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

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Visa bonds threaten KC's World Cup international turnout

The Trump administration is requiring fans from 50 countries to post up to $15,000 to enter the U.S. for the World Cup.

News

Kansas City&#x27;s international visitor turnout for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/01/07/how-the-world-cup-could-give-kc-a-long-term-boost" data-vars-content-id="c1934883-44a8-4525-853e-568546847701" data-vars-headline="Visa bonds threaten KC&#x27;s World Cup international turnout" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/01/07/how-the-world-cup-could-give-kc-a-long-term-boost" target="_self">World Cup</a> faces uncertainty after the Trump administration began requiring fans from 50 countries to pay up to $15,000 to enter the U.S.Why it matters: FIFA told host cities to expect <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="roughly half" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/news/2026/04/07/world-cup-visas-entry-bonds-kc-economic-impact.html" data-vars-content-id="c1934883-44a8-4525-853e-568546847701" data-vars-headline="Visa bonds threaten KC&#x27;s World Cup international turnout" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/news/2026/04/07/world-cup-visas-entry-bonds-kc-economic-impact.html" target="_blank">roughly half</a> of all visitors to come from abroad, including fans from Algeria and Tunisia, which are set to play matches here. This barrier to entry puts KC&#x27;s projected $653 million economic boost at risk.

Residents weigh in on the future of 71 Highway

Project leaders say the highway hasn't delivered on its intended purpose.

City planners are meeting with residents today for the final community summit meant to reimagine U.S. Highway 71 and the future of its surrounding neighborhoods.Why it matters: The project, dubbed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Reconnecting the East Side" data-vars-click-url="https://reconnecteastside.com/" data-vars-content-id="e3149641-fee5-4d3f-97e5-f7967e4a2ebd" data-vars-headline="Residents weigh in on the future of 71 Highway" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://reconnecteastside.com/" target="_blank">Reconnecting the East Side</a>, seeks to address the harms created by the highway, which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="demolished" data-vars-click-url="https://reconnecteastside.com/history" data-vars-content-id="e3149641-fee5-4d3f-97e5-f7967e4a2ebd" data-vars-headline="Residents weigh in on the future of 71 Highway" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://reconnecteastside.com/history" target="_blank">demolished</a> swaths of minority neighborhoods and created one of KC&#x27;s most dangerous roads.

Fence no match for Grand pedestrian bridge walkers

The city says people moved barriers and walked through an active construction zone.

Some pedestrians this weekend took a stroll through an active construction zone, moving aside barricades to access a pedestrian bridge down to the riverfront.Why it matters: It&#x27;s not open yet, city officials tell Axios, although the concrete is set and the bridge is stable.

A data center is driving Independence's mayoral race

The $150.6 billion project has split the two leading candidates.

Election

Independence&#x27;s next mayor may be decided over a plan to build a massive AI data center with major tax incentives.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$150.6 billion project" data-vars-click-url="https://independencemo.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1816/files/attachment/8105" data-vars-content-id="7e35eba1-865a-49ca-98f0-7eba3e552b6f" data-vars-headline="A data center is driving Independence&#x27;s mayoral race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://independencemo.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1816/files/attachment/8105" target="_blank">$150.6 billion project</a> has split the two leading candidates, with one backing the incentives and the other pushing for a public vote.

Downtown KCMO backs $600M Royals bid

Hallmark, Union Station and the KC Sports Commission are throwing their weight behind downtown baseball.

Major downtown Kansas City institutions are backing a new city incentive proposal for a Royals stadium at Washington Square Park, despite opposition from a workers union.Why it matters: Hallmark, Union Station and the KC Sports Commission are throwing their weight behind downtown baseball, which they say could lead to more jobs, development and benefits for the entire city.

What to know about the KC Royals' 2026 season

Opening Day, giveaways and streaming highlight the Royals' 2026 season.

Baseball is back and the Royals open the 2026 season after finishing 82-80 last year, missing the postseason.The big picture: The Royals&#x27; season runs through late September, with regular home games and a packed calendar for fans.

KU, Mizzou women's basketball keep postseason alive

Kansas and Missouri women keep postseason runs going in the WBIT.

Sports

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="KU" data-vars-click-url="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball" data-vars-content-id="49ad215a-1010-40ab-91dc-cca67c6e18ee" data-vars-headline="KU, Mizzou women&#x27;s basketball keep postseason alive" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball" target="_blank">KU</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mizzou" data-vars-click-url="https://mutigers.com/sports/womens-basketball" data-vars-content-id="49ad215a-1010-40ab-91dc-cca67c6e18ee" data-vars-headline="KU, Mizzou women&#x27;s basketball keep postseason alive" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mutigers.com/sports/womens-basketball" target="_blank">Mizzou</a> women&#x27;s basketball aren&#x27;t done yet — they&#x27;re still playing this week in a postseason tournament after missing the top <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NCAA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/sports/2024/04/09" data-vars-content-id="49ad215a-1010-40ab-91dc-cca67c6e18ee" data-vars-headline="KU, Mizzou women&#x27;s basketball keep postseason alive" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/sports/2024/04/09" target="_self">NCAA</a> field.The big picture: Teams that miss March Madness usually see their seasons end, but the 32-team <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Women&#x27;s Basketball Invitation Tournament" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ncaa.com/championships/basketball-women/wbit" data-vars-content-id="49ad215a-1010-40ab-91dc-cca67c6e18ee" data-vars-headline="KU, Mizzou women&#x27;s basketball keep postseason alive" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ncaa.com/championships/basketball-women/wbit" target="_blank">Women&#x27;s Basketball Invitation Tournament</a> (WBIT) keeps a select group playing into late March and early April.

New UMKC basketball coach bets on KC talent

New coach Mark Turgeon plans to keep Kansas City players home.

The University of Missouri - Kansas City hired longtime men&#x27;s college basketball coach <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mark Turgeon" data-vars-click-url="https://www.umkc.edu/news/posts/2026/february/mark-turgeon-to-bring-big-vision-stellar-track-record-to-umkc-mens-basketball.html" data-vars-content-id="87d542fb-996c-42a7-827d-54daaf21a7f7" data-vars-headline="New UMKC basketball coach bets on KC talent" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.umkc.edu/news/posts/2026/february/mark-turgeon-to-bring-big-vision-stellar-track-record-to-umkc-mens-basketball.html" target="_blank">Mark Turgeon</a> to build up the program by keeping Kansas City&#x27;s top talent at home.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="UMKC" data-vars-click-url="https://www.umkc.edu/news/posts/2026/march/umkc-introduces-mark-turgeon-as-mens-basketball-coach.html" data-vars-content-id="87d542fb-996c-42a7-827d-54daaf21a7f7" data-vars-headline="New UMKC basketball coach bets on KC talent" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.umkc.edu/news/posts/2026/march/umkc-introduces-mark-turgeon-as-mens-basketball-coach.html" target="_blank">UMKC</a> is the city&#x27;s only Division 1 men&#x27;s basketball program, but the Roos have never reached the NCAA tournament.

KU and Mizzou tip off March Madness

Here's what to watch, how to tune in and what comes next.

Kansas and Missouri open NCAA Tournament play Friday with different seeds and the same reality: trying to come back from shaky seasons.The big picture: March Madness is single-elimination, so the same issues that showed up in February now determine who stays and who goes.

KC Glory leads increasing number of women playing football

Women are increasingly joining football teams despite fewer leagues and opportunities.

The Kansas City Glory, a pro women&#x27;s tackle football team, is getting ready to kick off its seventh season with a home opener against the Seattle Majestics.Why it matters: Women&#x27;s football is growing, and KC is leading the charge with a dedicated fan base and some star athletes.

New cameras capture Sporting fans' biggest reactions for free

This evolution in sports photography turns the cameras on the crowds.

Smile, Sporting KC fans, you&#x27;re on camera. New technology at Sporting Park this season is capturing the biggest moments of the game and serving up personal reaction pictures for free.The big picture: It&#x27;s the latest evolution in sports photography, one that turns the cameras on the crowds and lets fans relive the game as if they were on TV.

Why CPKC Stadium turns pink at night

It's especially noticeable driving over the Bond Bridge at night.

The KC Current&#x27;s colors are teal, heartland red and storm blue. But some nights, the field they play on lights up pink.The big picture: It&#x27;s the result of cutting-edge grass-growing technology that recently landed the team and its field national recognition.Driving the news: CPKC Stadium was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="named" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kansascitycurrent.com/news/kansas-city-current-cpkc-stadium-named-2025-sports-field-of-the-year" data-vars-content-id="e6204bc1-ec6e-4e53-b5e3-46a188bad525" data-vars-headline="Why CPKC Stadium turns pink at night" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kansascitycurrent.com/news/kansas-city-current-cpkc-stadium-named-2025-sports-field-of-the-year" target="_blank">named</a> 2025 Professional Sports Field of the Year by a national organization of professionals called the Sports Field Management Association.<ul><li>The KC Current&#x27;s field management team is entirely women-led, the team says.</li></ul>Zoom in: The team uses LED technology from Dutch company <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="SGL" data-vars-click-url="https://sglsystem.com/products/" data-vars-content-id="e6204bc1-ec6e-4e53-b5e3-46a188bad525" data-vars-headline="Why CPKC Stadium turns pink at night" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sglsystem.com/products/" target="_blank">SGL</a>, which uses on-field data to adjust light and heat radiation, creating ideal growth and recovery conditions.<figure><img alt="Bright stadium with green grass and teal seating. A long white maintenance arm spans the field while four people sit on stools for a panel; a crowd watches from the stands and a &quot;JAX Chamber&quot; sign is visible." height="1080" id="ca9a2375-8a54-41d7-96e6-41066675e6ad" src="https://images.axios.com/FoYVkYBPeTwdZBKoU9avXC9EICo=/2026/03/12/1773346859247.jpeg" width="1920" srcset="https://images.axios.com/VsFz7ykeEawpuZXNUn24GcFWGpw=/0x0:1920x1080/1920x1080/2026/03/12/1773346859247.jpeg?w=1920 1920w, https://images.axios.com/fH2eNjIYsCX9qM8t7rlkxsOyKxU=/0x0:1920x1080/1600x900/2026/03/12/1773346859247.jpeg?w=1600 1600w, https://images.axios.com/MyhFZxsf_cWk1Keyt07Vz_dEuKc=/0x0:1920x1080/1366x768/2026/03/12/1773346859247.jpeg?w=1366 1366w, https://images.axios.com/8IC1sD9m7OhzLKcI0XSN-mgZNBc=/0x0:1920x1080/1024x576/2026/03/12/1773346859247.jpeg?w=1024 1024w, https://images.axios.com/DFgBowGRoc3DHhQOh5sWvg6pzTc=/0x0:1920x1080/768x432/2026/03/12/1773346859247.jpeg?w=768 768w, https://images.axios.com/rwhzWRhyCvwo2z0hlN4HhKkvWTI=/0x0:1920x1080/640x360/2026/03/12/1773346859247.jpeg?w=640 640w, https://images.axios.com/KCsX4XeqvDudPck8qhqoMlWatBI=/0x0:1920x1080/320x180/2026/03/12/1773346859247.jpeg?w=320 320w"/><figcaption>The tech on-field during an event. Photo: Courtesy of KC Current</figcaption></figure><ul><li>It&#x27;s used especially in the week leading up to a match, as long as it&#x27;s not too windy.</li><li>The field is also heated, aerated and drained through designed subsurface systems meant to create ideal conditions year-round.</li></ul>Travis&#x27; thought bubble: I&#x27;ve often wondered, driving over the Bond Bridge at night, what that pink glow was all about. Now we know: It&#x27;s making the best grass in the nation.What&#x27;s next: The women&#x27;s team will take to this beautiful turf Saturday in their home opener against Utah.

KC's World Cup test run begins 3 months out

CEO Pam Kramer says these final days are about testing from the point of view of the guest.

From public practices with international teams to a potential visit from Team USA, World Cup organizers in KC are unveiling new details ahead of this summer&#x27;s events.Why it matters: We&#x27;re roughly three months away from the start of the tournament, a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="six-week-long party" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/02/17/breakdown-kc-world-cup-fan-fest-dates-themes" data-vars-content-id="ed0f9503-2809-415d-9a5d-2dc6e313bf9c" data-vars-headline="KC&#x27;s World Cup test run begins 3 months out" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/02/17/breakdown-kc-world-cup-fan-fest-dates-themes" target="_self">six-week-long party</a> where locals and fans, domestic and international, will converge around the biggest sport in the world.

Sports 🏅

Downtown KCMO backs $600M Royals bid

Visa bonds threaten KC's World Cup international turnout

What to know about the KC Royals' 2026 season

KU, Mizzou women's basketball keep postseason alive

New UMKC basketball coach bets on KC talent