The Missouri Legislative Black Caucus released a statement on Wednesday condemning President Donald Trump’s racist and since-deleted social media post that depicted former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as apes in a jungle.

“This behavior is vile, dehumanizing, and beneath the dignity of any American, let alone the person in the highest public office in our country,” MLBC Chair Rep. Michael Johnson, D-Kansas City, said in a news release. “Such imagery is not accidental or harmless. It echoes some of the most hateful and shameful racist tropes in our nation’s history. It is an intentional attempt to demean, divide, and inflame.” 

Trump’s account on his social media platform Truth Social shared the post last week. The post was taken down after about 12 hours following outrage from both Democrats and Republicans, according to reporting from CNN.

The video promoted false claims that voting machines helped steal the 2020 election, and the Obamas appeared briefly at the end, depicted as apes.

The White House blamed a staffer for the video. 

In the news release, the MLBC called on Missouri’s Republican officials that have been supportive of Trump to publicly denounce his behavior.

“It’s time to stand up and speak out against racism and bigotry,” MLBC Vice Chair Rep. Yolonda Fountain Henderson, D-St. Louis, said in the release. “The time for political courage is now. We must fight back against these attacks that are only meant to divide us.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A Kansas City-based development group gave a glimpse Monday afternoon of plans for a 33-story high-rise in downtown Kansas City, Missouri.

Representatives from Overland Park-based EPC Real Estate Group discussed early details of the planned development before the Port KC Board of Commissioners on Monday.

Their plan calls for a 33-story tower, dubbed Encore, on the west side of Broadway Boulevard between W. 16th and W. 17th streets. The project would sit across from the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts.

The $215 million project would be divided into three parcels, with the first parcel offering 392 residential units on 1.34 acres. Of the units, 134 would be studio apartments, 118 units would be one-bedroom, 134 units would be two-bedroom and six units would be three-bedroom.

Courtesy EPC Real Estate/PortKC

Developers plan to make phased contributions of $2 million to the city’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund, making roughly 126 of the units affordable.

Because of the location of the first parcel in relation to Kansas City Downtown – Wheeler Field, the height of the building would be capped at 366 feet.

EPC Real Estate Group/Port KC

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The first parcel would also include 481 parking stalls. Plans for two subsequent parcels are still under development, though they do not face the same height restrictions as the first parcel.

Developers detailed the project Monday at the Port KC meeting. The project is seeking bond authorization approval from the agency.

If developers can close on bonds and execute a development and incentive compliance agreement, construction could begin later in 2026 and last through 2029.

INDEPENDENCE, MO — Today, local business owner Michael Young announced his candidacy for state representative in District 21. With a passion for community, Young will bring a fresh approach to the politics-as-usual attitude that has plagued the Missouri Capitol for years.

“Now is the time for practical leadership in state government,” stated Young. “People are tired of being ignored and divided by arbitrary attributes. While career politicians and lobbyists rub elbows at fancy banquets, everyday Missourians are struggling to make ends meet. Right here in Independence people are at risk of losing their homes due to outrageous taxation rates and frivolous government spending. Our government’s priorities are all out of order. It’s time to put hardworking families back at the forefront.”

Young’s platform revolves around a “people over parties” approach to politics, including key topics such as defending constitutional liberties, providing economic relief, supporting first responders, and seeking common sense over extremism. As the owner of Miracle Method Surface Refinishing of KC (a remodelling company) and Vertical Care (an aviation detailing company), as well as a father of four, he knows the struggles facing families and small businesses in these turbulent times.

“Now is not the time for political tug-of-war or point-scoring. We need leaders who will stand up to any legislator showing more interest in empty rhetoric than problem-solving—regardless of party. I will be a voice for all workers who feel abandoned by our state officials. I believe Missouri thrives when our working class thrives. That’s what my campaign is focused on: uplifting and building our community.”

Young remains active in the community through his service on the planning commission, Resource Health board, and the city’s FIFA World Cup Advisory Committee. He and his wife of 30 years, Denise, enjoy spending time with friends over good food chatting about how to build a better culture and community when they aren’t spending time with their eleven beautiful grandchildren. He hopes they will inherit an Independence that remains full of opportunity and prosperity.

“The American Dream isn’t dead, but it is being strangled by bureaucracy and the political class. Red or blue, conservative or liberal—we are all Missourians with bills to pay and mouths to feed. I want my grandchildren to inherit a Missouri where hard work is rewarded, not stifled or punished. I will hold both parties accountable to facts, reason, and our Constitution. That’s not a tagline; it’s a promise.”

Michael Young is running to secure the Republican Party’s nomination in the August primary election and face off against the Democratic incumbent in November. He has already begun speaking with voters to hear their thoughts and concerns for the district.