Kansas City

Kansas City Members

Membership

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

blue

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

Axios Kansas City Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Kansas City Alerts

Alert

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

Axios Kansas City

Standard

Axios Kansas City Partners

I-70's closure will add a lot of time for KC commuters

Sticking to the highways would tack on up to 20 minutes.

News

If your commute takes you on I-70 in Kansas City, you&#x27;re going to need a new route — and some extra time — next year.Why it matters: 105,000 daily drivers will have to find a way around the fastest, most direct route to and from downtown, and transportation officials want them to take detours that add up to 21 minutes to a one-way trip.

Last call for THC at KC liquor stores

new Missouri law pulls most hemp THC products from gas stations, bars and liquor stores Nov. 12, a month before a federal ban.

Local liquor stores like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gomer&#x27;s Fine Wine and Spirits" data-vars-click-url="https://shop.gomers.com/" data-vars-content-id="a5097023-fbcb-472a-a1ae-7fc8e8543cbe" data-vars-headline="Last call for THC at KC liquor stores" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://shop.gomers.com/" target="_blank">Gomer&#x27;s Fine Wine and Spirits</a> are racing to unload THC gummies and other intoxicating hemp products before Missouri makes selling most of them a felony.Why it matters: If you&#x27;ve been picking up THC gummies and similar products at the liquor store, that largely ends next month. Once his shelves empty, Gomer&#x27;s manager Corey Spaulding says he won&#x27;t restock them.

When KC's leaves will finally turn

It's still 80 degrees, but Kansas City's leaves should peak between Nov. 5 and 10.

Don&#x27;t let the 80° October days fool you. Kansas City&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="leaves" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/26/fall-foliage-mapped-peak-colors-2026" data-vars-content-id="bdfbbc73-d692-4fa5-8520-dc5d617f06a3" data-vars-headline="When KC&#x27;s leaves will finally turn" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/26/fall-foliage-mapped-peak-colors-2026" target="_self">leaves</a> should hit peak color in only a few weeks, according to a map on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Explore Fall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.explorefall.com/fall-foliage-map" data-vars-content-id="bdfbbc73-d692-4fa5-8520-dc5d617f06a3" data-vars-headline="When KC&#x27;s leaves will finally turn" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.explorefall.com/fall-foliage-map" target="_blank">Explore Fall</a>.Why it matters: KC&#x27;s leaves will look like that for only a week or so. Miss the window and you&#x27;re looking at bare branches until spring.

KC's trendiest dog sounds made up, but it's real

Goldendoodles are still Kansas City's favorite dog, but a Lab and Catahoula mix is growing faster here than in any other big U.S. city, per Rover.

To no one&#x27;s surprise, the goldendoodle is Kansas City&#x27;s favorite dog, but the breed growing fastest in popularity here is one you&#x27;ve probably never heard of.Why it matters: The Labahoula, a Labrador Retriever and Catahoula leopard dog mix, is an energetic, athletic breed, and it&#x27;s catching on in a city that ranks <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="82nd out of 100 for fitness" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/07/17/kansas-city-ranks-low-fitness-health-wellness" data-vars-content-id="c8866a4c-32b0-463d-9cb3-93e783640522" data-vars-headline="KC&#x27;s trendiest dog sounds made up, but it&#x27;s real" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/07/17/kansas-city-ranks-low-fitness-health-wellness" target="_self">82nd out of 100 for fitness</a> and 83rd out of 107 for walkability.

The tiny pasta shop everyone in KC is chasing

Zero Zero Handmade Pasta has 13 seats and one of the most sought-after reservations in KC.

Food and Drink

Zero Zero Handmade Pasta started as a pandemic hobby. Now the 13-seat Westside shop has some of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most sought-after reservations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kansascity.com/news/business/openings-closings/article302526189.html" data-vars-content-id="714f9ad8-6d72-4d0b-845a-c4d097e2c2f8" data-vars-headline="The tiny pasta shop everyone in KC is chasing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/business/openings-closings/article302526189.html" target="_blank">most sought-after reservations</a> in Kansas City.The big picture: Zero Zero is KC&#x27;s entry in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national trend" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-08/small-trendy-new-york-city-restaurants-are-in-high-demand" data-vars-content-id="714f9ad8-6d72-4d0b-845a-c4d097e2c2f8" data-vars-headline="The tiny pasta shop everyone in KC is chasing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-08/small-trendy-new-york-city-restaurants-are-in-high-demand" target="_blank">national trend</a> of restaurants that stay small on purpose and let demand do the marketing, and it&#x27;s working.

The Fold, Crossroads' new night out

The Roots team turned one of KC's most celebrated former fine-dining rooms into a place you can walk into on a Tuesday.

Things to Do

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Fold" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thefoldkc.com/" data-vars-content-id="0588f152-7c75-491a-bcc7-c1be94788057" data-vars-headline="The Fold, Crossroads&#x27; new night out" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thefoldkc.com/" target="_blank">The Fold</a> has spent the summer turning one of Kansas City&#x27;s most celebrated former fine-dining rooms into a place you can walk into casually on a random Tuesday.The big picture: The Fold arrived in a rough stretch for KC restaurants, which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lost six notable spots in 2025" data-vars-click-url="https://kansascitymag.com/kansas-city-said-goodbye-to-these-six-restaurants-in-2025/" data-vars-content-id="0588f152-7c75-491a-bcc7-c1be94788057" data-vars-headline="The Fold, Crossroads&#x27; new night out" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://kansascitymag.com/kansas-city-said-goodbye-to-these-six-restaurants-in-2025/" target="_blank">lost six notable spots in 2025</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="at least five more" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thepitchkc.com/kc-sipps-two-restaurant-closures-foodie-tattoos-for-a-good-cause-and-half-price-desserts/" data-vars-content-id="0588f152-7c75-491a-bcc7-c1be94788057" data-vars-headline="The Fold, Crossroads&#x27; new night out" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thepitchkc.com/kc-sipps-two-restaurant-closures-foodie-tattoos-for-a-good-cause-and-half-price-desserts/" target="_blank">at least five more</a> so far this year.

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Kansas City

Meet fellow locals over dinner at a restaurant we hand-picked.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Social Club" data-vars-click-url="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" data-vars-content-id="4100f1c5-f269-4e87-a127-f26285db25a8" data-vars-headline="Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Kansas City" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" target="_blank">Axios Social Club</a> is bringing readers together for dinner to Kansas City&#x27;s Crossroads neighborhood on Tuesday, Oct. 6.Why it matters: Your city is full of interesting people you haven&#x27;t met yet. We&#x27;re making it easier to change that.

Yelp ranks KC's 10 best pumpkin spice lattes

Fall starts today, and Yelp shared its top 10 spots for a PSL in the metro. Seven are in Johnson County.

Fall officially starts today, which means ordering a pumpkin spice latte (PSL) goes from &quot;a little early, isn&#x27;t it?&quot; to fair game.The big picture: Seven of the top 10 PSLs in the KC metro are in Johnson County, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Yelp" data-vars-click-url="https://www.yelp.com/collection/tEixQF-7fMscVbrzlROCGg/Top-10-Coffeeshops-for-Pumpkin-Spice-Lattes-this-Fall" data-vars-content-id="e97f5fef-92bb-4f3f-ac92-defb9a095608" data-vars-headline="Yelp ranks KC&#x27;s 10 best pumpkin spice lattes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.yelp.com/collection/tEixQF-7fMscVbrzlROCGg/Top-10-Coffeeshops-for-Pumpkin-Spice-Lattes-this-Fall" target="_blank">Yelp</a> data shared only with Axios.

Scoop: Le Champion closure due to Westport construction

A ramen bar will take its place while the previous owner expands The Russell.

Westport cafe Le Champion is closing, and the owner tells us a big reason is due to construction in the area.Why it matters: It&#x27;s not the first time <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="projects" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kansascity.com/news/business/openings-closings/article302311604.html" data-vars-content-id="6604ea8c-ac6c-4dbc-8ff9-a4277fd29bc4" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Le Champion closure due to Westport construction" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/business/openings-closings/article302311604.html" target="_blank">projects</a> have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="contributed to closures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kcur.org/arts-life/2025-07-29/bar-k-dog-bar-closes-all-locations-citing-kansas-citys-riverfront-construction-and-rising-costs" data-vars-content-id="6604ea8c-ac6c-4dbc-8ff9-a4277fd29bc4" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Le Champion closure due to Westport construction" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kcur.org/arts-life/2025-07-29/bar-k-dog-bar-closes-all-locations-citing-kansas-citys-riverfront-construction-and-rising-costs" target="_blank">contributed to closures</a>, raising questions over how the city manages its growing pains.

Food pantries fight hunger in KC this September

September is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hunger Action Month" data-vars-click-url="https://www.feedingamerica.org/take-action/hunger-action-month" data-vars-content-id="46e4844e-3c91-49f2-9415-c41baf816429" data-vars-headline="Food pantries fight hunger in KC this September" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.feedingamerica.org/take-action/hunger-action-month" target="_blank">Hunger Action Month</a>, and local organizations are battling rising food insecurity in the metro.Why it matters: Rising grocery <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2025/09/15/grocery-prices-midwest" data-vars-content-id="46e4844e-3c91-49f2-9415-c41baf816429" data-vars-headline="Food pantries fight hunger in KC this September" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2025/09/15/grocery-prices-midwest" target="_self">prices</a> and reduced SNAP benefits are contributing to KC&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="highest levels of hunger" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/yvette-walker/article312277209.html" data-vars-content-id="46e4844e-3c91-49f2-9415-c41baf816429" data-vars-headline="Food pantries fight hunger in KC this September" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/yvette-walker/article312277209.html" target="_blank">highest levels of hunger</a> in decades.

You're never too old for Fritz's Railroad Restaurant

Anyone who grew up in KC will likely have fond memories of the trains, hats and shakes.

Ask anyone who grew up in KC, and they&#x27;ll likely have fond memories of the trains, hats and shakes at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fritz&#x27;s Railroad Restaurant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fritzskc.com/" data-vars-content-id="e5821faa-6ef3-4815-8ccf-28ebcac9d8cb" data-vars-headline="You&#x27;re never too old for Fritz&#x27;s Railroad Restaurant" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fritzskc.com/" target="_blank">Fritz&#x27;s Railroad Restaurant</a>. Why it matters: Fritz&#x27;s has been around <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="since the &#x27;50s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fritzskc.com/fritzs-kc-history/" data-vars-content-id="e5821faa-6ef3-4815-8ccf-28ebcac9d8cb" data-vars-headline="You&#x27;re never too old for Fritz&#x27;s Railroad Restaurant" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fritzskc.com/fritzs-kc-history/" target="_blank">since the &#x27;50s</a>, but I had never visited — until now.

Don't trash your to-go coffee cup

Your daily caffeine routine just got a little more eco-friendly.

Paper and plastic to-go cups are now recyclable across the Kansas City region.Why it matters: Your daily caffeine routine just got a little more eco-friendly.

4 KC spots for National Oyster Day

Kansas City is about as far from salt water as you can get, but the raw bars here hold up. Four spots we trust, plus where to find a $3 oyster at happy hour.

🦪 It&#x27;s National Oyster Day, and Kansas City has a surprisingly good oyster scene, despite being nowhere near an ocean.Why it matters: Raw oysters this far from salt water require some trust. These four have earned ours.

Restaurant Week funds feed people without homes

Organizers presented ReStart with a big check on Tuesday.

Some of the money used to purchase meals during KC Restaurant Week in January is funding food for families facing homelessness.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Restaurant Week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kcrestaurantweek.com/" data-vars-content-id="7a894b3f-f1a7-4e7a-a7f0-918ede22ab2b" data-vars-headline="Restaurant Week funds feed people without homes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kcrestaurantweek.com/" target="_blank">Restaurant Week</a> is put on by Visit KC and the Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association, with 10% of the proceeds supporting their charitable funds plus a local nonprofit.<ul><li>This year&#x27;s recipient was ReStart.</li></ul>

Food and Drink 🍽

The tiny pasta shop everyone in KC is chasing

The Fold, Crossroads' new night out

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Kansas City

Yelp ranks KC's 10 best pumpkin spice lattes

Scoop: Le Champion closure due to Westport construction