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National

OpenAI reshuffles as top execs step back for health reasons

Business

The most head-turning elements of Trump's 2027 budget proposal

Politics & Policy

The other regime change: 13 military officials removed or retired under Trump

United Airlines splits business class into tiers on long-haul flights

With White House ballroom stalled, here are 5 other Trump legacy projects in motion

How and where to go plogging in Kansas City

With Earth Day this month, you can celebrate nature while contributing to a healthier planet.

Climate

You&#x27;ve heard of jogging. You&#x27;ve heard of picking up litter. Combine the two, and you get &quot;plogging.&quot;Why it matters: Earth Day is this month, and locals are looking for ways to celebrate nature while contributing to a healthier planet.

Thousands could lose Medicaid in Missouri, Kansas

New rules could leave thousands without coverage by 2027.

News

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.

🍬 KC shops rolling out Easter goodies

Check out these local holiday sweets ahead of April 5.

Food and Drink

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.

A bridge in Kansas is being compared to The High Line in NYC

The bridge entertainment district — which includes a restaurant, beer garden and event space — is set to open April 1.

A decommissioned railroad bridge over the Kansas River is being transformed in a way that &quot;feels very similar&quot; to New York City&#x27;s High Line, Friends of the High Line executive director Alan van Capelle tells Axios.Why it matters: The one-of-a-kind project in Kansas City has garnered local and national support for its ambition and design, and could provide a blueprint for future transformational projects.

Amazon is building "air traffic control for drones" as it eyes expansion

Prime Air isn't just a cool way to get packages — it's part of an expanding tech network.

Amazon officials say a fulfillment center in Kansas City, Kansas, is the first of many local launch sites for its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drone delivery program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/02/10/amazon-launches-drone-delivery-metro" data-vars-content-id="872c49aa-7f4f-4354-a675-cd19ec4156b0" data-vars-headline="Amazon is building &quot;air traffic control for drones&quot; as it eyes expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/02/10/amazon-launches-drone-delivery-metro" target="_self">drone delivery program</a>, which took to the skies earlier this year.Why it matters: It&#x27;s not just a cool way to get packages — it&#x27;s part of an expanding network of drone airspace technology that&#x27;s delivering items within hours and integrating with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first responders" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/03/02/kansas-city-police-will-use-drones-as-first-responders" data-vars-content-id="872c49aa-7f4f-4354-a675-cd19ec4156b0" data-vars-headline="Amazon is building &quot;air traffic control for drones&quot; as it eyes expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/03/02/kansas-city-police-will-use-drones-as-first-responders" target="_self">first responders</a>.

New cameras capture Sporting fans' biggest reactions for free

This evolution in sports photography turns the cameras on the crowds.

Smile, Sporting KC fans, you&#x27;re on camera. New technology at Sporting Park this season is capturing the biggest moments of the game and serving up personal reaction pictures for free.The big picture: It&#x27;s the latest evolution in sports photography, one that turns the cameras on the crowds and lets fans relive the game as if they were on TV.

KC tech company bets on digital selves powered by AI

What's starting as a social platform could launch the future of our digital personas.

A tech company in Kansas City wants you to own your online identity through a digital persona that works across platforms and in the real world.Why it matters: People are existing more and more online, but the data that makes up their identity — their likeness, art, preferences and personal information — is controlled by companies and siloed across platforms.

KU, Mizzou women's basketball keep postseason alive

Kansas and Missouri women keep postseason runs going in the WBIT.

Sports

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="KU" data-vars-click-url="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball" data-vars-content-id="49ad215a-1010-40ab-91dc-cca67c6e18ee" data-vars-headline="KU, Mizzou women&#x27;s basketball keep postseason alive" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball" target="_blank">KU</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mizzou" data-vars-click-url="https://mutigers.com/sports/womens-basketball" data-vars-content-id="49ad215a-1010-40ab-91dc-cca67c6e18ee" data-vars-headline="KU, Mizzou women&#x27;s basketball keep postseason alive" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mutigers.com/sports/womens-basketball" target="_blank">Mizzou</a> women&#x27;s basketball aren&#x27;t done yet — they&#x27;re still playing this week in a postseason tournament after missing the top <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NCAA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/sports/2024/04/09" data-vars-content-id="49ad215a-1010-40ab-91dc-cca67c6e18ee" data-vars-headline="KU, Mizzou women&#x27;s basketball keep postseason alive" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/sports/2024/04/09" target="_self">NCAA</a> field.The big picture: Teams that miss March Madness usually see their seasons end, but the 32-team <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Women&#x27;s Basketball Invitation Tournament" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ncaa.com/championships/basketball-women/wbit" data-vars-content-id="49ad215a-1010-40ab-91dc-cca67c6e18ee" data-vars-headline="KU, Mizzou women&#x27;s basketball keep postseason alive" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ncaa.com/championships/basketball-women/wbit" target="_blank">Women&#x27;s Basketball Invitation Tournament</a> (WBIT) keeps a select group playing into late March and early April.

New UMKC basketball coach bets on KC talent

New coach Mark Turgeon plans to keep Kansas City players home.

The University of Missouri - Kansas City hired longtime men&#x27;s college basketball coach <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mark Turgeon" data-vars-click-url="https://www.umkc.edu/news/posts/2026/february/mark-turgeon-to-bring-big-vision-stellar-track-record-to-umkc-mens-basketball.html" data-vars-content-id="87d542fb-996c-42a7-827d-54daaf21a7f7" data-vars-headline="New UMKC basketball coach bets on KC talent" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.umkc.edu/news/posts/2026/february/mark-turgeon-to-bring-big-vision-stellar-track-record-to-umkc-mens-basketball.html" target="_blank">Mark Turgeon</a> to build up the program by keeping Kansas City&#x27;s top talent at home.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="UMKC" data-vars-click-url="https://www.umkc.edu/news/posts/2026/march/umkc-introduces-mark-turgeon-as-mens-basketball-coach.html" data-vars-content-id="87d542fb-996c-42a7-827d-54daaf21a7f7" data-vars-headline="New UMKC basketball coach bets on KC talent" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.umkc.edu/news/posts/2026/march/umkc-introduces-mark-turgeon-as-mens-basketball-coach.html" target="_blank">UMKC</a> is the city&#x27;s only Division 1 men&#x27;s basketball program, but the Roos have never reached the NCAA tournament.

KU and Mizzou tip off March Madness

Here's what to watch, how to tune in and what comes next.

Kansas and Missouri open NCAA Tournament play Friday with different seeds and the same reality: trying to come back from shaky seasons.The big picture: March Madness is single-elimination, so the same issues that showed up in February now determine who stays and who goes.

KC Glory leads increasing number of women playing football

Women are increasingly joining football teams despite fewer leagues and opportunities.

The Kansas City Glory, a pro women&#x27;s tackle football team, is getting ready to kick off its seventh season with a home opener against the Seattle Majestics.Why it matters: Women&#x27;s football is growing, and KC is leading the charge with a dedicated fan base and some star athletes.

KC Symphony's new performance hall would triple its capacity

The new venue would be designed for audiences of up to 4,600.

The Kansas City Symphony this week announced plans to build a new performance hall nearly triple the size of its current space, with a target opening in 2028.Why it matters: The symphony is expanding its footprint with its own venue designed for specialty shows and capable of attracting midsized touring acts.

Our surrogacy laws are all over the place

Kansas and Missouri take different legal paths for surrogacy families.

Kansas City families navigating surrogacy face two different legal systems depending on which side of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state line" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405661817300229" data-vars-content-id="f51c8653-a805-4dd4-8046-9ca7ce5b0a32" data-vars-headline="Our surrogacy laws are all over the place" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405661817300229" target="_blank">state line</a> they use.The big picture: Some state regulations have barriers for intended parents who are single, unmarried, not a heterosexual couple and/or not genetically related to the child.

KC knows its liquor and our history proves it

From gin to whiskey, these distilleries reflect KC's liquor roots.

Kansas City&#x27;s liquor history shows up in what you&#x27;re drinking, from revived pre-Prohibition <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="whiskey styles" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mymcpl.org/blogs/history-whiskey-kc" data-vars-content-id="b7f270ad-c286-4782-8883-8f7f62b50c39" data-vars-headline="KC knows its liquor and our history proves it" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mymcpl.org/blogs/history-whiskey-kc" target="_blank">whiskey styles</a> to spirits shaped by bootlegging. Here are a few distilleries to visit.

New report projects downtown KC population boom

A major influx of residents means KCMO needs a lot more housing.

Kansas City&#x27;s downtown population is projected to grow by roughly 33% over the next decade, according to a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.downtownkc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/DTKC-2026-Market-Update-Q1.pdf" data-vars-content-id="356b4ac8-bbfb-4082-9776-e4ed40a673a8" data-vars-headline="New report projects downtown KC population boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.downtownkc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/DTKC-2026-Market-Update-Q1.pdf" target="_blank">report</a> by the Downtown Council.Why it matters: The unprecedented influx of nearly 11,000 new residents would require a lot more housing, even as city leaders and advocates struggle to balance affordability with developer incentives.

Downtown KC is almost back to pre-pandemic foot traffic

Downtown KC visits hit 95% of pre-pandemic levels, driven by residents, workers and events.

Downtown Kansas City has recovered about 95% of its pre-COVID visitor foot traffic, rebounding from pandemic-era lows to levels that almost rival 2019 and outpace many major cities.Why it matters: KC&#x27;s recovery is happening more fully because it is no longer tied to one group returning, unlike in other states, where downtowns are still waiting on office workers.

Detention center takes detainees before oversight panel is in place

About 20 detainees are held as officials finalize oversight of the Leavenworth ICE site.

Leavenworth&#x27;s ICE detention facility is already holding about 20 detainees as the city is finalizing an oversight committee meant to monitor conditions at the site.Why it matters: The Leavenworth City Commission approved reopening the former prison earlier this month with a plan for local oversight, but that system is still being put in place.

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.

Port KC closes worker wage loophole

New rule requires prevailing wages on Port KC-backed projects starting April 1.

Workers are putting down picket signs after Port KC closed a loophole in its project financing that allowed developers to pay lower wages than Missouri&#x27;s prevailing wage standards.Why it matters: Construction is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="booming" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2025/12/22/big-developments-kansas-city-2026" data-vars-content-id="e781405c-dbde-4884-a5a7-3d36a16b8b4d" data-vars-headline="Port KC closes worker wage loophole" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2025/12/22/big-developments-kansas-city-2026" target="_self">booming</a> across the city, and after weeks of picketing over wages at Port KC-backed projects, union workers say the new rule is a step forward, even as they push for more.

First look: River House sets the menu for Rock Island Bridge

River House brings smoked chicken, oysters and cocktails to the bridge.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rock Island Bridge" data-vars-click-url="https://rockislandkc.com/" data-vars-content-id="093d72ad-9ef6-4d44-9884-cd2caa337563" data-vars-headline="First look: River House sets the menu for Rock Island Bridge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://rockislandkc.com/" target="_blank">Rock Island Bridge</a> opens Wednesday with a restaurant and walk-up window built to make food part of the draw, not an afterthought.The big picture: Kansas City has no shortage of places with a view, and Rock Island provides just that. However, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="River House" data-vars-click-url="https://answerharbor.com/2025/12/22/the-riverhouse-a-waterfront-menu-worth-exploring/?fi=0&amp;cid=3c4ac6a6-e084-40ba-8d49-57498b22786e&amp;sub=riverhouserestaurant.com&amp;utm_source=riverhouserestaurant.com&amp;hide_featured=1" data-vars-content-id="093d72ad-9ef6-4d44-9884-cd2caa337563" data-vars-headline="First look: River House sets the menu for Rock Island Bridge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://answerharbor.com/2025/12/22/the-riverhouse-a-waterfront-menu-worth-exploring/?fi=0&amp;cid=3c4ac6a6-e084-40ba-8d49-57498b22786e&amp;sub=riverhouserestaurant.com&amp;utm_source=riverhouserestaurant.com&amp;hide_featured=1" target="_blank">River House</a> is betting people will come back for smoked chicken, oysters, cocktails and food designed to fit a night over the river.

KC Fashion Week pulls designers from coast to coast

Designers from across the U.S. showcase work as Fashion Week marks 15 years.

<figure><img alt="Runway fashion show with two models in peach dresses; one has lime-green underlayer and lace-up sandals. Purple lighting, audience on both sides, some people filming; backdrop with large white letters." height="720" id="9996c299-1111-47da-bebf-cc6c0d66c9ab" src="https://images.axios.com/ANqvQqZWKuv0Y83M27fCPl3xnBQ=/2026/03/26/1774558986435.gif" width="1280"/><figcaption>Models walking the runway at KCFW. Photo: Abbey Higginbotham/Axios</figcaption></figure>Designers from across the country are showing in Kansas City this week as Fashion Week celebrates its 15th year.Why it matters: KC is no longer just a stop on the fashion map. Designers are choosing it to reach new customers and build their brands in the middle of the country.

What to know about the KC Royals' 2026 season

Opening Day, giveaways and streaming highlight the Royals' 2026 season.

Baseball is back and the Royals open the 2026 season after finishing 82-80 last year, missing the postseason.The big picture: The Royals&#x27; season runs through late September, with regular home games and a packed calendar for fans.

KC patios to grab a seat this spring

These patios make it easy to grab a drink and stay awhile this spring.

Things to Do

Kansas City may hit 90 degrees this weekend, which means everyone suddenly has the same idea: Sit outside with a drink and don&#x27;t go home anytime soon.The big picture: The first hot weekend of the year turns every decent patio into a waiting game. These are spots where you can show up, grab a seat and not feel rushed out.

139 years of Irish cheer at Browne's

The beloved Midtown Irish shop will celebrate the milestone as St. Patrick's Day crowds return.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Browne&#x27;s Irish Marketplace" data-vars-click-url="https://brownesirishmarket.com/" data-vars-content-id="855a8894-df83-41eb-8423-dd6362dd7a49" data-vars-headline="139 years of Irish cheer at Browne&#x27;s" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://brownesirishmarket.com/" target="_blank">Browne&#x27;s Irish Marketplace</a>, opened by Irish immigrants in Kansas City in 1887, will celebrate its 139th St. Patrick&#x27;s Day on Tuesday as parade crowds gather nearby.Why it matters: One block from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="KC St. Patrick&#x27;s Day Parade" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kcirishparade.com/" data-vars-content-id="855a8894-df83-41eb-8423-dd6362dd7a49" data-vars-headline="139 years of Irish cheer at Browne&#x27;s" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kcirishparade.com/" target="_blank">KC St. Patrick&#x27;s Day Parade</a> route, Browne&#x27;s has become a gathering place for generations of Kansas Citians and an enduring Irish tradition in Midtown.

St. Patrick's celebrations in KC this weekend and Tuesday

From parades and runs to green beer, here's where the party's at.

St. Patrick&#x27;s Day celebrations kick into high gear in Kansas City starting this weekend and lasting through Tuesday.Why it matters: It&#x27;s not just a reason to drink green beer — it&#x27;s a celebration of local history, with KC&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Irish roots" data-vars-click-url="https://www.visitkc.com/articles/everything-you-need-know-about-st-patricks-day-kc/" data-vars-content-id="7812adc4-1355-484a-8a3e-4d541ae20726" data-vars-headline="St. Patrick&#x27;s celebrations in KC this weekend and Tuesday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.visitkc.com/articles/everything-you-need-know-about-st-patricks-day-kc/" target="_blank">Irish roots</a> dating back to the city&#x27;s founding.

Dear Donna combines fine dining with chill weekend brunch

The husband-and-wife James Beard semifinalists' concept replaces Happy Gillis in Columbus Park.

Casual brunch meets James Beard-nominated cuisine at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dear Donna" data-vars-click-url="https://www.deardonnakc.com/" data-vars-content-id="99ca77a1-ff23-472b-aa86-e66a73d30fde" data-vars-headline="Dear Donna combines fine dining with chill weekend brunch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.deardonnakc.com/" target="_blank">Dear Donna</a>, a new restaurant near downtown KC.Why it matters: The concept replaces Happy Gillis, a long-time and well-loved breakfast and lunch spot tucked into the Columbus Park neighborhood.

Kansas coffee company eyes big expansion starting in Olathe

The folks behind Freddy's massive growth are turning their eyes toward coffee.

A small-town Kansas coffee shop is set for big-time expansion, with its first franchise location planned to open in Olathe this year.Why it matters: The move marks a broader growth push backed by a Wichita restaurant industry magnate and a franchise group planning six regional locations.

How Black pitmasters built KC barbecue

KC barbecue grew from railroads, stockyards and Black culinary innovation.

Kansas City&#x27;s booming barbecue scene traces back to railroads, stockyards and Black pitmasters who turned the butcher&#x27;s leftovers into a defining local tradition.Why it matters: Barbecue is central to KC&#x27;s identity, but many people don&#x27;t realize how deeply it&#x27;s rooted in Black culture and entrepreneurship.

Eating our way through Big 12 tourney food

The Big 12 is more than just basketball — it's memories and meals.

The Big 12 tournaments are bringing some <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Big Eats" data-vars-click-url="https://big12sports.com/news/2026/2/26/big-12-announces-fan-experiences-entertainment-and-community-programming-for-2026-phillips-66-big-12-mens-and-womens-basketball-tournaments.aspx" data-vars-content-id="9e4ee37f-13c1-4218-86c4-e3858fd1fa82" data-vars-headline="Eating our way through Big 12 tourney food" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://big12sports.com/news/2026/2/26/big-12-announces-fan-experiences-entertainment-and-community-programming-for-2026-phillips-66-big-12-mens-and-womens-basketball-tournaments.aspx" target="_blank">Big Eats</a> to the Power &amp; Light District with the creation of school-specific snacks, milkshakes and food-related apparel.Why it matters: It&#x27;s something both fans with tickets and downtown revelers can sink their teeth into over the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="next two weeks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/03/03/big-12-tournament-fan-fest-new-tech-kansas-city" data-vars-content-id="9e4ee37f-13c1-4218-86c4-e3858fd1fa82" data-vars-headline="Eating our way through Big 12 tourney food" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/03/03/big-12-tournament-fan-fest-new-tech-kansas-city" target="_self">next two weeks</a>.

Up North Brewery takes over previous Big Rip space

The North KC brewery adds one more local craft beer business back to KC.

A new brewery has quietly opened in North Kansas City in place of The Big Rip, a brewhouse that generated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lots of buzz" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kansascity.com/site-services/newsletters/lets-dish-nl/article312824873.html" data-vars-content-id="373f35a0-f25d-45d8-8a50-e2efcf0b42a1" data-vars-headline="Up North Brewery takes over previous Big Rip space" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kansascity.com/site-services/newsletters/lets-dish-nl/article312824873.html" target="_blank">lots of buzz</a> when it <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced its closure" data-vars-click-url="https://kansascitymag.com/restaurant-5/" data-vars-content-id="373f35a0-f25d-45d8-8a50-e2efcf0b42a1" data-vars-headline="Up North Brewery takes over previous Big Rip space" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://kansascitymag.com/restaurant-5/" target="_blank">announced its closure</a> last summer.Why it matters: Its transformation and reopening as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Up North Brewery" data-vars-click-url="https://upnorthbrewery.ourmenu.com/" data-vars-content-id="373f35a0-f25d-45d8-8a50-e2efcf0b42a1" data-vars-headline="Up North Brewery takes over previous Big Rip space" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://upnorthbrewery.ourmenu.com/" target="_blank">Up North Brewery</a> adds one more local craft beer business back to KC, bucking the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national trend" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2025/06/27/kansas-city-craft-breweries-2024-production" data-vars-content-id="373f35a0-f25d-45d8-8a50-e2efcf0b42a1" data-vars-headline="Up North Brewery takes over previous Big Rip space" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2025/06/27/kansas-city-craft-breweries-2024-production" target="_self">national trend</a> of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="contracting industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/craft-beer-production-closings-gabf" data-vars-content-id="373f35a0-f25d-45d8-8a50-e2efcf0b42a1" data-vars-headline="Up North Brewery takes over previous Big Rip space" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/craft-beer-production-closings-gabf" target="_self">contracting industry</a>.

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