New Royals Ballpark Two years after a failed stadium vote, Kansas City leaders are trying to get a new Royals ballpark plan across the finish line this week. The city council’s finance committee takes its first swing Tuesday at the $1.9 billion proposal, with a full council vote expected on Thursday. Mayor Quinton Lucas unveiled the plan late last week, pitching a stadium at Washington Square Park, just across from Crown Center and east of Union Station. The mayor says the city would commit up to $600 million dollars, with no new taxes required, using bonds and tax increment financing. Lucas says the funding mechanism allows the city to bypass a public vote. And there’s the rub. Several council members aren’t buying that no-vote approach and are teaming up with community groups to push for one anyway, through a petition drive. Then there’s the small matter of the team itself. In a news release, the Kansas City Royals say they “look forward to more detailed conversations as we consider solutions that are best for our team.” Could they sound any less committed? Translation: Don’t pop the champagne just yet. Last Week Reviewed World Cup Trophy in Town Soccer’s most glittering prize is coming to Kansas City this week. The FIFA World Cup trophy will be on display at the Power Light District on Saturday and Sunday, as part of a host city “thank you” tour. You can take a free selfie with the trophy, but it does require a pre-booked ticket with a QR code. Here’s the link. Missouri Moves Against ‘Mini Liquor’ Ban in KC Is Jefferson City about to kill Kansas City’s new “mini liquor bottle” ban? The law has already stirred plenty of debate in Kansas City, with convenience store owners arguing its discriminatory because it doesn’t apply citywide and exempts grocery stores. Supporters say the goal is simple: curb crime and public disorder tied to those small bottles. Now the state may step in and take the teeth out of it. This week, the Missouri House of Representatives is advancing a plan, led by its speaker, to block cities from regulating alcohol sales based on container size. If that sounds familiar, it should. Missouri already limits what local governments can do on everything from gun laws to plastic bags. And now, perhaps, even the size of a drink. Big and ‘Not So Big’ Changes in Kansas Kansas lawmakers are back home after a whirlwind finish to this year’s legislative session. Schools, cities and universities are still sorting through the fallout from a late-night burst of votes that stretched into the early hours of Saturday morning. The Republican-led legislature went into overdrive to reverse two dozen vetoes from Gov. Laura Kelly. So where does that leave things this Monday morning? 25-Feet Law: For starters, Kansas now has a new criminal offense on the books. If you ignore an order to stay at least 25 feet away from law enforcement — including ICE agents — you could face up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Student Protest Restrictions: In schools, a crackdown is coming. Beginning this fall, districts could be penalized if students walk out during the school day — a direct response to recent anti-ICE protests at Kansas high schools. Charlie Kirk “Free Speech” Law:  On college campuses, lawmakers took aim at free speech rights. A new law means public universities like KU could be on the hook financially if they block conservative groups and speakers. It’s part of a broader effort to honor slain activist Charlie Kirk, whose birthday — October 14 — will now be officially recognized as “Free Speech Day” in Kansas. And then there’s what didn’t happen. Property Tax Fail: Despite months of buildup and repeated promises, property tax relief — the session’s top priority — never quite made it across the finish line. A proposed constitutional amendment to limit annual increases fell short. Another plan, which would have allowed voters to challenge local budget hikes through petitions, was vetoed by the governor. Lawmakers rushed through a revised version in the final hours, but it may be headed for the same fate. Tax Day Wednesday Wednesday is Tax Day — that magical time of year when you send a big chunk of your paycheck to the government…or face a prison cell. Traditionally one of the calendar’s least-loved holidays, it’s a little less painful for many Americans this year. The Internal Revenue Service says the average refund is up 11%, landing at $3,462. Of course, not all of us are riding that wave. My wife and I somehow zigged where others zagged — and we’re cutting a sizeable check to Uncle Sam. Still, many filers are seeing fatter refunds this season thanks to 2025 tax tweaks tied to President Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill.” Big Race Weekend Start your engines…it’s checkered flag time. Local NASCAR fans only have two chances every year to catch the big show at Kansas Speedway. This weekend is one of them. NASCAR’s top drivers roll into town for the AdventHealth 400 on Sunday, the headline event of a full weekend of racing at the Kansas City, Kansas, track. Global Rugby Showdown Four of the world’s most successful women’s rugby teams take the field in Kansas City this week. The United States faces Australia, while Canada takes on New Zealand in a Friday night doubleheader at CPKC Stadium. Beyond the matches, the moment carries bigger stakes. The international showdowns are a significant test of local enthusiasm for the sport as Kansas City bids to host the Men’s Rugby World Cup in 2031 and the Women’s World Cup in 2033. Mayor Lucas, who will be at both games, says if the city is picked to host the  tournaments, matches will be played at the newly vacated Arrowhead Stadium. Lucas is convinced the venue will remain a premier destination for major events even after the Chiefs move to Kansas. Nick Haines tracks the metro’s most impactful, confusing and downright head-scratching local news stories on Week in Review, Friday at 7:30 p.m. on Kansas City PBS. The post Nick’s Picks | Sports, Liquor, Bans and More … first appeared on Flatland. ...read more read less