Nick’s Picks | Storm Threat, City Manager, WWE Rumble, and More …
April 28, 2025 | Nick Haines | 4 min read
Brace for Severe Weather
Be prepared for some bumpy weather today.
The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center says damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes are possible.
The most severe storm activity is expected north of metro KC, but our local TV meteorologists say the volatile storm path could change quickly.
Picking a New Pope
Now that the funeral of Pope Francis is over, the Vatican comes to grips with picking his successor this week.
The Sistine Chapel will be closed to visitors starting today, in preparation for the upcoming conclave of cardinals that will select a new pope.
The length of a conclave depends on how long it takes for one candidate to receive two-thirds of the vote. The longest conclave in history lasted nearly three years.
Picking Platt’s Replacement
The Kansas City Council conducts interviews this week with the finalists looking to succeed ousted City Manager Brian Platt.
Three City Hall veterans have been shortlisted for the $208,000 a year job.
Last Week, Reviewed
In addition to Acting City Manager Kimiko Gilmore, the other finalists are Assistant City Manager Mario Vasquez and Pat Klein, the recently retired head of the aviation department.
The council will interview the candidates at a public session at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday inside the City Council Chambers.
Funeral for Murdered Firefighter
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas will meet with fire and police department leaders today after a 29-year-old firefighter-paramedic was stabbed to death while transporting a patient by ambulance over the weekend.
The patient was already on bond after assaulting a police officer the week before.
Trump 100 Days
Tuesday marks President Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office.
Look for plenty of scorecards this week on how the president is doing as he hits what is largely a symbolic milestone.
The Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles will visit the White House today. And Trump may reference Kansas City while they’re there.
The president has invited the Chiefs to return to the White House after COVID-19 cancelled their 2020 visit.
Chiefs’ owner Clark Hunt says he’s in discussions with the Trump administration on the date.
New ‘Paid Leave’ Law Takes Effect
On Thursday, Missouri workers will be guaranteed paid sick leave for the first time.
It’s the second part of a November ballot measure that also approved a $15 minimum wage.
But it’s unclear how long the new benefit will last.
Missouri lawmakers are trying to kill the voter-passed law, citing business group concerns that it will shut down smaller employers and prompt some companies to move to other states.
But timing is running out on this year’s legislative session. Lawmakers will adjourn on May 16.
Data Center Protest
Plans to build a new mega data center in Kansas City are getting a thumbs down from environmental activists.
A protest rally is scheduled today outside the offices of Port KC.
The agency is set to vote on giving Google a 25-year tax break and $10 billion in bonds to construct a data center campus in North Kansas City.
Ready to Rumble?
Kansas City will be in the national TV spotlight tonight as T-Mobile Center hosts Monday Night Raw.
Some of the biggest names in WWE wrestling will be in town for the Netflix streaming event.
Check out a possible cameo from Lucas. The Kansas City mayor says he’ll be ringside. I’m not sure what his wrestling name is or whether he’ll be wearing spandex or a cape.
Derby Day
We’re celebrating Derby Day this week.
America’s most storied horse race runs Saturday at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
Hundreds of Kansas Citians will watch the race at the Museum of Kansas City, which is hosting its 10th Derby Day Party with cocktails, mocktails, and southern bites.
Brookside Art Annual
Kansas City’s first major art show of the year is this weekend.
More than 170 artists from across the country will sell their creations at the 39th Brookside Art Annual. It starts on Friday evening at 63rd Street and Brookside Boulevard, next to the Brookside Shops.
Record-Setting Rugby
CPKC Stadium hosts its first non-soccer event this week.
A different set of goalposts is being installed on the pitch in preparation for international rugby.
The U.S. national women’s team faces off against Canada on Friday night.
Nearly 8,000 tickets have been sold, which apparently breaks the attendance record for a U.S. Women’s rugby game.
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.
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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