Costco's midtown overhaul, Trump’s Kansas pick and a violent week in KC: Top stories
From Costco’s plans to convert its midtown Kansas City warehouse into a business center to a violent stretch of five killings in less than a week, here’s a roundup of what’s making news in the Kansas City region. These are the top stories from The Kansas City Star.
Here are the key takeaways:
Changes at KC’s midtown Costco
Costco is moving forward with plans to convert its midtown Kansas City warehouse at 241 Linwood Boulevard into a Costco Business Center focused on serving small businesses. The remodeled location will drop clothing, jewelry, electronics, the pharmacy, optical center, bakery, tire shop and food court, though the gas station will remain open. A public hearing before the City Plan Commission is scheduled for July 15.
Five homicides in one week in KC
Kansas City police are investigating five killings that happened in less than a week, with victims identified as Joshua Gore, 23; Kiayah Rainey, 22; Calvin Washington, 27; Richard Miller, 45; and Joshua Quarles, 31. The city has recorded 51 homicides so far in 2026, down from 65 by the same date last year.
Trump’s pick for Kansas governor
President Donald Trump endorsed state Sen. Ty Masterson for Kansas governor, instantly solidifying the Andover Republican as a frontrunner in the crowded Aug. 4 GOP primary. The endorsement dealt a major blow to rivals including former Gov. Jeff Colyer and Secretary of State Scott Schwab, though Trump-backed candidates lost the past two Kansas gubernatorial races to Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.
New QuikTrip in Olathe
A new QuikTrip convenience store is being built in Olathe at S. Mur-Len Road and 135th Street as part of a roughly $26 million effort to revive a once-vacant shopping center. The 6,445-square-foot store will have 10 gas pumps and joins a Crunch fitness and TNT’s taco eatery, which opened earlier this year.
Harp Barbecue
Harp Barbecue in Overland Park is closing its doors, with Saturday as the last day of service. Pitmaster Tyler Harp cited staffing shortages, fewer customers and rising beef prices for the closure of the restaurant, which opened in Overland Park in November 2024 after relocating from Raytown.
The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.
