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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Kansas City.

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Income tax vs. sales tax: Missouri voters decide

Missouri's General Assembly wrapped its 2026 session with a constitutional amendment that would phase out the state income tax and let lawmakers expand the sales tax to cover it.

News

KCMO voters will likely decide this year whether to begin phasing out Missouri&#x27;s income tax and let lawmakers expand sales tax to make up the difference.Why it matters: Missouri <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="collected" data-vars-click-url="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/05/14/lawsuit-challenges-missouri-plan-to-expand-sales-tax-to-phase-out-income-tax/" data-vars-content-id="48b6da0e-b181-43d8-aca1-1db64e2dd7ec" data-vars-headline="Income tax vs. sales tax: Missouri voters decide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/05/14/lawsuit-challenges-missouri-plan-to-expand-sales-tax-to-phase-out-income-tax/" target="_blank">collected</a> $9.2 billion in individual income tax last year, about 65% of state revenue. Replacing that money would require adding about 8.5% to the state sales tax unless lawmakers start taxing things that are currently exempt, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2026/03/12/missouri-house-oks-switch-to-sales-tax-from-income-tax/179787/" data-vars-content-id="48b6da0e-b181-43d8-aca1-1db64e2dd7ec" data-vars-headline="Income tax vs. sales tax: Missouri voters decide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2026/03/12/missouri-house-oks-switch-to-sales-tax-from-income-tax/179787/" target="_blank">reported</a>.

KC's guide to Memorial Day weekend

Cheer on KC's pro teams, spend time outdoors, or lean into the holiday's patriotic traditions.

Things to Do

Memorial Day marks a weekend of remembrance and the unofficial start of summer.The big picture: Whether you want to cheer on KC&#x27;s pro teams, spend time outdoors, or lean into the holiday&#x27;s patriotic traditions, there&#x27;s no shortage of options this weekend.

Worst times to drive in KC this Memorial Day weekend

AAA predicts this will be the busiest Memorial Day ever for travel.

Travel

Consider staying off Kansas City highways Thursday and Friday afternoons if you want to avoid the worst <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Memorial Day weekend" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/23/memorial-day-weekend-2025-federal-holiday-meaning" data-vars-content-id="729b3ad1-a1d1-4e88-a782-8dee7001c9c2" data-vars-headline="Worst times to drive in KC this Memorial Day weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/23/memorial-day-weekend-2025-federal-holiday-meaning" target="_self">Memorial Day weekend</a> traffic, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="INRIX" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ace.aaa.com/travel/advocacy/memorial-day-travel-forecast-safety-tips.html" data-vars-content-id="729b3ad1-a1d1-4e88-a782-8dee7001c9c2" data-vars-headline="Worst times to drive in KC this Memorial Day weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ace.aaa.com/travel/advocacy/memorial-day-travel-forecast-safety-tips.html" target="_blank">INRIX</a> forecasts.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AAA predicts" data-vars-click-url="https://newsroom.aaa.com/2026/05/45-million-americans-planning-memorial-day-weekend-getaways/" data-vars-content-id="729b3ad1-a1d1-4e88-a782-8dee7001c9c2" data-vars-headline="Worst times to drive in KC this Memorial Day weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://newsroom.aaa.com/2026/05/45-million-americans-planning-memorial-day-weekend-getaways/" target="_blank">AAA predicts</a> this will be the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="busiest Memorial Day ever" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/12/memorial-day-travel-forecast-record-aaa" data-vars-content-id="729b3ad1-a1d1-4e88-a782-8dee7001c9c2" data-vars-headline="Worst times to drive in KC this Memorial Day weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/12/memorial-day-travel-forecast-record-aaa" target="_self">busiest Memorial Day ever</a> for travel — meaning your departure time could <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="make or break" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/23/travel-delays-shutdown-security-airfare-prices" data-vars-content-id="729b3ad1-a1d1-4e88-a782-8dee7001c9c2" data-vars-headline="Worst times to drive in KC this Memorial Day weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/23/travel-delays-shutdown-security-airfare-prices" target="_self">make or break</a> your trip.

CPKC Pavilion is an ode to the Missouri River

The transit hub was intentionally designed to reflect the river nearby.

It&#x27;s hard to miss the newly opened KC Streetcar stop down at Berkley Riverfront, whether you&#x27;re stepping off under its reflective roof or gaping at the glowing pylons at night.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CPKC " data-vars-click-url="https://portkc.com/project/cpkc-pavilion-at-berkley-riverfront/" data-vars-content-id="63cfd0a1-6626-4e91-aa80-df42941fdb5e" data-vars-headline="CPKC Pavilion is an ode to the Missouri River" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://portkc.com/project/cpkc-pavilion-at-berkley-riverfront/" target="_blank">CPKC </a>Pavilion is more than just a shiny new transit hub. It&#x27;s a work of art symbolizing the Missouri River flowing nearby.

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 travel keeps KC tourism economy steady

Visit KC's 2025 tourism outlook showed marketing efforts yielded smaller returns.

Kansas City&#x27;s tourism softened last year alongside a broader national slowdown, even as increasing business travel buoyed regional spending.The big picture: Tourism is still a major local economic driver, despite fewer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="international travelers" data-vars-click-url="https://fortune.com/2026/04/17/international-tourism-to-us-fell-last-year-world-cup-worries/" data-vars-content-id="0e7aa3ba-9f9a-491b-966a-5158d0cdead5" data-vars-headline="Business travel keeps KC tourism economy steady" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fortune.com/2026/04/17/international-tourism-to-us-fell-last-year-world-cup-worries/" target="_blank">international travelers</a> coming to the U.S.

What's really going on with World Cup hotel bookings

A recent report saying most KC hotels are underbooked isn't the full story, officials say.

A report that most Kansas City hotels are underbooked for the World Cup isn&#x27;t the full story, organizers and tourism officials tell Axios.Why it matters: Leaders have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="long said" data-vars-click-url="https://kansascityfwc26.com/kc2026-hits-its-stride-smallest-host-city-sets-high-standard-for-fifa-world-cup-readiness/" data-vars-content-id="bd33533f-0c1f-48de-b29e-547f42286242" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s really going on with World Cup hotel bookings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://kansascityfwc26.com/kc2026-hits-its-stride-smallest-host-city-sets-high-standard-for-fifa-world-cup-readiness/" target="_blank">long said</a> the World Cup will bring hundreds of thousands of visitors who will spend money across the metro, but last week poor hotel numbers grabbed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="headlines" data-vars-click-url="https://fox4kc.com/sports/2026-world-cup/kansas-city-ranks-as-weakest-world-cup-market-new-report/" data-vars-content-id="bd33533f-0c1f-48de-b29e-547f42286242" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s really going on with World Cup hotel bookings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fox4kc.com/sports/2026-world-cup/kansas-city-ranks-as-weakest-world-cup-market-new-report/" target="_blank">headlines</a>, fueled <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="naysayers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/david-hudnall/article315633699.html" data-vars-content-id="bd33533f-0c1f-48de-b29e-547f42286242" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s really going on with World Cup hotel bookings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/david-hudnall/article315633699.html" target="_blank">naysayers</a> and filled <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local businesses" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article315626455.html" data-vars-content-id="bd33533f-0c1f-48de-b29e-547f42286242" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s really going on with World Cup hotel bookings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article315626455.html" target="_blank">local businesses</a> with unease.

Afterword finds a new home in Hyde Park

Afterword Tavern & Shelves is reopening this summer in Hyde Park, four times the size of its old Crossroads spot.

Beloved KC bookstore-bar <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Afterword Tavern &amp; Shelves" data-vars-click-url="https://www.afterwordkc.com/" data-vars-content-id="86cc1184-6c11-4bf7-a79c-10e2e9f1a159" data-vars-headline="Afterword finds a new home in Hyde Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.afterwordkc.com/" target="_blank">Afterword Tavern &amp; Shelves</a> is reopening this summer in the former Brewer&#x27;s Corner space in Midtown.Why it matters: The literary cocktail bar closed its East Crossroads location in January after seven years, leaving regulars without their go-to spot and the city without one of its most distinctive bars.

FavTrip defies gas price surge with discounts

The local chain offers 5 to 50 cents off per gallon, depending on the day.

Business

A local gas station and convenience store chain is keeping prices low amid <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="increasing rates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/23/oil-stocks-iran-trump" data-vars-content-id="c8af492b-fa1d-49e4-9b13-65b1faaa658f" data-vars-headline="FavTrip defies gas price surge with discounts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/23/oil-stocks-iran-trump" target="_self">increasing rates</a> thanks to a mix of business smarts, social media savvy and a loyal customer base.Why it matters: FavTrip continues to offer 10- to 50-cent-per-gallon discounts every Friday, even as the company&#x27;s owner notes tensions in the Middle East make it a tricky business.

Downtown stadium sees more Crossroads support than before

It's a stark difference from 2024, when much of the community banded together in opposition.

The proposed Royals Stadium at Washington Square is getting more support from Crossroads businesses this time around.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a stark difference from 2024, when much of the community banded together against the suggested site on the neighborhood&#x27;s north end, ultimately resulting in a defeated tax proposal.

18th & Vine announces World Cup watch parties

Leaders want the district to be the city's party destination.

18th &amp; Vine leaders on Wednesday unveiled official district World Cup events and urged local businesses to get involved in the game this summer.Why it matters: They want the district to be the city&#x27;s party destination, showcasing Black culture through music, food, arts and activities.

A data center is driving Independence's mayoral race

The $150.6 billion project has split the two leading candidates.

Election

Independence&#x27;s next mayor may be decided over a plan to build a massive AI data center with major tax incentives.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$150.6 billion project" data-vars-click-url="https://independencemo.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1816/files/attachment/8105" data-vars-content-id="7e35eba1-865a-49ca-98f0-7eba3e552b6f" data-vars-headline="A data center is driving Independence&#x27;s mayoral race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://independencemo.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1816/files/attachment/8105" target="_blank">$150.6 billion project</a> has split the two leading candidates, with one backing the incentives and the other pushing for a public vote.

KC Symphony's new performance hall would triple its capacity

The new venue would be designed for audiences of up to 4,600.

The Kansas City Symphony this week announced plans to build a new performance hall nearly triple the size of its current space, with a target opening in 2028.Why it matters: The symphony is expanding its footprint with its own venue designed for specialty shows and capable of attracting midsized touring acts.

Business 🏦

Kansas City approves path to 4am beers during World Cup

Nonprofits launching music hub in the Crossroads

Business travel keeps KC tourism economy steady

What's really going on with World Cup hotel bookings

Afterword finds a new home in Hyde Park