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Kansas City has a World Cup hangover

Hosting the World Cup was "like doing ecstasy."

News

KC is coming off the high of hosting the World Cup, and now that the tournament is officially over, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup blues" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/reel/1350456786466450" data-vars-content-id="b6a7899f-704c-4c3b-833d-8fd6da8c59e8" data-vars-headline="Kansas City has a World Cup hangover" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/reel/1350456786466450" target="_blank">World Cup blues</a> are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="here" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=28740180575571745" data-vars-content-id="b6a7899f-704c-4c3b-833d-8fd6da8c59e8" data-vars-headline="Kansas City has a World Cup hangover" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=28740180575571745" target="_blank">here</a>.Why it matters: Emotional letdowns after major life events are common — and the World Cup was exactly the kind of once-in-a-lifetime experience that can trigger one.

Missouri wants to buck income tax; Kansas has an even split

Missouri's amendment would eliminate state income tax while increasing sales and use taxes.

America&#x27;s states are splitting into two tax camps, income-reliant and sales-reliant, and Kansas runs one of the most evenly split tax systems in the country.Why it matters: State budgets are built around what to tax — paychecks or purchases — and that choice decides which residents feel it most.

Kansas Citians' odyssey to see "The Odyssey"

Just 26 theaters in the U.S. are projecting the movie in IMAX 70mm.

Things to Do

Kansas Citians are roughly 500 miles away from the closest movie theater that projects &quot;The Odyssey&quot; in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="IMAX 70mm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/17/odyssey-imax-christopher-nolan" data-vars-content-id="b3b93565-0956-45f6-bb3b-66b83bdb2913" data-vars-headline="Kansas Citians&#x27; odyssey to see &quot;The Odyssey&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/17/odyssey-imax-christopher-nolan" target="_self">IMAX 70mm</a>.Why it matters: Movie fans hoping to experience the film exactly as director <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Christopher Nolan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/07/15/christopher-nolan-movies-ranked" data-vars-content-id="b3b93565-0956-45f6-bb3b-66b83bdb2913" data-vars-headline="Kansas Citians&#x27; odyssey to see &quot;The Odyssey&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/07/15/christopher-nolan-movies-ranked" target="_self">Christopher Nolan</a> intended might have to embark on an odyssey of their own.

Americans are hanging out less. KC feels it too.

Average daily social time has dropped from 45 to 35 minutes in two decades, and the decline is steepest among young people. In KC, where 39% of residents live alone, some are pushing back.

Americans of every generation are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="spending less time hanging out" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/americans-neighbors-socializing-less" data-vars-content-id="a88e4cf1-653f-4777-9fda-09bc86d2876d" data-vars-headline="Americans are hanging out less. KC feels it too." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/americans-neighbors-socializing-less" target="_self">spending less time hanging out</a> than they were 20 years ago, per new American Time Use Survey <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bls.gov/tus/" data-vars-content-id="a88e4cf1-653f-4777-9fda-09bc86d2876d" data-vars-headline="Americans are hanging out less. KC feels it too." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bls.gov/tus/" target="_blank">data</a>.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a fundamental shift in how we live, with implications for everything from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="what we believe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/03/25/news-media-filter-bubble-different-realities" data-vars-content-id="a88e4cf1-653f-4777-9fda-09bc86d2876d" data-vars-headline="Americans are hanging out less. KC feels it too." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/03/25/news-media-filter-bubble-different-realities" target="_self">what we believe</a> to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="how long we live" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/03/surgeon-general-vivek-murthy-fights-loneliness" data-vars-content-id="a88e4cf1-653f-4777-9fda-09bc86d2876d" data-vars-headline="Americans are hanging out less. KC feels it too." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/03/surgeon-general-vivek-murthy-fights-loneliness" target="_self">how long we live</a>.

Hot dog! KC's frank scene is on a roll

In the land of burnt ends, the hot dog is quietly building a case for itself. Here's where to celebrate National Hot Dog Day around the metro.

Food and Drink

Today is National Hot Dog Day, and KC has more spots than ever to celebrate.The big picture: In the land of burnt ends, the hot dog is quietly building a case for itself.

Fourth of July celebrations in KC for America's 250th

The country turns 250 on Saturday, and communities on both sides of the state line are marking it with parades, fireworks and drone shows. Here's where to catch it, from a WWI Museum picnic doubling as FIFA Fan Fest to skydivers landing with the flag in Parkville.

The country turns 250 on Saturday, and communities across the metro are marking it with parades, fireworks and a few drone shows.Here&#x27;s where to celebrate, on both sides of the state line.

Heavy traffic expected July 3 in Kansas City

Stadium traffic and holiday travelers will hit the interstates at the same time.

Travel

Kansas City&#x27;s worst travel day this weekend could be July 3, when a World Cup crowd and the holiday rush hit the interstates at the same time.Why it matters: Fourth of July travel will be the busiest since at least 2019, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AAA predicts" data-vars-click-url="https://newsroom.aaa.com/2026/06/72-2-million-americans-expected-to-travel-over-july-4th-week/" data-vars-content-id="0746af00-9dcf-4926-94b4-68b8c59f7702" data-vars-headline="Heavy traffic expected July 3 in Kansas City" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://newsroom.aaa.com/2026/06/72-2-million-americans-expected-to-travel-over-july-4th-week/" target="_blank">AAA predicts</a>.

KC celebrated Juneteenth long before it was official

The annual celebration at 18th and Vine started in 1980.

<figure><img alt="Animated illustration of a pattern of Juneteenth flags and Pan-African flags, waving." height="720" id="4b7752bd-2a06-45c8-ad4a-238931c6e8ce" src="https://images.axios.com/XOJZvKhukYDtuW-5PwSpyHgu0xM=/2025/06/13/1749842302709.gif" width="1280"/><figcaption>Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios</figcaption></figure>Kansas City&#x27;s<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" Juneteenth celebration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.juneteenthkc.com/" data-vars-content-id="d9ced768-6599-416a-9095-3ae273a50b6d" data-vars-headline="KC celebrated Juneteenth long before it was official" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.juneteenthkc.com/" target="_blank"> Juneteenth celebration</a> grew from scattered neighborhood gatherings in the late 1970s into a festival that now draws thousands each June.Why it matters: KC&#x27;s Black community built and sustained the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="celebration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kcur.org/arts-life/2025-06-07/juneteenth-kansas-city-events-parade" data-vars-content-id="d9ced768-6599-416a-9095-3ae273a50b6d" data-vars-headline="KC celebrated Juneteenth long before it was official" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kcur.org/arts-life/2025-06-07/juneteenth-kansas-city-events-parade" target="_blank">celebration</a> for decades, long before the federal government recognized the day.

Father's Day in KC rundown

Father's Day lands right in the middle of the World Cup this year, so KC dads can pick from a match, the I-70 Series, free museum entry or a pickleball tournament. Just lock it in today.

Father&#x27;s Day is Sunday and right in the heart of the World Cup, so dads&#x27; options run from Fan Fest to the smoker.

How Kansas City celebrates Pride Month

From the PrideFest parade through Westport to drag, a Latina dance party and the Heartland Men's Chorus, here's how the KC metro is celebrating Pride this month.

<figure><img alt="Animated illustration of a pattern of waving Pride Flags." height="720" id="8b8e7eb7-8eee-41ef-94ab-77570e3de6bc" src="https://images.axios.com/XWf5RW-RcZRPC827CCgfgp86d2s=/2024/05/30/183407-1717094047473.gif" width="1280"/><figcaption>Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios</figcaption></figure>From Westport to Overland Park, Pride Month will fill the Kansas City metro with parades, drag and live music this June. Here&#x27;s what to check out.

KC's guide to Memorial Day weekend

Cheer on KC's pro teams, spend time outdoors, or lean into the holiday's patriotic traditions.

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.

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.

Ideas for Mother's Day in Kansas City

Here's how locals can celebrate mom, from flowers to brunch.

Mother&#x27;s Day is Sunday, and whether you&#x27;re booking brunch, picking flowers or planning a quiet day at home, the KC metro has options for whatever mom is into.

🍬 KC shops rolling out Easter goodies

Check out these local holiday sweets ahead of April 5.

Easter is hopping closer, and for some, that means candy.The big picture: Local confectioners are rolling out seasonal sweet treats as residents seek to stock their baskets.

Holidays

Hot dog! KC's frank scene is on a roll

Fourth of July celebrations in KC for America's 250th

Heavy traffic expected July 3 in Kansas City

KC celebrated Juneteenth long before it was official

Father's Day in KC rundown