It’s the last blast of summer for many Kansas Citians this week. Expect quiet commutes and empty desks as Labor Day’s three-day break has folks heading out early. Many area schools are also cutting the week short.
Here are some other local stories we’re keeping tabs on this week…
New Laws From Diapers to Marriage
A wave of new laws hit the books in Missouri this week:
- Starting on Thursday, diapers and feminine hygiene products will be exempt from both state and local sales taxes.
- A ban on child marriage takes effect this week. For the first time, you’ll have to be 18 to marry in Missouri.
- Also on Thursday, Missouri is junking temporary license plates. That means shaking up the car-buying process. Instead of waiting 30 days to pay your sales tax, Missouri buyers will now pay taxes immediately at the dealership (just as they do in Kansas). New owners will be issued a temporary paper copy of their license plate before leaving the showroom.
Last Week, Reviewed
Still Waiting on Kehoe …
Texas just did it. Is Missouri next?
We’re still waiting to hear whether Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe will bring back state lawmakers for a special session to redraw Missouri’s congressional map.
President Donald Trump reportedly wants Missouri to change its political boundaries to squeeze out Kansas City Democratic Congressman Emanuel Cleaver.
Some political watchers say the decision has already been made. We’re just waiting for Kehoe to announce it.
Lawmakers are already scheduled to return to Jefferson City for the annual veto session on September 10.
Meanwhile, hold the front page…
There are new reports that Kansas may be considering a similar move, in yet another quest to unseat Sharice Davids, the only Democrat in the state’s congressional delegation.
Trump Deploys Missouri Guard Troops
Trump hasn’t asked the Missouri National Guard to help with his crime crackdown in Washington D.C., but he is deploying state guard troops to assist in immigration enforcement.
Starting this week, the Missouri National Guard will help transport and process “illegal migrants.”
According to a Defense Department statement, their duties will include fingerprinting, DNA swabbing, and photographing new arrivals in ICE custody.
The Trump administration is mobilizing up to 1,700 National Guard troops in 19 states to assist in the ICE enforcement effort. The Missouri troops will be deployed through mid-November.
Is it Fall Already?
Don’t we deserve this Kansas City? It’s going to feel like fall this week with temperatures in the 70s.
In fact, a new record low is possible Tuesday morning as the mercury dips into the lower 50s. In case you’re interested: The record low for Tuesday is 53 degrees, set in 1910.
Does this mean summer is over? Our local TV meteorologists say, “probably not,” so enjoy it while it lasts!
Arrowhead Turns a Different Shade of Red
It will be a sea of red at Arrowhead Stadium this week. But not for the Chiefs.
The University of Nebraska is playing its season opener against the University of Cincinnati on Thursday night.
It’s part of that trend to find larger and oftentimes more exotic venues to play big matches.
It’s also apparently a big moneymaker.
While no exact figures have been publicly confirmed, Nebraska is believed to be pocketing $1 million to travel south for the game.
Mizzou Under Construction
The University of Missouri hosts its season opener this week, and instead of revealing a new stadium like KU, school officials are preparing fans for construction and traffic chaos.
Memorial Stadium in Columbia is a mammoth work site right now as it undergoes a $250 million renovation. It means fewer seats, amenities, and a more torturous route to the game.
Mizzou takes on Central Arkansas on Thursday night. (Kickoff 6:30 p.m.)
Big Names on Stage in KC
- Legendary rapper Lil Wayne takes the stage at T-Mobile Center on Tuesday night.
- Linkin Park is at T-Mobile Center on Sunday.
- And David Lee Roth, best known as the energetic frontman for the hard rock band Van Halen is at the Grinders outdoor concert space in the Crossroads on Wednesday.
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.
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