KCKPS gender identity policies under fire by Trump administration
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This is Kansas City Today. I'm Nomi Naouji-Adin. Today is Thursday, September 3rd. Coming up, the Trump administration is coming after four Kansas school districts for their policies over transgender students.
What recent office move did Kansas City Today announce and why does it matter?
We'll hear about the lawsuit that the Kansas City, Kansas district is facing. But first, we wanted to update you on our office situation. You may recall that KCUR had to suddenly vacate our old office on UMKC's campus in January. This week, we started recording from our new permanent office on the plaza. You may hear some differences in our audio while we adjust to the new studios. Now, some headlines. The Missouri Supreme Court will decide if the new congressional map state lawmakers passed last year will go up for a vote of the people in November. The court heard arguments yesterday. The group People Not Politicians sued Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins after he refused to let the map get on the ballot, even though the group gathered enough petition signatures.
Chuck Hatfield is the attorney for People Not Politicians. He blames Hoskins for the situation.
I think the court made clear today that his I do the minimum I'm required to do attitude is the reason we have this crisis now. And we're playing a big game of chicken about whether we're going to use the correct law when we run our congressional districts.
The issue must be resolved by Tuesday, the deadline to get on the November 3rd ballot. If the referendum moves forward, Missouri may have to use its old map in November's election while it waits for voters to weigh in. The new map favors Republicans by essentially eliminating Kansas City Democratic Congressman Emanuel Cleaver's seat. Independence voters successfully recalled a member of the city council yesterday after he voted to approve a multi-billion dollar data center. KCUR's Noah Taborda has more.
68% of voters supported the recall of District 1 Councilmember John Perkins, according to unofficial results. In March, Perkins was one of five councilmembers to approve a 400-acre data center near Missouri 78 and Little Blue Parkway. Construction of the $150 billion Nebius AI facility is already underway. Perkins had been elected to serve through June 2028. Now, though, his term will end once results are certified. After that, a special election set by the city council will be held to fill the vacancy. There is not yet a timeline for setting that date.
Kansans will vote on another constitutional amendment in November. Leavenworth Republican State Representative Pat Proctor says the goal of the measure is to clarify that only citizens can vote in Kansas elections. Proctor is running for Secretary of State and has publicly advocated for the amendment.
And it says very simply, only U.S. citizens can vote in the state of Kansas. Seems pretty odd.
In some states, non-citizens can vote in municipal elections. The Kansas Constitution reads that every citizen of the U.S. can vote. Opponents say the amendment is unnecessary, given that wording, and may put a target on immigrants' backs. Proctor is running against Democratic candidate Jennifer Day. This week's high temperatures are pushing area schools to delay football games and cancel practices. The Lee's Summit School District modified outdoor practices so students aren't playing at the hottest time of the day. Practices are sometimes moved to the morning, evening, or even indoors. Bobby McCutcheon is the district's director of athletics and activities. He says coaches focus on keeping kids hydrated.
It's not 30 years ago where water breaks were sort of this thing you earned. We understand that it's important for kids to have water when they need it. So we make sure kids have access to water at all times.
McCutcheon says high temperatures can be extremely dangerous for student athletes who often wear equipment in strenuous situations.
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