Kansas
Kansas City mulls options to try to prevent major changes to Midtown Costco
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City leaders are worried Costco could be planning some big changes for its Midtown store on Linwood Boulevard.
The changes could lead to popular prepared foods and services going away if the wholesaler opts to cater more to restaurants and businesses.
Mayor Quinton Lucas and Council Member Melissa Patterson Hazley drafted a resolution for Thursday’s agenda in response to concerns Costco is considering converting the Linwood Boulevard warehouse to a business center. Costco Wholesale Corp could not be reached for questions about whether a possible change in focus for the current store is in consideration.
Monday marked 25 years in business for Kansas City’s Costco at Midtown Market Place. The store’s warehouse lets shoppers stock up on hundreds of dry goods and paper products, but also offers other quick grab options and services including a food court, pharmacy and tire center.
Now as there are plans for Costco to add a sixth store to the Metro in Lee’s Summit, city leaders are responding to concerns Costco may change their business model in Midtown.
“I have received many phone calls from my constituents about the possibility of converting midtown Costco to a business center. That would significantly impact shoppers from all across the district.”
According to Costco, business centers have different items like office supplies and restaurant equipment. Other food items found at traditional Costco Warehouses may only be available by the pallet or truckload. They don’t generally have food courts, pharmacies and tire centers.
“We already go to Costco and it is nice. I don’t need things to get bigger. I use the food court, I use the bakery, I use the rotisserie chickens. If you are going to get rid of all of that I’d be less inclined to go.”
The resolution introduced Thursday directs the city manager to work with economic development agencies to negotiate with Costco to keep the store in Midtown, with similar or better services.
“Obviously the Costco has been a core central part of Midtown for generations. It has been vital, a whole of people use it. This is a direction particularly to our economic development corporation to make sure we retain it in its current style, that we work with corporate to let them know that they are welcome and to make sure the store stays in the manner of operation that it exists now,” Lucas said.
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – It may not seem like a lot of relief, but gas and diesel prices have declined over the past week.
Friday morning’s national average for a gallon of unleaded gas was $4.39, according to the Automobile Association of America.
That’s down three cents from $4.42 on Thursday; down 16 cents from a week ago; but was up 17 cents from $4.22 a month ago and up $.23 from $3.16 a year ago.
In Kansas, AAA says, unleaded gas on Friday was averaging $3.96 a gallon — down four cents from $4.00 on Thursday; down 13 cents from $3.96 a week ago; but up 26 cents from $3.70 a month ago; and up $1.07 over $2.89 a year ago.
Diesel fuel also was dropping in price. AAA says Friday’s national average for a gallon of diesel was $5.52 a gallon — down three cents from $5.55 on Thursday; down 12 cents from $5.64 a week a go; but up six cents from $5.46 a month ago and up $1.98 from $3.54 a year ago.
Kansas diesel fuel prices, according to AAA, checked in at an average of $4.98 on Friday. That’s five cents below $5.03 on Thursday; down 16 cents from $5.14 a week ago; but up 24 cents over $4.74 a month ago; and up $1.72 from $3.26 a year ago.
In Topeka, GasBuddy.com on Friday morning showed unleaded gas prices ranging between $3.77 and $4.09 in Topeka, with diesel fuel going for between $4.94 and $5.29 a gallon.
Copyright 2026 WIBW. All rights reserved.
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NFL Trade Rumors: Kansas City Chiefs linked to $15M New York Giants pass rusher and $10M Chicago Bears tight end in bold ESPN proposals
The Kansas City Chiefs continue to be linked to potential trade targets despite entering the 2026 season with one of the NFL’s deepest rosters. Recent speculation from ESPN connected Kansas City to New York Giants edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux and Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet. In the proposed scenarios, the Chiefs would send a 2027 fourth-round pick for Thibodeaux or a 2027 third-round pick while receiving Kmet and a fifth-round selection. While neither proposal gained traction with the opposing teams, the rumors have sparked debate about whether Kansas City should make a significant move before the season.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Kayvon Thibodeaux / Cole Kmet |
| Current Team | New York Giants / Chicago Bears |
| Rumored Team | Kansas City Chiefs |
| Contract Status | Both under contract |
| Salary Cap Hit | Thibodeaux: manageable rookie extension window; Kmet carries a significant future cap number |
| Trade Likelihood | Low to moderate |
| Latest Insider Update | ESPN floated hypothetical trade proposals |
| Potential Return | 2027 fourth-round pick for Thibodeaux; 2027 third-round pick for Kmet |
Which teams are interested in Kayvon Thibodeaux and Cole Kmet?
Kansas City emerged as the most notable team connected to both players through the ESPN exercise. The fit is understandable. For Thibodeaux, the Chiefs could add another proven pass-rushing threat alongside their current edge group. Defensive line depth remains one of the most valuable assets in today’s NFL, especially for teams with championship aspirations. Adding a player of Thibodeaux’s caliber would strengthen the rotation and provide insurance against injuries. Kmet addresses a different need. While Travis Kelce remains a central piece of the offense, he is approaching the later stages of his career. Kmet offers a combination of blocking ability and receiving production that could help Kansas City maintain stability at tight end while preparing for the future.
What insiders are saying about the trade rumors
According to AtoZ Sports’ Charles Goldman, the concept behind pursuing Thibodeaux makes sense, but the compensation falls short. New York has little incentive to move a talented edge rusher for a mid-round draft pick when pass rushers are among the league’s most sought-after players. Goldman was similarly cautious regarding Kmet. Although he acknowledged the tight end would fill a practical role in Kansas City’s offense, he questioned whether investing draft capital and future money in Kmet is the best long-term strategy. Instead, he suggested the Chiefs may be better served developing a successor to Kelce through the draft.
Contract details and salary cap implications
Any trade discussion involving Kansas City begins with the salary cap. The Chiefs would likely need to create additional financial flexibility before taking on a notable contract. Thibodeaux presents the cleaner situation. He remains young, productive, and could be controlled through future contract negotiations. There are no reported no-trade restrictions complicating a potential move. Kmet’s situation is more challenging. His future cap numbers could require restructuring or a new agreement if Kansas City wanted to keep him long term. That added financial commitment makes the decision more complicated than the draft-pick cost alone.
How the trade could impact both teams
For Kansas City, acquiring Thibodeaux would strengthen a defense already built to compete for another Super Bowl. A deeper pass rush often becomes critical during playoff runs, where one extra pressure can change a game. Kmet’s arrival would have a different effect. He could ease the workload on Kelce while giving the offense a more balanced tight end room. At the same time, surrendering valuable draft assets could limit future roster-building options. From the Giants’ and Bears’ perspectives, keeping proven starters may provide more value than collecting future picks. That reality is why both proposed deals remain long shots, even if the Chiefs continue to surface in trade conversations.
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