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

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KC puts $1M toward new homelessness strategy

City leaders say the flexible fund will help move people experiencing homelessness indoors faster.

News

Kansas City leaders are launching a $1 million <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Housing Gateway Program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kcmo.gov/Home/Components/News/News/2898/1746" data-vars-content-id="5360b410-406a-4697-bf7a-1ec7b006171d" data-vars-headline="KC puts $1M toward new homelessness strategy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kcmo.gov/Home/Components/News/News/2898/1746" target="_blank">Housing Gateway Program</a> to move people indoors more quickly as homelessness rises.Why it matters: The effort relies on flexible local dollars that aren&#x27;t tied to federal restrictions, giving the city more control over how quickly and where the money is deployed.

Olympic fever packs the ice at KC Curling Club

Nearly 600 people signed up to try curling during the Winter Olympics surge.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Kansas City Curling Club" data-vars-click-url="https://kccurling.com/" data-vars-content-id="8651eaec-21c1-41d4-9a2f-e88329246674" data-vars-headline="Olympic fever packs the ice at KC Curling Club" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://kccurling.com/" target="_blank">The Kansas City Curling Club</a> has signed up hundreds of new people to try curling since the Winter Olympics began, flooding its facility with first-timers eager to slide a stone.Why it matters: The club is the only dedicated curling facility within 350 miles of KC, and Olympic buzz is boosting interest in the niche winter sport.

Health coverage hits harder in Kansas than in Missouri

Kansas families spend nearly 10% of income on employer coverage, slightly more than Missouri households.

Health

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Employer health coverage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/11/charted-health-insurance-coverage-family-income" data-vars-content-id="c429a5f5-7d49-4bd8-aca6-42b912e2a71e" data-vars-headline="Health coverage hits harder in Kansas than in Missouri" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/11/charted-health-insurance-coverage-family-income" target="_self">Employer health coverage</a> eats up nearly one-tenth of a typical family&#x27;s income in both Kansas and Missouri, with Kansas households facing a slightly heavier burden, a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Commonwealth Fund study" data-vars-click-url="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/blog/2026/is-employer-coverage-affordable-how-states-stack-up" data-vars-content-id="c429a5f5-7d49-4bd8-aca6-42b912e2a71e" data-vars-headline="Health coverage hits harder in Kansas than in Missouri" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/blog/2026/is-employer-coverage-affordable-how-states-stack-up" target="_blank">Commonwealth Fund study</a> shows.

Fed World Cup funding to pay for officers, drone defense in KC

Kansas City is getting more than $79 million from the federal government.

Kansas City is getting more than $79 million from the federal government for public safety ahead of the World Cup, leaders announced Thursday.Why it matters: Organizers and public officials want to be ready for anything ahead of the city&#x27;s massive fan influx this summer, although leaders say there are no specific threats at this time.

How ICE enforcement stress affects kids — and what parents can do

As federal immigration enforcement ramps up, Kansas City therapists report rising anxiety among children. Here's what parents should watch for and how to help.

As the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="d0c3670a-7ce3-4159-a68f-c0e8a3893184" data-vars-headline="How ICE enforcement stress affects kids — and what parents can do" 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</a> administration ramps up federal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigration enforcement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/15/twin-cities-occupied-by-federal-agents-turmoil" data-vars-content-id="d0c3670a-7ce3-4159-a68f-c0e8a3893184" data-vars-headline="How ICE enforcement stress affects kids — and what parents can do" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/15/twin-cities-occupied-by-federal-agents-turmoil" target="_self">immigration enforcement</a>, experts say <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="children across the country" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/30/ice-trump-children-mental-health-parents-immigration" data-vars-content-id="d0c3670a-7ce3-4159-a68f-c0e8a3893184" data-vars-headline="How ICE enforcement stress affects kids — and what parents can do" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/30/ice-trump-children-mental-health-parents-immigration" target="_self">children across the country</a> may be absorbing the fear and uncertainty of ICE operations.Why it matters: Experiencing traumatic events in childhood can create lasting physical and mental health challenges that extend into adulthood, Sita Patel, a clinical psychology professor at Palo Alto University, tells Axios.

Ruby Jean's "north star" is longevity through juice

The local operation has expanded its distribution from Hawaii to D.C.

Food and Drink

What began as a healthy alternative to soul food in Kansas City&#x27;s East Side has become a hub for community building and longevity.Why it matters: We&#x27;re continuing our February spotlight on Black-owned businesses with a look at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ruby Jean&#x27;s Juicery" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rubyjeansjuicery.com/" data-vars-content-id="c07638eb-cd65-47c5-866d-37448ad96f2c" data-vars-headline="Ruby Jean&#x27;s &quot;north star&quot; is longevity through juice" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rubyjeansjuicery.com/" target="_blank">Ruby Jean&#x27;s Juicery</a>, a local cold-pressed juice company with nationwide reach.

A run in the underground world of Chiefs founder Lamar Hunt

This sprawling underground complex is home to one of KC's most distinctive races.

Business

What began as a limestone mine boring into the cliffs above the Missouri River has become a sprawling underground complex — and home to one of Kansas City&#x27;s most distinctive races.The big picture: The annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Groundhog Run" data-vars-click-url="https://abilitykc.org/event/groundhog-run/" data-vars-content-id="4b267a73-7223-427e-876d-5a7a8038b902" data-vars-headline="A run in the underground world of Chiefs founder Lamar Hunt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://abilitykc.org/event/groundhog-run/" target="_blank">Groundhog Run</a> winds through miles of tunnels reaching under Worlds of Fun, blending a long-running charity event with a glimpse into the scale and ambition of the Hunt family — one of the richest in America.

Indoor workout classes to try as winter drags on

These local classes go beyond the treadmill and bring the heat indoors.

When winter settles in, staying active often means exercising indoors, and KC offers plenty of options beyond the treadmill. Here are some local workout classes worth checking out.

Shorter days can hit hard: Here's how you can cope

Kansas City winters can feel long and isolating. Here's what experts say about winter blues, seasonal affective disorder, and small ways to take care of yourself when daylight disappears.

Kansas City <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="winters can feel exceptionally long" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/07/seasonal-depression-affective-disorder-remedies%5C" data-vars-content-id="adfeebd9-d821-4730-86f7-f3c408e05bd8" data-vars-headline="Shorter days can hit hard: Here&#x27;s how you can cope" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/07/seasonal-depression-affective-disorder-remedies%5C" target="_self">winters can feel exceptionally long</a> when it gets <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dark before dinner" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/02/standard-time-daylight-saving-sleep-benefits" data-vars-content-id="adfeebd9-d821-4730-86f7-f3c408e05bd8" data-vars-headline="Shorter days can hit hard: Here&#x27;s how you can cope" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/02/standard-time-daylight-saving-sleep-benefits" target="_self">dark before dinner</a> and the cold keeps you inside more than you planned.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Feeling a little down" data-vars-click-url="https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-beat-the-winter-blues-5087998" data-vars-content-id="adfeebd9-d821-4730-86f7-f3c408e05bd8" data-vars-headline="Shorter days can hit hard: Here&#x27;s how you can cope" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-beat-the-winter-blues-5087998" target="_blank">Feeling a little down</a> during darker months is common, but the American Psychiatric Association (APA) says <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="about 5%" data-vars-click-url="https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/seasonal-affective-disorder" data-vars-content-id="adfeebd9-d821-4730-86f7-f3c408e05bd8" data-vars-headline="Shorter days can hit hard: Here&#x27;s how you can cope" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/seasonal-affective-disorder" target="_blank">about 5%</a> of U.S. adults experience a form of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

The "super flu" and the spike in KC-area flu cases

Kansas City is seeing a sharp rise in flu cases this winter, driven largely by the H3N2 strain known as subclade K.

Kansas City is seeing a rise in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="flu cases" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/12/16/flu-cases-rising-in-dallas-fort-worth" data-vars-content-id="8fca8385-b912-4a5a-9982-2dd2cd157d6b" data-vars-headline="The &quot;super flu&quot; and the spike in KC-area flu cases" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/12/16/flu-cases-rising-in-dallas-fort-worth" target="_self">flu cases</a> this winter, mirroring a national surge tied to the so-called super flu.Why it matters: An unprecedented rise in flu cases comes as other sicknesses, such as the &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="winter vomiting bug" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/24/norovirus-winter-vomiting-bug-variant-symptoms" data-vars-content-id="8fca8385-b912-4a5a-9982-2dd2cd157d6b" data-vars-headline="The &quot;super flu&quot; and the spike in KC-area flu cases" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/24/norovirus-winter-vomiting-bug-variant-symptoms" target="_self">winter vomiting bug</a>,&quot; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="COVID" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/health/coronavirus" data-vars-content-id="8fca8385-b912-4a5a-9982-2dd2cd157d6b" data-vars-headline="The &quot;super flu&quot; and the spike in KC-area flu cases" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/health/coronavirus" target="_self">COVID</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="whooping cough" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/28/whooping-cough-pertussis-symptoms-cases-november-kentucky" data-vars-content-id="8fca8385-b912-4a5a-9982-2dd2cd157d6b" data-vars-headline="The &quot;super flu&quot; and the spike in KC-area flu cases" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/28/whooping-cough-pertussis-symptoms-cases-november-kentucky" target="_self">whooping cough</a>, are slamming the country.

SNAP junk food ban expands to Missouri

The ban will prohibit SNAP purchases of candy, prepared desserts, soda, beverage mixes and more.

Six more states, including Missouri, are set to ban the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="SNAP" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/02/snap-payments-december-trump-usda" data-vars-content-id="ee87a7e7-6165-4e39-b9bb-2afbdda1eb46" data-vars-headline="SNAP junk food ban expands to Missouri" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/02/snap-payments-december-trump-usda" target="_self">SNAP</a>) benefits for junk food under new deals with the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="ee87a7e7-6165-4e39-b9bb-2afbdda1eb46" data-vars-headline="SNAP junk food ban expands to Missouri" 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</a> administration.Why it matters: The move expands the Trump administration&#x27;s use of the federal safety net to advance its &quot;Make America Healthy Again&quot; agenda.

Kansas City activates winter extreme weather shelter plan

The city is adding more shelter beds as temperatures drop below freezing.

Kansas City activated its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zero KC Extreme Weather Plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kcmo.gov/Home/Components/News/News/2790/1746" data-vars-content-id="500df575-8012-447b-accd-457c0b3f0b90" data-vars-headline="Kansas City activates winter extreme weather shelter plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kcmo.gov/Home/Components/News/News/2790/1746" target="_blank">Zero KC Extreme Weather Plan</a> this week to expand shelter access and outreach as dangerous temperatures set in.Why it matters: More than 2,200 people in the KC metro are unhoused, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2024 Point-in-Time Count" data-vars-click-url="https://projecthomelessconnectkc.com/" data-vars-content-id="500df575-8012-447b-accd-457c0b3f0b90" data-vars-headline="Kansas City activates winter extreme weather shelter plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://projecthomelessconnectkc.com/" target="_blank">2024 Point-in-Time Count</a>, and expanded shelter options give more people a place to go on the coldest nights.

KC crisis program shows promise as MO youth suicide rate spikes

Suicides among young adults in Missouri have surged faster than national trends.

As suicide rates increase across the nation, mental health services in Kansas City are expanding to treat more patients and intervene during crises.The big picture: Suicides among young adults in Missouri have surged faster than <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national trends" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/07/young-adult-suicide-rate-map" data-vars-content-id="7866036d-48bf-42fe-a165-08e5f8dfe14a" data-vars-headline="KC crisis program shows promise as MO youth suicide rate spikes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/07/young-adult-suicide-rate-map" target="_self">national trends</a>, per data from the CDC — even as the numbers appear to be decreasing in KCMO.

Health 🩺

How ICE enforcement stress affects kids — and what parents can do

Health coverage hits harder in Kansas than in Missouri

Ruby Jean's "north star" is longevity through juice

A run in the underground world of Chiefs founder Lamar Hunt

The key to better problem-solving