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No ACA plan in KC will include Children's Mercy

Families who buy their own insurance could pay far more to keep their kids at the region's only children's hospital in 2027.

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Kansas City-area families who buy their own health insurance could lose in-network access to Children&#x27;s Mercy next year as Medica exits the market. Why it matters: Parents whose children are battling cancer or other serious illnesses could face much higher medical bills or have to change doctors in the middle of treatment.

Early voting spikes across KC for the 2026 midterms

The jump signals strong participation in this year's elections.

Early voting is surging in Johnson County, with a roughly 68% increase in in-person ballots cast compared with the same point in the 2022 midterms.The big picture: The jump signals strong participation in this year&#x27;s elections amid consequential <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="decisions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/09/15/data-center-battle-heats-up-in-kansas-ai-holscher-masterson" data-vars-content-id="a4154500-7f1c-4b08-9cfb-caf54efdfc68" data-vars-headline="Early voting spikes across KC for the 2026 midterms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/09/15/data-center-battle-heats-up-in-kansas-ai-holscher-masterson" target="_self">decisions</a> in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kansas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/10/15/kansas-senate-voter-guide-axios" data-vars-content-id="a4154500-7f1c-4b08-9cfb-caf54efdfc68" data-vars-headline="Early voting spikes across KC for the 2026 midterms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/10/15/kansas-senate-voter-guide-axios" target="_self">Kansas</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Missouri" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/10/15/missouri-ballot-questions-amendment-abortion-citizen-referendum-congressional-maps" data-vars-content-id="a4154500-7f1c-4b08-9cfb-caf54efdfc68" data-vars-headline="Early voting spikes across KC for the 2026 midterms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/10/15/missouri-ballot-questions-amendment-abortion-citizen-referendum-congressional-maps" target="_self">Missouri</a>, though it remains to be seen if overall turnout will increase or if voters are simply casting their ballots sooner.

Vance, Trump make unusual Kansas push amid tight Senate race

The toss-up senator race in Kansas is drawing lots of attention.

Vice President Vance was back in Kansas on Monday, marking the state&#x27;s third visit from either Vance or President Trump in a little over a month.Why it matters: The visits come amid heightened political pressure in Kansas, where the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cook Political Report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cookpolitical.com/senate/race/488581" data-vars-content-id="1f498119-7eb2-4604-b5c0-58b3fc6e979f" data-vars-headline="Vance, Trump make unusual Kansas push amid tight Senate race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cookpolitical.com/senate/race/488581" target="_blank">Cook Political Report</a> shifted the Senate race to a toss-up in early October.<ul><li>The state hasn&#x27;t elected a Democratic senator for 94 years.</li></ul>

Cornell case sparks campus assault conversations in KC

KC-area colleges are seeking outreach from sexual assault advocates as students and survivors question how universities handle reports of assault.

Warning: This story includes reporting on sexual assault and rape.Kansas City-area colleges are turning to sexual assault advocates as national attention on campus sexual assault raises new questions about how universities respond when students come forward.Why it matters: For students weighing whether to report sexual assault, knowing what help is available and whether they&#x27;ll be believed can make the difference between coming forward and staying silent.

Royals ballpark designers want fans out of their cars

Kauffman Stadium ranked last in MLB for walkability. The Royals' new downtown ballpark is designed for fans who walk, bike or take the streetcar.

The Royals and design firm Populous want fans to walk, bike or take the streetcar to the new downtown stadium, a major shift from the current game-day experience.Why it matters: Kauffman Stadium ranked last in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2025 study of MLB stadium walkability" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/03/27/petco-park-walkability-walk-score-east-vilalge" data-vars-content-id="0f9b3027-1d90-4c44-b15c-59dee2e194e5" data-vars-headline="Royals ballpark designers want fans out of their cars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/03/27/petco-park-walkability-walk-score-east-vilalge" target="_self">2025 study of MLB stadium walkability</a>, and a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2019 ranking" data-vars-click-url="https://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/knowledge-hub/news/the-smart-growth-america-ballpark-championship/" data-vars-content-id="0f9b3027-1d90-4c44-b15c-59dee2e194e5" data-vars-headline="Royals ballpark designers want fans out of their cars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/knowledge-hub/news/the-smart-growth-america-ballpark-championship/" target="_blank">2019 ranking</a> found it had the league&#x27;s worst transit connections. Royals leaders say the new ballpark will change that.

How far KC walks in a year

Kansas City logged around 165 walking miles per person in 2024, just above the national average.

Kansas City logged <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="around 165 walking miles per person in 2024" data-vars-click-url="https://learn.streetlightdata.com/measuring-walking-and-biking-miles-traveled-ebook" data-vars-content-id="5e00f196-b85d-41fb-b72d-a49ea6f18701" data-vars-headline="How far KC walks in a year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://learn.streetlightdata.com/measuring-walking-and-biking-miles-traveled-ebook" target="_blank">around 165 walking miles per person in 2024</a>, or just under half a mile a day.The big picture: That puts KC at No. 52 out of the country&#x27;s 100 largest cities in a new report from StreetLight, a transportation data firm, and above the national average of around 150 miles.

KC isn't much of a biking town — yet

KC ranks in the bottom fifth of bike miles traveled per capita.

Kansas Citians don&#x27;t do a lot of biking, according to transportation data firm <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="StreetLight&#x27;s analysis" data-vars-click-url=" https://learn.streetlightdata.com/measuring-walking-and-biking-miles-traveled-ebook" data-vars-content-id="44a185ed-5a4c-4153-bf80-e56aa788a95e" data-vars-headline="KC isn&#x27;t much of a biking town — yet" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href=" https://learn.streetlightdata.com/measuring-walking-and-biking-miles-traveled-ebook" target="_blank">StreetLight&#x27;s analysis</a>, but efforts are underway to change that.The big picture: Locals bike an average of 13 miles a year, well below the national average of 23 miles.

KC Streetcar fights extreme heat with water-spraying trucks

Tracks are susceptible to deterioration during the hottest parts of the day.

Streetcar officials are testing a new way to prevent extreme heat from damaging the tracks. Why it matters: This summer has been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="exceedingly hot" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/08/07/more-extreme-heat-coming-to-kc-as-impact-grows" data-vars-content-id="d6bfb680-8514-4eb7-8ca0-e72ea5a2d740" data-vars-headline="KC Streetcar fights extreme heat with water-spraying trucks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/08/07/more-extreme-heat-coming-to-kc-as-impact-grows" target="_self">exceedingly hot</a>, with peak temperatures threatening people&#x27;s health and city infrastructure.

KC set transit records as soccer fans swelled

The streetcar's five busiest days ever all came during the World Cup, and KCI logged its biggest outbound day in 54 years. Here's how the metro moved 800,000-plus riders.

Transit

Record crowds moved through Kansas City&#x27;s airport, streetcar and buses during the metro&#x27;s six World Cup matches.Why it matters: The city&#x27;s hosting stretch from June 11 to July 12 tested how well KC moves people at a scale it had never attempted.

The same ride-share is double the fare for some

Uber and Lyft can quote riders different prices for the same trip. Here's how to skip the guesswork.

Rideshare apps can quote two fans heading to the same Kansas City World Cup events very different fares for the same trip.Why it matters: With stadium <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="parking scarce and able to top $900" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/06/05/kc-world-cup-parking-transit-guide" data-vars-content-id="3bdd7dbf-4c29-4c0f-bfa0-7671aa0222ae" data-vars-headline="The same ride-share is double the fare for some" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/06/05/kc-world-cup-parking-transit-guide" target="_self">parking scarce and able to top $900</a>, some fans will lean on Uber and Lyft to reach <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="matches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/06/17/kansas-city-world-cup-match-argentina-algeria-recap" data-vars-content-id="3bdd7dbf-4c29-4c0f-bfa0-7671aa0222ae" data-vars-headline="The same ride-share is double the fare for some" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/06/17/kansas-city-world-cup-match-argentina-algeria-recap" target="_self">matches</a> at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kansas City Stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/06/09/inside-kc-world-cup-stadium-arrowhead" data-vars-content-id="3bdd7dbf-4c29-4c0f-bfa0-7671aa0222ae" data-vars-headline="The same ride-share is double the fare for some" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/06/09/inside-kc-world-cup-stadium-arrowhead" target="_self">Kansas City Stadium</a> and the free downtown <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA Fan Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/06/12/fifa-fan-festival-kansas-city-opening" data-vars-content-id="3bdd7dbf-4c29-4c0f-bfa0-7671aa0222ae" data-vars-headline="The same ride-share is double the fare for some" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/06/12/fifa-fan-festival-kansas-city-opening" target="_self">FIFA Fan Festival</a>, but the fare often comes down to timing and luck.<ul><li>Uneven app pricing is drawing national scrutiny, and a recent investigation put numbers to it.</li></ul>

How locals can make KC a World Cup success story

Leaders are counting on residents to lean into the festivities.

World Cup organizers and neighborhood leaders say the way Kansas Citians engage with the tournament&#x27;s festivities will play a big role in the city&#x27;s success during the monthlong event.The big picture: Local organizers expect lots of visitors and a big economic impact, but <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="questions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reddit.com/r/kansascity/comments/1ttpsej/kansas_city_still_expects_650000_world_cup/" data-vars-content-id="2ac76d14-5c03-424f-aba1-1b1a8249f0c6" data-vars-headline="How locals can make KC a World Cup success story" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/kansascity/comments/1ttpsej/kansas_city_still_expects_650000_world_cup/" target="_blank">questions</a> remain over whether KC is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ready to handle" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kcur.org/history/2026-05-27/kansas-city-world-cup-2026-tickets-transit-bid" data-vars-content-id="2ac76d14-5c03-424f-aba1-1b1a8249f0c6" data-vars-headline="How locals can make KC a World Cup success story" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kcur.org/history/2026-05-27/kansas-city-world-cup-2026-tickets-transit-bid" target="_blank">ready to handle</a> the event — and whether the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="projections" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kcur.org/sports/2026-06-01/kansas-city-still-expects-650-000-world-cup-visitors-how-will-we-know-how-many-actually-come" data-vars-content-id="2ac76d14-5c03-424f-aba1-1b1a8249f0c6" data-vars-headline="How locals can make KC a World Cup success story" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kcur.org/sports/2026-06-01/kansas-city-still-expects-650-000-world-cup-visitors-how-will-we-know-how-many-actually-come" target="_blank">projections</a> will actually pan out for local businesses.

🚍 Your World Cup transit guide

Stadium parking is scarce and selling fast, with passes topping $900. Here's how to reach Kansas City's six World Cup matches by shuttle and transit — plus, the roads to avoid.

Getting to Kansas City&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="six World Cup games" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kcur.org/sports/2026-04-16/kansas-city-world-cup-buses-transit-shuttle-game-transportation" data-vars-content-id="f470583c-8e66-4c0b-8778-4117d5c0294c" data-vars-headline="🚍 Your World Cup transit guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kcur.org/sports/2026-04-16/kansas-city-world-cup-buses-transit-shuttle-game-transportation" target="_blank">six World Cup games</a> at Arrowhead Stadium will mean navigating scarce parking, paid shuttles and road closures.Why it matters: The cheaper options are already selling out, so planning your ride now can save real money and spare you the worst traffic.

Greenline trail around downtown KC is gaining ground

The path is still far from finished — but it's closer than you might think.

A proposed trail encircling downtown Kansas City that has been quietly in the works for years is building momentum with a new public exhibit and active construction plans.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Greenline KC" data-vars-click-url="https://www.greenlinekc.com/" data-vars-content-id="77566b26-2004-42f7-a58c-e2c4099c932e" data-vars-headline="Greenline trail around downtown KC is gaining ground" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.greenlinekc.com/" target="_blank">Greenline KC</a> is still far from finished — but it&#x27;s closer than you might think, with several multimillion-dollar projects paving the way.

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.

Bar chart shows the five cities where residents bike the most – New York, Boise City, New Orleans, Jersey City and Irvine, Calif. – and the least: North Las Vegas, Arlington, Texas, Irving Texas, Garland, Texas, and El Paso, Texas

Transit 🚗

Royals ballpark designers want fans out of their cars

How far KC walks in a year

KC isn't much of a biking town — yet

KC Streetcar fights extreme heat with water-spraying trucks

KC set transit records as soccer fans swelled