Missouri Supreme Court Allows Mid-Decade Redistricting

0:00Missouri Supreme Court is handed down a big ruling on congressional redistricting. In a close four-to-three decision this week, the court said state lawmakers can redraw district lines mid-decade even though the Constitution calls. For mainly, after the census, this clears the way for a Republican map that cuts right through Kansas City, splitting the city into three districts. The map came out of a special session last year, pushed by Republican leaders. It aims to shift power by packing Democratic voters in ways that favor Republicans. The court basically said nothing, in the rule stops lawmakers from doing this more than once every ten years. Folks in Kansas City are feeling the impact hard, as this could threaten Democratic congressman Emmanuel Cleaver's seat in the 2026 election. Protests filled the stayhouse right after, and opponents worried opens the door to constant map changes. Even Attorney General Catherine Hanaway called it a solid win for the state. Now, groups against the map are ramping up a referendum drive to put it to voters.

1:03There's also another court case that could pause the new lines before next year's election. This decision sets the stage for more redistricting fights ahead, keeping Missouri's political map in flux as campaigns heat up. Local news, powered by AI. This is Kansas News Today. I'm Corey with the story.