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

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

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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.

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.

Food and Drink

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>.

Inside The Antler Room, 9 years running

Husband-and-wife team Nick and Leslie Newsam Goellner have spent nine years running one of KC's most quietly decorated kitchens.

The Antler Room, a husband-and-wife-run spot in the Longfellow neighborhood, has been serving Persian, East Asian and Mediterranean dishes side by side.Why it matters: Nine years running, this <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="small restaurant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.theantlerroomkc.com/about" data-vars-content-id="531af843-feff-4f8b-b69e-fec31cdf93c9" data-vars-headline="Inside The Antler Room, 9 years running" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.theantlerroomkc.com/about" target="_blank">small restaurant</a> is one of KC&#x27;s longest-standing fine-dining standouts, with three <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Beard " data-vars-click-url="https://www.visitkc.com/articles/kansas-citys-james-beard-award-restaurants-and-bars/" data-vars-content-id="531af843-feff-4f8b-b69e-fec31cdf93c9" data-vars-headline="Inside The Antler Room, 9 years running" 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/" target="_blank">James Beard </a>semifinalist nods for chef Nick Goellner and a menu that still changes daily.

Kansas City approves path to 4am beers during World Cup

City Council on Thursday voted to extend the hours businesses can sell alcohol.

City Council on Thursday voted to extend the hours businesses can sell alcohol during the World Cup — with some restrictions.Why it matters: Between late games and international nightlife norms, Kansas City leaders are trying to balance the pros and cons of hosting the world&#x27;s biggest party.

The local cook keeping Native food on the menu

Only 1% of U.S. restaurants are Indigenous. Nadine Peaches and her Kansas City pop-up are part of the small group keeping Native food on the menu.

Nadine Peaches has been cooking Navajo food for more than 20 years in and around KC, and her pop-ups are some of the only places in the metro to find it.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Only 1%" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wabe.org/award-winning-chef-addressing-health-economic-issues-in-native-communities-through-food/" data-vars-content-id="e06eef23-45d0-4257-b97a-3590d6c26107" data-vars-headline="The local cook keeping Native food on the menu" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wabe.org/award-winning-chef-addressing-health-economic-issues-in-native-communities-through-food/" target="_blank">Only 1%</a> of U.S. restaurants are Indigenous, per the nonprofit North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems, making Peaches part of a small group of cooks keeping the cuisine alive.

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.

Cinnamon roll skillets served at Le Champion

It&#x27;s no secret that I love a good cookie skillet. So imagine my delight when I came across a cinnamon roll in skillet form.

Barbecue beat: LC's serves up smoke-tastic chicken

Plus, the sauce and three-tiered smoker are worth a visit.

Old-school barbecue is alive at LC&#x27;s, where the only thing thicker than the sauce is the smoke pouring out from behind the counter.The big picture: Kansas City&#x27;s barbecue scene runs deeper than the big names, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="we&#x27;re highlighting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/results?q=barbecue%20beat&amp;sort=1" data-vars-content-id="ef27117d-58c3-4c17-a847-762816cab2cc" data-vars-headline="Barbecue beat: LC&#x27;s serves up smoke-tastic chicken" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/results?q=barbecue%20beat&amp;sort=1" target="_self">we&#x27;re highlighting</a> the single-store pits that deserve a bite.Cue the &#x27;cue: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="LC&#x27;s Bar-B-Q" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lcsbarbq.com/" data-vars-content-id="ef27117d-58c3-4c17-a847-762816cab2cc" data-vars-headline="Barbecue beat: LC&#x27;s serves up smoke-tastic chicken" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lcsbarbq.com/" target="_blank">LC&#x27;s Bar-B-Q</a> at 5800 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Kansas City.Dig in: L.C. Richardson was a longtime KC chef from Mississippi who opened his own barbecue joint in 1986, establishing a loyal fanbase and rave reviews.<ul><li>When Richardson <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="died in 2021" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lawrenceajones.com/obituaries/LC-Richardson-53920/#!/Obituary" data-vars-content-id="ef27117d-58c3-4c17-a847-762816cab2cc" data-vars-headline="Barbecue beat: LC&#x27;s serves up smoke-tastic chicken" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lawrenceajones.com/obituaries/LC-Richardson-53920/#!/Obituary" target="_blank">died in 2021</a>, the restaurant was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="taken up" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kcur.org/arts-life/2021-07-11/at-lcs-bar-b-q-in-kansas-city-tausha-hammett-keeps-the-fire-alive-for-a-new-generation" data-vars-content-id="ef27117d-58c3-4c17-a847-762816cab2cc" data-vars-headline="Barbecue beat: LC&#x27;s serves up smoke-tastic chicken" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kcur.org/arts-life/2021-07-11/at-lcs-bar-b-q-in-kansas-city-tausha-hammett-keeps-the-fire-alive-for-a-new-generation" target="_blank">taken up</a> by his granddaughter, Tausha Hammett.</li></ul><figure><img alt="Inside a large, soot-dark barbecue smoker with racks of burnt-looking meat and pans. Orange embers glow as smoke rises; a person in dark clothing stands at left, blue wall on the right." height="2013" id="c26359ac-1e51-4bf8-99ff-2288d5dde063" src="https://images.axios.com/Brw2blxV9BhJw_WNKTMXbQteyUA=/2026/05/05/1778008647957.jpeg" width="3579"/><figcaption>LC&#x27;s smoker is a sight to behold. Photo: Travis Meier/Axios</figcaption></figure>The vibe: It&#x27;s the kind of no-frills pit KC is known for, where each table comes with a roll of paper towels and the food is served on Styrofoam.<ul><li>The dining room is small and hard to maneuver, especially with a nearly full house — which was the case an hour after opening on a Tuesday.</li><li>Patrons are greeted with peeks inside the three-tiered smoker, which is stocked with mouthwatering hunks of glistening meat.</li></ul>What to try: I got the mixed plate ($26), which comes with ribs, two more choices of meat and a side.<ul><li>The chicken had the smokiest flavor of any barbecued bird I&#x27;ve had, making it an instant winner in my book.</li><li>And the sauce, while a little sweeter than others around town, paired well with the rich, intense meat.</li></ul><figure><img alt="Tall outdoor sign for &quot;LC&#x27;s Bar-B-Q&quot; with a flaming grill graphic. It lists ribs, beef, pork, turkey, ham and sausage; carry-out or dine-in, phone 923-4484, against an overcast sky." height="3210" id="7279d814-2f0b-4c20-af20-a1fafd50768f" src="https://images.axios.com/o6gQHE4oiQiok9Y2-El4idL4cH4=/2026/05/05/1778008704991.jpeg" width="5707"/><figcaption>Don&#x27;t blink — it&#x27;s an unassuming spot and easy to miss. Photo: Travis Meier/Axios</figcaption></figure>What to skip: Some folks swear the ribs and burnt ends are the best in the city, but neither lived up to the hype. I found them both a little tough.<ul><li>Note: I got the pork burnt ends, not the beef, which are a $5 upcharge.</li><li>What am I missing? <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Email me" data-vars-click-url="mailto:travis.meier@axios.com" data-vars-content-id="ef27117d-58c3-4c17-a847-762816cab2cc" data-vars-headline="Barbecue beat: LC&#x27;s serves up smoke-tastic chicken" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="mailto:travis.meier@axios.com" target="_blank">Email me</a> and tell me.</li></ul>Stop by: It&#x27;s open Monday–Saturday, 11am–9pm, and closed on Sunday.

Tiny drinks, tiny prices at Lifted Spirits

The East Crossroads distillery's new happy hour menu features five mini cocktails for $6, served Wednesday through Saturday.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lifted Spirits Distillery" data-vars-click-url="https://www.liftedspiritskc.com/" data-vars-content-id="258668cf-140d-4477-8ac9-19ba822477f3" data-vars-headline="Tiny drinks, tiny prices at Lifted Spirits" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.liftedspiritskc.com/" target="_blank">Lifted Spirits Distillery</a> is shrinking its cocktails and the tab that comes with them, joining our running list of KC happy hours that won&#x27;t <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="break the bank." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/04/13/kc-happy-hours-that-wont-break-the-bank" data-vars-content-id="258668cf-140d-4477-8ac9-19ba822477f3" data-vars-headline="Tiny drinks, tiny prices at Lifted Spirits" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/04/13/kc-happy-hours-that-wont-break-the-bank" target="_self">break the bank.</a>The big picture: The East Crossroads distillery is in on the mini cocktail trend with a new happy hour menu of $6 in glasses about half the size of a standard cocktail.

Slow tea bar serving creative fare in Columbus Park

The tea and small bites come with Japan's style of radical hospitality.

An unassuming storefront in the Columbus Park neighborhood is home to creative tea concoctions and a small but mighty collection of bites.Why it matters: Tian Tea House offers something new for Kansas City — an inventive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="slow bar" data-vars-click-url="https://manual.co.id/article/slow-bar-2024/" data-vars-content-id="6ac782b0-930c-47b8-b5dd-e182f7b031b6" data-vars-headline="Slow tea bar serving creative fare in Columbus Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://manual.co.id/article/slow-bar-2024/" target="_blank">slow bar</a> based on Japan&#x27;s style of radical hospitality. Plus, it&#x27;s really good.

🛒 Want cheaper groceries? Shop local

Grocery prices just hit a three-year high. I bought the same basket of produce at City Market, Trader Joe's, Hy-Vee and Aldi. Here's who came out cheapest.

Grocery prices recently saw their biggest spike in three years, but KC shoppers often have a cheaper route: local.

Food and Drink 🍽

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

Inside The Antler Room, 9 years running

Kansas City approves path to 4am beers during World Cup

The local cook keeping Native food on the menu

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