JD Vance in Kansas City, storms in forecast, evacuation of flight at KCI: Top stories
From a vice presidential visit at a local manufacturer to severe storms bearing down on the metro, Kansas City is making news on multiple fronts today. These are the top stories from The Kansas City Star.
Here are the key takeaways:
JD Vance in Kansas City
Vice President JD Vance was scheduled to speak Monday at Milbank Manufacturing in Kansas City to promote the Trump administration’s manufacturing policies, joined by Sen. Roger Marshall, Rep. Mark Alford, Sen. Eric Schmitt and Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe. Manufacturing jobs have decreased since Trump took office, with the first quarter of 2026 showing 11,000 new jobs but still 82,000 fewer than at his second-term inauguration, as Vance touted manufacturing policy at the 95-year-old electrical equipment maker.
Storms in weather forecast for KC
Severe weather is likely late Monday afternoon through Monday night and into early Tuesday across the Kansas City metro, with all hazards possible including large hail, damaging wind, tornadoes and heavy rain. The worst severe weather is expected west and northwest of Kansas City, where supercells capable of producing strong to intense tornadoes are most likely from central Kansas and southeast Nebraska into Iowa and northwest Missouri.
Growth in the Northland
Parkville and North Kansas City saw the highest growth rates in the Northland over the past five years, with populations rising by 22% and 23% respectively. North Kansas City’s population jumped from 4,569 in 2020 to 5,613 in 2025, while Parkville grew from 7,461 to 9,093 residents, fueled by new developments, businesses and strong school districts.
Big Grove Brewery
Big Grove Brewery, an Iowa-based craft brewery with seven locations, is opening its first Kansas location Thursday, May 21, at the former Macy’s building at 7060 Mission Road in Prairie Village. The 12,000-square-foot brewery and taproom features about 700 seats, two bars, a patio with fire pits and will eventually brew its own beer on-site.
Flight evacuated at KCI
American Eagle flight 5318 from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport landed safely at Kansas City International Airport on Friday afternoon after reports of an odor in the cabin, and the 76 passengers and four crew members were evacuated on a taxiway and bused to the terminal. No injuries were reported, and U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann, who was onboard, said there was smoke on the aircraft.
The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.
