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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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KC ammo plant strike threatens the military's bullet supply

Over 1,300 union workers at the Independence plant that supplies most of the U.S. military's small-caliber ammunition have been on strike since April 4 — and no new contract talks are scheduled.

News

Over 1,300 union workers at an Independence ammunition plant that produces most of the small-caliber bullets for the U.S. military are on strike.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lake City Army Ammunition Plant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.jmc.army.mil/Installations.aspx?id=LakeCity" data-vars-content-id="793cada2-9844-4994-a118-216ed5f70e71" data-vars-headline="KC ammo plant strike threatens the military&#x27;s bullet supply" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.jmc.army.mil/Installations.aspx?id=LakeCity" target="_blank">Lake City Army Ammunition Plant</a> has supplied the military with ammunition that troops carry into combat since 1940. The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="IAM Local 778 union" data-vars-click-url="https://local778.org/local-history/" data-vars-content-id="793cada2-9844-4994-a118-216ed5f70e71" data-vars-headline="KC ammo plant strike threatens the military&#x27;s bullet supply" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://local778.org/local-history/" target="_blank">IAM Local 778 union</a> says no other facility can match its output at scale — and right now, very little is being made.

Downtown KCMO backs $600M Royals bid

Hallmark, Union Station and the KC Sports Commission are throwing their weight behind downtown baseball.

Major downtown Kansas City institutions are backing a new city incentive proposal for a Royals stadium at Washington Square Park, despite opposition from a workers union.Why it matters: Hallmark, Union Station and the KC Sports Commission are throwing their weight behind downtown baseball, which leaders say could lead to more jobs, development and benefits for the entire city.

Kansas City museum adds context to Jackie Robinson Day

A Kansas City museum reveals the deeper story behind Jackie Robinson's MLB debut.

Culture

Earlier this month, I visited Kansas City for the first time — the barbecue lived up to the hype, and the coffee scene was staggering.But it was the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Negro Leagues Baseball Museum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nlbm.com/" data-vars-content-id="fb247a30-9cb5-4bac-b8f1-79c7084cf381" data-vars-headline="Kansas City museum adds context to Jackie Robinson Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nlbm.com/" target="_blank">Negro Leagues Baseball Museum</a> that stuck with me.

KC happy hours that won't break the bank

From $3.50 tacos to half-price sangria, these six Kansas City spots make it easy to eat and drink well on any budget.

Things to Do

Kansas City has no shortage of happy hour options, but a handful of spots stand out for deals that make it easy to eat and drink well without breaking the bank. Here&#x27;s our running list.

City passes $600M Royals downtown stadium plan

The ordinance opens a path to funding nearly a third of a new stadium.

City Council on Thursday voted 11-1, with one abstaining, in favor of an incentive package up to $600 million aimed at bringing the Royals downtown.Why it matters: The ordinance, backed by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="major downtown stakeholders" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/04/10/downtown-kcmo-hallmark-union-station-backs-royals-stadium" data-vars-content-id="2166e56a-178e-4aa4-8748-e6921636e374" data-vars-headline="City passes $600M Royals downtown stadium plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/04/10/downtown-kcmo-hallmark-union-station-backs-royals-stadium" target="_self">major downtown stakeholders</a>, opens a path to funding nearly a third of a new $1.9 billion stadium at Washington Square Park.

Kansas City is banning mini booze bottles, but not everywhere

The new rule defines five alcohol "corridors" in the city.

Kansas City last week banned the sale of airplane liquor bottles and other single-serve alcoholic beverages in specific regions of the city — for now.Why it matters: Proponents say the new ordinance will make neighborhoods safer and reduce blight, while opponents questioned its effectiveness and toll on businesses.

KC unveils predesigned homes as OP residents push back

City leaders want housing that's easier to build and more affordable for residents.

Predesigned homes are gaining traction in Kansas City, even as Overland Park faces backlash in getting its own program off the ground.Why it matters: City leaders want housing that&#x27;s easier to build and more affordable for residents as Americans spend <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more of their income" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/18/housing-trump-affordability-mortgage" data-vars-content-id="4321a1e5-aaa4-4ada-beaf-42ac0cb794f5" data-vars-headline="KC unveils predesigned homes as OP residents push back" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/18/housing-trump-affordability-mortgage" target="_self">more of their income</a> on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="where they live" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2025/06/05/kansas-city-rent-income-needed" data-vars-content-id="4321a1e5-aaa4-4ada-beaf-42ac0cb794f5" data-vars-headline="KC unveils predesigned homes as OP residents push back" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2025/06/05/kansas-city-rent-income-needed" target="_self">where they live</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.

A data center is driving Independence's mayoral race

The $150.6 billion project has split the two leading candidates.

Independence&#x27;s next mayor may be decided over a plan to build a massive AI data center with major tax incentives.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$150.6 billion project" data-vars-click-url="https://independencemo.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1816/files/attachment/8105" data-vars-content-id="7e35eba1-865a-49ca-98f0-7eba3e552b6f" data-vars-headline="A data center is driving Independence&#x27;s mayoral race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://independencemo.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1816/files/attachment/8105" target="_blank">$150.6 billion project</a> has split the two leading candidates, with one backing the incentives and the other pushing for a public vote.

Thousands could lose Medicaid in Missouri, Kansas

New rules could leave thousands without coverage by 2027.

Missouri and Kansas are adjusting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Medicaid" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/health" data-vars-content-id="1f619b0c-d2f5-416e-bd1e-10b9d1a09d67" data-vars-headline="Thousands could lose Medicaid in Missouri, Kansas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/health" target="_self">Medicaid</a> budgets ahead of federal changes expected to cut coverage for thousands of people.

Missouri court allows mid-decade redistricting

A ruling lets a disputed KC congressional map stand, for now, amid ongoing legal and political battles.

Politics

A Missouri Supreme Court decision this week upholds a Republican-backed congressional district map that cuts through Kansas City.The big picture: The map could give Republicans a stronger chance to pick up a KC-area seat in 2026.

Why ICE agents aren't coming to KCI

KCI has avoided the staffing issues seen at other airports during the partial DHS shutdown.

Travel

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents won&#x27;t be sent to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kansas City International Airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/02/02/kci-airport-economic-impact-2024" data-vars-content-id="8f37d396-79ac-4a4a-a89c-3ac2687d5ee3" data-vars-headline="Why ICE agents aren&#x27;t coming to KCI" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/02/02/kci-airport-economic-impact-2024" target="_self">Kansas City International Airport</a> during the partial Department of Homeland Security <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shutdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/12/shutdown-homeland-security-senate-negotiations" data-vars-content-id="8f37d396-79ac-4a4a-a89c-3ac2687d5ee3" data-vars-headline="Why ICE agents aren&#x27;t coming to KCI" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/12/shutdown-homeland-security-senate-negotiations" target="_self">shutdown</a> because of the way it staffs its checkpoints.The big picture: ICE agents were <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sent" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/22/trump-ice-agents-airports-tsa-dhs-shutdown" data-vars-content-id="8f37d396-79ac-4a4a-a89c-3ac2687d5ee3" data-vars-headline="Why ICE agents aren&#x27;t coming to KCI" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/22/trump-ice-agents-airports-tsa-dhs-shutdown" target="_self">sent</a> to more than a dozen airports Monday, including hubs like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/03/23/houston-ice-airport-security-tsa-bush-hobby" data-vars-content-id="8f37d396-79ac-4a4a-a89c-3ac2687d5ee3" data-vars-headline="Why ICE agents aren&#x27;t coming to KCI" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/03/23/houston-ice-airport-security-tsa-bush-hobby" target="_self">Houston</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Atlanta" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/03/23/atlanta-airport-tsa-screening-delays-government-shutdown" data-vars-content-id="8f37d396-79ac-4a4a-a89c-3ac2687d5ee3" data-vars-headline="Why ICE agents aren&#x27;t coming to KCI" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/03/23/atlanta-airport-tsa-screening-delays-government-shutdown" target="_self">Atlanta</a> and Chicago, to help manage crowds.

Women's deepfake lawsuit targets AI porn industry

Three women, including a KC native, say their social media pictures were used to create sexual content.

Three women, including a Kansas City native, say in a lawsuit that pornographic videos depicting their likenesses circulated online after AI platforms were used to create sexual content based on their Instagram posts.The big picture: A new exploitative industry is harnessing AI technology to generate explicit &quot;deepfakes&quot; from PG social media photos, the lawsuit says.

Politics 🇺🇸

City passes $600M Royals downtown stadium plan

Royals stadium deal advances to full City Council

Kansas City is banning mini booze bottles, but not everywhere

Downtown KCMO backs $600M Royals bid

KC unveils predesigned homes as OP residents push back