KANSAS CITY, Mo. – As the inaugural TKO Takeover, presented by VeChain, got underway Thursday night in Kansas City, Missouri, The World played spoiler, beating Team Missouri at PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Knockout Kansas City, presented by $VET.

Despite the loss, the evening featured a special moment for the Kansas City Outlaws. The event marked the first time the Outlaws competed at home after being crowned the 2024 PBR Teams Regular-Season Champions. Before they competed alongside the Missouri Thunder on Team Missouri, the Outlaws were presented their Regular Season Championship Medallions, while their commemorative banner was unfurled in the rafters of T-Mobile Center.

Team Missouri began the night with its roster set, with the 8-man lineup featuring Maikon Calixton Rocha (Orindiuva, Brazil), Koltin Hevalow (McAlester, Oklahoma),Cassio Dias (Sao F. de Sales, Brazil) and Julio Cesar Marques (Tatui, Brazil) from the Kansas City Outlaws and Trace Redd (Malad, Idaho), Boudreaux Campbell (Crockett, Texas), Dawson Gleaves (Amarillo, Texas) and Felipe Furlan (Sales Oliveira, Brazil) from the Missouri Thunder.

They waited patiently in their locker room to see which riders from the PBR Teams league’s other eight teams would comprise The World.

When the dust settled, The World included riders from the Austin Gamblers, Oklahoma Wildcatters, Carolina Cowboys and New York Mavericks, who won their three-on-three rivalry games earlier in the evening.

For Austin, they tapped Dener Barbosa (Paulo de Faria, Brazil) and Ramon de Lima (Rio Branco, Brazil) to represent them on The World, while Oklahoma selectedDustin Herman (Dudley Shoals, North Carolina) and Tate Pollmeier (Ft. Scott, Kansas).

Action inside T-Mobile Center began with two scoreless games, as PBR’s animal athletes dominated the showdowns between the Austin Gamblers and Texas Rattlers, and Oklahoma Wildcatters and Arizona Ridge Riders. Austin and Oklahoma earned their spots on Team World courtesy of their final ranking from the 2025 PBR Teams season.

Carolina went 2-for-3 to defeat the Nashville Stampede, 166.25-0.00, as both Murilo Henrique de Oliveira (Periera Barreto, Brazil) and Eric Henrique Domingos(Perola, Brazil) made the requisite 8. Their scores earned them a second out inside T-Mobile Center as Cowboys Assistant Coach Robson Palermo elected for Oliveira and Domingos to be their representatives on The World.

New York earned the final berth to The World by besting the Florida Freedom 86.5-0.00. The Mavericks’ lone score was recorded by Marco Rizzo (Quitman, Georgia). Rizzo was joined by teammate Leandro Zampollo (Pirassununga, Brazil) as the Mavericks riders joining The World.

Outscoring the home-state favorites by one ride score and 71.75 points, The World beat Team Missouri 245.25-173.5.

The World’s winning performance was championed by scores from the Carolina Cowboys’ Domingos and Oliveira, and an 8-second effort from the Austin Gamblers’ Barbosa.

While Rocha and Redd both delivered for Team Missouri, it was not enough to deliver a win in the Show Me State.

Kansas City, MO (April 24, 2025) – Two Spire utility workers were injured Tuesday evening when a gas line repair effort turned dangerous, leading to an explosion near East 95th Street and Grandview Road. The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. and prompted a large emergency response from Kansas City Fire Department and other city services.

According to KCFD officials, the event began when a Kansas City Water Department crew accidentally struck a 10 to 12-inch underground natural gas line while replacing a pipe in the area. The resulting rupture caused a hazardous gas leak that required immediate attention. Spire personnel arrived shortly after to assess and repair the damage, digging a hole to access the leak.

While workers were in the process of repairing the gas line, a spark ignited within the excavation area, triggering a sudden fire and explosion. Two Spire employees were injured during the blast. One worker sustained serious injuries and was transported in stable condition, while the other suffered minor injuries. Their identities have not yet been released.

In response to the explosion, KCFD ordered the evacuation of nearby homes and coordinated with Evergy to shut off electrical power in the vicinity as a safety precaution. Crews also worked quickly to close the gas valve to prevent further leakage or ignition.

Emergency crews remained on the scene throughout the evening to ensure the area was safe and to conduct a thorough investigation into what caused the ignition. Our thoughts are with the injured workers and their families as they recover from this terrifying incident.

Utility Accidents and Workplace Explosions in Missouri

Incidents involving underground utility lines are among the most dangerous types of workplace emergencies. In Kansas City and other Missouri municipalities, crews often work with aging infrastructure and large-scale gas mains—conditions that heighten the risk of serious injury when something goes wrong.

In this case, the chain of events began with an accidental strike by a water department employee, which led to a gas leak. While such occurrences are not uncommon during excavation work, the ignition of leaking gas underscores the urgency of safety protocols, particularly when dealing with volatile materials in confined spaces.

Explosions resulting from gas line ruptures can have devastating consequences. Even when emergency procedures are followed, the combination of high-pressure gas, sparks from tools or machinery, and the enclosed nature of repair trenches creates a perfect storm for injury. Protective gear and hazard assessment can reduce risks, but not all hazards can be fully mitigated.

The injured workers—especially the one who sustained serious injuries—face a difficult recovery journey, both physically and emotionally. Workplace accidents of this nature can lead to extended medical care, rehabilitation, and potential time off work. Employers and municipalities often conduct post-incident reviews to evaluate safety practices and prevent future incidents.

Utility workers, first responders, and nearby residents all play a role in ensuring a coordinated and safe response when these emergencies occur. Communication, training, and prompt evacuation decisions—like those seen in this incident—are crucial for minimizing harm.

If you or someone you know has been affected by a utility-related explosion or serious workplace accident in Missouri, Local Accident Reports is here to help. We offer clear, verified updates on local incidents and connect affected individuals and families with recovery resources and support services. Reach out today for information, assistance, and compassionate guidance.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Metropolitan Community College (MCC) and Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) signed an articulation agreement on April 23, 2025, creating high-quality, low-cost avenues to obtaining a bachelor’s degree. The ceremony, led by MCC Chancellor Kimberly Beatty and MSSU President Dr. Dean Van Galen, was held at the MCC campus in Kansas City, Missouri.

Embracing the principle that transfer students should not be required to repeat competencies and coursework already achieved, the agreement allows students to transfer credits seamlessly between MCC and MSSU to obtain a bachelor’s degree in as few credit hours as possible.

“MCC strives to establish partnerships and pathways to make the transfer process easier, meaning students need fewer courses to graduate and can get there carrying little or no debt,” MCC Chancellor Kimberly Beatty said. “We are proud to partner with Missouri Southern, which – like MCC – has a longstanding tradition of extending higher-education access to first-generation college students and other underserved populations.”

“Missouri Southern is grateful for our expanded partnership with MCC,” MSSU President Dr. Dean Van Galen said. “Both institutions prioritize student success and are committed to providing a supportive learning environment—we look forward to welcoming more MCC students to our campus in Joplin.”

In most cases, students who bring an associate degree from MCC will enter MSSU as juniors, and the first 60 MCC credit hours will be applied toward an MSSU bachelor’s degree. Other features of the agreement include:

About Metropolitan Community College: Established in 1915, MCC is Kansas City’s oldest public institution of higher education and educates about 20,000 students annually through credit and noncredit courses and business services. MCC is one college with five campuses – MCC-Blue River, MCC-Longview, MCC-Maple Woods, MCC-Online, and MCC-Penn Valley. The MCC mission: Preparing students, serving communities, and creating opportunities for all.

About Missouri Southern State University: Founded in 1937, Missouri Southern State University has provided educational opportunities for Southwest Missouri and beyond. The university serves nearly 4,300 students in more than 140 academic programs and boasts outstanding NCAA Division II athletics programs. For more than 75 years, Missouri Southern has developed exceptional, state and nationally accredited programs that prepare their students for the competitive and changing 21st century society.

The Kansas City Chiefs felt the need to address their offensive line following it falling apart in the Super Bowl against the Philadelphia Eagles. In round one of the 2025 NFL Draft, they did just that by bringing in one of the better offensive lineman options available in the draft pool.

Offensive lineman Josh Simmons, formerly an Ohio State Buckeye, is now a Kansas City Chief. After swapping places with the Eagles and acquiring a fifth-round pick in the process, the Chiefs cashed in on a prospect with loads of upside, and one who could be an immediate impact for the roster.

With all the swirling emotions and reactions to the selection, here are three observations that this draft pick tells the faithful fans of Chiefs Kingdom.

1. Not Worried About Knee Injury

A big reason that Simmons fell almost out of the first round was due to his left knee injury that he sustained last season, resulting in missing the final 10 games of the campaign for the Buckeyes. However, the front office wouldn't have taken a chance on him if they felt he was an injury hazard.

Head coach Andy Reid revealed in his press conference following the pick that he fully expects Simmons to be ready for Training Camp. This gives Simmons some extra time to heal whatever may be in a funk from recovery and get fully ready for the season ahead.

2. Chiefs View Him as "A Steal"

Additionally in coach Reid's press conference, he stated that is it was not for his injury, Simmons would have easily been taken within the first 10 picks. That being said, the front office fully believes they are getting a Top 10 type player with the final pick in the first round.

"What you heard from the guys announcing this is true, he would have been a top five or ten pick. It's a position we could use some good players at, just in addition of good players. In particular, the left tackle spot, if and when he can jump in there. He's flexible, so he can play any spot. We felt like he was a true left tackle," Reid said.

3. The Offensive Line is Bound for Improvement

This was a must going into the draft for the Chiefs, as their offensive line wasn't able to properly protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes this past season. While they made do with it during the regular season, the need became a blaring one in the playoffs, primarily the Super Bowl.

The Simmons addition gives the franchise proper depth on the front line, especially as Simmons brings versatility.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City, Missouri, leaders said Friday they’ve joined a federal lawsuit that alleges public health program cuts at the Department of Health and Human Services are “unlawful.”

At issue are funds that went to support vaccinations, disease tracking and public health staffing.

The Kansas City, Missouri, Health Department says the March 2025 cuts leave it unable to move forward with an infectious disease testing laboratory. City leaders say the cuts also impacted community health worker programs.

The federal government terminated the cuts, citing its decision to declare the end of the public health emergency announced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

But the lawsuit claims the funding was never tied to the public health emergency.

LINK | Read the lawsuit

“This funding was never meant to be temporary - it was a critical investment in our country’s ability to respond to current and future health threats,” KCMO Health Department Director Dr. Marvia Jones said Friday in a press release. “Cutting these programs now is not just shortsighted, it’s dangerous.”

Plaintiffs in the lawsuit include Harris County, Texas, Columbus, Ohio, Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee, KCMO, and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO.

“At a time when measles threatens our young people and Kansas Citians in need of lifesaving cures see federal research funding slashed, I believe it’s important that we as cities and people stand up for common sense and public health in the courts,” Mayor Quinton Lucas said Friday. “I am proud to join other mayors and cities who will continue working to save lives in Kansas City and around our country while the federal government plays politics.”

Defendants in the suit include Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Acting Director Susan Monarez.

The suit, filed Thursday in U.S. District Court, District of Columbia, asks the court to find the government’s actions as unlawful and reinstate eliminated grant funding.

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