A year in review: Where our stories are now
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Capturing Kansas City, one story at a time. Photo: Travis Meier/Axios
The stories we write don't often end after we hit "send." We track the big ones over time, reporting on how they unfold and what you can expect.
The big picture: We're still following some of the stories from our humble beginnings last June.
- Here's a look at the past and present.
Riverside's new amphitheater
Then: Our very first newsletter included an exclusive look at Kansas City's newest live music venue, which didn't even have a name at the time.
- We came back to check on the venue's progress, and we reported on Live Nation's antitrust lawsuit settlement, which didn't affect its Riverside project.
Now: Morton Amphitheater is kicking off its first major concert tomorrow with Kesha.
- We took a final tour yesterday.
💠Travis' thought bubble: A year ago, this place was a dirt pile and a dream. The transformation has been amazing to witness.
Women's sports keep choosing KC
Then: When we launched, KC's women's sports scene was already on the rise.
- The Current were headed for the 2025 NWSL Shield, and CPKC Stadium had just hosted the largest U.S. women's rugby crowd ever.
Now: Women's sports have kept making news.
- Women's rugby returned to CPKC for another record run. The KC Current expanded its Riverside campus. The KC Diamonds launched as KC's first pro softball team. And the WNBA played in KC for the first time since 2005.
- KC is also bidding to host the 2031 FIFA Women's World Cup and the 2033 Women's Rugby World Cup.
💠Abbey's thought bubble: In my opinion, KC went from a contender to the women's sports city in less than a year.
- Olympic rugby star Ilona Maher (I'm her biggest fan) told us Kansas City was the most supportive crowd she'd ever played for.
Parade of Hearts' biggest year yet
Then: Last June, we broke the news that Parade of Hearts was getting its biggest expansion since launching in 2022.
- It's the initiative's largest investment yet, with 150 sculptures and $375,000 in artist stipends.
Now: The hearts are here, and we've been highlighting sculptures around town, including this interactive disco ball, this golden piggybank and this homage to Steamboat Willie.
💠Abbey's thought bubble: My favorite moment reporting on this story was when director Jenn Nussbeck told me the project has nothing to do with the World Cup. It's just KC being KC.
💠Travis' thought bubble: When I proposed to my wife, the background was a Parade of Hearts sculpture. You could say they hold a special place in my heart.
The World Cup kicks off
Then: Our coverage began last year with a poster reveal, a volunteer callout and a kickoff event in Overland Park.
- Preparation for the planet's biggest sporting event has spanned regional transit, City Hall votes, federal foreign policy and man's best friend.
Now: The stage is set — literally. Whether the event will result in large-scale tourism and a local economic boost remains to be seen.
What's next: The World Cup begins in less than 10 days.
- That's just the beginning of our second year.