Top Of The Morning News: Friday, December 9, 2012

The KC Council's new redistricting map, KU's new football coach, inside "The Nutcracker," & more: A daily digest of headlines from KCUR.

Kansas City Council Approves Redistricting Map

Kansas City, Missouri has a new council district map. The full city council has approved the map recommended by a citizens' redistricting commission without further revisions.  Some neighborhoods in south Kansas City were unhappy that the citizens commission's map split them up.  More from the council meeting here

Judge Tosses Challenge to Missouri’s Congressional Redistricting Map

A Cole County judge has decided to dismiss a legal challenge to the congressional redistricting maps passed this year by Missouri lawmakers. Two suits were heard jointly Thursday, one from St. Louis-area Democrats and the other from Kansas City-area Republicans.  Both stated that the so-called Grand Compromise Map was geared to protect incumbents, and would weaken the political voices of St. Louis and Kansas City.  Read more on the decision here.

Committee Recommends Making It Easier For Small Businesses

A  Kansas City Council committee is aiming to make the city more agreeable to small businesses.  Some of the main recommendations include making licensing simpler and cheaper and increasing microfinancing.  Read more on the report here.

Missouri Task Force Suggests Funding Colleges Based On Performance

A task force is recommending that funding for universities and community colleges in Missouri be based in part on graduation rates and other performance-based criteria.   The criteria would vary.  For universities, it could include increases in degrees awarded and higher retention rates for first and second-year students.   For community colleges, it could include the number of students who either transfer to a 4-year university or who get an Associate’s Degree within three years.  Read more here.

KU Gets a New Football Coach

The University of Kansas has hired former Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis  to head the football program.  Weis is wrapping up his first season as offensive coordinator at Florida after he spent one season directing the Kansas City Chiefs' offense. His most extensive college experience came with the Fighting Irish, where he went 35-27 in five seasons.  The Kansas City Star reports KU athletic director Sheahon Zenger is hopeful that his high profile will energize a fan base that had grown apathetic.

Go Inside "The Nutcracker"

This year marks the Kansas City Ballet’s 39th annual production of The Nutcracker. It’s a holiday tradition, with a cast of just over 200 – mostly children.  But who's responsible for making sure everyone stays on schedule – coordinating students, company dancers, costumes, and props? KCUR's Laura Spencer tagged along with one person who's hard to keep up with, especially this time of year: the stage manager.  Listen to the story here.