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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.

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.

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.

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.

Fed World Cup funding to pay for officers, drone defense in KC

Kansas City is getting more than $79 million from the federal government.

Kansas City is getting more than $79 million from the federal government for public safety ahead of the World Cup, leaders announced Thursday.Why it matters: Organizers and public officials want to be ready for anything ahead of the city&#x27;s massive fan influx this summer, although leaders say there are no specific threats at this time.

Health coverage hits harder in Kansas than in Missouri

Kansas families spend nearly 10% of income on employer coverage, slightly more than Missouri households.

Health

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Employer health coverage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/11/charted-health-insurance-coverage-family-income" data-vars-content-id="c429a5f5-7d49-4bd8-aca6-42b912e2a71e" data-vars-headline="Health coverage hits harder in Kansas than in Missouri" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/11/charted-health-insurance-coverage-family-income" target="_self">Employer health coverage</a> eats up nearly one-tenth of a typical family&#x27;s income in both Kansas and Missouri, with Kansas households facing a slightly heavier burden, a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Commonwealth Fund study" data-vars-click-url="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/blog/2026/is-employer-coverage-affordable-how-states-stack-up" data-vars-content-id="c429a5f5-7d49-4bd8-aca6-42b912e2a71e" data-vars-headline="Health coverage hits harder in Kansas than in Missouri" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/blog/2026/is-employer-coverage-affordable-how-states-stack-up" target="_blank">Commonwealth Fund study</a> shows.

🍻 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

Missouri and Kansas have some of the lowest alcohol taxes

Beer and water at KC Stadium is expensive

Income tax vs. sales tax: Missouri voters decide

🛒 Want cheaper groceries? Shop local

Restaurants weigh auto-gratuity ahead of World Cup tourist wave