Vahe’s view: Spirit and stories that define Kansas City

Star sports columnist Vahe Gregorian reveals the vibrant spirit and unique stories that shape Kansas City. He explores hidden gems like the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, where beloved childhood games and intricate miniatures inspire wonder and memories.

Candid conversations with icons like Andy Reid highlight how KC’s down-to-earth people and classic spots, like Town Topic’s burgers and milkshakes, create a sense of home.

He showcases Kansas City’s pride in hosting events like Big Slick, as local stars such as Jason Sudeikis and Paul Rudd celebrate the city’s warmth and generosity. Through these tales, Vahe brings out the everyday joy, resilience, and character of KC’s people and places.

The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures is packed with nostalgia from the 1960s, including Etch A Sketch, Hot Wheels, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots and a Mrs. Beasley doll. By Tammy Ljungblad

NO. 1: ELECTRIC FOOTBALL, HOT WHEELS LURED ME TO THIS KC MUSEUM. BUT THE BEST PART AMAZED ME

Toys might seem the most alluring part of this Kansas City tourist spot. But be ready to spend hours with something else. | Published May 28, 2024 | Read Full Story by Vahe Gregorian

NO. 2: THIS TOWERING KC LANDMARK DESERVES TO SHINE AGAIN, ESPECIALLY WITH WORLD CUP ON THE WAY

A Kansas City icon used to “glow against the night for miles and miles around.” Can it ever light up again? | Published July 18, 2024 | Read Full Story by Vahe Gregorian

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid throws out the ceremonial first pitch before an MLB Opening Day baseball game between the Kansas City Royals and the Minnesota Twins on Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Kansas City. By Nick Wagner

NO. 3: CHIEFS’ ANDY REID REVEALS WHY HE LOVES KC (INCLUDING A CERTAIN MILKSHAKE AND BURGER)

“Even though it’s a big city, it’s still got kind of a small-town presence,” Andy Reid says. | Published May 21, 2024 | Read Full Story by Vahe Gregorian

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Actor David Koechner talked about his co-hosting duties ahead of Big Slick Celebrity Weekend on Wednesday outside the T-Mobile Center and showed off a T-shirt by Charlie Hustle made for the event’s 15th anniversary. By Emily Curiel

NO. 4: DAVID KOECHNER TALKS BIG SLICK, PATRICK MAHOMES’ IMPROV SKILLS AND KANSAS CITY LOVE

David Koechner choked up Wednesday as he spoke about the meaning of Big Slick Celebrity Weekend. | Published May 29, 2024 | Read Full Story by Vahe Gregorian

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Big Slick co-hosts Jason Sudeikis, left, and Rob Riggle spoke about the fundraiser and their love for Kansas City at a Friday morning press conference at Children’s Mercy Research Institute. By HG Biggs

NO. 5: JASON SUDEIKIS, PAUL RUDD, HEIDI GARDNER SHARE WHAT THEY LOVE ABOUT KC AND BIG SLICK

“Did I land in Utopia?” said Jason Sudeikis. “No, it’s Kansas City.” | Published May 31, 2024 | Read Full Story by Vahe Gregorian

NO. 6: ‘DON’T LET IT GO TO YOUR HEAD’: DESCENDANTS OF US PRESIDENTS BOND AT TRUMAN MUSEUM

Uniquely Vahe Editor’s Note EmbedIn certain ways, Clifton Truman Daniel enjoyed a conventional relationship with his grandfather.When he’s asked what great wisdom Harry S. | Published June 12, 2024 | Read Full Story

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Asked if he had any tattoos representing Kansas City, Royals catcher Salvador Perez flexed the one on his bicep memorializing the 2015 World Series won by the Royals with Perez as the series MVP. By Tammy Ljungblad

NO. 7: 3 OF MANY REASONS SALVADOR PEREZ LOVES KC: ROYALS FANS, BBQ, THIS MEXICAN RESTAURANT

Salvador Perez toyed with getting traded when the team was in a slump but finally told the organization: “I want to stay in Kansas City. Let me finish here.” Here’s why. | Published June 13, 2024 | Read Full Story by Vahe Gregorian

Coach Bill Self reflects on some of the meaningful personal items he displays in his office adjacent to Allen Fieldhouse at the University of Kansas, where he has been the head basketball coach since 2003. By Tammy Ljungblad

NO. 8: INSIDE THE INNER OFFICE OF KANSAS COACH BILL SELF, WHERE EVERY OBJECT TELLS HIS STORY

Bill Self spent some 90 minutes with The Star annotating the memorabilia around him in his office, from Garth Brooks to Bruce Springsteen, George W. Bush to Barack Obama and so much more. | Published July 2, 2024 | Read Full Story by Vahe Gregorian

More than 60 years after he was a national sensation on trajectory to becoming the first Black man in space, 90-year-old Ed Dwight Jr. at last realized the dream on May 19, 2024. By Felix Kunze

NO. 9: AT 90, THIS KCK NATIVE BECAME OLDEST PERSON IN SPACE. BUT THAT’S ONLY PART OF HIS STORY

Ed Dwight was once poised to be the first Black man in space. Then his life took some turns and ironic twists. | Published July 21, 2024 | Read Full Story by Vahe Gregorian

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.