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Early voting spikes across KC for the 2026 midterms

The jump signals strong participation in this year's elections.

Early voting is surging in Johnson County, with a roughly 68% increase in in-person ballots cast compared with the same point in the 2022 midterms.The big picture: The jump signals strong participation in this year&#x27;s elections amid consequential <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="decisions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/09/15/data-center-battle-heats-up-in-kansas-ai-holscher-masterson" data-vars-content-id="a4154500-7f1c-4b08-9cfb-caf54efdfc68" data-vars-headline="Early voting spikes across KC for the 2026 midterms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/09/15/data-center-battle-heats-up-in-kansas-ai-holscher-masterson" target="_self">decisions</a> in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kansas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/10/15/kansas-senate-voter-guide-axios" data-vars-content-id="a4154500-7f1c-4b08-9cfb-caf54efdfc68" data-vars-headline="Early voting spikes across KC for the 2026 midterms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/10/15/kansas-senate-voter-guide-axios" target="_self">Kansas</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Missouri" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/10/15/missouri-ballot-questions-amendment-abortion-citizen-referendum-congressional-maps" data-vars-content-id="a4154500-7f1c-4b08-9cfb-caf54efdfc68" data-vars-headline="Early voting spikes across KC for the 2026 midterms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/10/15/missouri-ballot-questions-amendment-abortion-citizen-referendum-congressional-maps" target="_self">Missouri</a>, though it remains to be seen if overall turnout will increase or if voters are simply casting their ballots sooner.

No ACA plan in KC will include Children's Mercy

Families who buy their own insurance could pay far more to keep their kids at the region's only children's hospital in 2027.

Kansas City-area families who buy their own health insurance could lose in-network access to Children&#x27;s Mercy next year as Medica exits the market. Why it matters: Parents whose children are battling cancer or other serious illnesses could face much higher medical bills or have to change doctors in the middle of treatment.

The word of the year is "maxxing." Let's make it local.

How about "barbecuemaxxing" or "sportsmaxxing"?

Culture

&quot;Maxxing&quot; has been named Dictionary.com&#x27;s 2026 Word of the Year, reflecting a culture obsessed with getting the most out of everything.The big picture: From self-improvement to everyday activities, there&#x27;s a &quot;maxxing&quot; for just about everything.

Kansas and Missouri ballots read at a college sophomore level

Kansas' ballot questions are the longest in the nation, and both states' measures read at about a college sophomore level, a new analysis finds.

If reading Kansas and Missouri ballot measures makes you feel like you need to go back to school, join the club.Why it matters: Voters are more likely to skip ballot measures that are harder to read, according to research cited in a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ballotpedia analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://ballotpedia.org/Ballot_measure_readability_scores,_2026" data-vars-content-id="6ca03a1f-a99c-4f3b-8977-4c00d17f748a" data-vars-headline="Kansas and Missouri ballots read at a college sophomore level" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ballotpedia.org/Ballot_measure_readability_scores,_2026" target="_blank">Ballotpedia analysis</a>.

Pushback grows against local AI graphics

Ads and posts generate by AI are getting serious scrutiny in KC.

AI-generated graphics are drawing scrutiny from Kansas City residents and the mayor.Why it matters: Recent incidents highlight how outsourcing artwork to AI can lead to backlash amid negative public sentiment over generated content.

Take your drinks on a bus to the Chiefs game

A new Arrowhead shuttle won't make you stop drinking.

A new Arrowhead shuttle service is targeting visitors and fans who don&#x27;t want to futz with Ubers or put a pause on pregaming. The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rally OurBus" data-vars-click-url="https://rally.co/" data-vars-content-id="932ed01d-dab9-46c5-8e2a-7cd89b43346d" data-vars-headline="Take your drinks on a bus to the Chiefs game" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://rally.co/" target="_blank">Rally OurBus</a> launched this year in KC, and demand has already fueled more charter buses and an extra pickup spot as the Chiefs go 5-0.

Scoop: Rainy Day Books expanding to 3 stores

The second just opened in Power and Light, and another is coming to Lenexa.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rainy Day Books" data-vars-click-url="https://rainydaybooks.com/" data-vars-content-id="144359b2-c7bb-4e2a-93c0-cf6816665831" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Rainy Day Books expanding to 3 stores" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://rainydaybooks.com/" target="_blank">Rainy Day Books</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Made In KC" data-vars-click-url="https://madeinkc.co/" data-vars-content-id="144359b2-c7bb-4e2a-93c0-cf6816665831" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Rainy Day Books expanding to 3 stores" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://madeinkc.co/" target="_blank">Made In KC</a> opened their first combined store downtown on Thursday, and owner Tyler Enders tells Axios a third book store location is planned for Lenexa.Why it matters: The longstanding Fairway shop <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="known for its high-profile author events" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2025/11/17/fairway-kansas-rainy-day-books-50-years-anniversary" data-vars-content-id="144359b2-c7bb-4e2a-93c0-cf6816665831" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Rainy Day Books expanding to 3 stores" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2025/11/17/fairway-kansas-rainy-day-books-50-years-anniversary" target="_self">known for its high-profile author events</a> is expanding across KC, pairing books with locally crafted merch after Enders and an investment group bought the business in 2022.

What KC's Spirit Halloween used to be

Spirit Halloween is in 10 metro storefronts this fall, including a former Tuesday Morning in Lee's Summit

Spirit Halloween is haunting 10 empty storefronts around the metro this fall; among 1,500 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="locations" data-vars-click-url="https://stores.spirithalloween.com/" data-vars-content-id="6d3f66d0-5634-44bb-a83f-a7f52eeba9c3" data-vars-headline="What KC&#x27;s Spirit Halloween used to be" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://stores.spirithalloween.com/" target="_blank">locations</a>, it opens nationwide in the shells of stores that didn&#x27;t make it to 2026.The big picture: The stores appear and vanish each fall, so finding this year&#x27;s Spirit often means directions in retail shorthand: &quot;Where the old Party City used to be.&quot; In KC, that&#x27;s the old Tuesday Morning, the old Pier 1 and, somewhere, a Painted Tree.

The needle is moving on KC's literacy problem

Only 26% of KCMO's public school third graders read at grade level.

Education

Educators are harnessing KC&#x27;s sports town identity in the classroom, combining personalized tutoring with Royals players and stadium visits to boost motivation for reading comprehension. Why it matters: Child literacy rates are tied to success later in life, but test data shows only 26% of KCMO&#x27;s public school third graders read at grade level.

Royals ballpark designers want fans out of their cars

Kauffman Stadium ranked last in MLB for walkability. The Royals' new downtown ballpark is designed for fans who walk, bike or take the streetcar.

The Royals and design firm Populous want fans to walk, bike or take the streetcar to the new downtown stadium, a major shift from the current game-day experience.Why it matters: Kauffman Stadium ranked last in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2025 study of MLB stadium walkability" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/03/27/petco-park-walkability-walk-score-east-vilalge" data-vars-content-id="0f9b3027-1d90-4c44-b15c-59dee2e194e5" data-vars-headline="Royals ballpark designers want fans out of their cars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/03/27/petco-park-walkability-walk-score-east-vilalge" target="_self">2025 study of MLB stadium walkability</a>, and a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2019 ranking" data-vars-click-url="https://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/knowledge-hub/news/the-smart-growth-america-ballpark-championship/" data-vars-content-id="0f9b3027-1d90-4c44-b15c-59dee2e194e5" data-vars-headline="Royals ballpark designers want fans out of their cars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/knowledge-hub/news/the-smart-growth-america-ballpark-championship/" target="_blank">2019 ranking</a> found it had the league&#x27;s worst transit connections. Royals leaders say the new ballpark will change that.

Girls flag football goes varsity in Kansas

Nearly 50 Kansas high schools are competing for the state's first girls flag football title this fall.

Sports

Girls flag football has become the fastest-growing high school sport in the country, and Kansas is playing its first varsity season this fall.Why it matters: Three years ago, three Kansas high schools had teams. Now nearly 50 are competing for a state title in a sport most of their schools didn&#x27;t offer when this year&#x27;s seniors were freshmen.

Travis Kelce breaks NFL record

The record for most yards after a catch came during a win against the Colts.

Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce broke the NFL record for most yards after a catch yesterday in a 33-30 win against the Colts.Why it matters: After a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lackluster last season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/09/14/chiefs-open-2026-season-mahomes-questions" data-vars-content-id="e6c6818c-e45a-4665-9eb7-e2c01bf8e82a" data-vars-headline="Travis Kelce breaks NFL record" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/09/14/chiefs-open-2026-season-mahomes-questions" target="_self">lackluster last season</a> and concerns about his age, the 36-year-old star is showing up in a big way already this year.

How World Cup visitors and spending stacked up

The World Cup brought around $570 million in spending to the Kansas City area, the most KC has seen from one event, Visit KC says.

More visitors than expected came to the Kansas City area for the World Cup, giving the region its biggest tourism payday ever, but spending still fell short of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="projections" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/06/18/world-cup-fans-love-kc-tourism-leaders-want-more-of-that" data-vars-content-id="d63f64e1-ef9b-4d1c-b422-442d1adfd43d" data-vars-headline="How World Cup visitors and spending stacked up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/06/18/world-cup-fans-love-kc-tourism-leaders-want-more-of-that" target="_self">projections</a>.Why it matters: The numbers, released by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Visit KC" data-vars-click-url="https://www.visitkc.com/" data-vars-content-id="d63f64e1-ef9b-4d1c-b422-442d1adfd43d" data-vars-headline="How World Cup visitors and spending stacked up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.visitkc.com/" target="_blank">Visit KC</a> on Thursday, are the first full measure of what the region got for committing roughly $250 million in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="public money" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kshb.com/sports/world-cup/examining-how-much-of-your-tax-dollars-paid-for-the-world-cup-in-kansas-city" data-vars-content-id="d63f64e1-ef9b-4d1c-b422-442d1adfd43d" data-vars-headline="How World Cup visitors and spending stacked up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kshb.com/sports/world-cup/examining-how-much-of-your-tax-dollars-paid-for-the-world-cup-in-kansas-city" target="_blank">public money</a> to host six matches.

No rules for AI ads in the heartland

AI-generated ads have aired in races ranging from Kansas' U.S. Senate contest to a Missouri House race, and neither state requires disclosure to voters.

Kansas and Missouri are among 19 states that don&#x27;t regulate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI-generated political ads" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/19/ai-attack-ads-campaigns-elections-deepfakes" data-vars-content-id="506043b4-093b-4b63-be13-1c61b7b13751" data-vars-headline="No rules for AI ads in the heartland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/19/ai-attack-ads-campaigns-elections-deepfakes" target="_self">AI-generated political ads</a>, which have already appeared in races from the U.S. Senate to the Missouri House.Why it matters: AI-generated political ads are becoming more common, but Kansas and Missouri have no rules requiring campaigns to tell voters what&#x27;s fake.

Halloween weekend events that aren't trick-or-treating

Halloween is on a Saturday, otherwise known as Saturween.

Things to Do

Halloween is on a Saturday, otherwise known as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Saturween" data-vars-click-url="https://youtu.be/vgA3B_uId_s?si=fNz50z1tqkdQyI0n&amp;t=35" data-vars-content-id="e3fb4f09-9bd7-4c65-be12-e6dbb661fddd" data-vars-headline="Halloween weekend events that aren&#x27;t trick-or-treating" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://youtu.be/vgA3B_uId_s?si=fNz50z1tqkdQyI0n&amp;t=35" target="_blank">Saturween</a>, and there&#x27;s plenty to do for Kansas Citians who want to celebrate.The big picture: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="goats" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/10/26/kc-riverfront-goats-halloween-party" data-vars-content-id="e3fb4f09-9bd7-4c65-be12-e6dbb661fddd" data-vars-headline="Halloween weekend events that aren&#x27;t trick-or-treating" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/10/26/kc-riverfront-goats-halloween-party" target="_self">goats</a> and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="houses" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/10/23/kc-shirtwaist-house-midtown-monster-halloween" data-vars-content-id="e3fb4f09-9bd7-4c65-be12-e6dbb661fddd" data-vars-headline="Halloween weekend events that aren&#x27;t trick-or-treating" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/10/23/kc-shirtwaist-house-midtown-monster-halloween" target="_self">houses</a> are already playing dress-up. Now it&#x27;s your turn.

Missouri child care subsidy waitlist reaches 12,200 kids

Missouri has moved just one family off its child care aid waitlist since March.

Missouri has stopped approving most new families for child care aid, leaving around 12,200 kids on a waitlist and a Kansas City center with 70 empty seats.Why it matters: Missouri&#x27;s stalled child care subsidy is leaving low-income KC parents without affordable care and putting centers that depend on it at financial risk.

Vance, Trump make unusual Kansas push amid tight Senate race

The toss-up senator race in Kansas is drawing lots of attention.

Vice President Vance was back in Kansas on Monday, marking the state&#x27;s third visit from either Vance or President Trump in a little over a month.Why it matters: The visits come amid heightened political pressure in Kansas, where the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cook Political Report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cookpolitical.com/senate/race/488581" data-vars-content-id="1f498119-7eb2-4604-b5c0-58b3fc6e979f" data-vars-headline="Vance, Trump make unusual Kansas push amid tight Senate race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cookpolitical.com/senate/race/488581" target="_blank">Cook Political Report</a> shifted the Senate race to a toss-up in early October.<ul><li>The state hasn&#x27;t elected a Democratic senator for 94 years.</li></ul>

Cornell case sparks campus assault conversations in KC

KC-area colleges are seeking outreach from sexual assault advocates as students and survivors question how universities handle reports of assault.

Warning: This story includes reporting on sexual assault and rape.Kansas City-area colleges are turning to sexual assault advocates as national attention on campus sexual assault raises new questions about how universities respond when students come forward.Why it matters: For students weighing whether to report sexual assault, knowing what help is available and whether they&#x27;ll be believed can make the difference between coming forward and staying silent.

Baby boxes are growing nationally. KC just got its first.

Women in crisis now have another option for surrendering an infant.

Kansas City&#x27;s first baby box will make it easier for parents in crisis to safely surrender their infants.Why it matters: Missouri already allows parents to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="legally surrender" data-vars-click-url="https://www.revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?bid=57212&amp;section=210.950" data-vars-content-id="3a5435bd-2c09-44d7-9e4a-d7030248b70e" data-vars-headline="Baby boxes are growing nationally. KC just got its first." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?bid=57212&amp;section=210.950" target="_blank">legally surrender</a> newborns at designated locations. The baby box offers an anonymous alternative for those unwilling or unable to make a face-to-face handoff.Women navigating difficult decisions only have a handful of options for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="legally relinquishing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?bid=57212&amp;section=210.950" data-vars-content-id="3a5435bd-2c09-44d7-9e4a-d7030248b70e" data-vars-headline="Baby boxes are growing nationally. KC just got its first." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?bid=57212&amp;section=210.950" target="_blank">legally relinquishing</a> a child, and the baby box is meant to provide a safe alternative and prevent tragedy.

Riverfront goats celebrate Halloween

KC's hardworking riverfront goats took a break from clearing weeds for Port KC's first Goats and Ghouls Halloween celebration.

Halloween came early to the riverfront Saturday, where Kansas Citians dressed up to spend the morning with some of the city&#x27;s hardest-working residents: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="goats" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2025/05/22/riverfront-goats-cleanup-crew" data-vars-content-id="2fe71100-92f8-481c-875e-fe3eddef8d10" data-vars-headline="Riverfront goats celebrate Halloween" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2025/05/22/riverfront-goats-cleanup-crew" target="_self">goats</a>.Why it matters: The goats have spent weeks clearing invasive plants along the Riverfront Heritage Trail, giving the city a way to tackle overgrowth without chemical sprays near the Missouri River.

Time is running out to visit the Steamboat Arabia Museum

I went for the first time. Here's what I saw.

The Steamboat Arabia Museum that has anchored the City Market for 30 years faces an uncertain future when its lease expires in November.Why it matters: If you&#x27;re like me, who hadn&#x27;t visited until this week, time is running out.

KC apple spots to hit before the season ends

Apple picking around Kansas City usually wraps up by Halloween. Here are four farms near the metro worth the drive, from Weston to Louisburg.

The clock is running out on apple season around Kansas City, but four nearby farms still have trees to pick and cider donuts coming out of the fryer.Why it matters: Apple picking at these farms typically ends by Halloween, according to their websites, and the next crop won&#x27;t be ready until late summer.

The tiny pasta shop everyone in KC is chasing

Zero Zero Handmade Pasta has 13 seats and one of the most sought-after reservations in KC.

Food and Drink

Zero Zero Handmade Pasta started as a pandemic hobby. Now the 13-seat Westside shop has some of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most sought-after reservations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kansascity.com/news/business/openings-closings/article302526189.html" data-vars-content-id="714f9ad8-6d72-4d0b-845a-c4d097e2c2f8" data-vars-headline="The tiny pasta shop everyone in KC is chasing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/business/openings-closings/article302526189.html" target="_blank">most sought-after reservations</a> in Kansas City.The big picture: Zero Zero is KC&#x27;s entry in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national trend" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-08/small-trendy-new-york-city-restaurants-are-in-high-demand" data-vars-content-id="714f9ad8-6d72-4d0b-845a-c4d097e2c2f8" data-vars-headline="The tiny pasta shop everyone in KC is chasing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-08/small-trendy-new-york-city-restaurants-are-in-high-demand" target="_blank">national trend</a> of restaurants that stay small on purpose and let demand do the marketing, and it&#x27;s working.

A KC country artist and a Chiefs player walk into a podcast studio

Episodes include highlights like "sweat"-flavored barbecue.

Country artist and former <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;The Voice&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDyG9m54LY0" data-vars-content-id="7855961a-c1b8-4b01-8b70-d74783bda148" data-vars-headline="A KC country artist and a Chiefs player walk into a podcast studio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDyG9m54LY0" target="_blank">&quot;The Voice&quot;</a> contestant Casi Joy has a new gig since moving back home from Nashville to Kansas City: podcast host.Why it matters: Joy is bringing together familiar names from sports, comedy and music on the show <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Kustom Conversations.&quot; " data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/@KustomConversations" data-vars-content-id="7855961a-c1b8-4b01-8b70-d74783bda148" data-vars-headline="A KC country artist and a Chiefs player walk into a podcast studio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/@KustomConversations" target="_blank">&quot;Kustom Conversations.&quot; </a>

Order a drink, solve a murder

Apparition's Halloween pop-up beneath Fountain City Winery holds a scavenger hunt to find Elena Thorne's killer.

A woman named Elena Thorne turned up dead in a candlelit vampire bar beneath a West Bottoms winery, and for $15, you can find out who did it.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Coffin Club" data-vars-click-url="https://www.apparitionbar.com/" data-vars-content-id="679cf3bb-ff15-4312-898b-20c119041dff" data-vars-headline="Order a drink, solve a murder" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.apparitionbar.com/" target="_blank">Coffin Club</a>, the latest Halloween pop-up from Apparition, gives Kansas City a spooky night out for people who&#x27;d rather sip than scream in the same neighborhood as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="haunted houses" data-vars-click-url="https://www.visitkc.com/explore/neighborhoods/west-bottoms/" data-vars-content-id="679cf3bb-ff15-4312-898b-20c119041dff" data-vars-headline="Order a drink, solve a murder" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.visitkc.com/explore/neighborhoods/west-bottoms/" target="_blank">haunted houses</a> like The Beast and Edge of Hell.

Independence is putting its best ghostly foot forward

The city is known for its historic sites and paranormal legends.

Independence is known for its historic sites and ghostly legends, and this Halloween season, Visit Independence is making it easy to make a day of them.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Paranormal Pursuit" data-vars-click-url="https://visitindependence.com/paranormalpursuit/#" data-vars-content-id="5dd6b154-2d0c-4629-94db-5d3a4349e2db" data-vars-headline="Independence is putting its best ghostly foot forward" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://visitindependence.com/paranormalpursuit/#" target="_blank">Paranormal Pursuit</a>, a self-guided virtual tour with points and prizes, launched last week with 13 locations.

KC's Halloween candy craving

Missourians buy more Twizzlers and Kansans buy more SweeTarts than the rest of the U.S., DoorDash data shows.

As you stock up for trick-or-treaters, here&#x27;s what sets your neighbors apart from the rest of the country: Missourians buy more Twizzlers and Kansans buy more SweeTarts.The big picture: Halloween candy is more regional than you&#x27;d think. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="DoorDash&#x27;s new map" data-vars-click-url="https://about.doordash.com/en-us/news/doordash-halloween-candy-order-trends" data-vars-content-id="18f168c9-b99c-4766-83e0-70344835ea49" data-vars-headline="KC&#x27;s Halloween candy craving" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://about.doordash.com/en-us/news/doordash-halloween-candy-order-trends" target="_blank">DoorDash&#x27;s new map</a> of each state&#x27;s most distinctive candy, based on last October&#x27;s orders, has 14 different winners.

104-year-old building gets new life as cafe, apartments

Remedy Cafe and Bar offers a new breakfast and lunch option for downtowners.

A new coffee shop downtown is part of the historic redevelopment of a building more than a century old.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Remedy Cafe and Bar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61594087629451" data-vars-content-id="9d2d3054-30c5-4bd3-a3aa-a616ebabf2d5" data-vars-headline="104-year-old building gets new life as cafe, apartments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61594087629451" target="_blank">Remedy Cafe and Bar</a> offers a new breakfast and lunch option for downtown workers and residents, while 44 new apartments above chip away at KC&#x27;s housing demand.

Provis sets a high bar for local coffee shops

This North KC shop stands out for its detail, design and top-tier coffees.

Provis Coffee in North Kansas City literally ran out of some supplies on its first full day as it opened to a sell-out crowd.Why it matters: New coffee shops crop up across the city all the time, but <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Provis" data-vars-click-url="https://proviscoffee.com/" data-vars-content-id="45c66e17-fcc0-4b60-81a4-f23c4f3f11ba" data-vars-headline="Provis sets a high bar for local coffee shops" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://proviscoffee.com/" target="_blank">Provis</a> stands out for its attention to detail, trendy interior design and wide array of unique coffees and flavors.

Power and Light is filling up with luxury chains

Paris Baguette, an upscale South Korean bakery, is the most recent addition.

Paris Baguette, an upscale South Korean bakery, is the most recent addition to a lineup of swanky chains filling downtown storefronts. Why it matters: Power and Light District leaders want to create an experience that&#x27;s distinctly Kansas City, though many of the newest additions are brands with roots elsewhere.

The Fold, Crossroads' new night out

The Roots team turned one of KC's most celebrated former fine-dining rooms into a place you can walk into on a Tuesday.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Fold" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thefoldkc.com/" data-vars-content-id="0588f152-7c75-491a-bcc7-c1be94788057" data-vars-headline="The Fold, Crossroads&#x27; new night out" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thefoldkc.com/" target="_blank">The Fold</a> has spent the summer turning one of Kansas City&#x27;s most celebrated former fine-dining rooms into a place you can walk into casually on a random Tuesday.The big picture: The Fold arrived in a rough stretch for KC restaurants, which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lost six notable spots in 2025" data-vars-click-url="https://kansascitymag.com/kansas-city-said-goodbye-to-these-six-restaurants-in-2025/" data-vars-content-id="0588f152-7c75-491a-bcc7-c1be94788057" data-vars-headline="The Fold, Crossroads&#x27; new night out" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://kansascitymag.com/kansas-city-said-goodbye-to-these-six-restaurants-in-2025/" target="_blank">lost six notable spots in 2025</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="at least five more" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thepitchkc.com/kc-sipps-two-restaurant-closures-foodie-tattoos-for-a-good-cause-and-half-price-desserts/" data-vars-content-id="0588f152-7c75-491a-bcc7-c1be94788057" data-vars-headline="The Fold, Crossroads&#x27; new night out" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thepitchkc.com/kc-sipps-two-restaurant-closures-foodie-tattoos-for-a-good-cause-and-half-price-desserts/" target="_blank">at least five more</a> so far this year.

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Kansas City

Meet fellow locals over dinner at a restaurant we hand-picked.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Social Club" data-vars-click-url="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" data-vars-content-id="4100f1c5-f269-4e87-a127-f26285db25a8" data-vars-headline="Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Kansas City" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" target="_blank">Axios Social Club</a> is bringing readers together for dinner to Kansas City&#x27;s Crossroads neighborhood on Tuesday, Oct. 6.Why it matters: Your city is full of interesting people you haven&#x27;t met yet. We&#x27;re making it easier to change that.

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