Gerrymandering ruling in Missouri, testimony in Boilermakers trial: Top KC stories
From a Missouri Supreme Court ruling that could reshape the state’s congressional map to explosive testimony about union funds funding luxury trips and family salaries, 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:
Gerrymandered map in Missouri
The Missouri Supreme Court upheld the state’s gerrymandered congressional map on Tuesday but ruled it is “impossible to say” whether the map is in effect until Secretary of State Denny Hoskins certifies a referendum for the ballot. If the People Not Politicians campaign’s 305,000-plus signatures are certified, the map would be retroactively suspended back to Dec. 9, offering a glimmer of hope for Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver’s reelection bid.
Boilermakers trial
Former Boilermakers chief of staff Tyler Brown testified Tuesday that ousted International President Newton Jones used union funds for luxury overseas trips, five-star hotels and high-paying jobs for family members. Brown said Jones hired his wife Kateryna as a special assistant with a salary reaching $120,000 annually, and gave his daughter Shae and her boyfriend raises during a pandemic-era salary reduction for other employees.
De Soto data center
Beale Infrastructure announced a $250,000 community investment pledge for its $3.1 billion De Soto data center project, with funds going to the De Soto Kansas Food Pantry, the USD 232 Education Foundation and De Soto Days. The announcement came a week after Beale withdrew a separate proposal in Gardner following resident opposition and the city’s refusal to offer tax incentives.
Ahmad Hardy recovering
Missouri Tigers running back Ahmad Hardy is recovering on campus after being shot in the leg at a rap concert in Laurel, Mississippi, on Sunday, coach Eli Drinkwitz confirmed during a Tuesday night fan event in Dallas. Drinkwitz said the recovery timetable is uncertain for the reigning SEC Newcomer of the Year, who may or may not return this season.
Be Happy Pie Co.
Be Happy Pie Co., an Evansville, Indiana-based pie shop, is opening its fourth location in Gladstone on Friday. Franchise owners Chad and Angie Burns — Chad is a longtime Kansas City Barbecue Society competitor — will offer about 30 from-scratch pie flavors ranging from $27 to $35 for 10-inch pies, plus mini pies, cookie pies and coffee.
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.