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This week, many Kansas Citians will finally be able to unload their New Year’s Eve party trash. Last week, several cities including Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas, canceled garbage pickup after one of the heaviest snowstorms in decades.

Also, this week, our kids are going to have to do something they haven’t done in a while. They’re going to have to sit in a classroom for five days in a row. I know … it’s brutal. Some school districts didn’t hold even one day of class last week after several rounds of snow.

Here are seven other stories and trends to watch out for this week…

Missouri Swears in New Governor

It’s Inauguration Day in Missouri.

Governor-Elect Mike Kehoe was scheduled to be officially sworn into office at 11:30 a.m. today in Jefferson City.

Kehoe says he will focus on reducing crime, cutting taxes, protecting life, and growing the economy.

Kansas Lawmakers Return to Work

The 2025 Kansas legislative session begins today.

Reducing property taxes is at the top of the to-do list for the Republican-controlled Legislature.

Some lawmakers say legalizing marijuana could also be in the cards, though if approved, it would likely be permitted only for medical purposes.

Also on the agenda…

Now that Republicans have expanded their majorities in both chambers at the last election, look for another effort to limit medical care for transgender minors.

And the whole session is set to be overshadowed by the race for Kansas governor. Even though the election is nearly two years away, Secretary of State Scott Schwab last week became the first declared candidate to succeed Laura Kelly. The Democratic governor is term-limited and cannot run again.

Kelly will deliver her State of the State address at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Chiefs Mania

Kansas City is about to turn a bright shade of red this week as the Chiefs take on the Houston Texans in their first playoff game of the 2024-25 season.

Fans are hoping history will be made and the Chiefs can become the first team to win three straight Super Bowl titles.

The Chiefs-Texans game will kick off Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

Last Week, Reviewed

Seinfeld and Gaffigan

Kansas City plays host this week to some of the biggest names in comedy.

Jerry Seinfeld and Jim Gaffigan jointly perform at T-Mobile Center on Saturday night.

It’s a big get. Kansas City is one of only 10 stops on their 2025 arena tour.

New Lifetime Movie Shot in Overland Park

A new movie shot in Overland Park premieres this week on the Lifetime channel.

“The Girl in the Garage” is being described as a psychological thriller based on a true story.

It was filmed in downtown Overland Park and several Kansas City locations, including Swope Park and Westport.

It airs on the Lifetime channel this Saturday at 7 p.m.

KC Restaurant Week Continues

Kansas City Restaurant Week continues through Sunday.

More than 230 restaurants across the metro are participating in the annual event designed to coax you to try new eateries with special “prix fixe” menus at sharply discounted prices.

Three-Day Weekend Ahead

Many Kansas Citians are heading into a three-day weekend.

Jan. 20 is the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. Government buildings, banks and post offices will all be closed. And there’ll no be mail delivery. Martin Luther King Jr. Day will also coincide with President Trump’s inauguration in Washington.