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Supreme Court upholds Trump's order to overhaul mail-in ballots

The decision will upend midterm elections, putting election officials on a tight deadline to comply with the rule changes.

Politics & Policy

President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="50f39cbd-520a-446a-9c74-f92b1bf87120" data-vars-headline="Supreme Court upholds Trump&#x27;s order to overhaul mail-in ballots" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump</a> can implement an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="executive order" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/25/trump-mail-in-voting-order-blocked" data-vars-content-id="50f39cbd-520a-446a-9c74-f92b1bf87120" data-vars-headline="Supreme Court upholds Trump&#x27;s order to overhaul mail-in ballots" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/25/trump-mail-in-voting-order-blocked" target="_self">executive order</a> restricting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mail-in" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/23/mail-in-voting-trump-pew-poll" data-vars-content-id="50f39cbd-520a-446a-9c74-f92b1bf87120" data-vars-headline="Supreme Court upholds Trump&#x27;s order to overhaul mail-in ballots" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/23/mail-in-voting-trump-pew-poll" target="_self">mail-in</a> ballots just months before the midterm elections, the Supreme Court said Monday.Why it matters: The decision will upend midterm elections, putting election officials and administrators on a tight deadline to comply with the rule changes and aggravate privacy concerns for voters.

Trump's mail-in voting rules raise fears of federal overreach

New USPS ballot rules could force states into an untested federal system weeks before voting begins.

President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="ea6a74d8-fdf5-4ca6-b3d8-3b64e9c9aaa1" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s mail-in voting rules raise fears of federal overreach" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump&#x27;s</a> push to restrict <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mail-in voting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/11/trump-mail-in-voting-executive-order-us-postal-service" data-vars-content-id="ea6a74d8-fdf5-4ca6-b3d8-3b64e9c9aaa1" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s mail-in voting rules raise fears of federal overreach" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/11/trump-mail-in-voting-executive-order-us-postal-service" target="_self">mail-in voting</a> through the U.S. Postal Service could allow the federal government to exert control over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="voting data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/05/trump-doj-voter-roll-lawsuits-fail" data-vars-content-id="ea6a74d8-fdf5-4ca6-b3d8-3b64e9c9aaa1" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s mail-in voting rules raise fears of federal overreach" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/05/trump-doj-voter-roll-lawsuits-fail" target="_self">voting data</a> and state-run elections, voting rights groups say.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proposed rule" data-vars-click-url="https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-17238.pdf" data-vars-content-id="ea6a74d8-fdf5-4ca6-b3d8-3b64e9c9aaa1" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s mail-in voting rules raise fears of federal overreach" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-17238.pdf" target="_blank">proposed rule</a> could scramble the 2026 midterms by forcing local and state officials to adopt an untested federal system on short notice and potentially undermine confidence in U.S. elections.

Bessent unveils sanctions designed to cripple Iran

He said the economic crackdown would be like no other previously.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on Monday that the U.S. will impose punishing sanctions on countries and entities that do business with Iran — an attempt to bring the country to heel absent renewed military strikes. Why it matters: The plan, which Bessent dubbed &quot;Operation Economic Outcast,&quot; is aimed at ratcheting up pressure on the Iranian regime amid the current &quot;no war, no deal&quot; limbo.

Escalated U.S.-Canada trade talks threaten fallout

"In short, they asked too much and they offered too little," Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said of the U.S. in deal negotiations.

Economy

America&#x27;s path to lower <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="inflation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/economy/inflation" data-vars-content-id="3d20f740-17e6-40b7-b2b5-7da95d2c0af9" data-vars-headline="Escalated U.S.-Canada trade talks threaten fallout" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/economy/inflation" target="_self">inflation</a> depends in part on trade wars and actual wars becoming less economically disruptive. In recent days, both have taken turns that threaten the opposite.Why it matters: A period of relative calm on those fronts is now giving way to renewed tensions, with Canada, China and Iran all posing fresh economic risks.

Why diesel prices keep rising

Investors' relief over crude oil's relatively muted reaction to the Iran war could be misplaced.

A long-predicted energy shock is finally showing up in sky-high prices for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="diesel fuel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/12/diesel-prices-iran-russia-ukraine" data-vars-content-id="14e5b91d-05f9-4df3-a815-b9c9cb556ac2" data-vars-headline="Why diesel prices keep rising" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/12/diesel-prices-iran-russia-ukraine" target="_self">diesel fuel</a>. Why it matters: Diesel fuel is a key input for virtually anything grown or transported throughout the U.S., making it a potentially inflationary force.

What changes in KC when the drinking slows

At least six Kansas City area breweries have closed since early last year, and owners say the bigger loss is the gathering space.

News

Kansas City has lost several breweries, bars and pubs in recent years, leaving fewer places for socialization. Why it matters: Americans are drinking less for good reasons, but bars and taprooms do more than just pour booze — they provide places to gather without a plan.

What Kansas City gets in the Royals stadium deal

City council approved agreements on community benefits, construction and financing.

The Royals&#x27; downtown stadium is another step closer after City Council on Thursday approved a package of agreements on community benefits, construction and financing. Why it matters: Public documents shed light on what the Royals are promising the city, including funds to address homelessness and benefit public art.

Rural Kansas is turning majority-minority early

The U.S. won't become majority-minority until 2046, but four rural Kansas counties and Wyandotte County are already there.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Census data" data-vars-click-url="https://ipsr.unit2.ku.edu/ksdata/ksah/population/2pop29.pdf" data-vars-content-id="d68a86e0-3cfc-4b0a-a45b-220b4010d145" data-vars-headline="Rural Kansas is turning majority-minority early" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ipsr.unit2.ku.edu/ksdata/ksah/population/2pop29.pdf" target="_blank">Census data</a> shows a majority-minority U.S. population is decades away, but four Kansas counties and the metro&#x27;s Wyandotte County have already crossed that line. The big picture: The shift is reshaping the state, from meatpacking towns in southwest Kansas to the metro&#x27;s urban core, part of the nationwide rural trend identified in an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios analysis." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/14/majority-minority-rural-america-black-latino" data-vars-content-id="d68a86e0-3cfc-4b0a-a45b-220b4010d145" data-vars-headline="Rural Kansas is turning majority-minority early" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/14/majority-minority-rural-america-black-latino" target="_self">Axios analysis.</a>

KC's last 8pm sunset is days away

Most of the country has already lost its late sunsets, but the KC metro has until Aug. 23 to 25 depending on your county.

Most Americans have already seen their final 8pm sunset of the year, but Kansas City still has about a week of late light left.The big picture: We lose a little more light every day as the Earth&#x27;s Northern Hemisphere tilts away from the Sun until Dec. 21, the shortest day of the year.<ul><li>The farther west within a time zone you live, the later your sunsets typically run, and KC sits in the western stretch of the Central time zone.</li></ul>

City leaders want Grand Boulevard to make a comeback

It's one of the most historic business corridors in the city, and it used to be one of the busiest.

Several projects are lining up to transform a historic yet neglected stretch of Grand Boulevard into a hub of activity. Why it matters: Grand Boulevard&#x27;s financial district was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="booming in the 1920s" data-vars-click-url="https://pendergastkc.org/collection/missouri-valley-special-collections-kansas-city-public-library/10013854/grand-north-10th" data-vars-content-id="403dceda-0d64-44cb-aa25-9bef3614675a" data-vars-headline="City leaders want Grand Boulevard to make a comeback" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pendergastkc.org/collection/missouri-valley-special-collections-kansas-city-public-library/10013854/grand-north-10th" target="_blank">booming in the 1920s</a> as streetcar tracks crisscrossed the road and new-fangled towers scraped the skies, but now vacant and vandalized buildings have made it a place to avoid.

Why Missouri has a sales tax holiday, and Kansas doesn't

Missouri is ditching sales tax this weekend on back-to-school items.

Business

Missouri is ditching sales tax this weekend on back-to-school items — but Kansas isn&#x27;t.Why it matters: The same computer, binder or pair of jeans will be cheaper in Missouri on Friday through Sunday, no matter which state you live in.

Kansas and Missouri fall in business rankings

Infrastructure carried the most weight this year.

Kansas and Missouri each fell four spots in CNBC&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="annual ranking" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/09/americas-top-states-for-business-full-rankings.html" data-vars-content-id="f48a710b-2868-4bb1-8219-1d89a6c6c4df" data-vars-headline="Kansas and Missouri fall in business rankings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/09/americas-top-states-for-business-full-rankings.html" target="_blank">annual ranking</a> of the top states for business this year.Why it matters: The rankings land as both states broker deals for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="billion-dollar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2025/08/28/port-kc-approves-funding-data-center-100-billion" data-vars-content-id="f48a710b-2868-4bb1-8219-1d89a6c6c4df" data-vars-headline="Kansas and Missouri fall in business rankings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2025/08/28/port-kc-approves-funding-data-center-100-billion" target="_self">billion-dollar</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/04/06/nebius-data-center-driving-independence-mayoral-race" data-vars-content-id="f48a710b-2868-4bb1-8219-1d89a6c6c4df" data-vars-headline="Kansas and Missouri fall in business rankings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/04/06/nebius-data-center-driving-independence-mayoral-race" target="_self">data centers</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stadiums" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/07/22/new-chiefs-kansas-stadium-design-renderings-arrowhead" data-vars-content-id="f48a710b-2868-4bb1-8219-1d89a6c6c4df" data-vars-headline="Kansas and Missouri fall in business rankings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/07/22/new-chiefs-kansas-stadium-design-renderings-arrowhead" target="_self">stadiums</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="next-gen tech" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2025/10/03/kansas-could-get-next-gen-nuclear-power" data-vars-content-id="f48a710b-2868-4bb1-8219-1d89a6c6c4df" data-vars-headline="Kansas and Missouri fall in business rankings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2025/10/03/kansas-could-get-next-gen-nuclear-power" target="_self">next-gen tech</a> they say will add jobs and increase competitiveness.

Kansas Citians' odyssey to see "The Odyssey"

Just 26 theaters in the U.S. are projecting the movie in IMAX 70mm.

Things to Do

Kansas Citians are roughly 500 miles away from the closest movie theater that projects &quot;The Odyssey&quot; in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="IMAX 70mm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/17/odyssey-imax-christopher-nolan" data-vars-content-id="b3b93565-0956-45f6-bb3b-66b83bdb2913" data-vars-headline="Kansas Citians&#x27; odyssey to see &quot;The Odyssey&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/17/odyssey-imax-christopher-nolan" target="_self">IMAX 70mm</a>.Why it matters: Movie fans hoping to experience the film exactly as director <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Christopher Nolan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/07/15/christopher-nolan-movies-ranked" data-vars-content-id="b3b93565-0956-45f6-bb3b-66b83bdb2913" data-vars-headline="Kansas Citians&#x27; odyssey to see &quot;The Odyssey&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/07/15/christopher-nolan-movies-ranked" target="_self">Christopher Nolan</a> intended might have to embark on an odyssey of their own.

KC Current's Chawinga makes FIFA history for Malawi

Temwa Chawinga is playing with her sister, Tabitha.

KC Current star forward Temwa Chawinga is leading the Malawi national women&#x27;s team in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historic run" data-vars-click-url="https://africa.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/49591148/chawinga-sisters-combine-algeria-send-malawi-first-wafcon-final" data-vars-content-id="f619d8cc-7dc7-4856-8a62-b36274e9975f" data-vars-headline="KC Current&#x27;s Chawinga makes FIFA history for Malawi" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://africa.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/49591148/chawinga-sisters-combine-algeria-send-malawi-first-wafcon-final" target="_blank">historic run</a> — alongside her sister, Tabitha. The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Malawi qualified" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/fifawomensworldcup/posts/malawi-have-qualified-for-their-first-ever-fifawwc-/1476805494472786/" data-vars-content-id="f619d8cc-7dc7-4856-8a62-b36274e9975f" data-vars-headline="KC Current&#x27;s Chawinga makes FIFA history for Malawi" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/fifawomensworldcup/posts/malawi-have-qualified-for-their-first-ever-fifawwc-/1476805494472786/" target="_blank">Malawi qualified</a> for its first-ever FIFA Women&#x27;s World Cup, thanks to the dynamic scoring duo.

KC pickleball fest returns with record registrations

The three-day PickleCon at the Kansas City Convention Center kicks off Friday.

A massive pickleball event unique to Kansas City is happening this weekend, entering its third year with more registrations than ever before.The big picture: Pickleball is still the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fastest-growing" data-vars-click-url="https://sfia.org/research/u-s-pickleball-participation/" data-vars-content-id="148125aa-c4ef-452d-a15a-814566b7c714" data-vars-headline="KC pickleball fest returns with record registrations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sfia.org/research/u-s-pickleball-participation/" target="_blank">fastest-growing</a> sport in the nation despite a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nationwide cooldown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/06/01/pickleball-surge-petering-out-nationwide" data-vars-content-id="148125aa-c4ef-452d-a15a-814566b7c714" data-vars-headline="KC pickleball fest returns with record registrations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/06/01/pickleball-surge-petering-out-nationwide" target="_self">nationwide cooldown</a> on new court construction — and tournament play is heating up in KC.

New Chiefs stadium design mimics Arrowhead

The new renderings are the first real look at the Kansas stadium.

The Chiefs&#x27; new stadium will look a lot like Arrowhead, despite a roof and a relocation across state lines.Why it matters: The new renderings that dropped Wednesday are the first real look at the new stadium following the team&#x27;s controversial decision in December to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="move to Kansas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2025/12/22/chiefs-move-to-kansas-approved" data-vars-content-id="3cd7c9fe-08f5-467e-9800-cc75f7ba9aad" data-vars-headline="New Chiefs stadium design mimics Arrowhead" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2025/12/22/chiefs-move-to-kansas-approved" target="_self">move to Kansas</a>.

KC Diamonds near the end of first pro softball season

Five of KC's everyday players are batting over .370.

The KC Diamonds debuted last summer as an exhibition team on a borrowed field. One year later, they have one of the best records in the nation&#x27;s new Professional Softball League.Why it matters: The metro <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="has long been a youth softball hot spot" data-vars-click-url="https://kansascityfastpitch.org/kc-diamonds/" data-vars-content-id="e07c92c5-4ff8-4900-9e55-4d73549a0c7e" data-vars-headline="KC Diamonds near the end of first pro softball season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://kansascityfastpitch.org/kc-diamonds/" target="_blank">has long been a youth softball hot spot</a>, and now local players can aspire to a successful hometown team.

KC's college pipeline is shrinking

Missouri and Kansas are projected to send 12% fewer graduates out of high school by 2041.

Students moving into Kansas City dorms this month are the first college class drawn from a declining pool of high school graduates, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wiche.edu/knocking/key-findings/graduates/" data-vars-content-id="d49b915e-feed-4581-ba06-dd887782761f" data-vars-headline="KC&#x27;s college pipeline is shrinking" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wiche.edu/knocking/key-findings/graduates/" target="_blank">per</a> the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE).Why it matters: Every class after this one gets smaller, and schools that recruit close to home have the most to lose.

Students are becoming disenchanted with college

College is no longer a direct path to the American Dream.

Education

The college diploma is getting a hard reappraisal.Why it matters: Students today are taking a tougher look at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="college tradeoff" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/14/college-jobs-gallup-ai" data-vars-content-id="523b89be-1f83-4f30-af43-0761203fe715" data-vars-headline="Students are becoming disenchanted with college" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/14/college-jobs-gallup-ai" target="_self">college tradeoff</a>: burdensome debt and no guarantee of a dream career — or employment at all, as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/technology/automation-and-ai" data-vars-content-id="523b89be-1f83-4f30-af43-0761203fe715" data-vars-headline="Students are becoming disenchanted with college" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/technology/automation-and-ai" target="_self">AI</a> threatens the jobs the degrees were meant to unlock.

Big tech says skip college as schools add AI programs

Tech leaders are building their own programs and workforce pipelines.

Some of the tech industry&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most influential CEOs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/07/palantir-ceo-alex-karp-interview-axios" data-vars-content-id="261083a3-877a-4186-9028-ed56dd05020d" data-vars-headline="Big tech says skip college as schools add AI programs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/07/palantir-ceo-alex-karp-interview-axios" target="_self">most influential CEOs</a> have an ambitious message for young people in the age of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/technology/automation-and-ai" data-vars-content-id="261083a3-877a-4186-9028-ed56dd05020d" data-vars-headline="Big tech says skip college as schools add AI programs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/technology/automation-and-ai" target="_self">AI</a>: Skip college altogether.The big picture: Elon Musk, Alex Karp and Peter Thiel are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="challenging the four-year degree" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/15/tech-leaders-say-skip-college-elon-peter-thiel" data-vars-content-id="261083a3-877a-4186-9028-ed56dd05020d" data-vars-headline="Big tech says skip college as schools add AI programs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/15/tech-leaders-say-skip-college-elon-peter-thiel" target="_self">challenging the four-year degree</a> as the default path for elite talent — and, in some cases, building their own alternatives.

Two festivals, one very full weekend of eating

The 47th Ethnic Enrichment Festival runs Friday through Sunday, and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum's hot dog festival takes over Saturday night.

More than 40,000 people are expected to eat their way through Swope Park this weekend, and thousands more will do the same on the WWI Museum lawn Saturday night.Why it matters: Two major food events land on the same weekend, one a three-day showcase of 42 countries and the other a celebration of hot dogs.

Parlor's sudden closure blindsides vendors

The East Crossroads food hall gave its seven kitchens four days' notice. Two years ago, its owner warned police the business wouldn't survive.

Parlor closes Saturday, and the seven independent restaurants inside learned about it this week — the same day their customers did.Why it matters: The sudden announcement left businesses at a popular hang in the East Crossroads scrambling with little explanation as to why they have to close.

KC contracting program for women and minority business owners ends

The city council repealed the program that steered contract dollars to minority- and women-owned businesses after the state sued.

Kansas City ended 45 years of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="contracting goals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kcmo.gov/Home/Components/News/News/3188/16" data-vars-content-id="d3923310-2abc-4724-8279-36ed38bf8e12" data-vars-headline="KC contracting program for women and minority business owners ends" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kcmo.gov/Home/Components/News/News/3188/16" target="_blank">contracting goals</a> for minority- and women-owned businesses after a state lawsuit said they were discriminatory.Why it matters: The repeal of the Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) program changes how the city awards hundreds of millions of dollars in contracts each year, and the lawsuit that prompted it isn&#x27;t over.

KC's Ivan "the Squatch" dominates in beard battle

Ivan the "Squatch" Pancic dominated the Big Beautiful Badass Beard Battle.

Culture

A Kansas City man stole the show at a Nebraska beard competition that was judged by some of competitive facial hair&#x27;s biggest wigs.The big picture: Ivan &quot;the Squatch&quot; Pancic dominated the Big Beautiful Badass Beard Battle last weekend with 13 inches of flowing facial locks, taking home four first-place finishes, including the Best Beard Award and Best in Show.

Western Auto was relit after going dark. It's not the first time.

The 74-year-old sign is a city icon and a point of local pride.

Public officials and residents of the Western Auto building gathered on the roof Tuesday night to flip the switch on a fully repaired sign after more than a year.Why it matters: The 74-year-old sign is a city icon and a point of local pride, inspiring everything from paintings to T-shirt designs and bracelet charms.

Where the 816 came from and how to celebrate it

Kansas City throws free block parties Sunday for an area code that reaches 13 Missouri counties.

Kansas City is celebrating its area code Sunday with district block parties around town. Why it matters: It&#x27;s a free excuse to rep your hometown pride, although the number itself extends well beyond the city proper.

You're never too old for Fritz's Railroad Restaurant

Anyone who grew up in KC will likely have fond memories of the trains, hats and shakes.

Food and Drink

Ask anyone who grew up in KC, and they&#x27;ll likely have fond memories of the trains, hats and shakes at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fritz&#x27;s Railroad Restaurant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fritzskc.com/" data-vars-content-id="e5821faa-6ef3-4815-8ccf-28ebcac9d8cb" data-vars-headline="You&#x27;re never too old for Fritz&#x27;s Railroad Restaurant" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fritzskc.com/" target="_blank">Fritz&#x27;s Railroad Restaurant</a>. Why it matters: Fritz&#x27;s has been around <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="since the &#x27;50s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fritzskc.com/fritzs-kc-history/" data-vars-content-id="e5821faa-6ef3-4815-8ccf-28ebcac9d8cb" data-vars-headline="You&#x27;re never too old for Fritz&#x27;s Railroad Restaurant" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fritzskc.com/fritzs-kc-history/" target="_blank">since the &#x27;50s</a>, but I had never visited — until now.

5 KC record stores worth digging through

From a Westport shop in a former antique mall to a south KC storefront that started in a backyard shed, here's where to buy vinyl across the metro.

Music

KC vinyl hunters are spoiled for choice, whether that means a cavernous Westport shop or a south KC storefront that started in the owner&#x27;s backyard shed. Wednesday&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Vinyl Record Day" data-vars-click-url="https://nationaldaycalendar.com/celebrations/national-vinyl-record-day-august-12" data-vars-content-id="bdd477f9-aefa-465c-a85e-014dc827aef2" data-vars-headline="5 KC record stores worth digging through" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://nationaldaycalendar.com/celebrations/national-vinyl-record-day-august-12" target="_blank">National Vinyl Record Day</a> is reason enough to hit one.Why it matters: Independent shops took more than 4 in 10 U.S. vinyl sales last year, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Luminate reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.billboard.com/pro/luminate-2025-year-end-music-report-taylor-swift-showgirl/" data-vars-content-id="bdd477f9-aefa-465c-a85e-014dc827aef2" data-vars-headline="5 KC record stores worth digging through" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.billboard.com/pro/luminate-2025-year-end-music-report-taylor-swift-showgirl/" target="_blank">Luminate reported</a>, and nearly every store below is locally owned.

25 years of First Fridays in the Crossroads

Here's the history behind Kansas City's biggest monthly event.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="First Fridays," data-vars-click-url="https://kccrossroads.org/visit/?activation-area=first-friday" data-vars-content-id="c4921d39-be4b-4614-aaf6-dcefccbf08fb" data-vars-headline="25 years of First Fridays in the Crossroads" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://kccrossroads.org/visit/?activation-area=first-friday" target="_blank">First Fridays,</a> which began 25 years ago as a small art event in a half-empty warehouse district, returns Friday night as the anchor of the Crossroads economy.Why it matters: The free gallery walk turns the Crossroads into Kansas City&#x27;s biggest monthly gathering, built from a handful of galleries on Baltimore Avenue.

Our recs: National Climb A Mountain Day

You don't need to go west to experience rugged terrain and rolling vistas.

It&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Climb A Mountain Day" data-vars-click-url="https://nationaldaycalendar.com/celebrations/national-climb-a-mountain-day-july-30" data-vars-content-id="8b38b645-bfc4-4bf0-a4cb-76a8d98cd3fc" data-vars-headline="Our recs: National Climb A Mountain Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://nationaldaycalendar.com/celebrations/national-climb-a-mountain-day-july-30" target="_blank">National Climb A Mountain Day</a>, and you don&#x27;t need to go west to experience rugged terrain and rolling vistas.The big picture: Whether you want a different (less crowded) idea for a mountain getaway or just want to stay a little closer to home, we have recommendations for an East Coast hike and one right here in Missouri.

Where to go solo dining in Kansas City

Reservations for one jumped 23% over the past year.

Solo dining is having a moment, with reservations for one jumping 23% over the past year, booking app OpenTable says. Why it matters: That growth may look like another sign of America&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="loneliness" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/05/30/americans-eating-along-happiness-report" data-vars-content-id="6767783f-fdab-46cd-a8cf-81eb4e4902d4" data-vars-headline="Where to go solo dining in Kansas City" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/05/30/americans-eating-along-happiness-report" target="_self">loneliness</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="epidemic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/03/surgeon-general-vivek-murthy-fights-loneliness" data-vars-content-id="6767783f-fdab-46cd-a8cf-81eb4e4902d4" data-vars-headline="Where to go solo dining in Kansas City" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/03/surgeon-general-vivek-murthy-fights-loneliness" target="_self">epidemic</a>. But many solo diners say eating alone offers a rare chance to slow down, reflect and savor the small stuff.

Don't trash your to-go coffee cup

Your daily caffeine routine just got a little more eco-friendly.

Paper and plastic to-go cups are now recyclable across the Kansas City region.Why it matters: Your daily caffeine routine just got a little more eco-friendly.

4 KC spots for National Oyster Day

Kansas City is about as far from salt water as you can get, but the raw bars here hold up. Four spots we trust, plus where to find a $3 oyster at happy hour.

🦪 It&#x27;s National Oyster Day, and Kansas City has a surprisingly good oyster scene, despite being nowhere near an ocean.Why it matters: Raw oysters this far from salt water require some trust. These four have earned ours.

Restaurant Week funds feed people without homes

Organizers presented ReStart with a big check on Tuesday.

Some of the money used to purchase meals during KC Restaurant Week in January is funding food for families facing homelessness.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Restaurant Week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kcrestaurantweek.com/" data-vars-content-id="7a894b3f-f1a7-4e7a-a7f0-918ede22ab2b" data-vars-headline="Restaurant Week funds feed people without homes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kcrestaurantweek.com/" target="_blank">Restaurant Week</a> is put on by Visit KC and the Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association, with 10% of the proceeds supporting their charitable funds plus a local nonprofit.<ul><li>This year&#x27;s recipient was ReStart.</li></ul>

A dry jazz bar in a city built on booze

Café 333 arrives as American drinking hits a record low.

Kansas City jazz was born in Prohibition-era clubs fueled by liquor. A century later, the city&#x27;s newest club is alcohol-free.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Café 333" data-vars-click-url="https://cafe333kc.com/index.html" data-vars-content-id="12730782-38c9-43b7-9ef7-88f25e28fa3c" data-vars-headline="A dry jazz bar in a city built on booze" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cafe333kc.com/index.html" target="_blank">Café 333</a> is KC&#x27;s first sober jazz bar, and it&#x27;s arriving just as American drinking hits a record low.

Summer trends in KC: Cigarettes and hot dogs

A rise in the vintage cool-kid aesthetic is driving an increase in smoking.

A rise in the vintage cool-kid aesthetic is driving an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="increase in smoking" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/29/smoking-cigarettes-trend-generation-z" data-vars-content-id="d63549fd-0bbe-40f4-8924-5a3d5c1eaa2a" data-vars-headline="Summer trends in KC: Cigarettes and hot dogs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/29/smoking-cigarettes-trend-generation-z" target="_self">increase in smoking</a> — and eating hot dogs.Why it matters: Businesses and marketing campaigns are catering to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gen Zers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/26/gen-z-divide-data-politics" data-vars-content-id="d63549fd-0bbe-40f4-8924-5a3d5c1eaa2a" data-vars-headline="Summer trends in KC: Cigarettes and hot dogs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/26/gen-z-divide-data-politics" target="_self">Gen Zers</a>, who often share feelings of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="disillusionment" data-vars-click-url="https://people.com/gen-z-teens-smoking-cigarettes-exclusive-11984858" data-vars-content-id="d63549fd-0bbe-40f4-8924-5a3d5c1eaa2a" data-vars-headline="Summer trends in KC: Cigarettes and hot dogs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://people.com/gen-z-teens-smoking-cigarettes-exclusive-11984858" target="_blank">disillusionment</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nostalgia" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/08/01/90s-trends-chicago-gen-z-nostalgia-fashion-events" data-vars-content-id="d63549fd-0bbe-40f4-8924-5a3d5c1eaa2a" data-vars-headline="Summer trends in KC: Cigarettes and hot dogs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/08/01/90s-trends-chicago-gen-z-nostalgia-fashion-events" target="_self">nostalgia</a>.

Italian Sausage Co. serves giant sandwiches to go

A new walk-up window is servicing downtowners Tuesday–Sunday.

I often walk my dog during lunch and find myself wishing I had more options for grabbing food with the pooch in tow. Enter: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Italian Sausage Co." data-vars-click-url="https://theitaliansausageco.com/" data-vars-content-id="4f53d4cb-40a0-4020-b037-f3b3c7418edc" data-vars-headline="Italian Sausage Co. serves giant sandwiches to go" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://theitaliansausageco.com/" target="_blank">The Italian Sausage Co.</a>Dig in: The well-loved deli has been a staple in the Northland and at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chiefs and Royals games" data-vars-click-url="https://theitaliansausageco.com/stadium-eats/" data-vars-content-id="4f53d4cb-40a0-4020-b037-f3b3c7418edc" data-vars-headline="Italian Sausage Co. serves giant sandwiches to go" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://theitaliansausageco.com/stadium-eats/" target="_blank">Chiefs and Royals games</a>. Now, it&#x27;s serving downtowners with a walk-up window that includes its stadium eats.

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