Don’t mind us. Just daydreaming about the greatest city on Earth. | Photo by @kansascityinphotos
$70 million. That’s how much Jackson County had remaining from COVID-19 relief funds — and how much was set to return to the federal government unless leaders finalized a plan to spend it before the end of 2024.
Ultimately, opposing teams within the Jackson County Legislature held out for a buzzer-beater — approving a plan for the remaining ARPA funds on Dec. 19, less than two weeks from the EOY deadline.
The money will technically be used for salaries and existing county contracts, while (thanks to a little federally-approved loophole) an equal amount of county funds will go towards community groups and infrastructure projects.
Plan specifics are set to be decided this year. Get an idea of which projects + organizations may see funding with this list of previously debated ordinances, touching everything from crime prevention to 2026 World Cup preparations.
Which of our “25 Questions for 2025" do you want answered first?
A. Best places for indoor walks around the metro B. Plan-ahead for each month’s top holidays C. Where to find authentic international cuisine D. Deep dive into KC’s film industry
MLK Day of Service: Hygiene Kit Drive | Friday, Jan. 3-Thursday, Jan. 16 | Open hours | All Kansas City Public Library branches | Donation | Give travel-sized personal care items and help the library’s AmeriCorps Programs make our community more equitable, one hygiene kit at a time.
Saturday, Jan. 4
Eagle Days | Saturday, Jan. 4-Sunday, Jan. 5 | Times vary | Paradise Pointe Golf Complex, Smithville | Free | This nearly 30-year-old tradition has landed in the Northland, bringing family-friendly activities hosted, in part, by the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Double Feature: “Roar” + “Grizzly Man” | 7-11 p.m. | Stray Cat Film Center | $7 | Barely trained big cats and truly wild brown bears star in an evening of poor taste, hubris, and the feeling of being hunted.
After Midnight: Chappell Roan Party | 8 p.m. | recordBar | $20 | Celebrate another year of bubblegum pop supremacy with fellow drama queens and kings.
Sunday, Jan. 5
KC Engaged | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Overland Park Convention Center | $12 | Whether you’ve popped the question or are helping another couple plan their big day, explore the hottest wedding trends and fashions with local pros.
New Year, New Me: Houseplant Care Essentials Workshop | 2-4 p.m. | 7933 Olive St., Kansas City | $40 | Learn to troubleshoot common problems, propagate, and take home essential care items for your growing passion.
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News Notes
News Notes
Kids
Generation Beta. That’s what kids born in 2025 through the year 2039 will be called — aka “Gen Beta.” Still trying to catch up on Gen Z and Millennial lingo? We’ve got you covered. (USA Today)
Holiday
January is both National Hot Tea Month and National Soup Month. Makes sense — winter is a great time for warm liquid. Might we recommend these reader-approved spots to buy tea?
Eat
If Kansas was a sandwich, what would it be? If you said burnt ends with barbecue sauce, you agree with Chowhound’s list of “The Most Iconic Sandwich in Each State.” As for Missouri, let’s just say the I-70 rivalry lives to eat another day.
Trivia
Calling all historians, APUSH students, and know-it-alls. Have you put your knowledge of US trivia to the test by taking our dang-near-impossible quiz? Go ahead and try to get a perfect score, we dare you.
Health
Did you hear that? Unlike most hearing aids, the Horizon IX uses dual processors to separate speech from noise, delivering twice the speech clarity and crispness. Experience the ultimate hearing solution.*
City Guide
City Guide
Get your sweat on 💦
Experience therapy-based fitness with BioFit. | Photo via BioFit
Whether you enjoy lifting weights, dancing to hip-hop tunes for a little cardio action, or boxing for a full-body workout — use this guide as a resource for all-things fitness in KC.
Better Bodies Pilates, Multiple locations
It’s all about big results and low impact at this Pilates studio specializing in small group and private classes. Be guided through different equipment, including reformers, springboards, Cadillacs, chairs, barrels, and mats.
BioFit, 9201 W. 133rd St., Overland Park
Go beyond standard personal training and physical therapy with a unique approach that blends brain and body science. BioFit uses therapy-based fitness that helps you build strength without the pain.
DanceFitFlow, 1700 Locust St., KCMO
Shake it off at this adult-only dance school in the heart of the East Crossroads. With its evening-heavy schedule you can stop by after work to find your rhythm with classes like Salsa, Dance HIIT Flow, Swag & Sweat, and Contemporary.
Living near the KC Streetcar’s Main Street Extension hasn’t resulted in any perks yet... unless you count wistfully staring at construction a plus. It’s easily the development I’m most excited to see completed in 2025 (or soon after), a future I’m already preparing for with our next stop on KCtoday’s streetcar series.
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