Scramble to Save Stadiums
A special legislative session aimed at keeping the Chiefs and Royals in Missouri enters its second week today.
The Missouri Senate has voted to cover up to 50% of the costs of new or improved stadiums for the teams, but the measure has yet to be taken up by the Missouri House.
Even if it passes, there’s no guarantee the team’s owners will accept the offer as they entertain a rival bid from the state of Kansas.
One Year Until The World Cup
Wednesday marks a big milestone for the FIFA World Cup.
It is officially one year away.
Kansas City’s World Cup host committee has scheduled a Wednesday morning news conference at Union Station to detail new plans for the tournament, including the placement of giant countdown clocks that will be displayed in prominent places around the metro, to build enthusiasm for the global soccer event.
City leaders are feeling the pressure to put on a positive face for the swarms of international visitors expected to watch the games.
The City Council just unveiled a plan to fill empty storefronts ahead of the World Cup by giving would-be business owners up to $25,000 to cover the lease costs.
Mayor Lucas Heads to Germany
One top elected leader will be noticeably absent from the World Cup news conference on Wednesday. That’s Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas.
He’s boarding a plane for Germany tomorrow. Lucas is leading a five-day trade mission to Stuttgart, Munich, and Düsseldorf with area business and government leaders.
The Kansas City mayor has been swiftly racking up the air miles. Three weeks ago, he was in Qatar as part of an economic conference heavily funded by the Qatari government.
The mayor’s office says the Kansas City Area Development Council is picking up the cost of Lucas’s trip.
Massive Military Parade for Trump’s Birthday
For the first time in more than 30 years, there will be a massive military parade through our nation’s capital.
This Saturday marks the 250th anniversary of the formation of the U.S. Army. It also happens to be President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.
More than 6,000 troops will march from the Pentagon to the Washington Monument, alongside hundreds of military vehicles, including tanks and rocket launchers. The event will culminate with a concert and fireworks display.
The president ordered the parade after being impressed by how other countries publicly show off their military might.
Ending the Jackson County Budget Crisis
Threats of government shutdowns have become a frequent occurrence in Washington, as our nation’s elected leaders squabble over the budget. But did you know Jackson County has been in a budget standoff for six months?
Since January, multiple county agencies have been working without cash due to infighting between members of the legislature and County Executive Frank White
Now, an end to the impasse is in sight. The two sides have apparently reached a compromise behind the scenes, and a vote could come as early as today.
It will be a big relief to the Jackson County prosecutor, the Parks and Recreation Department, and dozens of tax-funded programs that have been unable to access the majority of their funding during the stalemate.
The ‘Invisible Army’ of Caregivers
PBS is bringing star power to its next big project.
Bradley Cooper is known for his movies, from “American Sniper” to “A Star is Born.”
Less known is his role as a full-time caregiver for his father. Now, Cooper is partnering with PBS on a new film that tracks the sacrifices, struggles, and triumphs of caregivers across America. See a trailer here.
Join us for a sneak peek and a town hall on Kansas City’s “invisible army” of caregivers, this Tuesday, June 10, at 6 p.m. at the Plaza branch of the Kansas City Public Library.
Brad won’t be there, but great news… I will.
Would you join me?
10 Years of Boulevardia
Kansas City’s festival season kicks into high gear this week, as Boulevardia celebrates its 10th anniversary at Crown Center.
This year’s festival, put on by the Boulevard Brewing Company, comes with a big change.
Instead of the two-day music and beer experience that fans have become accustomed to, the event has been shrunk down to just one day, Saturday.
The headliner for this year’s festival is hip-hop artist Tech N9ne.
Free Sporting KC Tickets?
This is one way to fill a stadium…
After Sports Illustrated recently listed Sporting KC among the five teams with the lowest attendance this year, the soccer franchise is now offering Kansas Citians free tickets.
Sporting is making the offer to all first-time guests at every remaining home game for the rest of the season.
Here’s how to snag a seat for nothing.
More Pickleball Courts?
There have been complaints for years about the lack of development around the Royals and Chiefs Stadiums. Is that about to change?
This week, the shuttered Coco Key Water Resort next to Arrowhead is reopening as a mecca for pickleball.
Eight pro-level indoor pickleball courts, along with a full-service restaurant and bar, will open to the public on Wednesday in a new development called SW19.
It will also be the home venue for the Kansas City Stingers, a professional team competing in the National Pickleball League. You mean, you didn’t know there was one?
Don’t Forget Dad and the Stars and Stripes
This Saturday is Flag Day.
And tell me you haven’t forgotten Dad?
This Sunday is Father’s Day. I’ve told my kids that I refuse to accept any gifts from them valued at more than $500. I don’t think I have anything to worry about.
The National Retail Federation says average spending on America’s dads is expected to be $125.95, about half the amount gifted on Mother’s Day.
Nick Haines tracks the week’s most impactful local news stories on Week in Review, Friday nights at 7:30 pm on Kansas City PBS.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
