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Initiative To Curb Violence | Iowa Derecho Devastation | Missouri Special Session Continues

Members of the National Guard clear the wreckage left behind in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Senior Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot
/
185th Air Refueling Wing, Iowa Air National Guard
Members of the Iowa Air National Guard cleared damage left behind in Cedar Rapids.

Kansas City faith leaders are developing police division-specific strategies to deter violent crime, a powerful windstorm disrupts communities, crops and livelihoods in Iowa, and a special session in the Missouri General Assembly drags on nearly a month after being called to order.

Segment 1, beginning at 4:37: Faith leaders throughout Kansas City are working with police to address crime during a violent year.

"Getting to the Heart of the Matter" is a new initiative seeking to do just that for violent crime in Kansas City — address its root causes. Churches and faith leaders are working to assess crime in each police division, and tailor solutions to mobilize the community, open dialogue and find solutions.

Segment 2, beginning at 27:08: A derecho storm that ripped through Iowa had sustained winds of more than 100 miles per hour.

In the wake of the natural disaster, hundreds of thousands of Iowans are still without power. "The disaster is still happening," columnist Lyz Lenz said. While aid arrives in the storm-torn state, people affected by the disaster are living in the wake of its destruction.

Segment 3, beginning at 42:12: The special legislative session of the Missouri General Assembly continues at the height of the pandemic.

A special legislative session convened by Gov. Mike Parson on June 27 was meant to focus on six violent crime prevention provisions. Some of them have been met with opposition, including one which would eliminate the requirement that St. Louis police officers live in that city.

As a host and contributor at KCUR, I seek to create a more informed citizenry and richer community. I want to enlighten and inspire our audience by delivering the information they need with accuracy and urgency, clarifying what’s complicated and teasing out the complexities of what seems simple. I work to craft conversations that reveal realities in our midst and model civil discourse in a divided world. Follow me on Twitter @ptsbrian or email me at brian@kcur.org.
As culture editor, I help you embrace what makes Kansas City fun and vibrant, whether it’s a championship sports franchise or a little-known wonder. I work with reporters to ensure KCUR stories on art, culture, and race fully reflect our diverse home so readers and listeners can take full advantage of what the metro has to offer. Email me at luke@kcur.org.
As senior podcast producer for KCUR Studios and a host of A People’s History of Kansas City, I interview everyday people and dig through old newspaper articles to unearth stories of the visionaries and renegades who created this region. I focus on bringing the past to life, so we can all better understand the city we live in today. Email me at mackenzie@kcur.org.
As senior producer of Up To Date, I want our listeners to hear familiar and new voices that shine light on the issues and challenges facing the myriad communities KCUR serves, and to expose our audiences to the wonderful and the creative in the Kansas City area. Just as important to me is an obligation to mentor the next generation of producers to ensure that the important conversations continue. Reach me at alexanderdk@kcur.org.
Chris Young is an Assistant Producer for KCUR’s Up To Date. Contact him at chrisy@kcur.org.