Segment 1, beginning at 1:00: Why are COVID-19 cases surging in two northern Missouri counties?
Despite ongoing vaccination efforts in Missouri, COVID-19 cases in Livingston and Linn Counties are respectively 13 times and 5 times greater than the statewide average. The Linn County Health Department administrator cites low vaccination numbers and the prevalence of three COVID-19 variants in the community as likely reasons. Across the state line in Johnson County, Kansas, cases are lower as 60% of eligible residents have been vaccinated.
- Krista Neblock, administrator for the Linn County Health Department
- Dr. Sanmi Areola, director of the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment
Segment 2, beginning at 27:32: Despite setbacks, Kevin Strickland's legal team still has an avenue to securing their client's freedom.
One law professor blames procedural technicalities and state courts history. In spite of Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters-Baker asking that Strickland be freed, the Missouri Supreme Court recently declined to hear his petition. In addition, Missouri Governor Mike Parson passed Strickland over on his latest list of pardons. Now his attorney is faced with bringing Strickland's petition to the circuit court of DeKalb County where his client is imprisoned.
- Sean O’Brien, professor at the UMKC School of Law and a founding board member of the Midwest Innocence Project
