Cynthia Newsome dies after cancer battle, Chiefs get land for stadium: Top KC stories
From the death of longtime Kansas City TV anchor Cynthia Newsome to the Chiefs securing land for new Kansas facilities, here’s a roundup of what’s making news in the Kansas City region. These are the top stories from The Kansas City Star.
Here are the key takeaways:
Cynthia Newsome dies after cancer battle
Cynthia Newsome, former KSHB 41 anchor who spent 25 years on Kansas City television, died Tuesday after a long battle with cancer, the station confirmed. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 and later diagnosed with brain cancer in May 2025.
Massive Ward Parkway mansion
A nearly 10,000-square-foot modern mansion estimated at more than $7 million is rising at 6315 Ward Parkway in Kansas City’s historic Meyer Circle neighborhood. Neighbors are split on the contemporary design, with some praising the project and others calling it ill-fitted to the area’s traditional architecture.
Chiefs secure land for new stadium
The Kansas City Chiefs have locked down control of most of the land needed for a new stadium in Wyandotte County and a practice facility and headquarters in Olathe. The $3 billion project will be funded largely by $2.8 billion in state-issued STAR bonds repaid through new sales tax revenue.
Kansas City barbecue
Joe’s Kansas City, operating from a converted gas station at 3002 W. 47th Ave. in Kansas City, Kansas, has landed on more travel guides and “best of” lists than any other area restaurant in the past 10 years, with Anthony Bourdain once declaring it the best barbecue in the world. Pitmasters there use low-and-slow smoking methods, cooking brisket at 180 degrees overnight.
New flight at KCI
Allegiant Travel Company announced eight new nonstop routes on May 19, including a Kansas City-to-Fort Lauderdale flight launching Oct. 2. One-way fares between the two cities will be as low as $79 for a limited time, and travelers can earn 1,000 Allways Rewards points on bookings made between May 19 and June 18, 2026.
The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.
This story was originally published May 20, 2026 at 12:27 PM.
