The Star’s new service reporter wants to make living in KC easier for you
When I told my mom I was taking a job in Kansas City where I would teach people how to live in the area, I was met with a funny, yet sensible thing to ask her 24-year-old child.
“How are you gonna report on things to do when you’ve never been there before?”
It’s true, coming into my new job, all I knew about Kansas City were the Chiefs, the Royals, and that it’s known for barbecue. It even took me a few weeks living here to realize the World Cup was coming to the city.
But it also gives me an opportunity to learn about Kansas City alongside our Star readers.
Being a young adult in a new city can come with a lot of questions. The more grown-up questions, like when my trash will be picked up, or if I’m paying too much on my gas bill. And of course the less serious questions, like if Kansas City has a Raising Cane’s, and if my favorite artists will be bringing their tours to town this summer.
So for all my fellow Kansas Citians who are trying to find things to do and have questions about life out here, I’m in the same boat. Because the truth is, we’re all probably wondering the same things, but we don’t always know who to talk to about it.
Lucky for y’all, I research and ask questions for a living.
I’ve lived in the Midwest my entire life, but Kansas City is the farthest south I’ve ever lived. I was born and raised in Chicago, before heading 90 miles north to Milwaukee to study journalism at Marquette University.
After college, I went even further up north to Green Bay, Wisconsin, to be a breaking/trending reporter. I was informing readers on Packers news, crime, the frigid northeastern Wisconsin temperatures, among other things.
And yes, this is now my third football town I’ve lived in. It’s still Bear Down over here for me, in case you were wondering. Sorry, Chiefs Kingdom!
As an audience reporter, I view myself as the guy who reports on the fun things happening in KC, but also the one who’s providing insight on how to live your best life in the metro.
Are you wondering where the best areas are to live in the metro? Or maybe you’re looking for which restaurants have taco Tuesday deals? These are very important questions, and I’m willing to investigate.
This role also gives me the opportunity to highlight the connectors of Kansas City. Who are the influencers and activists that you should follow in KC? Who are the folks bringing people together during trying times? Let’s find out and bring them to the forefront.
I’ve only been living in Kansas City for about four months now. Since getting here, I’ve informed readers on where they can find thrift shops, various social clubs for people looking to make friends, and even reviewed food that’s unique to the local area. Judging by the emails y’all have sent me about my Imo’s Pizza review, I can tell your food means a lot to you out here.
As I go through this new chapter of my life, I want Star readers to come along for the ride, as we explore how to live in Kansas City. Together, we will go to concerts, first Fridays, protests, a FIFA World Cup, and the many other things that Kansas City has to offer.
Anything specific you want me to check out? Feel free to let me know at my email, ralexander@kcstar.com. And make sure you’re following The Star’s Instagram, @thekansascitystar, as you’ll be seeing my face on there as we push out more vertical videos for our social media followers.
Also, feel free to inform me on restaurants to check out in the metro. I probably won’t review them all, but I do love finding new places to dine.
