The KC Scene

The KC Streetcar just had its busiest month ever. People took 698,705 rides in June. That is a new all-time record, and the first time the streetcar has ever passed 600,000 rides in one month.

To put that in perspective, June last year had just 162,057 rides, back when the streetcar only ran the short downtown route.

Yes, the World Cup helped. The FIFA Fan Festival brought in more than 130,000 rides on its own. But here is the interesting part. About 75% of June rides had nothing to do with the Fan Fest.

People were riding to the City Market, the Power and Light District, Country Club Plaza, and the Riverfront.

So this was not just a World Cup bump. People are using the new, longer streetcar line every day, to get all over the city. And it is still completely free to ride.

See the full numbers at kcstreetcar.org/ridership.

Kansas City kept the momentum going this week, with big wins for business, new places to shop, and plenty of summer fun. Here's what you missed. 👇

💳 Kansas City led all U.S. World Cup host cities in year-over-year spending growth during the tournament's Round of 32 and Round of 16, fueled by a surge in visitor spending. (Bank of America Institute)

🏊 Lenexa's Ad Astra Pool officially reopened after a $10 million rebuild, bringing new water attractions, lap lanes, a current channel, and upgraded park amenities. (City of Lenexa)

🌻 Sunflower Summer is back, giving eligible Kansas families free admission to more than 230 attractions across the state through August 2. (Kansas Tourism)

🚀 Techstars is returning to the Kansas City region through a new three-year partnership with the University of Kansas, helping launch the next generation of Midwest startups. (Techstars/KU School of Business)

🛒 Dillons is continuing its Kansas City metro comeback with plans for a new Lee's Summit grocery store, adding to previously announced locations in Olathe and the Northland. (City of Lee's Summit)

🌍 World Fresh Market is opening an international grocery store in the former Sun Fresh building in the Northland, bringing global foods and prepared meals to the area. (City of Kansas City)

Follow for more Kansas City news, developments, and local updates.

Four couples down. The 65 foot KC Heart at Fan Fest is quietly becoming KC's favorite place to pop the question. "There have been four proposals under the KC Heart so far," said KC2026 CEO Pam Kramer at KC House this week. Turns out a giant red heart is pretty good at its job.

Have you said yes under the heart? Post your engagement in the comments. Let KC celebrate you!