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Lieutenant Governor Candidate | A Politicized High Court | Moving During Coronavirus

Mobile coffee shop owner Jackie Nguyen relocated during the coronavirus pandemic to Kansas City from New York City.
Courtesy of Jackie Nguyen
Mobile coffee shop owner Jackie Nguyen relocated during the coronavirus pandemic to Kansas City from New York City.

A former Kansas City councilwoman is running to unseat Missouri's Republican second-in-command, an unexpected death on the Supreme Court raises questions about politics and the judiciary, and something else about the pandemic: More Americans than ever are leaving urban areas.

Segment 1, beginning at 3:52: It's time for culturally competent leadership in Missouri, said Canady.

The lieutenant governor's office wasn't on Alissia Canady's radar until she was recruited to run for it but Canady is ready and willing to serve, she said. Canady criticized the current leadership in Jefferson City, especially on their response to the coronavirus. "Delayed action is costing business owners every day," she said. "The longer it takes for us to contain community spread ... it further delays business getting back to usual."

Segment 2, beginning at 22:44: The politicization of the Supreme Court

You may recall from high school civics class that our court system is not supposed to be political — our judges and our politics aren’t supposed to intertwine. But as we’re seeing once again with the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the selection process of U.S. Supreme Court judges is intensely political.

Segment 3, beginning at 32:20: On relocating your life during a pandemic

About 5% of urban dwellers across the country have picked up sticks and left the big city during the pandemic, said Zachary Mannheimer, who helps rural communities plan for growth. Will the trend continue? Today, we asked a former resident of New York City and San Diego-native what drew her to the middle of the map during a global health crisis.

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.
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.
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 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.