Union racketeering trial, Missouri ballot fight & BBQ history at risk: Top KC stories
From a federal racketeering trial against former Kansas City-based union leaders to a citizen-led push to protect Missouri’s ballot initiative process, here’s a roundup of what’s making news in the Kansas City region. These are the top stories from The Kansas City Star.
Here are the key takeaways:
Direct democracy in Missouri
A bipartisan campaign called Respect MO Voters turned in roughly 362,000 signatures Sunday to force a statewide vote on a constitutional amendment protecting Missouri’s initiative petition process from legislative attacks.
Boilermakers union trial
A federal racketeering trial begins Monday in Kansas City, Kansas, for former International Brotherhood of Boilermakers executives, including ex-International President Newton Jones, who are accused of scheming to steal $20 million in union funds for luxury travel, no-show jobs and lavish meals.
Fatal shooting in Peculiar
Melchor Hinojos Carbjal, 51, was fatally shot Saturday night outside the Peculiar Lions Community Building, and a suspect was being held Monday at the Cass County Detention Center on a 24-hour hold. Friends remembered him as a family man with a passion for horse racing.
Historic barbecue location in KC
Preservation advocates are pushing to save a boarded-up building near 19th and Vine that once housed Henry Perry’s barbecue restaurant — Perry is considered the foundation of Kansas City’s barbecue legacy — as redevelopment transforms the surrounding 18th & Vine Jazz District.
Third Street Social
Third Street Social, a modern American restaurant owned by Summit Hospitality Group, opened Thursday at 135 S. Kansas Ave. in downtown Olathe, joining a wave of new restaurants aimed at revitalizing the area.
The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.
