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

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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.

ReStart completes its first low-income housing amid expansion

The nonprofit's affordable housing arm aims to build 100 units.

The opening of a new duplex in Kansas City&#x27;s Historic Northeast signals the first of many much-needed affordable housing units built and owned by ReStart, a nonprofit that addresses homelessness.Why it matters: Low-income families facing rising costs are getting priced out of their homes, and a shortage of cheap housing often leaves them seeking emergency shelter, ReStart CEO Stephanie Boyer tells Axios.

Infamous River Market trench gets a glow-up

The ditch at Third and Walnut in Kansas City has transformed into a photo op.

Filling in a pit may at first glance seem among the lesser wonders brought about by the World Cup, but the latest development in a land saga lasting more than five years has some residents smiling.The big picture: The ditch at Third and Walnut in the River Market has transformed into a photo opp after local organizations banded together ahead of the tournament.

Molzer bucks the norm by "building in public"

The buzzy development company is snapping up buildings around town and posting its work online.

Molzer Development is finding success doing what most builders don&#x27;t: sharing the nitty-gritty details with the world.Why it matters: The buzzy company is snapping up buildings around town, converting lofty goals and social media savvy into construction projects and financial backing.

18th and Vine pedestrian mall heralds future development

The Jazz District is experiencing a renaissance, leaders said at the mall's opening.

The opening of a new pedestrian mall in the 18th and Vine District is just the beginning for this historic Kansas City neighborhood.Why it matters: 18th and Vine is experiencing a renaissance, leaders said at a ribbon cutting Wednesday, including new businesses and historic investments all celebrating KC&#x27;s Black history and culture.

Inside KC's almost-finished World Cup Fan Fest

Tickets to matches can cost thousands of dollars, but the Fan Fest is free.

Kansas City&#x27;s free FIFA Fan Festival opens in just over two weeks, and the lawn of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National WWI Museum and Memorial" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kc2026.com/frequently-asked-questions/" data-vars-content-id="ef3e51aa-f3d9-4aaf-aadf-747af75d0c50" data-vars-headline="Inside KC&#x27;s almost-finished World Cup Fan Fest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kc2026.com/frequently-asked-questions/" target="_blank">National WWI Museum and Memorial</a> is already starting to look the part.Why it matters: Tickets to matches can cost thousands of dollars, but the Fan Fest is free and built to be the closest some of the city gets to the tournament.

Greenline trail around downtown KC is gaining ground

The path is still far from finished — but it's closer than you might think.

A proposed trail encircling downtown Kansas City that has been quietly in the works for years is building momentum with a new public exhibit and active construction plans.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Greenline KC" data-vars-click-url="https://www.greenlinekc.com/" data-vars-content-id="77566b26-2004-42f7-a58c-e2c4099c932e" data-vars-headline="Greenline trail around downtown KC is gaining ground" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.greenlinekc.com/" target="_blank">Greenline KC</a> is still far from finished — but it&#x27;s closer than you might think, with several multimillion-dollar projects paving the way.

Paths, art, amenities: Construction continues at the riverfront

Port KC is working on trail upgrades, landscaping and a memorial.

Berkley Riverfront is still under construction, even now that the KC Streetcar <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="extension" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/05/18/kc-streetcar-riverfront-extension-opens" data-vars-content-id="29c6a16c-ea63-4950-a87c-2dffcb277874" data-vars-headline="Paths, art, amenities: Construction continues at the riverfront" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/05/18/kc-streetcar-riverfront-extension-opens" target="_self">extension</a> and Grand Boulevard <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pedestrian bridge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/05/10/pedestrian-bridge-links-kcs-downtown-and-riverfront" data-vars-content-id="29c6a16c-ea63-4950-a87c-2dffcb277874" data-vars-headline="Paths, art, amenities: Construction continues at the riverfront" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/05/10/pedestrian-bridge-links-kcs-downtown-and-riverfront" target="_self">pedestrian bridge</a> are finished.The big picture: Port KC is working on trail upgrades, landscaping and a memorial, while developers are building new structures and artists are adding some color.

KC's streetcar finally hits the river

The KC Streetcar's Riverfront Extension opened Monday, dropping riders just steps from CPKC Stadium less than a month before the World Cup hits town.

<figure><img alt="Diverse group of officials and professionals in business attire pose outdoors at a streetcar inauguration, pressing a ceremonial lever beside a blue RideKC Streetcar sign." height="720" id="4da6d5d7-7e34-44fb-879c-da02799d032c" src="https://images.axios.com/5q_l8DEtwgP91eRilojud82h1IY=/2026/05/18/1779134599293.gif" width="1280"/><figcaption>KC knows how to celebrate. GIF: Abbey Higginbotham/Axios</figcaption></figure>The KC Streetcar&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Riverfront Extension" data-vars-click-url="https://kcstreetcar.org/about-streetcar/streetcar-riverfront-extension/" data-vars-content-id="a96d549e-2170-4254-99b9-daa00d4c6418" data-vars-headline="KC&#x27;s streetcar finally hits the river" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://kcstreetcar.org/about-streetcar/streetcar-riverfront-extension/" target="_blank">Riverfront Extension</a> officially opened Monday, connecting downtown to Berkley Riverfront Park for the first time and capping a decade of planning and setbacks.Why it matters: The 0.7-mile extension lands less than a month before the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026 FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kcur.org/housing-development-section/2026-04-21/kc-streetcar-berkley-riverfront-opening-cpkc-stadium-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="a96d549e-2170-4254-99b9-daa00d4c6418" data-vars-headline="KC&#x27;s streetcar finally hits the river" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kcur.org/housing-development-section/2026-04-21/kc-streetcar-berkley-riverfront-opening-cpkc-stadium-world-cup" target="_blank">2026 FIFA World Cup</a> hits town, dropping riders just steps from CPKC Stadium and a $1 billion riverfront district that&#x27;s still being built up.

Pedestrian bridge links KC's downtown and riverfront

It's a long-awaited and much-needed connection between popular areas.

The Grand Boulevard <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pedestrian and bike bridge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kcmo.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/209/2007" data-vars-content-id="834515d2-3c70-4fba-85aa-cbc740cefd2c" data-vars-headline="Pedestrian bridge links KC&#x27;s downtown and riverfront" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kcmo.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/209/2007" target="_blank">pedestrian and bike bridge</a> is officially open.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a long-awaited and much-needed link between the highly trafficked River Market and the expanding riverfront, providing a safe and direct route for anyone not driving a car.

Inside one of KC's oldest buildings — and its revitalization

The Seiden's Furs building was swamped with toxic water and declared dangerous. Now it'll be a restaurant.

A 152-year-old building recently swamped with toxic water and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="declared dangerous" data-vars-click-url="https://flatlandkc.org/news-issues/one-of-downtowns-oldest-buildings-declared-dangerous/" data-vars-content-id="c1c8ed06-15eb-455b-9250-11fdb5034793" data-vars-headline="Inside one of KC&#x27;s oldest buildings — and its revitalization" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://flatlandkc.org/news-issues/one-of-downtowns-oldest-buildings-declared-dangerous/" target="_blank">declared dangerous</a> by the city after a roof cave-in will be resurrected and turned into a new restaurant.Why it matters: The revitalization will save what is considered the oldest building in Kansas City&#x27;s downtown loop — an act of preservation both championed by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local historians" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DR0yr9Cjk4L/" data-vars-content-id="c1c8ed06-15eb-455b-9250-11fdb5034793" data-vars-headline="Inside one of KC&#x27;s oldest buildings — and its revitalization" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DR0yr9Cjk4L/" target="_blank">local historians</a> and in line with recent city efforts.

Development 🏗️

ReStart completes its first low-income housing amid expansion

Infamous River Market trench gets a glow-up

Molzer bucks the norm by "building in public"

18th and Vine pedestrian mall heralds future development

Inside KC's almost-finished World Cup Fan Fest