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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.

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.

Grandview is getting a $2.1M Main Street marketplace

It's the city's biggest Main Street investment in years.

A covered, year-round marketplace called Grandview Station is opening in the heart of downtown Grandview this summer, the city&#x27;s biggest Main Street investment in years.Why it matters: Grandview&#x27;s farmers market has always been a Saturday-only operation and bounced around to different locations. This gives vendors and the community a permanent, year-round space.

The lights are back on at the Boone Theater

The 102-year-old Boone Theater, once on the verge of collapse, has reopened in 18th & Vine as a mixed-use venue housing the Black Movie Hall of Fame and the Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City.

The historic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Boone Theater" data-vars-click-url="https://www.boonetheaterkc.com/" data-vars-content-id="cac8a8c8-298b-414d-becb-13cc1fddcf95" data-vars-headline="The lights are back on at the Boone Theater" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.boonetheaterkc.com/" target="_blank">Boone Theater</a>, shuttered for decades and once on the verge of collapse, has reopened in 18th &amp; Vine as a mixed-use venue housing the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Black Movie Hall of Fame" data-vars-click-url="https://blackmoviehalloffame.org/" data-vars-content-id="cac8a8c8-298b-414d-becb-13cc1fddcf95" data-vars-headline="The lights are back on at the Boone Theater" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://blackmoviehalloffame.org/" target="_blank">Black Movie Hall of Fame</a> and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City" data-vars-click-url="https://www.brtkc.org/" data-vars-content-id="cac8a8c8-298b-414d-becb-13cc1fddcf95" data-vars-headline="The lights are back on at the Boone Theater" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.brtkc.org/" target="_blank">Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City</a>.Why it matters: The 102-year-old building is one of the last surviving theaters from the era when 18th &amp; Vine was the cultural and economic heart of KC&#x27;s Black community, and its return marks the biggest restoration the district has seen in years.

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.

KC program to fill downtown storefronts gets $100K from Airbnb

The program helps local businesses move into vacant downtown spaces before the World Cup.

Airbnb is donating $100,000 in Kansas City&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Open Doors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kcopendoors.com/" data-vars-content-id="8ef3bfca-ab55-47ae-8f8b-8305b3d85fc6" data-vars-headline="KC program to fill downtown storefronts gets $100K from Airbnb" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kcopendoors.com/" target="_blank">Open Doors</a> program to move local entrepreneurs into vacant downtown storefronts before the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/01/07/how-the-world-cup-could-give-kc-a-long-term-boost" data-vars-content-id="8ef3bfca-ab55-47ae-8f8b-8305b3d85fc6" data-vars-headline="KC program to fill downtown storefronts gets $100K from Airbnb" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/01/07/how-the-world-cup-could-give-kc-a-long-term-boost" target="_self">World Cup</a> brings a flood of visitors.The big picture: Roughly 11,000 Airbnb guests are projected to stay in and around KC during the tournament, according to a Deloitte <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="study" data-vars-click-url="https://airbnb.app.box.com/s/riy8ulen3labs1ykhfo863hrs57nuesi" data-vars-content-id="8ef3bfca-ab55-47ae-8f8b-8305b3d85fc6" data-vars-headline="KC program to fill downtown storefronts gets $100K from Airbnb" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://airbnb.app.box.com/s/riy8ulen3labs1ykhfo863hrs57nuesi" target="_blank">study</a> commissioned by Airbnb, and city leaders want that foot traffic landing in local shops, not chains.

Our readers like the Crown Center ballpark plan

The responses signal a rebound in public sentiment from 2024.

We asked readers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="last week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/04/23/royals-stadium-crown-center-reader-survey" data-vars-content-id="68f61f35-ae47-4723-8495-ff6209ecee8e" data-vars-headline="Our readers like the Crown Center ballpark plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/04/23/royals-stadium-crown-center-reader-survey" target="_self">last week</a> to tell us what they thought of the Royals stadium plan at Crown Center, and the results were overwhelmingly positive.Why it matters: The responses signal a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rebound in public sentiment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/04/22/royals-hallmark-crown-center-stadium-downtown" data-vars-content-id="68f61f35-ae47-4723-8495-ff6209ecee8e" data-vars-headline="Our readers like the Crown Center ballpark plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/04/22/royals-hallmark-crown-center-stadium-downtown" target="_self">rebound in public sentiment</a> from 2024, even as many questions are left unanswered.

The Royals' stadium deal just got its redemption arc

The Royals and Hallmark Cards are teaming up on a $3 billion ballpark district at Crown Center, a sharp reset from the 2024 Crossroads plan that voters rejected.

Sports

The Royals have ended two years of stadium speculation with a new Crown Center plan, a sharp reset from the 2024 Crossroads push that taxpayers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rejected" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/04/20/downtown-stadium-sees-more-crossroads-support-than-before" data-vars-content-id="25657810-ff38-43f0-b138-9e332f0635a7" data-vars-headline="The Royals&#x27; stadium deal just got its redemption arc" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/04/20/downtown-stadium-sees-more-crossroads-support-than-before" target="_self">rejected</a>.Why it matters: The $3 billion plan, unveiled Wednesday, is the largest public-private partnership in Kansas City history.<ul><li>The Royals and private investors, including Hallmark, will fund up to two-thirds of the tab, rather than asking voters for a tax hike.</li></ul>

Development 🏗️

Paths, art, amenities: Construction continues at the riverfront

KC's streetcar finally hits the river

Pedestrian bridge links KC's downtown and riverfront

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

Grandview is getting a $2.1M Main Street marketplace