The district bought the campus for $9 million in 2012 after the property at 7700 W. 143rd St. went into foreclosure and then set about doing $17 million in renovations. Now the 51-acre Hilltop Campus in Overland Park is done. With the slogan “Education Beyond Expectations” emblazoned on its building, it houses an early childhood learning center, conference center, Parents as Teachers program and Student Services.

President Barack Obama apparently can’t get enough Kansas City barbecue. The order about 11:30 a.m. Wednesday was for about 30 slabs of ribs, 20 pounds of pork, lots of sausage and sides.

“Come on and help out a little bit,” the president implored lawmakers to laughter and applause from an audience of 1,500 at the Uptown Theater. The 33-minute speech, which focused entirely on domestic issues, was the centerpiece of an 18-hour presidential stop in Kansas City. Republicans criticized the president’s often partisan tone.