Cover-up allegations in Senate race; Dolly Parton book club cut in MO: Top KC stories
From a disputed sex abuse cover-up allegation in the Kansas U.S. Senate race to new neighborhood parking rules for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 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:
U.S. Senate race in Kansas
Kansas state Sen. Patrick Schmidt accused his Democratic primary opponent the Rev. Adam Hamilton’s Church of the Resurrection of covering up sex abuse allegations from 2005 and 2006 involving former retreat volunteer Scott Preston Moore. Court records show the church conducted an internal investigation, later reported the incidents to law enforcement and Hamilton personally helped facilitate a 2010 abuse report — findings that do not back up the core of Schmidt’s claims.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Missouri lawmakers slashed funding for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library free book program from $6 million to $2 million, meaning the state will no longer accept new children into the literacy program starting July 1. The program had 169,032 Missouri children enrolled as of March 31, and only 23% of Kansas City’s third-graders are proficient in language arts compared to 43% statewide.
KC residents need permits during World Cup
Residents of a 95-home neighborhood near GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium will need free vehicle permits to enter their own neighborhood on the six 2026 FIFA World Cup match days: June 16, 20, 25 and 27, and July 3 and 11. Traffic management will begin four hours before each match and continue up to four hours after, with residents divided on whether the requirement improves safety or creates an inconvenience.
Heddi Monro in Overland Park
A new downtown Overland Park boutique called Heddi Monro opened at 7900 Conser St. with a hidden speakeasy-style lounge called The Dressing Room. Owned by Christa Johnson and Meghan Dudek, the dual concept features women-owned clothing brands and cocktails made exclusively with spirits from women-owned or women-led distilleries.
Free service on RideKC
Starting June 1, RideKC will end free bus service for most riders and charge fares beginning at $2 for single rides. Seniors, people with disabilities, youth and low-income individuals will be eligible for half-price reduced fares, and the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority is partnering with United Way of Greater Kansas City to distribute up to 20,000 free single-day passes annually through local nonprofit partners.
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.
