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The Midwest power grid has a tough, expensive road ahead

Heat and data centers are contributing to rising energy demands.

News

Summer heat and rising electrical demand are putting power grids to the test.The big picture: Successive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="heat domes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-forecasts/next-heat-dome-to-bring-100-f-heat-to-midwest-perhaps-east-again/1909282" data-vars-content-id="1ac314d4-6a82-4fbe-be77-7c7e79476a35" data-vars-headline="The Midwest power grid has a tough, expensive road ahead" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-forecasts/next-heat-dome-to-bring-100-f-heat-to-midwest-perhaps-east-again/1909282" target="_blank">heat domes</a> in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="June" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/26/heat-wave-dome-july" data-vars-content-id="1ac314d4-6a82-4fbe-be77-7c7e79476a35" data-vars-headline="The Midwest power grid has a tough, expensive road ahead" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/26/heat-wave-dome-july" target="_self">June</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="July" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/06/us-heat-wave-death-toll-july-2026" data-vars-content-id="1ac314d4-6a82-4fbe-be77-7c7e79476a35" data-vars-headline="The Midwest power grid has a tough, expensive road ahead" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/06/us-heat-wave-death-toll-july-2026" target="_self">July</a> stressed cooling systems and energy generators, threatening costly and dangerous outages.

Deportations to cost the Heartland billions

Missouri taxpayers are covering $3.6 billion of the deportation push. Kansas taxpayers, $1.8 billion. Here's what that works out to per person.

Taxpayers on both sides of the state line would each pay roughly $1,800 toward President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="1d653b65-0732-4da8-9b91-4adea68ba628" data-vars-headline="Deportations to cost the Heartland billions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump&#x27;s</a> mass deportation push, according to a new calculator from the Economic Policy Institute (EPI).Why it matters: The estimate fuels debate over whether billions of federal dollars devoted to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="deportations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/15/ice-deportations-us-immigration-trump-biden-2025" data-vars-content-id="1d653b65-0732-4da8-9b91-4adea68ba628" data-vars-headline="Deportations to cost the Heartland billions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/15/ice-deportations-us-immigration-trump-biden-2025" target="_self">deportations</a> could instead fund other public priorities such as food assistance, health care or housing.

More extreme heat coming to KC as impact grows

Greater shares of Americans say heat affects daily life.

Greater shares of Americans now say that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="extreme heat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/06/us-heat-wave-death-toll-july-2026" data-vars-content-id="8a58353a-b746-4e4a-841b-b687465b1823" data-vars-headline="More extreme heat coming to KC as impact grows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/06/us-heat-wave-death-toll-july-2026" target="_self">extreme heat</a> has affected parts of day-to-day life compared to just two years ago.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="findings" data-vars-click-url="https://apnorc.org/projects/most-americans-have-been-affected-by-extreme-heat-this-year/" data-vars-content-id="8a58353a-b746-4e4a-841b-b687465b1823" data-vars-headline="More extreme heat coming to KC as impact grows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnorc.org/projects/most-americans-have-been-affected-by-extreme-heat-this-year/" target="_blank">findings</a>, from the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, suggest that people are increasingly aware of extreme heat&#x27;s impact on their health, budgets, travel plans and more.

Why Missouri has a sales tax holiday, and Kansas doesn't

Missouri is ditching sales tax this weekend on back-to-school items.

Business

Missouri is ditching sales tax this weekend on back-to-school items — but Kansas isn&#x27;t.Why it matters: The same computer, binder or pair of jeans will be cheaper in Missouri on Friday through Sunday, no matter which state you live in.

Where to donate school supplies in KC

Collections are underway as school supplies rise in cost.

Education

Metro nonprofits, restaurants, school districts and at least one municipal court are gathering school supplies before students return to class next month.Why it matters: Nearly one in five Kansas City children lives below the poverty line, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per the city" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/city-officials/city-council-members/councilwoman-ryana-parks-shaw-5th-district/operation-backpack" data-vars-content-id="dedf51fd-0a0d-4511-8720-df845c85de41" data-vars-headline="Where to donate school supplies in KC" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/city-officials/city-council-members/councilwoman-ryana-parks-shaw-5th-district/operation-backpack" target="_blank">per the city</a>, which affects how many kids start the year equipped.

Kansas just told students to power down all day

New law blocks phones from first bell to last starting this fall.

<figure><img alt="Animated illustration of a pencil eraser erasing a smartphone." height="720" id="f13cff8a-0eb0-46a1-8b23-7cf708d2c6ef" src="https://images.axios.com/FUArAly7YDysPyifp6JJp8Rng3U=/2024/05/17/181803-1715969883691.gif" width="1280"/><figcaption>Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios</figcaption></figure>Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly on Thursday <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="signed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.governor.ks.gov/Home/Components/News/News/952/56" data-vars-content-id="31dae617-2956-4972-91e9-ce0c80d67d9e" data-vars-headline="Kansas just told students to power down all day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.governor.ks.gov/Home/Components/News/News/952/56" target="_blank">signed</a> a statewide ban on the use of cellphones and other personal devices during the entire school day, forcing KC-area districts to rewrite rules.Why it matters: The new law extends beyond class time to include lunch, recess and passing periods. Local districts now have to figure out how to store devices, enforce the rules and absorb the costs.

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>.

Scoop: Employees detail sudden move out of worsening UMKC building

A KCUR employee tells Axios the deadline "blindsided" the station

Employees who worked at a recently vacated University of Missouri–Kansas City building say they were given less than six weeks to find a new location — even though the university had planned to decommission it for years.Why it matters: A KCUR employee tells Axios the deadline &quot;blindsided&quot; the station and caused interruptions to its broadcast.

A KC Head Start site stayed open by changing hands

The site closed after the YMCA ended its Head Start programs last year.

A Head Start site in KC&#x27;s Northland is now run by the local early childhood education nonprofit <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mattie Rhodes" data-vars-click-url="https://mattierhodes.org/" data-vars-content-id="9e764d55-1d0f-498a-83f5-2c5990672daa" data-vars-headline="A KC Head Start site stayed open by changing hands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mattierhodes.org/" target="_blank">Mattie Rhodes</a> after the YMCA closed the building that previously housed the program.

Kansas eyes phone ban like Missouri, but kids are split

State bans are part of a national push to crack down on phones in schools.

Kansas lawmakers are weighing a phone ban in public schools, following Missouri&#x27;s ban, which went into effect at the beginning of the school year in August.Why it matters: State bans are part of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national push" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/06/school-phone-bans-dc-map-bipartisan" data-vars-content-id="8c277165-3ab7-427f-a322-d408611b8f1d" data-vars-headline="Kansas eyes phone ban like Missouri, but kids are split" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/06/school-phone-bans-dc-map-bipartisan" target="_self">national push</a> to crack down on phones in schools, with local districts touting positive outcomes while kids remain mostly opposed.

First look: KC leaders set goal to boost college completion

KC leaders want to raise college completion rates from 13% to 23% by 2030.

The Kansas City College and Career Attainment Network (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="KCCAN" data-vars-click-url="https://mocollegecareer.org/kccan/" data-vars-content-id="bc208223-2629-41b0-ac1b-b8ac37c9ab2b" data-vars-headline="First look: KC leaders set goal to boost college completion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mocollegecareer.org/kccan/" target="_blank">KCCAN</a>) announced a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="plan" data-vars-click-url="https://mocollegecareer.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/KCCAN-STRATEGIC-PLAN-_-FINAL_-EDIT-1.pdf" data-vars-content-id="bc208223-2629-41b0-ac1b-b8ac37c9ab2b" data-vars-headline="First look: KC leaders set goal to boost college completion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mocollegecareer.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/KCCAN-STRATEGIC-PLAN-_-FINAL_-EDIT-1.pdf" target="_blank">plan</a> Tuesday to nearly double the percentage of students from low-income high schools earning postsecondary degrees by 2030.Why it matters: Only 13% of students from low-income high schools in the Kansas City metro are on track to earn a college degree, according to KCCAN, a gap that limits economic mobility and threatens KC&#x27;s future workforce.<ul><li>KCCAN aims to address what happens after high school graduation, when many students fall off the path to a degree or credential.</li></ul>

Voters to decide fate of Independence's four-day school week

Voters in Independence are deciding whether to keep the district's four-day school week — a policy created to attract teachers that serves as a test case for Missouri's new approval rule.

Election

Voters in Independence are deciding today whether to keep the district&#x27;s four-day school week, a change made to help attract and keep <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="teachers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.primecenter.org/education-reports-database/4dsw-case-study?utm_#:~:text=As%20policymakers%20analyze%20the%204DSW%2C%20it%20is%20important%20to%20investigate%20how%20the%20size%20and%20diversity%20of%20a%20school%20impact%20a%20school%20district%27s%20ability%20to%20attract%20and%20retain%20teachers.%C2%A0%C2%A0" data-vars-content-id="9ac2e926-f5df-431c-b43b-abeaa45f5657" data-vars-headline="Voters to decide fate of Independence&#x27;s four-day school week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.primecenter.org/education-reports-database/4dsw-case-study?utm_#:~:text=As%20policymakers%20analyze%20the%204DSW%2C%20it%20is%20important%20to%20investigate%20how%20the%20size%20and%20diversity%20of%20a%20school%20impact%20a%20school%20district%27s%20ability%20to%20attract%20and%20retain%20teachers.%C2%A0%C2%A0" target="_blank">teachers</a>.Why it matters: The results could determine whether other Kansas City-area districts <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="explore four-day school weeks " data-vars-click-url="https://www.kcur.org/education/2025-10-31/independence-vote-4-day-school-week-missouri-schools?utm_source=chatgpt.com#:~:text=That%20attitude%20could%20become%20more%20widespread%20for%20suburban%20districts%20if%20the%20Independence%20vote%20fails" data-vars-content-id="9ac2e926-f5df-431c-b43b-abeaa45f5657" data-vars-headline="Voters to decide fate of Independence&#x27;s four-day school week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kcur.org/education/2025-10-31/independence-vote-4-day-school-week-missouri-schools?utm_source=chatgpt.com#:~:text=That%20attitude%20could%20become%20more%20widespread%20for%20suburban%20districts%20if%20the%20Independence%20vote%20fails" target="_blank">explore four-day school weeks </a>in the future.

KC teachers union leader says Missouri's phone law misses the real issue

A new state law requires phones to be out of sight all day.

A Kansas City teachers union leader says Missouri&#x27;s new phone ban skips the hard part: teaching kids how to use them.

Latino leaders plan to discuss rising ICE raids during gathering in KC

Latino leaders gather in Kansas City this week to train, organize and protect communities.

Latino leaders and advocates are gathering in Kansas City this week to share tools, training and solidarity at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="UnidosUS national conference." data-vars-click-url="https://unidosus.org/conference/" data-vars-content-id="c8db5df9-eb6c-45e1-b6de-dbaddfde743b" data-vars-headline="Latino leaders plan to discuss rising ICE raids during gathering in KC" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://unidosus.org/conference/" target="_blank">UnidosUS national conference.</a>Why it matters: UnidosUS president and CEO Janet Murguía told Axios the conference is designed to educate people on their rights, especially as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="aggressive enforcement tactics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/05/trump-migrants-alligator-alcatraz-denaturalize" data-vars-content-id="c8db5df9-eb6c-45e1-b6de-dbaddfde743b" data-vars-headline="Latino leaders plan to discuss rising ICE raids during gathering in KC" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/05/trump-migrants-alligator-alcatraz-denaturalize" target="_self">aggressive enforcement tactics</a> escalate.

🛝 School recess is back in play

School recess is back in play

A state map shows school recess laws in the U.S. As of December 2025, 13 states (including D.C.) mandate recess laws, while 12 others have physical activity laws. Most states, 26, have no state mandate.

Education 📚

School recess is back in play

AI private school eyes Kansas City

Study: Phone bans don't boost scores

Where to donate school supplies in KC

Kansas just told students to power down all day