Jodi Fortino

A teacher in the Olathe School District created an entire curriculum around the FIFA World Cup to make sure students know about the tournament and the cultures that make it happen.

Schools around the Kansas City metro are working to connect families with food, housing and other resources to make sure kids have the support they need until they return to class in the fall. Here's where to find free meals, mental health support and more.

A year ago, a group of concerned people in Missouri got together to help immigrants detained by ICE, and they've since expanded to seven affiliates in three states. Plus: Even though ICE raids are less visible than this winter, fear among immigrants remains high.

The annual child wellness report Kids Count found child poverty has improved in Kansas and Missouri compared to the years before the pandemic. But both states still have tens of thousands of children without health insurance.

Airbnb partnered with Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw, Kansas City Public Schools and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kansas City to give 75 tickets for students and their coaches to attend World Cup matches.

Kids around the Kansas City area are gearing up for a summer break like no other thanks to the FIFA World Cup soccer tournament coming to town next month.

Some World Cup matches are taking place in Kansas City.

Ecuador faces off against Curaçao Saturday evening, June 20, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium. But fans from states around the country — and Ecuador itself — have been celebrating their team, blanketing Kansas City in yellow, blue and red.

Ecuador was the heavy favorite but Curaçao's goalie, Eloy Room, artfully blocked Ecuador's shots on goal. Fans of Ecuador's team left what was to be an exuberant watch party in tears.

Animatronics are usually found in theme parks, but students in the North Kansas City School District brought them into the classroom this summer to celebrate the World Cup.