Other than the world’s most-watched marriage proposal, how did your year go?
Truly worldwide attention briefly fell on Leawood earlier this summer when it became clear that pop megastar Taylor Swift and Chiefs star Travis Kelce got engaged in the backyard of Kelce’s palatial home in the Johnson County suburb.
That was somewhat of an aberration because the other most-read stories in Leawood this year came down to local issues that impacted residents on the neighborhood level.
From growing concerns about safety on local roads, particularly for children riding electric scooters, to the city’s most prominent shopping center changing hands, here are the 10 most-read stories of 2025 in Leawood:
A match made in … Leawood
The pictures the couple posted to social media announcing their engagement this August appear to have been taken at the NFL star’s Leawood estate.
Yes, it sure looks like Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce got engaged in Leawood
Tragedy strikes on local roadway
Duke Ommert, a fourth grader at Brookwood Elementary, was struck by a vehicle while riding an electric scooter on Oct. 13.
Leawood boy struck while riding scooter dies, police say
Leawood priest resigns
Prairie Village Police announced in September they were investigating a criminal matter involving the priest at Curé of Ars Catholic Church and an adult victim.
Leawood priest resigns as police investigate ‘serious allegations’
Resolution in Hereford House criminal case
A district judge handed down the maximum sentence to Jace Hanson, a former employee at the now-shuttered Leawood Hereford House, after he pleaded guilty to 33 counts, including possession of graphic, violent child sexual abuse material.
‘Future danger to the community’ — KC man who tainted Hereford House food sentenced to prison
French bistro ends short run in Leawood
The French restaurant was only open for about a year and a half at Leawood’s Park Place. Another location is still open in Kansas City, Missouri.
A year after moving in, French bistro Aixois closes at Leawood’s Park Place
Prominent shopping center gets new owner
The ownership of Town Center Plaza and Town Center Crossing changed hands July 1. Both shopping centers in Leawood are now owned by Federal Realty Investment Trust, which bought the properties near 119th Street and Roe Avenue for an undisclosed price.
Leawood’s Town Center Crossing and Town Center Plaza shopping centers get new owners
Growing concern over street safety
Parents of Leawood elementary school children — some of whom had been recently hit by cars — asked city councilmembers for better pedestrian protections during an emotionally intense public comment section of the city council’s meeting in early November.
Leawood parents whose children have been hit by cars urge city to make streets safer
Irish pub celebrates 25 years in business
For 25 years, the intersection of 95th Street and Mission Road has seen many beer glasses clinking, many plates of Irish pot roast and country-fried steak served, and many sports fans cheering on their favorite teams, thanks Brian Schorgl.
‘It’s been unreal’ — How Leawood Irish pub O’Neill’s is marking 25 years in business
No second chances for disputed development
Developer Rick Oddo sought to build a 22-acre mixed-use project at 135th and Mission. After the city council rejected the plan for a second time in November, he has to wait six months before he can bring back a new proposal.
Leawood again rejects mixed-use project off 135th, saying it’s too close to a school
Too many “close calls”
Upgrades to sidewalks along 83rd Street are already coming, but parents of children hit or nearly hit by cars urged the city to do more, and sooner.
‘Many close calls’ — Leawood explores ways to make busy street near school safer
