Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why Kansas City’s job growth is stalling while the nation recovers

Happening soon: KC Bartle Hall Boat Show on the Kansas City Patch calendar

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Friday December 19th Patch AM
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Hey hey Kansas City! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why Kansas City’s job growth is stalling while the nation recovers
  • Why three Kansas City-area Optum senior centers suddenly shut their doors
  • How will KCATA’s new funding deal change your bus ride?

Also on today's calendar: A Very Sinatra Christmas Special at The Gem and 4 more events.

Find out what's happening in Kansas Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one astronaut stranded on the moon say to another? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Kansas Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Friday: Partly sunny, with a high of 47 and low of 37 degrees.
  • Saturday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 50, low: 28.
  • Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high of 46 and low of 34 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Kansas City job market struggles with employment remaining flat for 18 months (kctv5.com) — Kansas City’s job market has been stuck in neutral for 18 months, with unemployment edging up to 4% and the region trailing national job recovery. Local economists warn conditions may worsen into 2025 before improving, as federal workforce cuts and tech-sector slowdowns hit service industries and thousands of Kansas City residents seek help navigating a tougher hiring climate.
   

2. Optum abruptly closes 3 Kansas City-area community centers; members shocked (kshb.com) — Members of Optum’s Midtown Kansas City community center arrived this week to find the facility permanently closed with almost no warning, along with locations in Shawnee and the Northland. Seniors who relied on the free, insurance-covered fitness and social classes say they’ve suddenly lost a vital health and community lifeline, while instructors are scrambling after an abrupt loss of income.
   

3. Kansas City council approves KCATA bus funding with amendments (kctv5.com) — Kansas City leaders have approved the remaining funding needed to keep KCATA buses running, but last-minute amendments mean some service cuts and more budget work ahead. Riders should see only minor route eliminations and reduced hours, though officials are considering bringing back a $2 fare as early as June while planning the 2026–27 transit budget.
   

4. Leavenworth police shoot alleged masked man carrying rifle in city's Central Business District (kshb.com) — Leavenworth police shot a man Thursday after reports he was masked and carrying a rifle downtown; he survived and was taken to a Kansas City‑area hospital. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is handling the case, and Kansas City Crime Stoppers is asking metro residents for anonymous tips about any related crimes.
   

5. tech n9ne net worth (sohh.com) — Kansas City gets several shout-outs in this deep dive on hometown rapper Tech N9ne, tracing his rise from local beginnings to an independently built hip-hop empire. The piece focuses on his fluctuating net worth estimates, business ventures, and long career, while highlighting his Kansas City roots, fandom for local teams, and collaborations that helped grow his national profile.
   

📸 Around Kansas City

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Kansas City

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📣 Kansas City Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Friday December 19
  • Choir Concert
    Lakeview MS
    7:00 pm
    • Saturday December 20
  • Santa's Little Market
    Roger T Sermon Community Center , 201 N Dodgion St , Independence
    4:00 pm
    • Sunday December 21
  • Sunday Worship Services
    Independence Chamber-Commerce , 17902 North Whitney Road , Independence
    9:45 am
  • Relax & Replenish
    Sacred Creations , 12 N Main St. Unit B , Liberty
    4:00 pm
    • Tuesday December 23
  • ACA Club Coffee | Lee’s Summit, MO
    The Fillmore Café , 700 Unity Way , Lee's Summit
    9:00 am

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • My wife sent me a text this morning.
    It said, "your my forever." I texted back and said " no, you're my forever." She has been running around the house all morning singing and smiling… (Nextdoor Amber Meadows)
  • Do you recognize this kitty?
    Found 58th and Highland Ave / 64110 This cat has been appearing on my porch/neighbors porches for months, I've posted before asking if it was anyone… (Nextdoor Blue Hills)
  • Fareway Stores, Inc. posted a job opening for Grocery Clerk (Kansas City #2 Meat Market Location)(Northland) in Kansas City. Apply here.
  • Walmart posted a job opening for Merchandise and Stocking Associate in Kansas City. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Kansas City here.

Ok Kansas City! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t think you know the gravity of this situation.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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