Kansas City operates under a council-manager government, also known as a “weak mayor” system — the most common form of municipal government in the US.
Mayor | Though TV might have convinced you the mayor (and their comically large key to the city) rules with absolute power, KC’s own acts more like a collaborative leader than a top-down executive. Quinton Lucas represents the city publicly and holds a seat on City Council, sans special veto powers.
City Council | Made up of 12 members, the council works alongside the mayor to pass ordinances, approve the budget, and hire city managers.
City Manager | Newly appointed Mario Vasquez is responsible for implementing policy and managing daily operations. He oversees a range of city departments, directs staff, and ensures everything from special projects to public safety runs smoothly.
Nigel Wearne at Waldo Folk | 7-9 p.m. | Waldo Pizza | $29 | Hailing from half-way across the world, Australian artist Nigel Wearne shares his blues and Americana-noir sounds at the Tap Room’s wildly popular folk series.
Thursday, July 3
Red, White & Bluhawk | 4-10 p.m. | BluHawk, Overland Park, KS | Free | Stop by early for yard games on the turf, half-price indoor skating, and arcade access before kicking off the evening festivities with food trucks and fireworks.
Best of Kansas City | 7 p.m. | The Comedy Club of Kansas City | $16 | Gut-busting laughter comes easy with this line-up of the Heartland’s finest working comedians.
Friday, July 4
Olathe Fireworks Show | 9:45 p.m. | College Boulevard Activity Center, Olathe, KS | Free | This sparks show is perfect for south JoCo readers looking for a free spectacle close to home.
Saturday, July 5
Create a Tray | 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | The Shop by Build Trybe | $162+ | Learn essential woodworking skills to create your very own custom tray with an experienced instructor guiding you from selecting the right wood to finishing touches.
The 2nd Annual “LET’S GO GIRLS!” | The Ship | $12 | Lorna Kay’s Country Club is back with DJs Lorna Kay and The Renegade Picker, right after kicking up your boots with pre-party line dancing lessons.
Sunday, July 6
Blackwell FlyCatchers vs. KC Hormigas | 1-5 p.m. | Satchel Paige Stadium | $10 | Part of the independent pro Pecos League, the metro’s newest baseball team splits its time between southeast Kansas and KC’s own historic Satchel Paige Stadium.
Noticed a funky taste or smell in your tap water lately? Blame recent heavy rains, which caused extra runoff into the Missouri River — the metro’s main source of drinking water. Officials say it’s still safe to drink and should return to normal today. (KCUR)
Holiday
Fireworks are largely banned across the metro, but if you’re willing to venture to the outskirts for some sparks, here’s a look at local fireworks laws. Prefer celebrating without the risk of singed eyebrows? IN Kansas City rounded-up local festive finds from plates to pennants. (FOX4)
Sports
Big swings are coming to the metro. The College Baseball Hall of Fame is set to open inside the Museum at Prairiefire by summer 2026. Until then, cheer on Bobby Witt Jr. as he plays for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic that March — his second appearance. (Johnson County Post + Kansas City Star)
Coming Soon
Something strange in Vacation Village? Atlas9 is a new immersive art experience themed around a fictional federal agency (FACADE) that sealed an anomaly in a 90s-era movie theater. Start uncovering the mystery now, before it opens.
Wellness
Lenexa’s first hospital is almost here. AdventHealth Lenexa City Center opens later this month, offering emergency services, surgery, imaging, digestive care, and more for southeast metro residents.
Legacy
After 35 years of fur and fandom, Dan Meers has officially retired as KC Wolf. The Chiefs marked the end of an era with a throwback photo collection featuring his best mascot moments since 1990.
Environment
Stay informed about air quality this ozone season by receiving SkyCast, issued daily at 4 p.m. Like a weather forecast, it provides the air quality conditions expected for the next day and issues an Ozone Alert when an unhealthy amount of ground-level ozone pollution is anticipated. Sign up for SkyCast.*
Number
1 million. That’s how many working professionals subscribe to Superhuman AI to learn the latest AI skills, tools, and news. Sign up for free.*
The Buy
Save up to 70% at local restaurants, spas, museums, gyms, and more with curated deals from Groupon. New deals appear every day so you can discover your next “why-didn’t-we-do-this-sooner” at the click of a button.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Maybe it’s my job, or maybe it’s just a deep desire to feel like a local insider — but I’m a sucker for a good membership, especially when it comes with discounted goodies. The latest to catch my eye? Made in KC’s, which includes free drinks, early sale access, and a monthly freebie like socks, shirts, or a curated local pick (this month: a restock of the beloved KC Icons design).
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