Kansas City

Kansas City Members

Membership

Postcard with an image of a city landscape of Kansas City’s skyline on a transparent background

blue

Axios Kansas City Partners

Kansas City Alerts

Alert

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

Axios Kansas City Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Kansas City with Travis Meier and Abbey Higginbotham.

Axios Kansas City

Standard

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>.

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.

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.

Dutch fans may want to march to Arrowhead. KCPD says: Don't.

The Netherlands plays in KC June 25, and thousands of fans usually follow the team's double-decker bus to the stadium.

Thousands of Dutch soccer fans are coming to KC next month, and KCPD wants them to know one thing: They shouldn&#x27;t try to walk to the stadium.The big picture: The Netherlands plays Tunisia on June 25 at Arrowhead Stadium, called Kansas City Stadium for the tournament. From the Fan Fest to the stadium is about 9 miles, and the easiest route is up I-70.

Kansas City tree planting ramps up for Earth Day

Trees can reduce extreme heat, filter pollution and absorb stormwater.

Kansas Citians are planting trees this month to cool neighborhoods, reduce pollution and improve quality of life.Why it matters: More trees can reduce extreme heat, filter pollution and absorb stormwater across Kansas City — plus, they make being outside more comfortable.

Tornado season runs April–June in Kansas City

It's tornado season, and more severe weather heading our way.

We get a lot of tornado weather alerts, but that doesn&#x27;t mean we should ignore them or treat them only as prompts to go outside and watch the sky.Why it matters: It&#x27;s tornado season, and more severe weather is heading our way.

How and where to go plogging in Kansas City

With Earth Day this month, you can celebrate nature while contributing to a healthier planet.

Climate

You&#x27;ve heard of jogging. You&#x27;ve heard of picking up litter. Combine the two, and you get &quot;plogging.&quot;Why it matters: Earth Day is this month, and locals are looking for ways to celebrate nature while contributing to a healthier planet.

KC is heating up as a warm winter becomes spring

We'll see summer-like temperatures as early as this weekend.

Ignore the recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="blizzard" data-vars-click-url="https://fox4kc.com/weather/weather-blog/joes-blog-near-blizzard-conditions-possible-sun-3-15/" data-vars-content-id="0c3ce3cd-4eac-465e-a039-d98bc11635ab" data-vars-headline="KC is heating up as a warm winter becomes spring" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fox4kc.com/weather/weather-blog/joes-blog-near-blizzard-conditions-possible-sun-3-15/" target="_blank">blizzard</a> conditions and subzero windchills — February and March in Kansas City have been surprisingly and unusually warm.Why it matters: The above-average temps will likely <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="continue into spring" data-vars-click-url="https://weather.com/forecast/national/news/2025-03-27-april-temperature-precipitation-forecast-outlook" data-vars-content-id="0c3ce3cd-4eac-465e-a039-d98bc11635ab" data-vars-headline="KC is heating up as a warm winter becomes spring" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://weather.com/forecast/national/news/2025-03-27-april-temperature-precipitation-forecast-outlook" target="_blank">continue into spring</a>, launching Kansas City into summer-like temperatures as early as this weekend.

The snow has arrived at Snow Creek

Recent KC temps in the 40s and 50s have made for muddy hills.

Sports

The hills are open at Kansas City&#x27;s ski resort, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Snow Creek" data-vars-click-url="https://www.skisnowcreek.com/" data-vars-content-id="01de9aaf-23f7-473f-827d-574cdf91db3e" data-vars-headline="The snow has arrived at Snow Creek" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.skisnowcreek.com/" target="_blank">Snow Creek</a>, which finally has snow that&#x27;s set to last through the week and beyond.Why it matters: Snow sports are hit and miss here, where winter temps have a tough time staying below 32 degrees.

"Stay home": KC snow predictions rise ahead of winter storm

Kansas City could see impacts last through Wednesday.

Kansas City is bracing for a serious winter storm starting Friday, with snowfall predictions increasing and freezing temperatures expected to last all weekend.The big picture: What initially looked like a cold snap with a few flurries is shaping up to be a major arctic event with impacts lasting through next Wednesday, as of Thursday&#x27;s forecasts.

Extreme cold is coming to Kansas City — and it might bring snow

KC's extreme weather is part of a massive winter storm set to wallop the U.S.

Serious cold is coming for Kansas City starting tonight as a massive and dangerous <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="winter storm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/01/20/prepare-power-outages-winter-storm-triangle-north-carolina-snow-sleet-ice" data-vars-content-id="986a0ac3-a264-4c79-93bc-beeb6c2758e1" data-vars-headline="Extreme cold is coming to Kansas City — and it might bring snow" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/01/20/prepare-power-outages-winter-storm-triangle-north-carolina-snow-sleet-ice" target="_self">winter storm</a> is set to pummel huge swaths of the country.Threat level: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sub-zero wind chills" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/NWSKansasCity/status/2013915353651228864" data-vars-content-id="986a0ac3-a264-4c79-93bc-beeb6c2758e1" data-vars-headline="Extreme cold is coming to Kansas City — and it might bring snow" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/NWSKansasCity/status/2013915353651228864" target="_blank">Sub-zero wind chills</a> and lows in the teens and single digits will arrive by early Friday and stick around through Sunday, the National Weather Service said Wednesday. A 30% to 40% <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="chance of snow" data-vars-click-url="https://www.weather.gov/media/eax/DssPacket.pdf" data-vars-content-id="986a0ac3-a264-4c79-93bc-beeb6c2758e1" data-vars-headline="Extreme cold is coming to Kansas City — and it might bring snow" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.weather.gov/media/eax/DssPacket.pdf" target="_blank">chance of snow</a> starts Friday night.

Kansas passes new energy rules for data centers, other big consumers

Regulators are trying to attract economic development while protecting residents' wallets.

The Kansas Corporation Commission last week approved energy regulations meant to attract big electricity users while protecting existing customers.Why it matters: The unanimous decision charts a path for how new high-energy facilities like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2025/09/29/inside-a-modern-data-center-lenexa-kansas-city" data-vars-content-id="2ec6f734-a0ed-4882-9a9e-30a8b0746310" data-vars-headline="Kansas passes new energy rules for data centers, other big consumers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2025/09/29/inside-a-modern-data-center-lenexa-kansas-city" target="_self">data centers</a> can come to the Sunflower State while protecting residents and other businesses from shouldering the cost.

First freeze coming later in Topeka and Jefferson City

Nearly 90% of the 204 U.S. cities show a later first freeze date.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first freezing temperatures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/09/22/first-freeze-frost-dates-map" data-vars-content-id="d3fb3937-5212-4824-be7e-35d3cede4098" data-vars-headline="First freeze coming later in Topeka and Jefferson City" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/09/22/first-freeze-frost-dates-map" target="_self">first freezing temperatures</a> after summer are coming later on average than they used to in many U.S. cities, including in Kansas and Missouri, a new analysis finds.Why it matters: It&#x27;s another indication of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fall warming amid a changing climate," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/02/fall-warming-temperatures-climate-change" data-vars-content-id="d3fb3937-5212-4824-be7e-35d3cede4098" data-vars-headline="First freeze coming later in Topeka and Jefferson City" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/02/fall-warming-temperatures-climate-change" target="_self">fall warming amid a changing climate,</a> which affects farmers, gardeners and allergy sufferers.

Kansas could get next-gen nuclear power

New nuclear energy could give the KC region an edge in the race to land companies powering the future.

Bill Gates-founded TerraPower is eyeing Kansas for its next nuclear reactor, and state leaders, along with Evergy, are on board.Why it matters: New nuclear energy wouldn&#x27;t only generate power for Evergy customers — it could give the KC region an edge in the race to land the high-profile tech and manufacturing companies powering the future.

Climate 🌿

Kansas City tree planting ramps up for Earth Day

Tornado season runs April–June in Kansas City

How and where to go plogging in Kansas City

KC is heating up as a warm winter becomes spring

The snow has arrived at Snow Creek