Morning Rush: Kansas girl dies of ‘monster’ brain tumor; Nutter’s legacy; Chiefs hire GM
Welcome to The Kansas City Star’s Morning Rush, where we get you ready for the day ahead.
Here’s what you need to know:
Young Kansas girl dies of brain tumor
Nine-year-old Parker Monhollon died Monday night after a year of fighting a brain tumor that came to be known by her family as the “monster.” The family had long documented Parker’s status on social media, amassing hundreds of supporters, Lisa Gutierrez reports. The family shared the news Monday, writing, “7:55pm we lost our baby girl, Parker LeAnn Monhollon! Her legacy began at the same time.”
Bourbon virus victim
The daughter of a woman who died last month said she is frustrated that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is not doing more to treat the Bourbon virus, a tick-borne illness. The woman’s mother died with the virus in her system, Andy Marso reports. The virus was named for a farmer from Bourbon County in southeast Kansas who died of the disease in 2014.
Addressing emotional needs in school
Children’s Mercy has partnered with the Blue Valley School District to bring social workers to students, Katy Bergen reports. Officials determined earlier this year that the district needed school social workers to help existing staff address the emotional and social needs of schoolchildren.
Chiefs’ silence on GM turnover raises questions
The Chiefs made a logical and smart move in promoting Brett Veach to general manager, Vahe Gregorian writes, but the team’s success over the past years was an argument for continuity. And the team’s conducting the personnel change largely in secrecy raises questions. Chiefs owner Clark Hunt has been mum ever since issuing a few mechanical sentiments for a news release.
Follow James B. Nutter’s lead
The Star’s editorial board writes action must be taken to encourage home ownership for minorities. James B. Nutter, Sr., a mortgage lender in KC who died last week, helped people of all backgrounds to own a home. That stance should be applied still, especially after news that African-American home ownership suffered the most in the recession and has yet to recover.
Max Londberg: 816-234-4378, @MaxLondberg
This story was originally published July 11, 2017 at 7:50 AM with the headline "Morning Rush: Kansas girl dies of ‘monster’ brain tumor; Nutter’s legacy; Chiefs hire GM."