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

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Dutch fans may want to march to Arrowhead. KCPD says: Don't.

The Netherlands plays in KC June 25, and thousands of fans usually follow the team's double-decker bus to the stadium.

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Thousands of Dutch soccer fans are coming to KC next month, and KCPD wants them to know one thing: They shouldn&#x27;t try to walk to the stadium.The big picture: The Netherlands plays Tunisia on June 25 at Arrowhead Stadium, called Kansas City Stadium for the tournament. From the Fan Fest to the stadium is about 9 miles, and the easiest route is up I-70.

Kansas City approves path to 4am beers during World Cup

City Council on Thursday voted to extend the hours businesses can sell alcohol.

City Council on Thursday voted to extend the hours businesses can sell alcohol during the World Cup — with some restrictions.Why it matters: Between late games and international nightlife norms, Kansas City leaders are trying to balance the pros and cons of hosting the world&#x27;s biggest party.

Abortion pill freeze extended as KS, MO sue

The Supreme Court extended a freeze on new mifepristone restrictions this week. Meanwhile, a Missouri-led lawsuit with Kansas as co-plaintiff is pushing to roll back mail-order access nationwide.

The U.S. Supreme Court this week extended a freeze on new restrictions on Mifepristone, allowing the widely used<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" abortion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/health/axios-explains-abortion" data-vars-content-id="881da95e-ce31-455b-9d69-df536c70f629" data-vars-headline="Abortion pill freeze extended as KS, MO sue" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/health/axios-explains-abortion" target="_self"> abortion</a> pill to continue mail prescriptions.Why it matters: The extension, which runs through Thursday, provides a reprieve for pharmacies, telehealth companies and clinicians caught up in the<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" latest legal tussle" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/04/supreme-court-restores-access-abortion-pill" data-vars-content-id="881da95e-ce31-455b-9d69-df536c70f629" data-vars-headline="Abortion pill freeze extended as KS, MO sue" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/04/supreme-court-restores-access-abortion-pill" target="_self"> latest legal tussle</a> over the pill, including providers across the Kansas City metro.

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>.

Paid parking is coming to Berkley Riverfront

Port KC is trying to manage traffic as the neighborhood expands.

It will soon cost to park your car at Berkley Riverfront.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Port KC" data-vars-click-url="https://berkleyriverfront.com/parkingpolicy/" data-vars-content-id="31b28931-ab8a-4f3d-a0a4-c014b566243d" data-vars-headline="Paid parking is coming to Berkley Riverfront" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://berkleyriverfront.com/parkingpolicy/" target="_blank">Port KC</a> is trying to manage traffic as the neighborhood expands and demand for space increases.

KC Current cuts game day shuttles

Team leaders want fans to use the KC Streetcar's Riverfront Extension.

The KC Current will no longer offer game day shuttles, with team leaders encouraging fans to take the KC Streetcar now that the Riverfront Extension is open.Why it matters: Fans accustomed to using the free shuttles are going to have to make other plans, which may include earlier arrivals and later departures.

KC's streetcar finally hits the river

The KC Streetcar's Riverfront Extension opened Monday, dropping riders just steps from CPKC Stadium less than a month before the World Cup hits town.

<figure><img alt="Diverse group of officials and professionals in business attire pose outdoors at a streetcar inauguration, pressing a ceremonial lever beside a blue RideKC Streetcar sign." height="720" id="4da6d5d7-7e34-44fb-879c-da02799d032c" src="https://images.axios.com/5q_l8DEtwgP91eRilojud82h1IY=/2026/05/18/1779134599293.gif" width="1280"/><figcaption>KC knows how to celebrate. GIF: Abbey Higginbotham/Axios</figcaption></figure>The KC Streetcar&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Riverfront Extension" data-vars-click-url="https://kcstreetcar.org/about-streetcar/streetcar-riverfront-extension/" data-vars-content-id="a96d549e-2170-4254-99b9-daa00d4c6418" data-vars-headline="KC&#x27;s streetcar finally hits the river" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://kcstreetcar.org/about-streetcar/streetcar-riverfront-extension/" target="_blank">Riverfront Extension</a> officially opened Monday, connecting downtown to Berkley Riverfront Park for the first time and capping a decade of planning and setbacks.Why it matters: The 0.7-mile extension lands less than a month before the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026 FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kcur.org/housing-development-section/2026-04-21/kc-streetcar-berkley-riverfront-opening-cpkc-stadium-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="a96d549e-2170-4254-99b9-daa00d4c6418" data-vars-headline="KC&#x27;s streetcar finally hits the river" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kcur.org/housing-development-section/2026-04-21/kc-streetcar-berkley-riverfront-opening-cpkc-stadium-world-cup" target="_blank">2026 FIFA World Cup</a> hits town, dropping riders just steps from CPKC Stadium and a $1 billion riverfront district that&#x27;s still being built up.

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.

Why ICE agents aren't coming to KCI

KCI has avoided the staffing issues seen at other airports during the partial DHS shutdown.

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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents won&#x27;t be sent to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kansas City International Airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/02/02/kci-airport-economic-impact-2024" data-vars-content-id="8f37d396-79ac-4a4a-a89c-3ac2687d5ee3" data-vars-headline="Why ICE agents aren&#x27;t coming to KCI" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/02/02/kci-airport-economic-impact-2024" target="_self">Kansas City International Airport</a> during the partial Department of Homeland Security <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shutdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/12/shutdown-homeland-security-senate-negotiations" data-vars-content-id="8f37d396-79ac-4a4a-a89c-3ac2687d5ee3" data-vars-headline="Why ICE agents aren&#x27;t coming to KCI" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/12/shutdown-homeland-security-senate-negotiations" target="_self">shutdown</a> because of the way it staffs its checkpoints.The big picture: ICE agents were <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sent" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/22/trump-ice-agents-airports-tsa-dhs-shutdown" data-vars-content-id="8f37d396-79ac-4a4a-a89c-3ac2687d5ee3" data-vars-headline="Why ICE agents aren&#x27;t coming to KCI" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/22/trump-ice-agents-airports-tsa-dhs-shutdown" target="_self">sent</a> to more than a dozen airports Monday, including hubs like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/03/23/houston-ice-airport-security-tsa-bush-hobby" data-vars-content-id="8f37d396-79ac-4a4a-a89c-3ac2687d5ee3" data-vars-headline="Why ICE agents aren&#x27;t coming to KCI" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/03/23/houston-ice-airport-security-tsa-bush-hobby" target="_self">Houston</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Atlanta" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/03/23/atlanta-airport-tsa-screening-delays-government-shutdown" data-vars-content-id="8f37d396-79ac-4a4a-a89c-3ac2687d5ee3" data-vars-headline="Why ICE agents aren&#x27;t coming to KCI" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/03/23/atlanta-airport-tsa-screening-delays-government-shutdown" target="_self">Atlanta</a> and Chicago, to help manage crowds.

Johnson County launches its own World Cup platform

JoCo wants to connect people to local hot spots with rides and things to do.

Johnson County leaders are working to unify the county&#x27;s suburbs for the World Cup with the formation of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Johnson County United" data-vars-click-url="https://www.johnsoncountyunited.com/" data-vars-content-id="d37fd99d-9022-4ef8-9487-2fc81064541a" data-vars-headline="Johnson County launches its own World Cup platform" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.johnsoncountyunited.com/" target="_blank">Johnson County United</a>. Why it matters: It&#x27;s JoCo&#x27;s way to get people engaging with its cities and hot spots, offering rides and things to do for visitors and residents.

How to navigate Johnson County's new express lanes

The $572 million project wraps up roughly three years of construction.

Johnson County drivers will see new express lanes on U.S. 69 open this Saturday as part of an effort to reduce congestion.Why it matters: The $572 million project wraps up roughly three years of construction and is intended to address an increasing number of cars on one of the busiest highways in the metro, per the Kansas Department of Transportation

KC Mayor Lucas rolls out $2.5B budget for 2026

Public safety will remain the largest slice of the general fund at 75%.

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas used his State of the City address on Wednesday to lay out a $2.5 billion budget and a list of priorities for the 2026 World Cup and day-to-day needs.

"KC Streetcar Takes" wants your hottest opinions

The new comedy series asks riders to defend their spiciest opinions on board.

A new weekly comedy interview series on the KC Streetcar is built around one question: What&#x27;s your hot take?The big picture: A viral New York show proved that public transit plus strong opinions makes for addictive internet content, and KC now has its own version built for Midwest voices.

First look: KCI has become a $6.3B economic engine

The airport helped support nearly 40,000 jobs and saw record passenger traffic in 2024.

Kansas City International Airport (KCI) generated $6.3 billion in economic output in 2024, according to a new study first shared with Axios.Why it matters: The airport directly supports tens of thousands of jobs, hundreds of millions in tax revenue, and Kansas City&#x27;s ability to handle rising travel tied to major events and economic growth.

Transit 🚗

Paid parking is coming to Berkley Riverfront

KC Current cuts game day shuttles

KC's streetcar finally hits the river

Residents weigh in on the future of 71 Highway

Why ICE agents aren't coming to KCI