Verdict in KC union racketeering trial, Olathe land deal controversy: Top stories
From a federal racketeering verdict against former Boilermakers union leaders to a KCK school police officer accusing the district of covering up crimes, Kansas City is making headlines on multiple fronts. These are the top stories from The Kansas City Star.
Here are key takeaways:
Boilermakers verdict
A federal jury convicted former Boilermakers International President Newton Jones, his wife Kateryna Jones and retired executive William Creeden of racketeering conspiracy, embezzlement and other felonies tied to the theft of millions from the Kansas City-based union. Prosecutors said the defendants funneled money toward no-show jobs, luxury international travel, fine dining and unauthorized loans, with sentencing set for Sept. 1.
Olathe schools land deal
Cherry Park Properties LLC has amended its lawsuit against Olathe Public Schools and the city of Olathe, alleging the district terminated a contract with developer Clay Blair’s CB Holdings after the suit was filed, then approved a nearly identical deal with another Blair-controlled company, 143rd Street Ventures. The amended petition claims the April board vote violated Kansas’ open meetings law and that the city’s eminent domain push now primarily benefits Blair’s development rather than a future school.
Prairie Village YMCA site
Prairie Village’s Planning Commission has approved rezoning the former 4.5-acre YMCA site at 79th and Delmar streets to allow developer Price Brothers to build 20 single-family homes ranging from 8,456 to 9,112 square feet. Final approval is conditional on the developer addressing stormwater runoff concerns tied to grade changes of up to 12% across the property.
KCK school police officer alleges cover-up
Syler Colaço, deputy chief of the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools police department, says he’s being wrongfully terminated for investigating a fellow officer and reporting misconduct to the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training. Colaço also alleges the district has covered up sexual, verbal and physical misconduct by staff against students, while KCKPS says the matter has “nothing to do with our students or student safety.”
Terrence Howard in Kansas City
Oscar nominee Terrence Howard is filming a movie called “Broken Ones” at the historic Skelly Building on the Country Club Plaza alongside actress Kate Bosworth. Fans and local content creators have shared selfies and stories of Howard’s friendliness on set, with online speculation suggesting the film could be a sequel to his 2007 thriller “The Brave One” with Jodie Foster.
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.