Tuesday, September 14

Today's weather: Sunny with a high of 84. There is a slight chance of a strong thunderstorm this afternoon.

TOP STORY

JUDGE IN STRICKLAND CASE SET TO DECIDE WHETHER INNOCENSE HEARING WILL BE IN JACKSON COUNTY

A Jackson County judge heard arguments yesterday to determine whether Kansas City’s downtown courthouse, and the 16th District Circuit Court, is the proper venue to hear Kevin Strickland’s innocence petition. In a court filing last month, Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt questioned the court’s impartiality. It’s the same court that convicted Strickland of a triple murder in 1979, and sentenced him to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 50 years — a crime Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker has said since May that Strickland did not commit. “Missouri courts have said that it's important that both justice is done, and that the appearance of justice is also done,” Assistant Attorney General Andrew Clarke told Judge Kevin Harrell in court. “At the end of all of this, there is a real-live human being, and while the state argues with the state about which … court can decide the matter, my client, Mr. Strickland, sits in prison,” said Robert Hoffman, partner at the law firm Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, which is helping handle Strickland’s case. “That is the height of injustice.” KCUR's Luke X. Martin has our story.

UP AND AT 'EM

A rare event happens today in California. Voters will decide whether Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom should remain in office. On the eve of the election, President Biden was in California to throw his support behind Newsom. Hurricane Nicholas made landfall this morning along the Texas coast, threatening to pummel the state with fierce winds, heavy rain and possible flooding. Capitol Police this morning are upping security ahead of Saturday's rally supporting the Jan. 6 rioters. A new global survey shows the depth of anxiety many young people feel about climate change. Nearly 60% of young people said they felt very worried or extremely worried. Four gymnasts, including Simone Biles, will testify at a U.S. Senate hearing this week about the FBI's shortcomings in investigating Larry Nassar, more than three years after the former USA Gymnastics doctor was sentenced for sexually abusing women and young girls under his care. And a militia leader is sentenced to 53 years in prison for a Minnesota mosque bombing.

KANSAS CITY TODAY - KCUR'S DAILY NEWS PODCAST

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit schools hard. Across America, districts are running out of teachers, bus drivers and lunch food.

Hear how Kansas City schools are staying above water in the latest episode of Kansas City Today — a daily news podcast from KCUR Studios.

Kansas City Today is your daily rundown on all things KC, wrapped up in 15 minutes or less. A new episode is available now wherever you listen to podcasts. 🎧

YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST

SCHOOLS STRAIN UNDER WEIGHT OF PANDEMIC

It's been difficult enough for schools to keep students safe from the spread of the delta variant, but shortages of teachers, bus drivers and lunch food are adding to the pressure. Raytown School District has notified parents that they should prepare for alternative transportation and it has temporarily suspended after-school meals. The Kansas City Public Schools is short 17 bus drivers and 11 teachers — and a staffing agency says that applications are down by 25%. KCUR's Jodi Fortino has more on how Kansas City schools are managing.

OLATHE EAST MOURNS DEATH OF 'COACH CHEESE'

Olathe East High School coach Chris Burnett, 34, died of COVID-19 on Saturday after two weeks in the hospital. The loss of "Coach Cheese" has hit the school community hard. Burnett's parents told KMBC that he was not vaccinated. "Our hearts and thoughts are with the Burnett family during this tough time," officials said in a statement. Burnett was father to four children and husband to Ashley Burnett. For KCUR, Bek Shackelford-Nwanganga has the story.

SUPPORT FOR KCUR COMES FROM

THAT'S A FACT

THE SPOTTED LANTERNFLY

The invasive bug that a 4-H student found in western Kansas. It secretes a sticky substance that can prevent plants and trees from performing photosynthesis — and many times ends up killing the plant. Now, the Kansas Department of Agriculture is investigating how the spotted lanternfly got into the state.

Not an Early Bird subscriber yet?

Let's fix that

Manage your preferences | Opt out using TrueRemove®
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.

4825 Troost Ave Suite 202
Kansas City, MO | 64110 US

This email was sent to .
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.