Nick’s Picks | KC Blizzard, Carter Funeral, New Laws, and More …

Snow-Mageddon

We’re tracking the fallout from this weekend’s snow-mageddon. As we start our week, schools and libraries are closed, so are some of our biggest attractions, including the Truman Library and Museum.  More than a dozen local cities have shut down their municipal offices and, depending on where you live, trash pickup is either postponed or canceled.

 While the snowfall and ice shut down the metro, including KCI airport, we didn’t quite break the record. The record for most snowfall in 24 hours happened on March 23, 1912, when Kansas Citians had to dig out from 16.1 inches of the white stuff.

Carter Funeral

You’ll see flags flying at half-staff on both sides of the state line this week as the nation mourns the passing of former president Jimmy Carter. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has ordered all state offices closed on Thursday in observance of Carter’s funeral.

Carter’s remains will leave his home state of Georgia for Washington on Tuesday. His casket will lay in repose in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda until his funeral at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Washington National Cathedral.

Waking up to New Laws

Many of us are waking up to new laws in Kansas and Missouri. In this first full work week of the New Year, here are some changes you should be aware of:

Minimum Wage Increase: Missouri minimum wage workers just got a pay hike to $13.75 an hour. The change is thanks to Proposition A, a ballot question Missouri voters passed in November. Workers will also be guaranteed paid sick leave for the first time, but that change won’t take effect until May 1.

Hands-Free Driving Law: Before you leave your driveway this morning, be aware that a new Missouri driving law is in effect. The so-called “Hands-Free Law” makes it illegal to text, call, record a video, or even hold a phone while driving.

What’s the punishment? A $150 fine with stricter penalties for repeat offenders. Hands-free methods, like Bluetooth and voice commands, are still allowed.

No More Sales Tax on Food: If you live in Kansas, you will no longer pay state sales tax on groceries. The food tax has been eliminated after a multi-year phaseout.

Beware of New Credit Card Fees: As Kansas touts how it’s saving you money on groceries, you’re about to be potentially socked with new fees on everything else you buy. Effective immediately, Kansas stores can pass on all credit card transaction fees to customers. Up until now, retailers have eaten the charge, which can be as high as 4%. The new law requires merchants to post notice of any additional fees at the door of the business or at the cash register.

Last Week, Reviewed

3 National Stories to Watch

Terror Attack: President Biden heads to New Orleans today to meet with victims’ families after a deadly terrorist attack took 14 lives in the city’s French Quarter on New Year’s Eve.

​Final Presidential Count: Today, a joint session of Congress will officially certify the results of the 2024 presidential election by formally counting the final Electoral College votes. It is expected to be a less eventful affair than four years ago when the certification process was interrupted by a mob storming the Capitol Building.

Trump Sentencing: In addition to gearing up for his inauguration, President-elect Donald Trump will spend Friday in a New York courtroom (possibly virtually) as he is sentenced on 34 felony counts related to alleged “hush money” payments to an adult film star. The judge in the case has signaled that Trump will not get jail time. Instead, he is expected to receive an “unconditional discharge,” which means he will only face punishment if he were to be rearrested.

Missouri Lawmakers Back to Work

Missouri lawmakers head back to Jefferson City on Wednesday to start the 2025 legislative session. They’ll be working with a new governor. Mike Kehoe will be officially sworn in next week. The governor-elect is promising to roll out a plan to reduce crime the moment his hand comes off the inauguration bible.

Kansas lawmakers won’t start their legislative session until Jan. 13.

KC Restaurant Week Begins

The timing couldn’t be worse, what with slick streets and bone-chilling temperatures, but Kansas City Restaurant Week begins Friday.

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.

Restaurant Week lasts 10 days.

If shedding a few pounds was one of your main New Year’s resolutions, then here are some non-food-related distractions to get you out and about this week:

• The four-day KC Boat & Fishing Show returns to Bartle Hall on Thursday.

• The KC Remodel and Garden Show starts Friday at the American Royal Center.

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.