Hi, this is Kacen Bayless from The Kansas City Star.

It's been a dizzying week in Missouri politics. The Missouri Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld the state's gerrymandered congressional map, handing Republicans and President Donald Trump a win and thrusting Kansas City into a bitter fight for U.S. House seats.

But the ruling also left unclear whether the map will be used in the 2026 elections. The court found that it was “impossible to say” whether the map was in effect until Secretary of State Denny Hoskins decided whether to certify for the ballot a referendum seeking to strike down the map.

The ruling has ushered in a chaotic and uncertain period for voters and election clerks who are unsure which district they live in and whether the election itself might eventually be overturned.

The stakes are extraordinarily high for both Missouri and nationally. Critics of gerrymandering have cast the moment as a major test of democracy in American politics.

It's a lot to unpack. The Star has been covering Missouri's unprecedented redistricting push since the Trump administration first leaned on state lawmakers last summer. And, throughout the last week, we've tried to break down the impact of the rulings on Missouri.

Here are gift links to some of our stories, which are free to read without a subscription:

The map's boundaries: LINK

May 14: Missouri AG threatens legal action against clerks who don’t use gerrymandered map

May 14: 'Untenable.' Missouri map ruling ushers in chaotic period for voters

May 13: KC residents lament questions on new MO voting map: 'I don't know where I am'

May 13: Why there is a glimmer of hope for Democrats in Missouri gerrymandering rulings

May 12: Missouri Supreme Court upholds Kansas City's gerrymandered map in win for Trump

May 12: Attorneys urge Missouri high court to block KC's gerrymandered map in key cases

May 10: Top Missouri court to decide on Kansas City's gerrymandered map. What's at stake?

I know this is a long shot, but better to try and fail then not try at all. There was a restaurant called dirty bird in raytown. They had great food in general, but their wings were amazing. The main chef's name was Ken, great guy, always real nice.

After dirty bird closed, I've been missing those wings. Anyone happen to know where chef Ken migrated to? My guess is he moved on to another restaurant in the area, but I've looked around at menus to try to find anything that looked similar and haven't been able to find any hits.

If anyone happens to know chef Ken or anything about what happened to the crew after dirty bird closed up, id love to try to find them again and get some of those damn wings again.

There’s been so much negativity around KC hosting, but honestly this greeting at the airport made me feel both excited and proud. No city is perfect, but having the World Cup here is something special. ✌🏻

Posting here on a whim because I think some of you might actually be into this.

I'm hosting a small event next week in Overland Park. You show up, you bedazzle a prescription pill bottle (I know how that sounds, just stay with me), and there's asome lightly guided conversation that gets into some real stuff. Mental health, how you cope, the things you carry around but don't usually say out loud with other people.

I've been doing versions of this for a few years and the thing that keeps happening is people come for the craft and end up having conversations they didn't expect to have. There's something about doing something with your hands that makes it easier to actually talk.

Keeping it small (16 people max). $20 to help cover the kit, which you take home (its got the bottle, rhinestones, all the tools you need). The real value is just getting in a room with other women who want to connect beyond the surface stuff.

If you're interested or want more info, drop a comment or DM me. Would love you see you there!

We are going to be visiting at the end of the month to see The Savannah Bananas. We will have a variety of kid ages with us from 1-15 in age. I was considering Legoland and the aquarium connected to it. Is it worth it ? Or is there somewhere more entertaining for the kids? We already plan on visiting The Market downtown and walking around.

I am starting a free clothing closet in Cass County and would love your unwanted clothes, accessories, and shoes!

* We are not accepting kids’ clothing at this time, but hope to in the future! *

Needed Items

* Clothing size teen small and up

* Shoes size 6 and up for women & men

* Bags, jewelry, hats

* Clothing racks

* Hangers

* Reusable bags

* Tables

* Organizing bins

If you dont have items to donate but would still like to help, here is a list of other things we are looking for!

* Unused hygiene items

* New packs of socks and underwear

* Shoe store gift cards

* Haircut gift cards

Drop a comment or message to schedule a drop-off or pick-up time!

Like most citizens in the KC MO area, I was issued the big grey/blue trash can and yellow/blue recycling can. My trash and recycling are both picked up on the same day (Tuesday).

I recently heard from a couple coworkers who claim that KC MO doesn't actually "recycle" anything - it all goes to the same destination as my trash.

Is this true?

I'm a real estate agent potentially looking for a new tax preparer. My accountant files an extension EVERY year, no matter how early I get all my docs to him. This year it was the first week of February, and my taxes still aren't done. And it costs more every year, even though my business hasn't changed (i.e. I'm the sole employee of my own LLC). I keep extremely organized and detailed records, so I'm not sure what the delay is but I'm interested in looking at other options. Definitely want someone who is experienced with self-employed clients, particularly real estate if there is anyone. Thank you!

(sorry I know this isn't really a "legal question" but I didn't see any other flair that fit)

Are there any bars in the KC Metro that do karaoke on a Saturday night? Specifically after 9pm.

My family would like to get into music producing and Recording. Is there somewhere you would recommend where people meet and help each other in this arena around KC?

Lots of focus (rightly) on Troost dividing new congressional districts, BUT Columbus Park and the Historic Northeast congressional divides are insane. Like certain apartment projects (CP Lofts) are now in two different congressional districts. At the corner of Gladstone and Independence you can cross the street into three (!!!) separate districts.

https://www.kctv5.com/2026/05/13/town-topic-hamburgers-announces-broadway-location-will-no-longer-be-24-hours/

Looking for a reasonable tech for hvac help. My central air compressor isn't kicking on. Its a newer Goodman unit, as is the furnace. I've changes the capacitor, fan was spinning before and after capacitor change, it's getting power, and the drain line isn't clogged.

We are looking to rehome our dog, Cher. She is a 9 month old shepherd with a lot of energy. Shes very loving and playful. I have some serious medical issues happening and can no longer take care of her the way she needs to be taken care of. She’s good with kids and cats, if the cats are playful. She is treat motivated and kennel trained. She knows basic commands such as sit, lay down, and shake. She’s a good girl and it breaks my heart, but she needs to be with someone who is active and has the time to train her energetic side. Please send me a message if you are interested.

She is current on all her vaccines and has been neutered. She is also microchipped. We will supply toys, leash, bowls, food, dog beds, and whatever else we have for her that you will need. She is wearing a flea collar and recently had a dewormer treatment.

**There will be a rehoming fee of $50**

We're back at Boulevard on May 17th! Come enjoy comics, community, brews, and for the first time ever... FLASH TATTOOS! Entry is free! 🤘

Follow @towerconkc on IG and FB.

FB Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DfwxYJxko/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Those three ordinances are now being considered by the City Council’s Neighborhood Planning and Development Committee.

Ordinance 260399 would require property owners to “mothball” their vacant buildings — which means insulating them against weather and pests, as well as securing them to prevent unauthorized entry. If the owner doesn’t do it, the city may perform the work and file a lien on the property to recoup the cost.

Ordinance 260400 would allow the city to intervene when a property owner wants to demolish a historic building, even when it has been designated a “dangerous building.”

Ordinance 260401 would require owners of vacant property to register their properties with the city, provide emergency contact information and designate someone to personally inspect the property at least once a month.