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KC's "Soccer Capital" claim has receipts

Leaders say it represents decades of investment that paid off big at the World Cup.

Sports

Kansas City has been calling itself the &quot;Soccer Capital of America&quot; for more than a decade, and despite skeptics and competition from other cities, KC&#x27;s claim runs deep.Why it matters: The phrase isn&#x27;t just a local boast or a title without teeth — it&#x27;s a trademarked slogan, and KC leaders say it represents decades of investment that paid off this summer.

Kansas fertility rates outpace the nation

Kansas sits inside a Plains corridor with the nation's highest fertility rates. Missouri tells a different story.

News

A corridor of Central Plains states that includes Kansas keeps posting higher fertility rates than the U.S. average, despite a decades-long national decline.Why it matters: Birth rates shape everything downstream, from school enrollment to workforce pipelines and political clout, and the metro&#x27;s two states are on different trajectories.<ul><li>Kansas sits inside the high-fertility corridor alongside the Dakotas, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas, while Missouri runs closer to the national average.</li></ul>Zoom in: Kansas&#x27; 2024 fertility rate of 58.3 births per 1,000 women ages 15-44 ranked 13th highest among states, per CDC data.<ul><li>Missouri&#x27;s was 55.9, still above the U.S. rate of 53.8.</li><li>Both are sliding. Kansas&#x27; rate was 71.3 in 2005 and Missouri&#x27;s was 65.9.</li></ul>Zoom out: South Dakota led the nation at 66.7 last year, followed by Nebraska at 62.9. The six-state corridor averaged 59.3, well above the U.S. rate.<ul><li>At the other end, D.C. was lowest overall at 39.8, with Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Oregon close behind.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;Generally in demography we find more births where moms can (more) easily find higher-waged jobs,&quot; family demographer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jennifer Glass" data-vars-click-url="https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/prc/faculty/jg47972" data-vars-content-id="7aa52d6e-150e-42da-9470-103860367d67" data-vars-headline="Kansas fertility rates outpace the nation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/prc/faculty/jg47972" target="_blank">Jennifer Glass</a> tells Axios. &quot;The gender wage gap is lower in Dallas than in Detroit or Pittsburgh, for example.&quot;Researchers point to several other factors:Demographics: U.S. Census data show Texas and North Dakota rank behind only Utah among the nation&#x27;s youngest states, meaning more women are in their 20s and early 30s, when birth rates are highest.Child care: Glass notes these costs are comparably lower here, while they have soared in coastal states.Housing: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Family-size homes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/17/boomers-millennials-kids-homes" data-vars-content-id="7aa52d6e-150e-42da-9470-103860367d67" data-vars-headline="Kansas fertility rates outpace the nation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/17/boomers-millennials-kids-homes" target="_self">Family-size homes</a> remain far more affordable across much of the Plains than on the coasts. <ul><li>Kansas City&#x27;s median sale price was $305,000 over the three months ending in May, per Redfin.</li></ul>Culture: Americans are partnering, marrying and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="starting families later" data-vars-click-url="http://prb.org/news/are-americans-underbabied/" data-vars-content-id="7aa52d6e-150e-42da-9470-103860367d67" data-vars-headline="Kansas fertility rates outpace the nation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://prb.org/news/are-americans-underbabied/" target="_blank">starting families later</a> than previous generations, especially in larger metropolitan areas.<ul><li>But rural regions and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more religious communities" data-vars-click-url="https://ifstudies.org/blog/first-in-family-red-states-pulling-ahead-on-marriage-and-kids" data-vars-content-id="7aa52d6e-150e-42da-9470-103860367d67" data-vars-headline="Kansas fertility rates outpace the nation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ifstudies.org/blog/first-in-family-red-states-pulling-ahead-on-marriage-and-kids" target="_blank">more religious communities</a> tend to see earlier marriage and childbearing, extending the years during which families might have additional children.</li></ul>Stunning stat: CDC data shows the average American woman is expected to have about 1.6 children over her lifetime. That is down from more than 7 children per woman in 1800.Reality check: Fertility rate and birth totals measure different things. Missouri recorded nearly twice as many total births as Kansas last year, 67,998 versus 33,984, simply because it has far more people.<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Go deeper" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/14/central-plains-states-buck-fertility-decline" data-vars-content-id="7aa52d6e-150e-42da-9470-103860367d67" data-vars-headline="Kansas fertility rates outpace the nation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/14/central-plains-states-buck-fertility-decline" target="_self">Go deeper</a>

Gut-wrecking stomach bug is showing up in Kansas

Symptoms, which include "explosive" diarrhea, can last for a few days or even a month.

Cases of a gut-wrecking parasite are showing up in Kansas, part of a nationwide outbreak <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="health" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/health" data-vars-content-id="609bf31f-2af0-4b0e-8510-02262f3f759c" data-vars-headline="Gut-wrecking stomach bug is showing up in Kansas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/health" target="_self">health</a> officials are investigating.The big picture: The gastrointestinal illness — called cyclosporiasis — is caused by a microscopic parasite spreading through contaminated food.

KC "scored" all World Cup long

86% of KC singles say their dating lives heated up during the World Cup, the biggest jump of any U.S. host city.

Dating

Kansas City just beat every other U.S. World Cup host city in one unofficial competition: dating the visitors.Why it matters: Four years ago, a national ranking <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="named KC the worst city for dating in America" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kctv5.com/2022/04/19/kcmo-is-worst-city-dating-according-bestplaces/" data-vars-content-id="1736a878-3120-4f82-88f9-5da582c68055" data-vars-headline="KC &quot;scored&quot; all World Cup long" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kctv5.com/2022/04/19/kcmo-is-worst-city-dating-according-bestplaces/" target="_blank">named KC the worst city for dating in America</a>, citing too few young singles spread across too much sprawl.<ul><li>Apparently, all we needed was the world to come to us.</li></ul>

Supreme Court ruling clears way for Missouri trans athlete ban

Missouri's ban on trans athletes in girls' and women's sports expires in 2027, but now it could become permanent.

Missouri Republicans have a clear path to make the state&#x27;s ban on transgender athletes in girls&#x27; and women&#x27;s sports permanent, after a Supreme Court ruling Tuesday stripped away the legal questions hanging over such laws.Why it matters: Missouri&#x27;s ban is set to expire in 2027, and a push to lock it in for good fell short this year. The ruling hands supporters new footing heading into the next session.

World Cup fans love KC. Tourism leaders want more of that.

Politicians are banking on positive fan interactions to improve America's image.

The World Cup is America&#x27;s chance to win back foreign visitors amid falling international tourism and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unpopular" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20260406-why-some-travellers-are-rethinking-trips-to-the-us" data-vars-content-id="e343e24e-4e15-4ac3-927b-530a2a8d3b6c" data-vars-headline="World Cup fans love KC. Tourism leaders want more of that." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20260406-why-some-travellers-are-rethinking-trips-to-the-us" target="_blank">unpopular</a> federal policies, national and local tourism leaders said at a Visit KC panel Tuesday.Why it matters: Locals are welcoming foreign fans in Kansas City and across the country, and politicians are banking on those positive interactions to improve America&#x27;s image.

KC mayor proposes $235M for CPKC Stadium expansion

The proposal comes as public funding for stadium construction faces scrutiny.

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas is proposing that the city provide up to $235 million to help fund a CPKC Stadium expansion.Why it matters: The funding would be tied into the KC Current&#x27;s larger plan to further develop its riverfront district, even as public funding for stadium construction faces scrutiny.

KC's conversion therapy ban is gone, for now

Mayor Quinton Lucas says his team is drafting new language to replace KC's 2019 ban on conversion therapy for minors, days after the City Council struck it down.

Mayor Quinton Lucas says his team is drafting language to replace Kansas City&#x27;s ban on conversion therapy for minors, which the City Council <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="struck down" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2026-05-22/kansas-city-repeals-ban-on-conversion-therapy-after-pressure-from-missouri-attorney-general" data-vars-content-id="f45baa86-1f78-4079-a611-426306ba6e7a" data-vars-headline="KC&#x27;s conversion therapy ban is gone, for now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2026-05-22/kansas-city-repeals-ban-on-conversion-therapy-after-pressure-from-missouri-attorney-general" target="_blank">struck down</a> last week.Why it matters: The ban shielded kids from a practice the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="American Academy of Pediatrics" data-vars-click-url="https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/142/4/e20182162/37381/Ensuring-Comprehensive-Care-and-Support-for" data-vars-content-id="f45baa86-1f78-4079-a611-426306ba6e7a" data-vars-headline="KC&#x27;s conversion therapy ban is gone, for now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/142/4/e20182162/37381/Ensuring-Comprehensive-Care-and-Support-for" target="_blank">American Academy of Pediatrics</a> calls &quot;unsuccessful&quot; and &quot;deleterious.&quot; LGBTQ+ youth subjected to it are more than twice as likely to attempt suicide, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Trevor Project" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thetrevorproject.org/blog/the-trevor-project-publishes-new-journal-article-on-the-dangers-of-conversion-therapy/" data-vars-content-id="f45baa86-1f78-4079-a611-426306ba6e7a" data-vars-headline="KC&#x27;s conversion therapy ban is gone, for now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thetrevorproject.org/blog/the-trevor-project-publishes-new-journal-article-on-the-dangers-of-conversion-therapy/" target="_blank">the Trevor Project</a>.

Income tax vs. sales tax: Missouri voters decide

Missouri's General Assembly wrapped its 2026 session with a constitutional amendment that would phase out the state income tax and let lawmakers expand the sales tax to cover it.

KCMO voters will likely decide this year whether to begin phasing out Missouri&#x27;s income tax and let lawmakers expand sales tax to make up the difference.Why it matters: Missouri <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="collected" data-vars-click-url="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/05/14/lawsuit-challenges-missouri-plan-to-expand-sales-tax-to-phase-out-income-tax/" data-vars-content-id="48b6da0e-b181-43d8-aca1-1db64e2dd7ec" data-vars-headline="Income tax vs. sales tax: Missouri voters decide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/05/14/lawsuit-challenges-missouri-plan-to-expand-sales-tax-to-phase-out-income-tax/" target="_blank">collected</a> $9.2 billion in individual income tax last year, about 65% of state revenue. Replacing that money would require adding about 8.5% to the state sales tax unless lawmakers start taxing things that are currently exempt, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2026/03/12/missouri-house-oks-switch-to-sales-tax-from-income-tax/179787/" data-vars-content-id="48b6da0e-b181-43d8-aca1-1db64e2dd7ec" data-vars-headline="Income tax vs. sales tax: Missouri voters decide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2026/03/12/missouri-house-oks-switch-to-sales-tax-from-income-tax/179787/" target="_blank">reported</a>.

Missouri high court upholds map that splits KC three ways

The unanimous ruling clears the way for the GOP-drawn map to be used in the Aug. 4 primary.

The Missouri Supreme Court on Tuesday unanimously upheld Missouri&#x27;s new congressional map, clearing the way for it to be used in the Aug. 4 primary.Why it matters: The map redraws the boundaries of the districts KC voters choose to represent in Washington and is expected to give Republicans an additional seat in the U.S. House.

How Kansas City is connected to nuclear weapons production

The federal government on Thursday heard from concerned Kansas Citians and activists.

Politics

The federal government on Thursday heard from concerned Kansas Citians and activists about its plan to ramp up nuclear weapons manufacturing. Why it matters: The public hearing is part of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="decade-long odyssey" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/27/pit-production-nnsa-study-nukes" data-vars-content-id="300bd81c-e2d8-44f5-9fa7-816d20b82dfe" data-vars-headline="How Kansas City is connected to nuclear weapons production" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/27/pit-production-nnsa-study-nukes" target="_self">decade-long odyssey</a> to stockpile more warhead cores, something the U.S. says is needed for national defense but critics say could be dangerous, harmful to the environment and unnecessary.

KCK mayor's first few months, in her own words

The first Black woman to lead KCK says her first 140 days delivered wins on infrastructure and tax relief.

Kansas City, Kansas, Mayor Christal Watson says her first 140 days in office delivered early wins on infrastructure, tax relief and development, but she has bigger tests ahead.Why it matters: Watson, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first Black woman to lead KCK" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/its-a-new-day-historic-inauguration-in-kansas-city-kansas-welcomes-new-mayor-commissioners" data-vars-content-id="aae07637-28a5-491f-b08e-dc94e8e5a52f" data-vars-headline="KCK mayor&#x27;s first few months, in her own words" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/its-a-new-day-historic-inauguration-in-kansas-city-kansas-welcomes-new-mayor-commissioners" target="_blank">first Black woman to lead KCK</a>, is trying to deliver on three campaign promises at once: transparency, lower taxes and community input on big deals.

A tale of two 4/20s in Kansas City

Whether you can legally celebrate depends on which side of State Line Road you're on.

Monday is 4/20, the unofficial <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cannabis holiday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ktvu.com/news/420-origins-traced-to-san-rafaels-waldos" data-vars-content-id="b7ca3215-e10e-4f68-a32e-f5f57f2066b9" data-vars-headline="A tale of two 4/20s in Kansas City" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ktvu.com/news/420-origins-traced-to-san-rafaels-waldos" target="_blank">cannabis holiday</a>, and whether you can legally partake depends on which side of State Line Road you&#x27;re on.The big picture: The Kansas City metro spans two states with opposing cannabis laws — legal in Missouri, illegal in Kansas — meaning the same product can be a misdemeanor just miles apart.

Lawmakers fight to make Quindaro a National Historic Landmark

A Kansas City, Kansas, Underground Railroad site that sheltered enslaved people still lacks federal recognition.

A Kansas City, Kansas, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Underground Railroad" data-vars-click-url="https://kclibrary.org/news/2022-03/kc-black-history-do-you-know-town-was-stop-underground-railroad" data-vars-content-id="b2130b7a-2be6-496a-b1b7-54f2c4e4887f" data-vars-headline="Lawmakers fight to make Quindaro a National Historic Landmark" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://kclibrary.org/news/2022-03/kc-black-history-do-you-know-town-was-stop-underground-railroad" target="_blank">Underground Railroad</a> site that sheltered enslaved people lacks federal recognition, and local lawmakers just <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="introduced" data-vars-click-url="https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-cleaver-schmidt-davids-introduce-bill-designating-quindaro" data-vars-content-id="b2130b7a-2be6-496a-b1b7-54f2c4e4887f" data-vars-headline="Lawmakers fight to make Quindaro a National Historic Landmark" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-cleaver-schmidt-davids-introduce-bill-designating-quindaro" target="_blank">introduced</a> a bill to change that.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Quindaro Townsite" data-vars-click-url="https://quindaroruinsprojectfoundationkck.org/quindaro-history/" data-vars-content-id="b2130b7a-2be6-496a-b1b7-54f2c4e4887f" data-vars-headline="Lawmakers fight to make Quindaro a National Historic Landmark" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://quindaroruinsprojectfoundationkck.org/quindaro-history/" target="_blank">Quindaro Townsite</a> is not open to the public, and the federal funding that comes with a National Historic Landmark designation would make that possible.

Politics 🇺🇸

Supreme Court ruling clears way for Missouri trans athlete ban

World Cup fans love KC. Tourism leaders want more of that.

KC mayor proposes $235M for CPKC Stadium expansion

KC's conversion therapy ban is gone, for now

Income tax vs. sales tax: Missouri voters decide