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

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KC puts $1M toward new homelessness strategy

City leaders say the flexible fund will help move people experiencing homelessness indoors faster.

News

Kansas City leaders are launching a $1 million <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Housing Gateway Program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kcmo.gov/Home/Components/News/News/2898/1746" data-vars-content-id="5360b410-406a-4697-bf7a-1ec7b006171d" data-vars-headline="KC puts $1M toward new homelessness strategy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kcmo.gov/Home/Components/News/News/2898/1746" target="_blank">Housing Gateway Program</a> to move people indoors more quickly as homelessness rises.Why it matters: The effort relies on flexible local dollars that aren&#x27;t tied to federal restrictions, giving the city more control over how quickly and where the money is deployed.

Olympic fever packs the ice at KC Curling Club

Nearly 600 people signed up to try curling during the Winter Olympics surge.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Kansas City Curling Club" data-vars-click-url="https://kccurling.com/" data-vars-content-id="8651eaec-21c1-41d4-9a2f-e88329246674" data-vars-headline="Olympic fever packs the ice at KC Curling Club" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://kccurling.com/" target="_blank">The Kansas City Curling Club</a> has signed up hundreds of new people to try curling since the Winter Olympics began, flooding its facility with first-timers eager to slide a stone.Why it matters: The club is the only dedicated curling facility within 350 miles of KC, and Olympic buzz is boosting interest in the niche winter sport.

Health coverage hits harder in Kansas than in Missouri

Kansas families spend nearly 10% of income on employer coverage, slightly more than Missouri households.

Health

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Employer health coverage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/11/charted-health-insurance-coverage-family-income" data-vars-content-id="c429a5f5-7d49-4bd8-aca6-42b912e2a71e" data-vars-headline="Health coverage hits harder in Kansas than in Missouri" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/11/charted-health-insurance-coverage-family-income" target="_self">Employer health coverage</a> eats up nearly one-tenth of a typical family&#x27;s income in both Kansas and Missouri, with Kansas households facing a slightly heavier burden, a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Commonwealth Fund study" data-vars-click-url="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/blog/2026/is-employer-coverage-affordable-how-states-stack-up" data-vars-content-id="c429a5f5-7d49-4bd8-aca6-42b912e2a71e" data-vars-headline="Health coverage hits harder in Kansas than in Missouri" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/blog/2026/is-employer-coverage-affordable-how-states-stack-up" target="_blank">Commonwealth Fund study</a> shows.

Fed World Cup funding to pay for officers, drone defense in KC

Kansas City is getting more than $79 million from the federal government.

Kansas City is getting more than $79 million from the federal government for public safety ahead of the World Cup, leaders announced Thursday.Why it matters: Organizers and public officials want to be ready for anything ahead of the city&#x27;s massive fan influx this summer, although leaders say there are no specific threats at this time.

Parisi company launches new era with downtown HQ

Paris Brothers' seven-year lease plants a flag in KC's busiest neighborhood.

Kansas City&#x27;s largest family-owned coffee brand and its sister logistics company are planting their flags downtown this spring.Why it matters: The move by Paris Brothers establishes a seven-year lease at a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="long vacant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/news/2025/12/16/mythical-games-kc-live-lease-lawsuit-judgment.html" data-vars-content-id="5a777ea9-3bcd-40a1-a0dd-6e64a68a63cc" data-vars-headline="Parisi company launches new era with downtown HQ" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/news/2025/12/16/mythical-games-kc-live-lease-lawsuit-judgment.html" target="_blank">long vacant</a> space in the Power &amp; Light District, one of KC&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="busiest neighborhoods" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2025/08/14/power-light-district-kc" data-vars-content-id="5a777ea9-3bcd-40a1-a0dd-6e64a68a63cc" data-vars-headline="Parisi company launches new era with downtown HQ" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2025/08/14/power-light-district-kc" target="_self">busiest neighborhoods</a>.

Ruby Jean's "north star" is longevity through juice

The local operation has expanded its distribution from Hawaii to D.C.

Food and Drink

What began as a healthy alternative to soul food in Kansas City&#x27;s East Side has become a hub for community building and longevity.Why it matters: We&#x27;re continuing our February spotlight on Black-owned businesses with a look at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ruby Jean&#x27;s Juicery" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rubyjeansjuicery.com/" data-vars-content-id="c07638eb-cd65-47c5-866d-37448ad96f2c" data-vars-headline="Ruby Jean&#x27;s &quot;north star&quot; is longevity through juice" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rubyjeansjuicery.com/" target="_blank">Ruby Jean&#x27;s Juicery</a>, a local cold-pressed juice company with nationwide reach.

Good Karma's shelves tell the story

The KC coffee shop curates products with culture and consistency at the center.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Good Karma" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/goodkarmacoffee_/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="816984c0-d926-48e2-b638-30e03bdc2deb" data-vars-headline="Good Karma&#x27;s shelves tell the story" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/goodkarmacoffee_/?hl=en" target="_blank">Good Karma</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Black Pantry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/theblackpantry/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="816984c0-d926-48e2-b638-30e03bdc2deb" data-vars-headline="Good Karma&#x27;s shelves tell the story" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/theblackpantry/?hl=en" target="_blank">The Black Pantry</a> are two businesses under one roof in KC that sell coffee and support Black creators by being intentional about what they stock on the shelves.Why it matters: We&#x27;re continuing Axios KC&#x27;s February spotlight on Black-owned businesses with a look at Good Karma, a coffee and retail shop carving out space in a crowded market by leaning into culture, consistency and community.

Black-owned kitchen blends Caribbean and Ethiopian flavors

From braised goat to Ethiopian tibs, Midtown restaurant delivers bold, spice-driven dishes.

Things to Do

Goat, oxtail, whole snapper and salmon share the menu at a Midtown restaurant that blends Caribbean and Ethiopian cooking.Why it matters: We&#x27;re starting Axios KC&#x27;s February spotlight on Black-owned businesses at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Black Garlic" data-vars-click-url="https://blackgarlicrestaurant.com/" data-vars-content-id="be10f3c6-9f89-4547-af14-395b9a9a0b28" data-vars-headline="Black-owned kitchen blends Caribbean and Ethiopian flavors" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://blackgarlicrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Black Garlic</a>, a restaurant that stands out for the sheer range of what comes out of its kitchen, from Haitian staples to Ethiopian tibs.

Joe's makes Yelp's top 100 list for 2026

Joe's Bar-B-Que is one of the highest-reviewed restaurants in the country.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Joe&#x27;s Kansas City Bar-B-Que" data-vars-click-url="https://www.joeskc.com/" data-vars-content-id="4c5f6ba0-8458-4e30-9cd0-56545821c8e0" data-vars-headline="Joe&#x27;s makes Yelp&#x27;s top 100 list for 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.joeskc.com/" target="_blank">Joe&#x27;s Kansas City Bar-B-Que</a> is one of the highest-reviewed restaurants in the country, according to Yelp&#x27;s list of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="top U.S. restaurants for 2026" data-vars-click-url="https://www.yelp.com/article/top-100-us-restaurants-2026" data-vars-content-id="4c5f6ba0-8458-4e30-9cd0-56545821c8e0" data-vars-headline="Joe&#x27;s makes Yelp&#x27;s top 100 list for 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.yelp.com/article/top-100-us-restaurants-2026" target="_blank">top U.S. restaurants for 2026</a>. The big picture: This comes as no surprise for Kansas Citians and barbecue aficionados. In a town known for its meat pits, this gas station restaurant is consistently ranked among the top.

Take Care debuts new Crossroads breakfast program

The menu is built around a popular biscuit with a ravenous following.

There&#x27;s a new breakfast option in the Crossroads that&#x27;s producing a biscuit sandwich in high demand and coffee sourced from individual farms.The big picture: Take Care by Oleo (419 E. 18th St. in KCMO) officially launched its expanded food program Wednesday.

Enter Leawood's newest speakeasy: The Blacklist

The Blacklist offers cocktails, community vibes and a twist on exclusivity.

<figure><img alt="Two hands holding cocktails in elegant glasses, one garnished with a lemon slice, the other with two raspberries on a cocktail pick, against a dimly lit bar table background." height="720" id="d8f61ca8-cb72-49c6-9dcb-d5419e71ba31" src="https://images.axios.com/NsHCrVjjwqyTDSVUsi1LcxWmUq4=/2026/01/20/1768941411264.gif" width="1280"/><figcaption>Cheers! GIF: Abbey Higginbotham/Axios</figcaption></figure><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Blacklist" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/theblacklistkansascity/" data-vars-content-id="435e97b9-572e-471f-8423-0e9df2944cdd" data-vars-headline="Enter Leawood&#x27;s newest speakeasy: The Blacklist" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/theblacklistkansascity/" target="_blank">The Blacklist</a>, a Victorian-style wine bar with a members-only speakeasy twist, opened in Leawood last weekend.The big picture: As Leawood&#x27;s bar scene grows, The Blacklist is aiming for a smaller, more personal experience that rewards regulars.

This historic restaurant remains one of KC's best

The Savoy sets the standard with its Restaurant Week menu.

The Savoy&#x27;s three-course <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Restaurant Week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/01/08/restaurant-week-kansas-city-2026" data-vars-content-id="1fc5fe90-d89a-4ee1-b7bf-4ea6202d0c1e" data-vars-headline="This historic restaurant remains one of KC&#x27;s best" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/01/08/restaurant-week-kansas-city-2026" target="_self">Restaurant Week</a> menu combines elevated dining with down-home flavors in a tradition more than a century old.Why it matters: This award-winning downtown Kansas City staple sets the standard, from delectable classic dishes to an expertly crafted atmosphere.

Affäre didn't change itself for Restaurant Week

The German spot leaned into seasonal flavors and didn't try to reinvent itself.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Award-winning" data-vars-click-url="https://www.visitkc.com/articles/kansas-citys-james-beard-award-restaurants-and-bars/#:~:text=Affare,City%20in%202007." data-vars-content-id="27e95ae9-29cd-499b-9e85-752a6f87f6cd" data-vars-headline="Affäre didn&#x27;t change itself for Restaurant Week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.visitkc.com/articles/kansas-citys-james-beard-award-restaurants-and-bars/#:~:text=Affare,City%20in%202007." target="_blank">Award-winning</a> German restaurant <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Affäre" data-vars-click-url="https://www.affarekc.com/our-restaurant" data-vars-content-id="27e95ae9-29cd-499b-9e85-752a6f87f6cd" data-vars-headline="Affäre didn&#x27;t change itself for Restaurant Week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.affarekc.com/our-restaurant" target="_blank">Affäre</a> is using <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="KC Restaurant Week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/01/08/restaurant-week-kansas-city-2026" data-vars-content-id="27e95ae9-29cd-499b-9e85-752a6f87f6cd" data-vars-headline="Affäre didn&#x27;t change itself for Restaurant Week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/01/08/restaurant-week-kansas-city-2026" target="_self">KC Restaurant Week</a> to remind diners why it is a Crossroads neighborhood staple.The big picture: Affäre opened in 2012 and has participated in Restaurant Week for over a decade, using the event to introduce diners to its tasty German dishes with an easy-to-navigate menu.

Our picks for KC Restaurant Week

We're dishing the deets on our favorite spots.

More than 250 restaurants are participating in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="KC Restaurant Week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kcrestaurantweek.com/" data-vars-content-id="d80cb430-dec3-4f46-94d1-11ebaa2c18de" data-vars-headline="Our picks for KC Restaurant Week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kcrestaurantweek.com/" target="_blank">KC Restaurant Week</a>, which started Friday. With so many options, how do you choose?The big picture: We&#x27;re dishing the deets on our favorite spots with participating menus.<ul><li>We know what we like, and we think you will, too.</li></ul>

Food and Drink 🍽

Parisi company launches new era with downtown HQ

Ruby Jean's "north star" is longevity through juice

Good Karma's shelves tell the story

Black-owned kitchen blends Caribbean and Ethiopian flavors

Joe's makes Yelp's top 100 list for 2026