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

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Whiteman B-2 bombers strike Iran as Congress invests in base's future

Congress is investing billions as Whiteman prepares to host the next-gen B-21 Raider.

News

Whiteman Air Force Base, the only operational home of the Air Force&#x27;s B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, launched aircraft used in recent U.S. strikes on Iran and is now slated to host the next-generation B-21 Raider.Why it matters: Whiteman, about 70 miles southeast of Kansas City, is integral to the nation&#x27;s stealth bomber missions as Congress invests billions to transition from the B-2 to the B-21.

Up North Brewery takes over previous Big Rip space

The North KC brewery adds one more local craft beer business back to KC.

Food and Drink

A new brewery has quietly opened in North Kansas City in place of The Big Rip, a brewhouse that generated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lots of buzz" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kansascity.com/site-services/newsletters/lets-dish-nl/article312824873.html" data-vars-content-id="373f35a0-f25d-45d8-8a50-e2efcf0b42a1" data-vars-headline="Up North Brewery takes over previous Big Rip space" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kansascity.com/site-services/newsletters/lets-dish-nl/article312824873.html" target="_blank">lots of buzz</a> when it <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced its closure" data-vars-click-url="https://kansascitymag.com/restaurant-5/" data-vars-content-id="373f35a0-f25d-45d8-8a50-e2efcf0b42a1" data-vars-headline="Up North Brewery takes over previous Big Rip space" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://kansascitymag.com/restaurant-5/" target="_blank">announced its closure</a> last summer.Why it matters: Its transformation and reopening as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Up North Brewery" data-vars-click-url="https://upnorthbrewery.ourmenu.com/" data-vars-content-id="373f35a0-f25d-45d8-8a50-e2efcf0b42a1" data-vars-headline="Up North Brewery takes over previous Big Rip space" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://upnorthbrewery.ourmenu.com/" target="_blank">Up North Brewery</a> adds one more local craft beer business back to KC, bucking the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national trend" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2025/06/27/kansas-city-craft-breweries-2024-production" data-vars-content-id="373f35a0-f25d-45d8-8a50-e2efcf0b42a1" data-vars-headline="Up North Brewery takes over previous Big Rip space" 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/kansas-city-craft-breweries-2024-production" target="_self">national trend</a> of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="contracting industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/craft-beer-production-closings-gabf" data-vars-content-id="373f35a0-f25d-45d8-8a50-e2efcf0b42a1" data-vars-headline="Up North Brewery takes over previous Big Rip space" 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">contracting industry</a>.

Gas prices in Kansas City jump more than 30 cents

Some stations are already charging more than $3 per gallon.

Gas prices are climbing in Kansas City, reflecting market fears and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rising oil costs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/03/oil-prices-iran-trump-rubio-mitigate-costs" data-vars-content-id="05933a0b-17b5-4333-9903-84772fe56845" data-vars-headline="Gas prices in Kansas City jump more than 30 cents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/03/oil-prices-iran-trump-rubio-mitigate-costs" target="_self">rising oil costs</a> resulting from U.S. and Israel <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="strikes on Iran" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/02/3-us-fighter-jets-friendly-fire-kuwait" data-vars-content-id="05933a0b-17b5-4333-9903-84772fe56845" data-vars-headline="Gas prices in Kansas City jump more than 30 cents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/02/3-us-fighter-jets-friendly-fire-kuwait" target="_self">strikes on Iran</a>.Why it matters: Anyone who drives will see an immediate effect on their pocketbooks, while ripple effects could creep into the cost of plane tickets and heating your home.

Lenexa's building KC's first public ninja course

The $1.4 million project at Central Green Park will begin construction this summer.

Soon, you could train like an &quot;American Ninja Warrior&quot; contestant at a new obstacle course in Lenexa.Why it matters: The $1.4 million project will be KC&#x27;s first public course of this kind, and comes as a result of resident surveys, Lenexa spokesperson Denise Rendina tells Axios.

KC's World Cup Fan Fest: Dates and themes

Fan Fest won't be open every day during the World Cup.

World Cup organizers have unveiled Fan Fest dates and themes and are asking those planning a visit to register in advance.Why it matters: Outside the stadium, Fan Fest will be Kansas City&#x27;s largest World Cup gathering, designed to hold up to 25,000 people at once.

Winter travel in KC: What to know

Snow and extreme cold could make driving, transit, and flights trickier across the KC metro. Here's what to know before you head out.

Public Safety

This weekend&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="winter storm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/01/22/stay-home-kc-snow-predictions-rise-ahead-of-winter-storm" data-vars-content-id="a5c6a997-4cd5-49c9-98dd-2ddc43263aec" data-vars-headline="Winter travel in KC: What to know" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/01/22/stay-home-kc-snow-predictions-rise-ahead-of-winter-storm" target="_self">winter storm</a> is expected to make travel around KC increasingly hazardous.The big picture: If you don&#x27;t have to travel this weekend, don&#x27;t. If you must, here&#x27;s what to know before heading out.

How to survive January in KC without the Chiefs in the playoffs

Kansas Citians will have to call an audible on their winter weekends.

Sports

The Chiefs&#x27; regular season is over, and for the first time in 11 years, KC isn&#x27;t in the playoffs.Why it matters: Kansas Citians who built January traditions around cheering on the home team will have to call an audible.The big picture: Instead of screaming, crying or staring hopelessly at a blank TV screen, here are some better ideas for a winning winter season.

These Kansas City gift cards give experiences

Gift cards are in this year, but they don't have to be stale or boring.

Guides

Gift cards are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in this year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/26/holiday-gift-trends" data-vars-content-id="16f9dcdc-a539-4cda-80b3-2385870ebe2e" data-vars-headline="These Kansas City gift cards give experiences" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/26/holiday-gift-trends" target="_self">in this year</a>, but they don&#x27;t have to be stale or boring (don&#x27;t make me take another trip to Walmart).The big picture: Consider this your guide to gifting Kansas City through cards and vouchers that will lead to new experiences, fun flavors and lasting memories.

What to know for the Plaza lighting ceremony

The switch will be flipped a little later this year.

Culture

Those looking to attend the Plaza lighting ceremony on Thanksgiving will have to plan for a later evening than last year — but it&#x27;s a good thing.The big picture: This is your guide to one of KC&#x27;s biggest annual holiday events.

8 great local bookstores around Kansas City

From a romance-only shop to a worker-owned collective, Kansas City's indie bookstores are thriving — here's where to find your next great read.

Business

From romance-only shelves to worker-owned collectives, the Kansas City metro&#x27;s independent bookstores offer plenty of stories beyond the page. Here are just a few local favorites.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]"><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Prospero&#x27;s Books &amp; Media" data-vars-click-url="https://prosperosbookstore.com/" data-vars-content-id="89b98aed-f154-48e3-8f56-b49f096720fd" data-vars-headline="8 great local bookstores around Kansas City" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://prosperosbookstore.com/" target="_blank">Prospero&#x27;s Books &amp; Media</a></h2>What to expect: Three floors of new and used books, vinyl and comics — plus the occasional poetry slam or political talk. It&#x27;s been a 39th Street fixture for more than two decades, with a chaotic charm that rewards patient browsers.Where to find it: 1800 W. 39th St., Kansas City, Missouri.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]"><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bliss Books &amp; Wine" data-vars-click-url="https://blissbooksandwine.com/" data-vars-content-id="89b98aed-f154-48e3-8f56-b49f096720fd" data-vars-headline="8 great local bookstores around Kansas City" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://blissbooksandwine.com/" target="_blank">Bliss Books &amp; Wine</a></h2>What to expect: This Black- and women-owned bookstore pairs its reads with pours. Expect a curated selection focused on diverse authors and social justice, and stay for a glass of cab while you flip through your finds.Where to find it: 3502 Gillham Road, Kansas City, Missouri.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]"><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wise Blood Booksellers" data-vars-click-url="https://wisebloodbooksellers.com/" data-vars-content-id="89b98aed-f154-48e3-8f56-b49f096720fd" data-vars-headline="8 great local bookstores around Kansas City" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://wisebloodbooksellers.com/" target="_blank">Wise Blood Booksellers</a></h2>What to expect: Tucked inside Mills Record Co. in Westport, Wise Blood mixes new and used titles with art books and poetry collections. The shop hosts readings and partners with local nonprofits on literacy efforts.Where to find it: 4045 Broadway Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]"><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Turnsol Books" data-vars-click-url="https://www.turnsolbooks.net/" data-vars-content-id="89b98aed-f154-48e3-8f56-b49f096720fd" data-vars-headline="8 great local bookstores around Kansas City" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.turnsolbooks.net/" target="_blank">Turnsol Books</a></h2>What to expect: A worker-owned bookstore and community space focused on radical literature, underrepresented authors and local zines. You&#x27;ll also find art prints, vinyl and an occasional live reading.Where to find it: 1664 Broadway Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]"><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Under the Cover" data-vars-click-url="https://underthecoverkc.com/" data-vars-content-id="89b98aed-f154-48e3-8f56-b49f096720fd" data-vars-headline="8 great local bookstores around Kansas City" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://underthecoverkc.com/" target="_blank">Under the Cover</a></h2>What to expect: The city&#x27;s first romance-exclusive bookstore, where the shelves are organized by spice level and subgenre. The owners host author signings, book clubs and unapologetically fun merch for romance readers.Where to find it: 605 E. 31st St., Kansas City, Missouri.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]"><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flagship Books" data-vars-click-url="https://bookshop.org/shop/flagship" data-vars-content-id="89b98aed-f154-48e3-8f56-b49f096720fd" data-vars-headline="8 great local bookstores around Kansas City" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bookshop.org/shop/flagship" target="_blank">Flagship Books</a></h2>What to expect: This Strawberry Hill gem in KCK offers new and used titles with an emphasis on community, diversity and accessibility. Don&#x27;t miss the local author section and bilingual storytimes.Where to find it: 510 N. Sixth St., Kansas City, Kansas.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]"><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Seven Stories" data-vars-click-url="https://shop7stories.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqlM9O6FPZ_N23gtZajXOB8IkrfzF2uKnPh4W_ItWHmtIEZ89bZ" data-vars-content-id="89b98aed-f154-48e3-8f56-b49f096720fd" data-vars-headline="8 great local bookstores around Kansas City" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://shop7stories.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqlM9O6FPZ_N23gtZajXOB8IkrfzF2uKnPh4W_ItWHmtIEZ89bZ" target="_blank">Seven Stories</a></h2>What to expect: A small Shawnee shop founded by a teenage book lover that&#x27;s grown into a cozy neighborhood favorite. Expect new releases, children&#x27;s books and an owner who probably knows your name.Where to find it: 12115 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, Kansas.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]"><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Monarch Books &amp; Gifts" data-vars-click-url="https://monarchbooksandgifts.com/" data-vars-content-id="89b98aed-f154-48e3-8f56-b49f096720fd" data-vars-headline="8 great local bookstores around Kansas City" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://monarchbooksandgifts.com/" target="_blank">Monarch Books &amp; Gifts</a></h2>What to expect: A bright, modern bookstore and gift shop in Overland Park that mixes fiction with stationery, candles and kids&#x27; titles. Perfect for a weekend browse or a last-minute birthday find.Where to find it: 7733 W. 151st St., Overland Park, Kansas.

What to know before Chappell Roan takes over KC

Whether you're going to Chappell Roan's sold-out concerts or just trying to steer clear of Memorial Drive traffic, here's your KC weekend survival guide.

Whether you were lucky enough to snag Chappell Roan tickets this weekend or want to avoid the chaos around the venue, here&#x27;s what to know.

Your guide to running clubs in Kansas City

There's a local running club that has your name on it any day of the week.

There&#x27;s a local running club that has your name on it any day of the week — whether you&#x27;re an avid runner or just looking to move your body and make friends.Why it matters: Group running is a great way to achieve your fitness goals and meet new people in a low-key environment. Plus, you always have something to talk about: running.

Solo in KC for 24 hours? Here's what to do

From sunrise views to spritzes at Voltaire, here's how to explore Kansas City solo.

👋🏼 Hi, Abbey here with a guide to spending 24 hours solo in Kansas City.The big picture: I got this idea after a solo weekend in D.C. I museum-hopped, ate at fun restaurants, met strangers and came home wondering: Why don&#x27;t I do that here? Kansas City is easy to move through alone, if you give yourself the excuse.

How to become a World Cup volunteer

Some roles will put volunteers right next to the action at stadiums and among players. Others will be the "welcome mat" for the city.

Local World Cup organizers are hoping 12,000 Kansas Citians apply to be a volunteer for the 2026 event by the end of this summer.Why it matters: The World Cup is a six-week event estimated to bring in 650,000 visitors from around the world — more than a quarter of the entire metro&#x27;s population — and they&#x27;ll need all the help KC can give.