Nick’s Picks | Tax Day, Stadium Plans and Ransomware Attack Unravelled
If you’re thinking that Tax Day, the unsettling plans for a local stadium, and an unexpected ransomware attack don’t have much in common, you’re about to be surprised. Here’s a detailed scoop of the closely watched incidents and unfolding developments that have been keeping Kansas City abuzz.
Tax Day in Full Swing
It’s that dreaded time of the year again. Tax Day has rolled around and the deadline to file your federal and state taxes is a mere few hours away. For those who haven’t quite gotten around to it yet, take a deep breath. The rush to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) isn’t over yet, as you have until the stroke of midnight to apply for an extension. An estimated 19 million taxpayers are predicted to take advantage of this option. The silver lining, however, is that the average tax refund is estimated to be $3,011, a 5% increase from last year.
Fallout from Stadium Tax Rejection
In stadium related news, weeks after the voters turned their back on a sales tax set to fund a new ballpark for the Kansas City Royals and necessary improvements for the Arrowhead Stadium, all eyes are on John Sherman, Royals’ owner. Keeping everyone in suspense regarding his next steps, Sherman has yet to announce whether he will end his timeout for ‘reflection’. Kansas City Mayor, Quinton Lucas, is also expected to provide further clarification on his vision for a future stadium plan.
Dealing with Parking Anxieties
Adding to the city’s woes is the issue surrounding downtown parking after the city decided to shut down one of its largest parking facilities, the Barney Allis Plaza parking garage. The closure, due to safety concerns, will be surely felt as new plans for the space will only allow for half the current number of vehicles. The garage is expected to reopen in 2026, ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
Ransomware attack Brings Turmoil
As if the city didn’t have enough to deal with, several essential Jackson County offices remain closed due to a ransomware attack first reported on Election Day. The attack forced the shutting down of the assessment, tax collection and recorder of deeds offices, affecting services ranging from marriage licenses to county jail records. Meanwhile, the city administration blames Russia for the viral attack.
Diverse Events in Full Swing: Banning Child Marriages, Sensitizing About Antisemitism, and Reigniting the Abortion Debate
The Missouri House is set to decide this week on a child marriage ban, proposing to halt anyone under 18 years old from obtaining a marriage license. Simultaneously, the city prepares for a major summit on antisemitism, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Jewish Community Center shootings in Overland Park.
Additionally, the issue of abortion is once again taking center stage, with GOP lawmakers pushing to oust Planned Parenthood of state funding, while Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has recently vetoed two abortion bills.
The incident-packed week, filled with controversial decisions and unexpected turns, is a testament to the city’s resilience and ability to weather any storm. Stay tuned for more developments as they unfold.
