Jodi Fortino
Education ReporterAs KCUR’s education reporter, I cover how the economy, housing and school funding shape kids' education. I’ll meet teachers, students and their families where they are — late night board meetings, in the classroom or in their homes — to break down the big decisions and cover what matters most to you. You can reach me at jodifortino@kcur.org.
I'm a graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
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Animatronics are usually found in theme parks, but students in the North Kansas City School District brought them into the classroom this summer to celebrate the World Cup. -
Ecuador was the heavy favorite but Curaçao's goalie, Eloy Room, artfully blocked 15 of Ecuador's shots on goal. The game ended 0-0. Fans at an Ecuadorian watch party said they're proud of their team despite the draw. -
Ecuador faces off against Curaçao Saturday evening, June 20, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium. But fans from states around the country — and Ecuador itself — have been celebrating their team, blanketing Kansas City in yellow, blue and red. -
Airbnb partnered with Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw, Kansas City Public Schools and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kansas City to give 75 tickets for students and their coaches to attend World Cup matches. -
The annual child wellness report Kids Count found child poverty has improved in Kansas and Missouri compared to the years before the pandemic. But both states still have tens of thousands of children without health insurance. -
A year ago, a group of concerned people in Missouri got together to help immigrants detained by ICE, and they've since expanded to seven affiliates in three states. Plus: Even though ICE raids are less visible than this winter, fear among immigrants remains high. -
Schools around the Kansas City metro are working to connect families with food, housing and other resources to make sure kids have the support they need until they return to class in the fall. Here's where to find free meals, mental health support and more. -
A teacher in the Olathe School District created an entire curriculum around the FIFA World Cup to make sure students know about the tournament and the cultures that make it happen. -
School leaders in the Kansas City area are grappling with how to balance their budgets and continue serving students as they face declining enrollment, state funding shortfalls and property tax caps. -
Family of Charles Adair, man killed in Wyandotte County jail, says bodycam footage was 'devastating'The family of Charles Adair, who was killed in the Wyandotte County jail last July, said bodycam footage shows sheriff’s deputies kneeled on his back “until he was breathless.” They’ve filed a federal wrongful death lawsuit against the sheriff and six of his deputies.
