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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.

KC dips Switzerland's World Cup moment in chocolate

Switzerland's first World Cup quarterfinal since 1954 lands in Kansas City on Saturday, and André's Confiserie Suisse marked the occasion with a brand new chocolate bar.

Switzerland plays its first World Cup quarterfinal in 72 years Saturday at Kansas City Stadium, and<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" André&#x27;s Confiserie Suisse" data-vars-click-url="https://andreschocolates.com/pages/about-us" data-vars-content-id="5bd05828-fa62-4284-b277-56859356639a" data-vars-headline="KC dips Switzerland&#x27;s World Cup moment in chocolate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://andreschocolates.com/pages/about-us" target="_blank"> André&#x27;s Confiserie Suisse</a> is welcoming the Swiss with a chocolate bar made just for the occasion.Why it matters: The Swiss last got this far in 1954, one year before the Bollier family opened its Swiss chocolate shop on Main Street, and the long wait ends in the family&#x27;s adopted hometown.

Swordfish Tom's creates pepperoni pizza cocktail

A Kansas City bartender dreamed about infusing gin with pepperoni pizza, then actually made it. Pizza My Heart is now on Swordfish Tom's summer menu, fake pepperoni garnish and all.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Swordfish Tom&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2025/06/27/swordfish-toms-kansas-city-speakeasy" data-vars-content-id="2c7e9b9a-35a8-413f-82e9-299d25ec1437" data-vars-headline="Swordfish Tom&#x27;s creates pepperoni pizza cocktail" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2025/06/27/swordfish-toms-kansas-city-speakeasy" target="_self">Swordfish Tom&#x27;s</a>, the speakeasy hidden down a Crossroads alley, put pizza on its summer menu in cocktail form: gin infused with real pepperoni slices.Why it matters: The bar has made playful, inventive cocktails its signature, and this one delivers a beloved comfort food by the glass.

Metal-inspired coffee shop haunts Waldo

Apparition Coffee has opened in Waldo, reviving the former Second Best space with creative drinks, breakfast burritos and a heavy metal vibe. Here's what to order.

Food and Drink

A metal music-themed coffee shop, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Apparition Coffee" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/apparition_coffee/" data-vars-content-id="264a88ee-5706-4882-995a-56e9d83010a9" data-vars-headline="Metal-inspired coffee shop haunts Waldo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/apparition_coffee/" target="_blank">Apparition Coffee</a>, opened late last month in the former Second Best space, bringing signature drinks and breakfast burritos to Waldo.Why it matters: Second Best<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" closed unexpectedly in November" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kansascity.com/news/business/openings-closings/article315341910.html" data-vars-content-id="264a88ee-5706-4882-995a-56e9d83010a9" data-vars-headline="Metal-inspired coffee shop haunts Waldo" 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/article315341910.html" target="_blank"> closed unexpectedly in November</a> after more than a decade, and the neighborhood has waited months for someone to bring the spot back to life.

Local businesses are selling global flavors for the World Cup

Kansas Citians and visitors can experience the flavors of the world.

Countries visiting KC for the World Cup have inspired themed eats and drinks at local businesses.Why it matters: It&#x27;s one of the many ways residents and visitors can experience the flavors of the world.

The World Cup's effect on local businesses isn't black and white

We talked to 14 businesses and surveyed our readers.

Businesses are experiencing a mixed bag from World Cup activity, with traffic ranging from dead to full capacity, owners tell Axios.Why it matters: Several places reported declining sales, grabbing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="headlines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kctv5.com/2026/06/18/mixed-results-kansas-city-world-cup-start-some-businesses-struggle/" data-vars-content-id="eef63d09-a3c9-471b-a419-d0964fdd8197" data-vars-headline="The World Cup&#x27;s effect on local businesses isn&#x27;t black and white" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kctv5.com/2026/06/18/mixed-results-kansas-city-world-cup-start-some-businesses-struggle/" target="_blank">headlines</a> and prompting questions about whether big events are good for local businesses — but that&#x27;s not the full picture.

Beer and water at KC Stadium is expensive

There is a wild variance in prices across U.S. host cities.

Thirsty? If you&#x27;re at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kansas City Stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/06/08/fifa-banners-arrowhead-chiefs-signs-kc-missouri" data-vars-content-id="c1176083-6b04-4218-a56e-b6fbf1d97a6c" data-vars-headline="Beer and water at KC Stadium is expensive" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/06/08/fifa-banners-arrowhead-chiefs-signs-kc-missouri" target="_self">Kansas City Stadium</a> for a World Cup match, you&#x27;ll pay at least $18.39 for a beer.Why it matters: There is a wild variance in prices for food, water and other drinks across the 11 U.S. cities hosting the World Cup this year.

Bar Phoebe boasts rooftop views and nostalgic nods

Here's the story behind Phoebe, plus a look at the menu.

The newest rooftop bar in the city opened last week in the Crossroads to crowds, live music and dancing. Why it matters: Bar Phoebe doesn&#x27;t just mix cocktails and corn dogs with impressive views. It&#x27;s also a nod to Kansas City&#x27;s suffrage movement.

J. Rieger launches cocktail trail with over 3 dozen businesses

Bars and restaurants from across the metro are part of the massive cocktail tour.

Bars and restaurants from across the metro are part of a large-scale cocktail tour meant to showcase KC businesses and flavors during the World Cup.The big picture: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Raise a Cup Cocktail Trail" data-vars-click-url="https://explore.jriegerco.com/experience/_7v-0Jz5r/raise-a-cup-cocktail-trail-presented-by-j-rieger-and-co" data-vars-content-id="9c08b5ee-34b8-440b-9222-ef6c7ffa968a" data-vars-headline="J. Rieger launches cocktail trail with over 3 dozen businesses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://explore.jriegerco.com/experience/_7v-0Jz5r/raise-a-cup-cocktail-trail-presented-by-j-rieger-and-co" target="_blank">Raise a Cup Cocktail Trail</a> is an interactive way for visitors to get their hands on drinks and prizes, and a way for J. Rieger &amp; Co. to get its booze in front of the masses.

Moon Bar brings Japanese-style cocktails to KC

It's the nighttime counterpart to Tian Tea House in Columbus Park.

Moon Bar launched its brick-and-mortar cocktail concept last week after three years of popping up around KC.The big picture: It&#x27;s the nighttime counterpart to Tian Tea House, a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="slow-bar in Columbus Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/04/28/slow-tea-bar-serving-creative-fare-in-columbus-park" data-vars-content-id="6d5a5599-41d4-44f0-b713-3e32cc1ee09d" data-vars-headline="Moon Bar brings Japanese-style cocktails to KC" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/04/28/slow-tea-bar-serving-creative-fare-in-columbus-park" target="_self">slow-bar in Columbus Park</a> serving creative flavor combinations and high-level hospitality.

2025 was a bad year for craft breweries in KS and MO

It's part of a broader national slowdown in the once-booming industry.

Craft breweries in Missouri and Kansas declined slightly last year in both number and production — part of a broader national slowdown in the once-booming industry.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="persistent downward trend" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/craft-beer-production-closings-gabf" data-vars-content-id="7acc8637-012f-4bdc-8305-0ef51e92ff75" data-vars-headline="2025 was a bad year for craft breweries in KS and MO" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/craft-beer-production-closings-gabf" target="_self">persistent downward trend</a> is startling brewers and forcing many to rethink their business models and expand into non-beer beverages, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios&#x27; John Frank writes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/14/craft-beer-production-breweries-2025" data-vars-content-id="7acc8637-012f-4bdc-8305-0ef51e92ff75" data-vars-headline="2025 was a bad year for craft breweries in KS and MO" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/14/craft-beer-production-breweries-2025" target="_self">Axios&#x27; John Frank writes</a>.

🍻 MO, KS among the lowest alcohol taxes

Missouri and Kansas have some of the lowest alcohol taxes

Choropleth map showing state alcohol tax rates (distilled spirits tax per gallon) across the U.S. States are shaded in varying purple tones, indicating tax rates ranging from $7 to more than $36 per gallon. Darker shades represent higher tax rates, with states like Washington, Oregon and Virginia reflecting the highest rates.

Food and Drink 🍽

KC dips Switzerland's World Cup moment in chocolate

Missouri and Kansas have some of the lowest alcohol taxes

Swordfish Tom's creates pepperoni pizza cocktail

Metal-inspired coffee shop haunts Waldo

Local businesses are selling global flavors for the World Cup