Kicking the Can Down the Road on Stadiums
A Kansas deal to fund up to 70% of the costs of new stadiums for the Chiefs and Royals expires tonight.
But it looks like the teams and our political leaders have decided to kick the can down the road, yet again.
Both teams have asked Kansas officials to extend the deadline.
The state’s top leaders will meet next Monday to consider the request. They could extend the offer for another year.
It’s just the latest twist in an excruciatingly drawn-out process that has been high on speculation and rumor, but low on facts and specifics.
Perhaps the only sliver of new information is contained in the Chiefs’ letter to Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson, which references building “a world-class domed stadium” in the Sunflower State.
If you live in Missouri, would you consider that an acceptable compromise?
Yes, you’d have to drive to Kansas, but would it be worth it if you no longer had to suffer through freezing temperatures on game day? And would you be more likely to get on board if a new domed stadium catapulted Kansas City to the front of the line to host a Super Bowl, a top College Bowl game or even a Final Four?
City Hall Takes a Two-Week Break
Don’t expect any new announcements this week from Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas about the stadiums, or anything else for that matter.
The City Council is taking a two-week break. There’ll be no council meetings or votes during that time.
Last Week, Reviewed
Iran’s Next Move
In global news…
President Donald Trump has been touting a big meeting between the United States and Iranian leaders this week to sketch out “an historic peace” between the two nations. Now it looks like the whole thing is off. The latest word from Trump: “I’m not talking to Iran, nor offering it anything.”
The mixed diplomatic signals come one week after the U.S. bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities. It’s still unclear whether the air strikes obliterated Iran’s nuclear program or just hobbled it.
One thing is apparent: despite media warnings of skyrocketing oil prices, the price at the pump hasn’t budged much. According to AAA, gas prices are about 24 cents a gallon less than they were in the lead-up to the Fourth of July holiday a year ago.
In National News to Watch …
The Senate is expected to vote today on Trump’s “Big Beautiful Budget Bill,” which includes $4.5 trillion worth of tax cuts. The nearly 1,000-page measure also scales back Medicaid and food nutrition programs and winds down tax credits for EVs and other renewable energy projects.
Patriotic Boom or Bust?
Remember all those stories about Trump’s trade tariffs putting a damper on our Fourth of July fireworks shows?
Well, as we head into the Independence Day holiday, there are no reports of cancellations.
In fact, some places are promising even bigger shows this year.
If you want to see Kansas City’s largest fireworks display, then you need to head over to the expansive grounds of Liberty Memorial.
The Stars and Stripes Picnic starts on Friday at 3 p.m.
But if you want to skip the corn dogs, local bands and face painting, here’s your insider tip: The actual fireworks won’t start until 9:40 p.m.
Blackout in Kansas
Prepare for a blackout in Kansas this week.
The state is rolling out its new “blackout” license plates on Tuesday.
If you want your wheels to make a style statement, it will cost you.
The new all-black plates with white lettering come with a one-time plate fee of $40. Plus, a $50 a year royalty fee.
KCI Launches New Guest Pass
You’ve now lost your excuse for quickly dropping off your friend or loved one at the airport and zooming away.
KCI Airport launches its new guest pass program on Thursday.
For the first time, the airport will allow non-ticketed passengers to pass through security all the way to the departure gate. You can also now meet your loved one’s incoming flight as they deplane.
The electronic ticket is free. But you must submit a copy of your driver’s license or passport in advance online.
A press release from KCI says non-ticketed passengers can now also shop and dine at all of the new terminals’ stores and restaurants. Though I’m wondering how many people would choose to drive to the airport for a sad salad or a $15 beer.
If it’s of interest to you, here’s how you get your electronic guest pass.
The Other Elvis
Back in the UK, he was called “the poor man’s Elvis.”
Elvis Costello is in Kansas City this week.
The British singer-songwriter is now 70 years old.
He performs at the Uptown Theater on Tuesday night.
LAX Marks the Spot: All-Star Game Lands in KC
Kansas City hosts the All-Star game this week. Not in baseball, but lacrosse.
Some of the country’s top professional lacrosse players will be in town. So will ESPN, which is televising the men’s and women’s events from CPKC Stadium.
It’s the first time the professional leagues of men’s and women’s lacrosse have held their all-star games together.
The women’s event is Friday night. The men will show off their stick skills on Saturday.
In other sports news…
Wimbledon begins today.
And the Tour de France starts on Saturday.
Happy Independence (from the British) Day on Friday!
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.)