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>.

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.

World Cup Fan Fest will allow dogs some days

Organizers want Kansas City to be the most pet-friendly host city.

KC&#x27;s Fan Fest will open the doors to dogs during three Sundays of World Cup celebrations.Why it matters: Organizers said Tuesday they want Kansas City to be the most pet-friendly host city this summer, combining the passions of sports and pet ownership through animal activities and dog adoptions.

KC has an LGBTQ+ "Shark Tank" for relationships

At "Where to Find Us," your best friend gets three to five minutes and a slideshow to sell you to a roomful of singles.

Imagine your best friend taking the stage in front of hundreds of people, slideshow ready, to pitch you as the city&#x27;s most eligible single. That&#x27;s a typical evening at a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Where to Find Us" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/wheretofindus.xo/" data-vars-content-id="3d51c966-0e16-4a81-b2ed-34b472ccbc19" data-vars-headline="KC has an LGBTQ+ &quot;Shark Tank&quot; for relationships" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/wheretofindus.xo/" target="_blank">&quot;Where to Find Us</a>&quot; event.Why it matters: Co-founders <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lo Mchel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/lo.mchel/" data-vars-content-id="3d51c966-0e16-4a81-b2ed-34b472ccbc19" data-vars-headline="KC has an LGBTQ+ &quot;Shark Tank&quot; for relationships" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/lo.mchel/" target="_blank">Lo Mchel</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tiffany Watts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/hookedonkc/" data-vars-content-id="3d51c966-0e16-4a81-b2ed-34b472ccbc19" data-vars-headline="KC has an LGBTQ+ &quot;Shark Tank&quot; for relationships" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/hookedonkc/" target="_blank">Tiffany Watts</a> started the show in 2024 to build a dating space for the LGBTQ+ community, not just one that lets them in.

Dutch super fan visits KC and describes World Cup energy

We interviewed Oranje Suit Man, who goes to every Netherlands game.

The World Cup is &quot;going to make the Super Bowl look like your local beach volleyball event,&quot; according to the Oranje Suit Man.Why it matters: The Netherlands will be on Kansas City&#x27;s doorstep in less than two months, with the team base camping in Riverside and a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="group stage match" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2025/12/08/these-kc-restaurants-serve-the-food-of-world-cup-visiting-countries" data-vars-content-id="4d50e7d4-f92c-41aa-8b11-83864f759d2c" data-vars-headline="Dutch super fan visits KC and describes World Cup energy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2025/12/08/these-kc-restaurants-serve-the-food-of-world-cup-visiting-countries" target="_self">group stage match</a> scheduled against Tunisia.

How to behave around guide dogs

Some tips to safely interact with guide dogs and support their handlers.

Culture

Wednesday is International Guide Dog Day, and we&#x27;ve got some reminders on working dog etiquette.Why it matters: Seeing a cute dog out and about is always a treat — and doubly so if they&#x27;re doing an impressive job — but distracting working dogs can be dangerous for their handlers.

Slow tea bar serving creative fare in Columbus Park

The tea and small bites come with Japan's style of radical hospitality.

Food and Drink

An unassuming storefront in the Columbus Park neighborhood is home to creative tea concoctions and a small but mighty collection of bites.Why it matters: Tian Tea House offers something new for Kansas City — an inventive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="slow bar" data-vars-click-url="https://manual.co.id/article/slow-bar-2024/" data-vars-content-id="6ac782b0-930c-47b8-b5dd-e182f7b031b6" data-vars-headline="Slow tea bar serving creative fare in Columbus Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://manual.co.id/article/slow-bar-2024/" target="_blank">slow bar</a> based on Japan&#x27;s style of radical hospitality. Plus, it&#x27;s really good.

What's new (and worth it) at Worlds of Fun this year

Worlds of Fun reopens Saturday with new ownership and upgrades.

Worlds of Fun reopens Saturday under <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new ownership" data-vars-click-url="https://www.enchantedparks.com/news/enchanted-parks-in-partnership-with-epr-properties-signs-definitive-agreement-to-acquire-six-regional-amusement-parks-reinforcing-commitment-to-local-communities/" data-vars-content-id="04b6890e-50e1-4720-8671-6d61e0e96c48" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s new (and worth it) at Worlds of Fun this year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.enchantedparks.com/news/enchanted-parks-in-partnership-with-epr-properties-signs-definitive-agreement-to-acquire-six-regional-amusement-parks-reinforcing-commitment-to-local-communities/" target="_blank">new ownership</a>, and park officials are promising new and improved experiences all season long.Why it matters: The theme park has been a Kansas City staple since 1973, but the upgrades offer a fresh draw for both new visitors and those who know it best.

Kansas City museum adds context to Jackie Robinson Day

A Kansas City museum reveals the deeper story behind Jackie Robinson's MLB debut.

Earlier this month, I visited Kansas City for the first time — the barbecue lived up to the hype, and the coffee scene was staggering.But it was the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Negro Leagues Baseball Museum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nlbm.com/" data-vars-content-id="fb247a30-9cb5-4bac-b8f1-79c7084cf381" data-vars-headline="Kansas City museum adds context to Jackie Robinson Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nlbm.com/" target="_blank">Negro Leagues Baseball Museum</a> that stuck with me.

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.

Residents weigh in on the future of 71 Highway

Project leaders say the highway hasn't delivered on its intended purpose.

City planners are meeting with residents today for the final community summit meant to reimagine U.S. Highway 71 and the future of its surrounding neighborhoods.Why it matters: The project, dubbed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Reconnecting the East Side" data-vars-click-url="https://reconnecteastside.com/" data-vars-content-id="e3149641-fee5-4d3f-97e5-f7967e4a2ebd" data-vars-headline="Residents weigh in on the future of 71 Highway" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://reconnecteastside.com/" target="_blank">Reconnecting the East Side</a>, seeks to address the harms created by the highway, which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="demolished" data-vars-click-url="https://reconnecteastside.com/history" data-vars-content-id="e3149641-fee5-4d3f-97e5-f7967e4a2ebd" data-vars-headline="Residents weigh in on the future of 71 Highway" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://reconnecteastside.com/history" target="_blank">demolished</a> swaths of minority neighborhoods and created one of KC&#x27;s most dangerous roads.

Parade of Hearts returns for biggest year yet

A record 150 heart sculptures will be installed ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

A towering chrome heart with angel wings landed outside the Loews Kansas City Hotel on Monday, marking the first installation of the 2026 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Parade of Hearts." data-vars-click-url="https://theparadeofhearts.com/about" data-vars-content-id="b60da7b3-205c-46e3-87be-e5757163def1" data-vars-headline="Parade of Hearts returns for biggest year yet" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://theparadeofhearts.com/about" target="_blank">Parade of Hearts.</a>The big picture: The project will bring 150 sculptures to the Kansas City area as the city prepares for global attention during the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026 World Cup." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/03/10/kc-world-cup-test-run-begins-3-months-out" data-vars-content-id="b60da7b3-205c-46e3-87be-e5757163def1" data-vars-headline="Parade of Hearts returns for biggest year yet" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/03/10/kc-world-cup-test-run-begins-3-months-out" target="_self">2026 World Cup.</a>