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Political Filing Frenzy

Get ready for a major reshuffling of Kansas City’s political decks this week.

Tuesday at 5 p.m. is the deadline for Missouri candidates to file for office in this year’s midterm elections. And with a new congressional map now in play, it’s triggering a frantic last-minute political scramble.

Here’s the breakdown of what to watch out for:

The Graves Departure: Veteran Missouri Congressman Sam Graves has announced he won’t seek reelection, triggering a 72-hour sprint to replace him in the 6^th District, which includes the northern part of Kansas City.

Conservative talk show host Chris Stigall has already jumped in. But expect more names to hit the ballot before the clock strikes five on Tuesday.

Lucas Finally Decides: After months of hinting at a congressional run, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas is passing on a campaign against Congressman Mark Alford in Missouri’s 4th District. Lucas made it official in an early morning social media video. While Lucas won’t be on the 2026 ballot, he says he’s leaving the door open for a future run.

The Map Stays Put: A judge on Friday ruled that Missouri’s new political map can be used in this upcoming election, even as a citizen petition effort is underway to kill the map in a public referendum vote.

Last Week Reviewed

LeVota Reconsiders Plan

Jackson County Interim Executive Phil LeVota may be rethinking his political future just days before Tuesday’s candidate filing deadline.

LeVota says he’s reconsidering a pledge he made in October, when he announced he would not seek a full term as the county’s top official.

Since taking office, he says feedback from constituents and local leaders has him “rethinking” that decision.

LeVota was appointed by county lawmakers to complete the term of Frank White, who was removed from office in a recall election last fall.

Opening Day at The K

The Kansas City Royals return to Kauffman Stadium today for their home opener against the Minnesota Twins. First pitch is set for 3:10 p.m.

Fans will notice some big changes at The K. During the offseason, the outfield walls were moved in about 10 feet, with 150 new seats added just behind them—a move designed to boost home run production.

The Royals could use that extra pop after dropping two of their first three games of the season in Atlanta.

Milestone to watch: Salvador Perez is closing in on the franchise home run record, currently held by George Brett.

Rock Island Bridge Opens

Three years later than advertised, the Rock Island Bridge is scheduled to open on Wednesday. Though be aware, that’s also April Fool’s Day.

In addition to a delayed start, the price tag for the bridge has more than tripled, climbing from an original $5 million estimate to $17 million.

The 120-year-old span linking Kansas City’s West Bottoms to KCK is being promoted as the world’s first entertainment district over a river.

Early Voting Continues

In-person early voting continues this week, ahead of Missouri’s April 7 local elections.

Getting most of the headlines is Kansas City’s earnings tax renewal vote. But there’s plenty more on the ballot, including a heated mayor’s race in Independence and mayoral showdowns in Lee’s Summit, Grandview, and Grain Valley.

Dozens of school board seats are also up for grabs across the metro.

4-Hour Lines at Airport?

If you’re flying out of town this week, be aware that America’s busiest airports continue to be a test of human endurance, despite a pledge by President Donald Trump to begin paying cash-strapped TSA agents, starting today.

Apparently, there’s a catch. Trump’s executive order only covers back pay, leaving TSA screeners without any assurances they’ll get a paycheck for their work this week and beyond.

Several U.S. airports, including Atlanta, are continuing to advise passengers to arrive at least four hours before their flights.

More than 480 TSA officers have quit since the shutdown began, callout rates have topped 40% at some airports, and assaults on TSA officers have surged more than 500% during the standoff.

Kansas City has been largely unaffected by the six-week partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. KCI uses a private security firm to screen passengers, not TSA agents.

Mini Booze, Major Fight

Kansas City is taking another shot this week at banning the sale of miniature liquor bottles and single beer cans.

The ordinance has been held back amid pushback from business owners upset that it restricts small-size alcohol sales in only some parts of the city, including Prospect and Independence avenues. They also think it’s unfair the ban exempts grocery stores.

A convenience store industry report claims it could trigger the closure of up to 33 retail establishments.

The mayor’s office says it has been studying similar bans in Washington and California and are convinced it will reduce violence and public disorder.

Final Four

March Madness enters its final stretch this week.

After 68 teams, we’re now down to four.

“The Final Four” tips off Saturday in Indianapolis. While no local teams made the cut, there is a hometown connection. The leading point scorer for Illinois went to Shawnee Mission Northwest High School. Keaton Wagler graduated last year. His family lives in Lenexa.

On the women’s side, the NCAA championship game is set for Sunday in Phoenix.

Missed Out on World Cup Tickets?

FIFA says you’ve got one last shot at snagging World Cup tickets in their “last-minute sales phase” that begins Wednesday.

Fans will be able to purchase the tickets here.

There’s no word on whether FIFA will start offering discounted seats in response to a letter from members of Congress who said average fans were being priced out.

On the secondary market, the cheapest ticket for the opening World Cup match in Kansas City is $802.

Dates to Remember:

• Wednesday is April Fools’ Day.
• The Jewish holiday of Passover starts Wednesday night.
• Easter is on Sunday.

Nick Haines tracks Kansas City’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.