⛲️ The Return of the Celebrities

Two Nights, One Party: The weekend kicks off Friday with the “Just This Year” VIP event at Kauffman Stadium, offering guests dinner, drinks, and up-close access to celebrity hosts. On Saturday, the main event, a high-energy variety show at T-Mobile Center, features comedy sketches, musical performances, surprise appearances, and special performances from members of Ringling Bros.!

For KC, By KC: Since launching in 2010, Big Slick has raised over $30 million to support pediatric cancer research and care, making it one of Kansas City’s most impactful annual traditions. It is hosted by Kansas City celebrities Paul Rudd, Jason Sudeikis, Rob Riggle, Heidi Gardner, David Koechner, and Eric Stonestreet

Soccer is Art: The event will feature an introduction to the Go North KC initiative, recognition of the selected local artists behind the ball's design, artist remarks and a Q&A, and announcements from Watch Party Hosts sharing details about upcoming events across the Northland. The giant soccer ball will serve as a traveling visual centerpiece for Go North KC's watch party series throughout the region this summer.

North Knows Ball: The event is free and open to the public. In the event of inclement weather, the program moves indoors to Park University — any location changes will be communicated via Go North KC social media by Monday at noon.

What’s Coming: Officially dubbed Overland Park Plaza II, the project replaces the existing HQ near W. 112th St. and Lamar Ave. with a 9-story, 750,000-square-foot new Black & Veatch HQ, plus an additional 250,000 square feet of office space for other tenants, 788 residential units, a 250-room hotel, 137,000 square feet of retail, a 25,000-square-foot daycare, and a park built on the site of the current HQ building.

Long Process: Black and Veatch resubmitted the project at the beginning of March and has requested approximately $286 million in public incentives, potentially the largest package in Overland Park history, through a TIF district, sales tax exemptions, and a Community Improvement District.

🏠 See What's Possible: Mission Painting's project gallery features real KC homes — before and after. From living rooms to full exteriors, the results speak for themselves!*

📈 Legacy in Motion: With 73% of U.S. private businesses changing hands this decade, Family Business Advisor Kile Graves launched Cornerstone Conversations — a podcast featuring real stories from families navigating generational ownership transitions. Listen HERE.*

🏕️ Staycation Destination: We recently stayed at The Ev Lodge, and it’s truly a vacation without leaving Kansas City. 6 acres, a beautiful creek, 5-bedroom house + a separate bunkhouse, outdoor movie theater, spa, gameroom, and so much more! Check out our visit.

🎂 Happy Birthday!: The Kansas City Streetcar celebrated its 10th birthday yesterday! The streetcar opened on May 6th, 2016, and operated along a 2.2-mile route. With the Riverfront Extension opening on May 18th, the line will now be 6.5 miles long.

🏗️ Leawood Goes Vertical: Once complete, Lockton’s new 12-story headquarters at I-435 and State Line will be the tallest building in Leawood.

🏨 No Vacancy: Hotel bookings for the FIFA World Cup next month are falling well short of expectations in Kansas City. Although Visit KC says “positive indicators are on the horizon” regarding last-minute travel bookings.

📱Someone’s Following Me: We recently eclipsed 54,000 followers on Instagram. If you aren’t one of them, you should be. Give us a follow!