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What changes in KC when the drinking slows

At least six Kansas City area breweries have closed since early last year, and owners say the bigger loss is the gathering space.

News

Kansas City has lost several breweries, bars and pubs in recent years, leaving fewer places for socialization. Why it matters: Americans are drinking less for good reasons, but bars and taprooms do more than just pour booze — they provide places to gather without a plan.

A West Bottoms redevelopment could look like Los Angeles

Eight mostly vacant buildings near Eighth and Madison could undergo a transformation.

A developer pursuing a multibuilding project in the West Bottoms has tackled a strikingly similar landscape before — in LA&#x27;s industrial belt.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Borman Group&#x27;s work" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thebormangroup.com/" data-vars-content-id="d641d1f1-4a1e-4d41-9e2c-f53310113971" data-vars-headline="A West Bottoms redevelopment could look like Los Angeles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thebormangroup.com/" target="_blank">The Borman Group&#x27;s work</a> out West offers a look at the potential for the project in Kansas City as Port KC considers public financing and property tax incentives for it.

Rural Kansas is turning majority-minority early

The U.S. won't become majority-minority until 2046, but four rural Kansas counties and Wyandotte County are already there.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Census data" data-vars-click-url="https://ipsr.unit2.ku.edu/ksdata/ksah/population/2pop29.pdf" data-vars-content-id="d68a86e0-3cfc-4b0a-a45b-220b4010d145" data-vars-headline="Rural Kansas is turning majority-minority early" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ipsr.unit2.ku.edu/ksdata/ksah/population/2pop29.pdf" target="_blank">Census data</a> shows a majority-minority U.S. population is decades away, but four Kansas counties and the metro&#x27;s Wyandotte County have already crossed that line. The big picture: The shift is reshaping the state, from meatpacking towns in southwest Kansas to the metro&#x27;s urban core, part of the nationwide rural trend identified in an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios analysis." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/14/majority-minority-rural-america-black-latino" data-vars-content-id="d68a86e0-3cfc-4b0a-a45b-220b4010d145" data-vars-headline="Rural Kansas is turning majority-minority early" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/14/majority-minority-rural-america-black-latino" target="_self">Axios analysis.</a>

KC's last 8pm sunset is days away

Most of the country has already lost its late sunsets, but the KC metro has until Aug. 23 to 25 depending on your county.

Most Americans have already seen their final 8pm sunset of the year, but Kansas City still has about a week of late light left.The big picture: We lose a little more light every day as the Earth&#x27;s Northern Hemisphere tilts away from the Sun until Dec. 21, the shortest day of the year.<ul><li>The farther west within a time zone you live, the later your sunsets typically run, and KC sits in the western stretch of the Central time zone.</li></ul>

Deportations to cost the Heartland billions

Missouri taxpayers are covering $3.6 billion of the deportation push. Kansas taxpayers, $1.8 billion. Here's what that works out to per person.

Taxpayers on both sides of the state line would each pay roughly $1,800 toward President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="1d653b65-0732-4da8-9b91-4adea68ba628" data-vars-headline="Deportations to cost the Heartland billions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump&#x27;s</a> mass deportation push, according to a new calculator from the Economic Policy Institute (EPI).Why it matters: The estimate fuels debate over whether billions of federal dollars devoted to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="deportations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/15/ice-deportations-us-immigration-trump-biden-2025" data-vars-content-id="1d653b65-0732-4da8-9b91-4adea68ba628" data-vars-headline="Deportations to cost the Heartland billions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/15/ice-deportations-us-immigration-trump-biden-2025" target="_self">deportations</a> could instead fund other public priorities such as food assistance, health care or housing.

Why Missouri has a sales tax holiday, and Kansas doesn't

Missouri is ditching sales tax this weekend on back-to-school items.

Business

Missouri is ditching sales tax this weekend on back-to-school items — but Kansas isn&#x27;t.Why it matters: The same computer, binder or pair of jeans will be cheaper in Missouri on Friday through Sunday, no matter which state you live in.

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.

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.

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.

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>.

🛒 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.

Restaurants weigh auto-gratuity ahead of World Cup tourist wave

The Missouri Restaurant Association is advising Kansas City restaurants to add a 20% automatic gratuity this summer.

<figure><img alt="Illustration of a payment tablet with a tip button showing numbers changing from zero to 20 percent." height="1080" id="54bb2242-e4cc-463d-9a17-078d74f4483e" src="https://images.axios.com/DtUh8US93CrvsAfbjwxZ5UZ_LNk=/2021/03/01/202805-1614630485706.gif" width="1920"/><figcaption>Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios</figcaption></figure>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Missouri Restaurant Association" data-vars-click-url="https://www.morestaurants.org/greater-kansas-city" data-vars-content-id="c90041bc-e234-4254-a66d-8da2dd157708" data-vars-headline="Restaurants weigh auto-gratuity ahead of World Cup tourist wave" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.morestaurants.org/greater-kansas-city" target="_blank">Missouri Restaurant Association</a> (MRA) is advising Kansas City restaurants to add automatic 20% gratuity to checks this summer as the city hosts the World Cup. Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="650,000 international visitors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/01/07/how-the-world-cup-could-give-kc-a-long-term-boost" data-vars-content-id="c90041bc-e234-4254-a66d-8da2dd157708" data-vars-headline="Restaurants weigh auto-gratuity ahead of World Cup tourist wave" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/01/07/how-the-world-cup-could-give-kc-a-long-term-boost" target="_self">650,000 international visitors</a> are expected in KC for the World Cup, many from countries where <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tipping isn&#x27;t the norm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20230606-how-to-tip-around-the-world" data-vars-content-id="c90041bc-e234-4254-a66d-8da2dd157708" data-vars-headline="Restaurants weigh auto-gratuity ahead of World Cup tourist wave" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20230606-how-to-tip-around-the-world" target="_blank">tipping isn&#x27;t the norm</a>.

Half of Kansas City's general fund is up for vote

KCMO's earnings tax is on the ballot April 7.

Election

Kansas Citians on Tuesday will be asked if they want to renew the city&#x27;s 1% earned income tax on residents, businesses and workers.Why it matters: The earnings tax generates almost half of KCMO&#x27;s $844.2 million general fund, but state law requires the tax to be put to a vote every five years.

KC Federal Reserve Bank approves crypto bank access

The Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank approved limited access for a crypto-focused bank, placing the region at the center of a national debate over who can plug into the U.S. banking system.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kansascityfed.org/about-us/" data-vars-content-id="5e763a86-f82d-4714-a9cb-084c5071f2ec" data-vars-headline="KC Federal Reserve Bank approves crypto bank access" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kansascityfed.org/about-us/" target="_blank">Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City</a> now sits at the center of a national debate over whether <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="crypto-focused banks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/04/trump-crypto-stablecoin-genius-act-kraken" data-vars-content-id="5e763a86-f82d-4714-a9cb-084c5071f2ec" data-vars-headline="KC Federal Reserve Bank approves crypto bank access" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/04/trump-crypto-stablecoin-genius-act-kraken" target="_self">crypto-focused banks</a> should gain direct access to the U.S. banking system.Why it matters: The KC Fed last week approved a limited, one-year Federal Reserve account for Wyoming-based Kraken Financial, placing this region&#x27;s central bank in a dispute that has played out in courtrooms and boardrooms across the country.

Leavenworth to vote on ICE permit

City leaders will vote Tuesday on whether CoreCivic can reopen its prison to hold ICE detainees.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Leavenworth city commissioners" data-vars-click-url="https://www.leavenworthks.gov/citycommission" data-vars-content-id="343a24fc-4967-4359-b429-5dc1bdb5a651" data-vars-headline="Leavenworth to vote on ICE permit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.leavenworthks.gov/citycommission" target="_blank">Leavenworth city commissioners</a> will decide Tuesday whether to allow a private prison operator to reopen its prison as an ICE detention center after a judge issued a temporary injunction blocking the company from housing detainees.Why it matters: The vote will decide whether private prison company <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CoreCivic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.corecivic.com/" data-vars-content-id="343a24fc-4967-4359-b429-5dc1bdb5a651" data-vars-headline="Leavenworth to vote on ICE permit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.corecivic.com/" target="_blank">CoreCivic</a> can reopen its Leavenworth prison to house ICE detainees under a city-issued special-use permit with operating conditions or whether the zoning dispute will continue in court.

A choropleth map showing the estimated cost per taxpayer for federal immigrant deportation and detention funding across the U.S. states. The average cost is $2.4k. Washington, D.C., has the highest load, at $3.9k.

Estimated cost per taxpayer for federal immigrant deportation and detainment funding

Data: Economic Policy Institute; Map: Danielle Alberti/Axios

🍻 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.

Money

Deportations to cost the Heartland billions

Why Missouri has a sales tax holiday, and Kansas doesn't

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

Missouri and Kansas have some of the lowest alcohol taxes

Beer and water at KC Stadium is expensive