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

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Royals and Hallmark announce downtown stadium

The Royals and Hallmark Cards said they will create an 85-acre ballpark district.

News

The Royals today announced on Wednesday morning that they plan to build a new stadium downtown in partnership with Hallmark.The big picture: The Royals and Hallmark Cards said they will create an 85-acre ballpark district downtown, including &quot;reimagined headquarters&quot; for both.

🛒 Want cheaper groceries? Shop local

Grocery prices just hit a three-year high. I bought the same basket of produce at City Market, Trader Joe's, Hy-Vee and Aldi. Here's who came out cheapest.

Grocery prices recently saw their biggest spike in three years, but KC shoppers often have a cheaper route: local.

Our readers like the Crown Center ballpark plan

The responses signal a rebound in public sentiment from 2024.

We asked readers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="last week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/04/23/royals-stadium-crown-center-reader-survey" data-vars-content-id="68f61f35-ae47-4723-8495-ff6209ecee8e" data-vars-headline="Our readers like the Crown Center ballpark plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/04/23/royals-stadium-crown-center-reader-survey" target="_self">last week</a> to tell us what they thought of the Royals stadium plan at Crown Center, and the results were overwhelmingly positive.Why it matters: The responses signal a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rebound in public sentiment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/04/22/royals-hallmark-crown-center-stadium-downtown" data-vars-content-id="68f61f35-ae47-4723-8495-ff6209ecee8e" data-vars-headline="Our readers like the Crown Center ballpark plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/04/22/royals-hallmark-crown-center-stadium-downtown" target="_self">rebound in public sentiment</a> from 2024, even as many questions are left unanswered.

The Royals' stadium deal just got its redemption arc

The Royals and Hallmark Cards are teaming up on a $3 billion ballpark district at Crown Center, a sharp reset from the 2024 Crossroads plan that voters rejected.

Sports

The Royals have ended two years of stadium speculation with a new Crown Center plan, a sharp reset from the 2024 Crossroads push that taxpayers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rejected" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/04/20/downtown-stadium-sees-more-crossroads-support-than-before" data-vars-content-id="25657810-ff38-43f0-b138-9e332f0635a7" data-vars-headline="The Royals&#x27; stadium deal just got its redemption arc" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/04/20/downtown-stadium-sees-more-crossroads-support-than-before" target="_self">rejected</a>.Why it matters: The $3 billion plan, unveiled Wednesday, is the largest public-private partnership in Kansas City history.<ul><li>The Royals and private investors, including Hallmark, will fund up to two-thirds of the tab, rather than asking voters for a tax hike.</li></ul>

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.

Business

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.

Education

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.

KS and MO schools shorted $129M as federal funds stall

A national freeze on K–12 education grants is holding up millions for Kansas and Missouri schools.

Kansas and Missouri are missing out on more than <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$129 million in federal K-12 funding" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/02/trump-administration-withholds-education-fund" data-vars-content-id="13752f7a-52ba-44dd-bddb-aeb7629cac90" data-vars-headline="KS and MO schools shorted $129M as federal funds stall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/02/trump-administration-withholds-education-fund" target="_self">$129 million in federal K-12 funding</a> that was expected to arrive July 1.Why it matters: A national funding freeze under the Trump administration has left school districts in limbo just weeks before the new school year.

Education 📚

Kansas just told students to power down all day

KC's employers want more real-world experience

Scoop: Employees detail sudden move out of worsening UMKC building

A KC Head Start site stayed open by changing hands

Kansas eyes phone ban like Missouri, but kids are split