, there’s something new bayou. Swifts Cajun Cuisine recently opened its permanent brick-and-mortar spot at 3415 Main St. Stop by for its signature Cajun fried rice, which you can customize with options like lobster and scallops.
Cause
  • Show your team spirit and your KC heart. This morning, drive through McDonald’s and purchase limited-edition Super Bowl Chiefs flags for $5. All proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities. You can also buy the flag online while supplies last.
Pets
Show
  • Always dreamed of being a recording artist? Well, now’s your chance. “American Idol” will host open calls via Zoom for Missourians this Friday, Sept. 6. Sing to producers for a chance to make it to the big times. Check your eligibility then secure your singing spot.
Listen
  • Prefer to be the audience, not the attraction? Then perk up those ears — Manor Records KC’s Local Saturdays starts this weekend, Sept. 7. The free live music series features local artists weekly at J. Rieger’s Electric Park Beer Garden (2700 Guinotte Ave., KCMO). View the lineup.
Closed
  • For now. Raytown’s The Krave has temporarily closed its doors following a kitchen fire, suspected to have been caused by an electrical issue. A reopening date is TBA.
Finance
  • It’s almost fall — that chill you feel should be from the air, not your credit card bill. Experts recommend these four cards with 0% APR for up to 18 months (almost two years) on qualifying balance transfers.*
 
Sports

🏈 It’s tailgating time

Kickoff football season with the World’s Largest Tailgate
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This is a pre-party designed for your Chiefs-loving heart. | Poster by KC Chiefs
The Chiefs battle the Ravens this Thursday, Sept 5, at 7:20 p.m. at Arrowhead Stadium. Before they kickoff, you can participate in one of Kansas City’s favorite pastimes from the comfort of your couch: tailgating.

Happening live on gameday at 5 p.m., the World’s Largest Tailgate returns, but this time as a game show. Producers promise to have “creators, Chiefs legends, and fans” stumble through:
  • The Sauce Relay — an obstacle course where contestants race while carrying containers of barbecue sauce.
  • The 2-Minute Drill — teams wear football helmet blindfolds and throw footballs at a target.
  • Coach’s Cheeseburger Challenge — blindfolded competitors attempt to assemble cheeseburgers.
  • Chiefs cup — Chiefs-themed flip cup, except the cups get larger as you go.
Ready to party? RSVP to the virtual tailgate.
The Buy
Bring on all the cozy fall vibes. Here are five seasonal must-haves that scream luxury (without the hefty price tag):

🍁 A pair of fleece-lined memory foam slippers for less than $25.
🍁 This textured, oversized pullover that’s perfect for layering.
🍁 An ultra soft blanket available in 35+ different colors and patterns.
🍁 These sleek, water resistant men’s joggers made for all things outdoors (or just lounging).
🍁 A portable mug warmer so you can enjoy your favorite cozy beverages all day long.
More worth The Buy
 
The Wrap
 
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Today’s edition by:
Charmaine
From the editor
Fun fact: I have watched every single season of “American Idol” since the very first premiere. I still randomly sing “Pants on the Ground” and William Hung’s version of “She Bangs.”
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