Kansas City

Kansas City Members

Membership

Postcard with an image of a city landscape of Kansas City’s skyline on a transparent background

blue

Axios Kansas City Partners

Kansas City Alerts

Alert

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Kansas City.

Axios Kansas City Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Kansas City with Travis Meier and Abbey Higginbotham.

Axios Kansas City

Standard

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.

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.

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.

Business

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>.

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.

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.

KC's employers want more real-world experience

Hiring pros are putting a premium on critical thinking, problem-solving and soft skills.

Employers are increasingly turning toward workers with real-world experience over bachelor&#x27;s degrees, according to a new report by Team KC.Why it matters: The report paints an alternative path to success for those entering the workforce or looking to change careers, as tech and skilled trades work explodes, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cost of college" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/04/17/college-cost-survey" data-vars-content-id="245dd036-2b23-479e-a456-64b367dded58" data-vars-headline="KC&#x27;s employers want more real-world experience" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/04/17/college-cost-survey" target="_self">cost of college</a> remains a barrier to higher education, and borrowers struggle with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="student loans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/23/trump-wage-garnishment-student-loans" data-vars-content-id="245dd036-2b23-479e-a456-64b367dded58" data-vars-headline="KC&#x27;s employers want more real-world experience" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/23/trump-wage-garnishment-student-loans" target="_self">student loans</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>.

New chicken kitchen anchors Vine Street Brewing

Vine Street Chicken Co. opens after a year-and-a-half restaurant vacancy.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Vine Street Brewing" data-vars-click-url="https://vinestbrewing.com/" data-vars-content-id="c4b52015-06b6-4e18-8b9c-037b9ca77e14" data-vars-headline="New chicken kitchen anchors Vine Street Brewing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://vinestbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Vine Street Brewing</a> just welcomed a new permanent food concept, filling an important gap in the brew house&#x27;s business after a year-and-a-half <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="restaurant vacancy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.startlandnews.com/2024/08/2000-vine-prospect-kc/" data-vars-content-id="c4b52015-06b6-4e18-8b9c-037b9ca77e14" data-vars-headline="New chicken kitchen anchors Vine Street Brewing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.startlandnews.com/2024/08/2000-vine-prospect-kc/" target="_blank">restaurant vacancy</a>.Why it matters: We&#x27;re continuing our February spotlight on Black-owned businesses with a look at Missouri&#x27;s first Black-owned brewery and its partnership with the new Vine Street Chicken Co.

Ping-pong balls fly at new Ricochet game bar

Trying to catch your errant ping-pong ball is part of the experience.

A new bar in the Crossroads will send you running across the room chasing your ping-pong ball, but that&#x27;s all part of the experience.The big picture: It&#x27;s one of the many games at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ricochet" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ricochetsocial.com/locations/kc" data-vars-content-id="55a0092a-06ef-4863-94f0-396dbb1d9e8a" data-vars-headline="Ping-pong balls fly at new Ricochet game bar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ricochetsocial.com/locations/kc" target="_blank">Ricochet</a>, a social lounge hosting its grand opening Tuesday at 1720 McGee St.

Business 🏦

KC Symphony's new performance hall would triple its capacity

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

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

Kansas coffee company eyes big expansion starting in Olathe

New cameras capture Sporting fans' biggest reactions for free