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How surplus World Cup food is feeding KC families

Families likely ate the same food served to Lionel Messi on his birthday.

News

Kansas City families likely ate the same food served to Argentina soccer star Lionel Messi on his <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="birthday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.komu.com/fifa_world_cup_2026/lionel-messi-celebrates-his-39th-birthday-in-kansas-city-during-a-joyful-world-cup/article_973846c7-3143-5cd1-b293-a86f15744f0b.html" data-vars-content-id="116ad0e8-8575-4e0c-ad7d-cb564afc44a7" data-vars-headline="How surplus World Cup food is feeding KC families" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.komu.com/fifa_world_cup_2026/lionel-messi-celebrates-his-39th-birthday-in-kansas-city-during-a-joyful-world-cup/article_973846c7-3143-5cd1-b293-a86f15744f0b.html" target="_blank">birthday</a>.Why it matters: The surplus food was recovered as part of a collaboration between FIFA and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pete&#x27;s Garden" data-vars-click-url="https://www.petesgarden.org/" data-vars-content-id="116ad0e8-8575-4e0c-ad7d-cb564afc44a7" data-vars-headline="How surplus World Cup food is feeding KC families" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.petesgarden.org/" target="_blank">Pete&#x27;s Garden</a>, a KC nonprofit that turns food waste into meals for families in need.

The kratom crackdown splits KC at the state line

Kratom and 7-OH became felonies to possess in Kansas on July 1. Across the state line, they're still legal, even as cities pass their own bans.

A product local leaders and law enforcement <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="call" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/investigations/drug-regulation/kansas-city-missouri-city-council-adopts-regulations-on-7-oh-kratom" data-vars-content-id="2ac406ed-9813-4186-929b-ff8d634bd406" data-vars-headline="The kratom crackdown splits KC at the state line" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/investigations/drug-regulation/kansas-city-missouri-city-council-adopts-regulations-on-7-oh-kratom" target="_blank">call</a> &quot;gas station heroin&quot; is now illegal in Kansas — and the federal government may soon make it illegal nationwide.Why it matters: Possessing kratom or its derivative, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), became a felony in Kansas on July 1, splitting the rules in a metro that&#x27;s home to the Midwest&#x27;s largest 7-OH producer.

Boomers own KC's family-size homes

Empty nesters own nearly 28% of Kansas City homes with three-plus bedrooms while millennial parents own about 19%, per Redfin. The good news: KC's young families still fare better than almost anywhere else in the country.

Empty nesters are sitting on Kansas City&#x27;s family-size homes.Why it matters: The people who have the space aren&#x27;t necessarily the ones who need it — and that&#x27;s making a tight <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/01/mortgage-rates-home-prices-predictions-2026" data-vars-content-id="568d03eb-e433-4c4a-ac6b-14196ee149f1" data-vars-headline="Boomers own KC&#x27;s family-size homes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/01/mortgage-rates-home-prices-predictions-2026" target="_self">housing market</a> even tighter.

Your 2026 primary election guide

Missouri votes on phasing out its income tax and Jackson County's assessor. Kansas picks candidates for an open governor's seat and decides how its Supreme Court justices get chosen. Here's your guide before Aug. 4.

Election

Your paycheck, your property taxes and your courts are all on the line in the Aug. 4 primary election. Here&#x27;s what to know before you head to the voting booth.Why it matters: Primaries draw a fraction of November&#x27;s turnout, and the voters who show up decide these questions for everyone.

Local clothing designers are repping soccer swag

Colorful kits, U.S. Soccer collabs and collections of shirts, scarves and hats festoon KC.

Business

Local clothing designers are creating World Cup-inspired apparel meant to meet the moment with colorful kits, U.S. Soccer collabs and collections of scarves and hats.Why it matters: These aren&#x27;t just T-shirts — they&#x27;re memories and souvenirs from a once-in-a-generation event that&#x27;s happening in Kansas City. That&#x27;s why people are buying them and why designers have spent years preparing for this moment.

The World Cup's effect on local businesses isn't black and white

We talked to 14 businesses and surveyed our readers.

Businesses are experiencing a mixed bag from World Cup activity, with traffic ranging from dead to full capacity, owners tell Axios.Why it matters: Several places reported declining sales, grabbing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="headlines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kctv5.com/2026/06/18/mixed-results-kansas-city-world-cup-start-some-businesses-struggle/" data-vars-content-id="eef63d09-a3c9-471b-a419-d0964fdd8197" data-vars-headline="The World Cup&#x27;s effect on local businesses isn&#x27;t black and white" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kctv5.com/2026/06/18/mixed-results-kansas-city-world-cup-start-some-businesses-struggle/" target="_blank">headlines</a> and prompting questions about whether big events are good for local businesses — but that&#x27;s not the full picture.

Beer and water at KC Stadium is expensive

There is a wild variance in prices across U.S. host cities.

Thirsty? If you&#x27;re at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kansas City Stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/06/08/fifa-banners-arrowhead-chiefs-signs-kc-missouri" data-vars-content-id="c1176083-6b04-4218-a56e-b6fbf1d97a6c" data-vars-headline="Beer and water at KC Stadium is expensive" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/06/08/fifa-banners-arrowhead-chiefs-signs-kc-missouri" target="_self">Kansas City Stadium</a> for a World Cup match, you&#x27;ll pay at least $18.39 for a beer.Why it matters: There is a wild variance in prices for food, water and other drinks across the 11 U.S. cities hosting the World Cup this year.

Bar Phoebe boasts rooftop views and nostalgic nods

Here's the story behind Phoebe, plus a look at the menu.

The newest rooftop bar in the city opened last week in the Crossroads to crowds, live music and dancing. Why it matters: Bar Phoebe doesn&#x27;t just mix cocktails and corn dogs with impressive views. It&#x27;s also a nod to Kansas City&#x27;s suffrage movement.

Reader survey: How has the World Cup changed your spending?

Serious dips in traffic signal that locals are staying away from local businesses.

Crowds of fans have been spotted across KC, from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fan Fest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/06/12/fifa-fan-festival-kansas-city-opening" data-vars-content-id="2ada54da-a8a3-44a0-9a3b-7016cc3be36d" data-vars-headline="Reader survey: How has the World Cup changed your spending?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/06/12/fifa-fan-festival-kansas-city-opening" target="_self">Fan Fest</a> to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Crossroads" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tiktok.com/@thatbrysonshow/video/7651803242904472845" data-vars-content-id="2ada54da-a8a3-44a0-9a3b-7016cc3be36d" data-vars-headline="Reader survey: How has the World Cup changed your spending?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thatbrysonshow/video/7651803242904472845" target="_blank">Crossroads</a>, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Plaza" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DZoBhAgAW39/" data-vars-content-id="2ada54da-a8a3-44a0-9a3b-7016cc3be36d" data-vars-headline="Reader survey: How has the World Cup changed your spending?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DZoBhAgAW39/" target="_blank">Plaza</a> and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="riverfront" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/06/16/argentina-fans-riverfront-hotel-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="2ada54da-a8a3-44a0-9a3b-7016cc3be36d" data-vars-headline="Reader survey: How has the World Cup changed your spending?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/06/16/argentina-fans-riverfront-hotel-world-cup" target="_self">riverfront</a>, but some <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="business owners say" data-vars-click-url="https://startlandnews.com/2026/06/bisou-world-cup-foot-traffic/" data-vars-content-id="2ada54da-a8a3-44a0-9a3b-7016cc3be36d" data-vars-headline="Reader survey: How has the World Cup changed your spending?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://startlandnews.com/2026/06/bisou-world-cup-foot-traffic/" target="_blank">business owners say</a> they&#x27;re still seeing slowdowns. Why it matters: It&#x27;s not just visitors bypassing businesses — serious dips in traffic signal that locals are staying away, despite efforts from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="organizers and neighborhood leaders" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/06/08/how-locals-can-make-kc-a-world-cup-success-story" data-vars-content-id="2ada54da-a8a3-44a0-9a3b-7016cc3be36d" data-vars-headline="Reader survey: How has the World Cup changed your spending?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/06/08/how-locals-can-make-kc-a-world-cup-success-story" target="_self">organizers and neighborhood leaders</a>.

The world is shopping local at Union Station

More than 100 KC makers set up shop at Union Station's City of Entrepreneurs Marketplace, turning World Cup visitors into local customers through July 12. Admission is free.

More than 100 Kansas City makers have set up shop at Union Station, turning the World Cup crowds streaming through town into local customers for five weeks.Why it matters: KC is hosting six <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup matches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/06/17/kansas-city-world-cup-match-argentina-algeria-recap" data-vars-content-id="e3a3cd5a-671d-406d-ace8-a7fe5337c5af" data-vars-headline="The world is shopping local at Union Station" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/06/17/kansas-city-world-cup-match-argentina-algeria-recap" target="_self">World Cup matches</a> this summer, and the city built the marketplace so local entrepreneurs, not just national sponsors, can share in a moment expected to draw about 650,000 visitors.

How locals can make KC a World Cup success story

Leaders are counting on residents to lean into the festivities.

World Cup organizers and neighborhood leaders say the way Kansas Citians engage with the tournament&#x27;s festivities will play a big role in the city&#x27;s success during the monthlong event.The big picture: Local organizers expect lots of visitors and a big economic impact, but <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="questions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reddit.com/r/kansascity/comments/1ttpsej/kansas_city_still_expects_650000_world_cup/" data-vars-content-id="2ac76d14-5c03-424f-aba1-1b1a8249f0c6" data-vars-headline="How locals can make KC a World Cup success story" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/kansascity/comments/1ttpsej/kansas_city_still_expects_650000_world_cup/" target="_blank">questions</a> remain over whether KC is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ready to handle" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kcur.org/history/2026-05-27/kansas-city-world-cup-2026-tickets-transit-bid" data-vars-content-id="2ac76d14-5c03-424f-aba1-1b1a8249f0c6" data-vars-headline="How locals can make KC a World Cup success story" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kcur.org/history/2026-05-27/kansas-city-world-cup-2026-tickets-transit-bid" target="_blank">ready to handle</a> the event — and whether the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="projections" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kcur.org/sports/2026-06-01/kansas-city-still-expects-650-000-world-cup-visitors-how-will-we-know-how-many-actually-come" data-vars-content-id="2ac76d14-5c03-424f-aba1-1b1a8249f0c6" data-vars-headline="How locals can make KC a World Cup success story" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kcur.org/sports/2026-06-01/kansas-city-still-expects-650-000-world-cup-visitors-how-will-we-know-how-many-actually-come" target="_blank">projections</a> will actually pan out for local businesses.

Kansas City's downtown is "sticky." It's a good thing.

KC ranked No. 10 for U.S. cities in the Gensler City Pulse 2026 report.

Kansas City has one of the top &quot;stickiest&quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" downtowns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/29/downtown-population-growth-live-apartments" data-vars-content-id="e2065a76-8ae7-409a-84ac-6f65ca41ef8d" data-vars-headline="Kansas City&#x27;s downtown is &quot;sticky.&quot; It&#x27;s a good thing." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/29/downtown-population-growth-live-apartments" target="_self"> downtowns</a> in the nation, per a new report by Gensler Research Institute, and it&#x27;s not because it&#x27;s hot and humid.The big picture: KC ranked No. 10 for U.S. cities in the<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" Gensler City Pulse 2026" data-vars-click-url="https://www.gensler.com/press-releases/city-pulse-downtown-report-2026" data-vars-content-id="e2065a76-8ae7-409a-84ac-6f65ca41ef8d" data-vars-headline="Kansas City&#x27;s downtown is &quot;sticky.&quot; It&#x27;s a good thing." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.gensler.com/press-releases/city-pulse-downtown-report-2026" target="_blank"> Gensler City Pulse 2026</a> report, a combined measure of how often people say they visit a place and how long they stay there.

Kansas City approves path to 4am beers during World Cup

City Council on Thursday voted to extend the hours businesses can sell alcohol.

City Council on Thursday voted to extend the hours businesses can sell alcohol during the World Cup — with some restrictions.Why it matters: Between late games and international nightlife norms, Kansas City leaders are trying to balance the pros and cons of hosting the world&#x27;s biggest party.

Nonprofits launching music hub in the Crossroads

The hangar-like space will be outfitted with a stage, lighting and a greenroom.

Two nonprofits are coming together to form a music hub downtown Kansas City this summer, thanks to the city&#x27;s Open Doors initiative.Why it matters: There&#x27;s no shortage of bars and clubs that feature live music in the area, but this promises to be something different — an intimate, open-air venue where pedestrians can swing by, the music comes first and performances span genres.

Business 🏦

Local clothing designers are repping soccer swag

The World Cup's effect on local businesses isn't black and white

Beer and water at KC Stadium is expensive

Bar Phoebe boasts rooftop views and nostalgic nods

Reader survey: How has the World Cup changed your spending?