Star Politics: Bridge closures put beloved BBQ joint in jeopardy
Editor’s note: The following is from today’s Star Politics newsletter, published weekly on Wednesdays. You can sign up here.
Good morning, Star readers.
Today, we’re looking at how a series of bridge closures and construction projects aimed at fixing aging infrastructure ahead of next year’s World Cup are frustrating Wyandotte County residents and jeopardizing beloved local businesses, including a fan-favorite barbecue joint in KCK.
Plus, a Kansas City firefighter who was charged with rape was allowed to keep his job. We examined why he and other KCFD employees convicted of serious crimes have been protected.
Next, we’ll get into:
• Stadiums standstill: Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe plans to call a special session after lawmakers gaveled out last week without passing his plan to fund stadiums for the Chiefs and Royals.
• Abortion ban: Missourians will again be asked a ballot question about banning abortion in 2026, even though nearly 52% of voters overturned the ban last November.
This week in politics
The Kansas Department of Transportation is now managing six bridge projects in Wyandotte County associated with four complete bridge closures, several partial closures and additional lane restrictions.
Mike Pearce, co-owner of Slap’s BBQ, said the 2021 closure of the Central Avenue Bridge, which connects KCK and Kansas City, resulted in an immediate downturn for the restaurant. Recent closures of other major bridges in the area have compounded the challenges.
“We’re slowly dying on the vine,” Pearce said.
KCK residents told The Star they believe state and local officials need to be coordinating better to minimize the disruption caused by the many construction projects that are now underway.
More from this past week
• Former Missouri congressman Billy Long, President Trump’s pick to lead the IRS, faced sharp questioning from Democrats in his confirmation hearing this week.
• Local leaders say recognizing this historic piece of Black history in KCK as a National Historic Landmark might be the only way to free up funding for the site’s long-term preservation.
• Potential federal cuts could jeopardize funding for overdose training that has saved lives in and around Kansas City.
Looking for more?
• For more politics news, follow @bymatthewkelly.bsky.social, @kacen.bsky.social, @jonshorman.bsky.social and @grice1911.bsky.social.
• Want to read more newsletters from The Star? You can subscribe to our free daily newsletters, the Morning Rush or the Afternoon Catch-Up.
That’s all for now! See you next week.
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