Cynthia Newsome funeral details and new claims in City Hall FBI probe: Top KC stories

From funeral plans for beloved KSHB 41 anchor Cynthia Newsome to a former assistant city manager’s retaliation lawsuit against Kansas City, 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 key takeaways:

Cynthia Newsome funeral details

Funeral services for former KSHB 41 anchor Cynthia Newsome will be held Saturday, May 30, at United Believers Community Church, 5600 E. 112th Terrace. Newsome, who worked at the TV station for 25 years, died Tuesday following a battle with brain cancer. A public viewing is scheduled from 9 to 11 a.m.

Lawsuit in City Hall, FBI probe

A former Kansas City assistant city manager filed a six-count lawsuit against the city Wednesday, alleging gender discrimination, whistleblower retaliation and defamation. Melissa Kozakiewicz was fired in June, one week after telling City Manager Mario Vasquez that the FBI had contacted her about public integrity and contracting issues within city government.

Mass shooting at Klymax Lounge

The family of a woman killed in a 2023 mass shooting at a Kansas City nightclub has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the club’s owners and the alleged shooter. Antoinette Brenson, 24, was fatally shot on May 21, 2023, while waiting to enter Klymax Lounge in the Oak Park neighborhood. Isiah Clinton, who faces three counts of first-degree murder, is scheduled to go to trial in January.

Joe’s Next Door

Joe’s KC BBQ has opened a sister bar and grill concept called Joe’s Next Door at 500 County Line Road, directly across from the original barbecue restaurant. The new spot offers smashburgers, salmon dip, specialty cocktails and table service in a former Conoco gas station, with design elements paying homage to the building’s past.

The Shops at Prairie Village

Scoobie, a popular women’s boutique at The Shops at Prairie Village, will close both its brick-and-mortar location and website in early to mid-June. Owner Sarah Jabbour cited 17 months of ongoing construction as the reason, but said the business is evolving into something new rather than disappearing entirely.

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.