Good morning Kansas City! We hope you have recovered from the weekend. It’s Monday, May 6 and we have a roundup of the latest news from Kansas City.
Get ready for a unique experience like no other as the Rock Island Bridge undergoes a transformation. This historic railroad bridge is being converted into the world’s first bridge entertainment district, blending history, innovation, and community engagement. The city council has renewed its contract with the KC Area Transportation Authority to continue the zero-fare bus system for another year, while exploring a potential shift to a “functional free fare” model.
Meanwhile, a Missouri appeals court has ruled in favor of a Kansas City charter school, allowing it to remain open despite performance. Finally, a former federal prosecutor has been disbarred for her role in framing an innocent man who spent 23 years in prison, bringing renewed scrutiny to the criminal justice system in Kansas.
Rock Island Bridge: A first-of-its-kind bridge entertainment district set to open
Get ready for a unique experience like no other as the Rock Island Bridge in Kansas City undergoes a remarkable transformation. This historic railroad bridge is being converted into the world’s first bridge entertainment district, blending history, innovation, and community engagement. With its opening scheduled for this summer, the bridge will offer visitors a range of amenities, including a restaurant-style area, event space, and breathtaking views of the waterway. Stay tuned for more details on this exciting project that promises to redefine the concept of public spaces.
Kansas City maintains free bus system, explores ‘functional free fare’ option
Kansas City’s zero-fare bus system will continue for another year as the city council renews its contract with the KC Area Transportation Authority. However, a study will be conducted to explore the costs and benefits of a potential shift to a “functional free fare” model. The current zero-fare system, which began in early 2020, has been funded through transit tax revenue but faces a budget shortfall once federal pandemic relief funds expire next year.
Missouri appeals court sides with Kansas City charter school, upholds right to judicial review
A Missouri appeals court has ruled in favor of a Kansas City charter school, allowing it to remain open after the state attempted to revoke its charter due to poor performance. The decision rejects the State Board of Education’s argument that it has final authority over a charter’s status and allows for judicial review. The case highlights the challenges faced by charter schools that serve high-risk students and the impact of the state’s accountability program on their operations. The school’s charter will be up for renewal in 2025, and its executive director hopes a sponsor will continue to partner with them.
Ex-prosecutor Terra Morehead disbarred over misconduct in Kansas case
A former federal prosecutor in Kansas has been disbarred by the state’s Supreme Court for her role in framing an innocent man who spent 23 years in prison. Terra Morehead, who retired from the US Attorney’s Office in Kansas last year, was found to have violated legal protections for defendants and relied on false testimony to secure the conviction of Lamonte McIntyre. Morehead’s conduct has also been the subject of a federal investigation by the US Department of Justice.
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