Nick’s Picks | Costco, Homicides, Rain and More …
Preparing you for the week ahead, before it happens…
September 28, 2026 | Nick Haines | 5 min read
Map Fight: Really Over?
Is Missouri’s never-ending congressional map fight finally over?
The U.S. Supreme Court has now weighed in for a third time.
Friday’s ruling firmly shuts the door on using the newly drawn Republican map in the Nov. 3 election.
But even the Kansas City Star wasn’t quite ready to drive a stake through it, saying the decision “likely signaled the death knell” for the GOP effort.
The exceedingly cautious language is understandable. Because in this story, every time we’ve written “the end,” another chapter has appeared.
And technically, the fight still isn’t finished.
Missouri voters will decide in November whether to revive the new map through a statewide referendum.
So, after months of court rulings, emergency hearings and Supreme Court interventions, the argument now moves to the ballot box.
Election Day is just 36 days away.
Last Week Reviewed
Midtown Costco Closes
This is it.
Your last chance to stock up on 200 rolls of toilet paper, a 5-pound tub of hummus or a sheet cake large enough for the entire neighborhood.
Midtown Costco shuts down Thursday.
The store will close for roughly five months before reopening in the spring as a Costco Business Center.
That means a much heavier focus on restaurants, convenience stores and commercial customers.
The gas station will remain open during construction.
But as one door closes, another opens.
A brand-new Costco warehouse opens on Friday in Lee’s Summit.
Flood Risk This Week
Kansas City is in for a wet stretch. Forecasters say moisture from Hurricane Polo could help fuel rounds of heavy rain this week.
While there are currently no warnings or advisories in effect, the National Weather Service says there is a risk of flooding as a wave of tropical moisture brings back rain, starting Wednesday and lasting through Friday.
That means slow commutes, soggy outdoor plans and the usual reminder not to test your car’s swimming ability on a flooded road.
KC Hits 100 Homicides
Kansas City begins the week with a grim milestone.
A fatal shooting Sunday marked the city’s 100th homicide of the year.
City leaders note that the number remains sharply lower than last year’s pace, but hitting triple digits still carries weight.
Violent crime has been one of the most closely watched measures at City Hall and a major issue throughout Mayor Quinton Lucas’ tenure.
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Kansas City has not finished a year with fewer than 100 homicides since 2014.
So while the trend may be moving in the right direction, Sunday’s shooting is a reminder of how much ground there still is to cover.
Lucas Logs the Miles
Lucas is putting some serious miles on his frequent flyer account this week.
He’s in Mexico City today before heading to Rome for several days of civic, leadership and trade talks with Italian officials.
His itinerary also includes a visit to the Vatican.
No meeting with Pope Leo appears on the mayor’s official schedule.
So unless there’s a surprise addition, the mayor isn’t seeking a papal blessing.
Lucas returns Saturday.
MLB Playoffs Begin
Baseball’s postseason begins Tuesday with the Wild Card Series.
And here’s an interesting fact: If the World Series stretches to Game 7, the final pitch of the season would come on Halloween night.
For the second straight year, the Royals won’t be part of it.
Kansas City finished the season Sunday with a win over Cleveland, but also finished with 93 losses — thirteen more than last year.
Offense was again a major problem. In nearly half their games, the Royals scored three runs or fewer.
That tends to make October baseball difficult.
In other sports news…
The Chiefs are back Sunday with a road trip to Las Vegas. Kansas City takes on the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium at 3:25 p.m.
Haunted Houses Return
Kansas City’s haunted houses reopen this weekend, in what may be the latest start to scare season in modern memory.
Blame the weather.
The owners of The Beast and Edge of Hell say September’s 90-degree temperatures would have baked customers and performers in what are century-old buildings that lack air conditioning.
So the ghosts, ghouls and chainsaws have been kept on ice.
The screaming finally returns to the West Bottoms on Friday night.
Yo-Yo Ma and Gordon Ramsey in Town
Not a bad week for celebrity spotting.
Legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma headlines the Kansas City Symphony’s 2026-27 season Wednesday at Helzberg Hall.
Meanwhile, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay brings Kitchen Nightmares to the metro. Ramsay and his production crew are taking over Big Creek Café in Pleasant Hill through Friday.
Country Music Hall of Famers Brooks & Dunn take the stage at the new Morton Amphitheater on Friday night.
And this weekend, it’s time to pull on your lederhosen and raise a stein as KC Oktoberfest takes over Crown Center.
Cello. Culinary meltdowns. Boot Scootin’ Boogie. Bratwurst and beer. Kansas City is showing off its cultural range this week.
Nick Haines tracks the week’s most impactful, confusing and downright head-scratching local news stories on Week in Review, Friday nights at 7:30 p.m. on Kansas City PBS.
Reading these stories is free, but telling them is not. Start your monthly gift now to support Flatland’s community-focused reporting.
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