The Happiest Headlines in Kansas City for the Week of October 19, 2026

 

A half-block of the East Crossroads, owned by the same family since the 1880s, is welcoming a wave of locally owned restaurants and bars. Coming soon: The Shuckers Union, where a certified oyster ambassador plans to serve fresh oysters and lobster rolls; Moody Sue's, a laid-back neighborhood bar with country music; and an expansion of the popular Kata Nori hand-roll spot. Tiki Taco has already opened nearby!The best part? Local entrepreneurs are turning underused spaces into places for Kansas Citians to gather, eat and make memories. Which new spot are you most excited to try?

 

Three local artists - Heehyun Choi, Eric Conrad and Mikey Yates - have earned the prestigious 2026 Charlotte Street Visual Artist Awards, selected by a panel of nationally respected art professionals. Their new exhibition at the Kansas City Art Institute explores something we can all relate to: the stories of our families, where we come from and what it means to belong. Even better, you can see their work right here in KC through December 12! Charlotte Street has invested more than $3 million in artists since 1997, helping local creativity flourish. Know an art lover?

Share this with them and plan a gallery visit!

 

3️⃣ From the Super Bowl to Friday night lights - this is what hometown heroes look like! The Chiefs just recognized two outstanding area high school coaches with stories worth celebrating. At Platte County, Derek Yost is leading a powerhouse program that won back-to-back undefeated state champ-ionships in 2024 and 2025. And at Shawnee Mission East, Mark Simoneau - a former NFL linebacker and Super Bowl champion who finished his career with the Chiefs - is helping the next generation of athletes find success. For 30 years, the Chiefs have honored local coaches who invest in their community. They teach leadership, teamwork and lessons that last long after graduation. Here's to making a difference!