When you want the weather forecasters to get it wrong, they get it right. They predicted triple digit temperatures for the western part of the state on Monday, and the western part of the state got them. In Kansas City, the National Weather Service recorded a high at KCI of 105 degrees at 2:36pm. That’s three degrees off the record set in 1936. As if that weren’t enough, the heat index reached 111. The Weather Service doesn’t expect any relief any time soon. It has issued an excessive heat warning for the Kansas City area and much of western Missouri, which it expects to be in effect the rest of the week and probably into next week. Those most at-risk include the very young and the elderly. Precautions are also being issued for student athletes.
New Leadership Hired For Transformation Of KC Historic Downtown Project
Frustrated by delays, the civic board overseeing the transformation of a historic downtown section of Kansas City into a thriving tourist attraction has hired new leadership. The board has hired business executive David Whalen, whose family operated a business in the district for years, as president of the Jazz District Redevelopment Corporation. The corporation is charged with attracting investments to the 18th and Vine Jazz District in Kansas City. It has accumulated nearly $40-Million from various sources to spur development. The previous president, Al Fleming, has been reassigned to a consultant’s role.
Ashcroft Hits Campaign Trail To Promote Patriot Act
It was widely know that Attorney General John Ashcroft enjoyed the campaign trail during his tenure at Missouri Governor and Senator. Now, Ashcroft hits the campaign trail again only this time he’s selling Bush Administration policy. Ashcroft has been sent out by the administration to shore up support for the USA Patriot Act, which has come under fire by civil libertarians. The act won passage after the September 11th, 2001, terrorist attacks. It gives law enforcement expanded powers to identify, track and arrest suspects. Critics say it gives them too much power and is too invasive. Ashcroft will speak before friendly groups in defending the law. He plans to speak to law enforcement organizations and conservative groups in states such as Iowa, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Ohio.
