K-State Professor Designs Biodegradable Garments for Sustainable Deathcare
A professor at Kansas State University aims to tackle that question in a new exhibition on green burial practices. Sherry Haar, fashion studies professor, designed several garments and textiles for burial made from natural fibers and dyes. Haar said she hopes to start a conversation about green burial practices. The exhibition is available to view…
A Better Big Blue Battlefield | Part I
Editor’s note: This is the first installment of a three-part series on the restoration of the Big Blue Battlefield in Kansas City, Missouri. It was cold for late October in Kansas City. In 1864 Lt. Patrick Henry Minor, then leading an artillery battery against Confederate forces, would die the following March, from what likely had…
Nick’s Picks: Halloween, Buc-ee’s, Red-Light Cameras, BBQ Sauce Wrestling, and More
Scariest Day of the Year? This week we mark the scariest day of the year, Halloween. Though some Americans may argue that title better fits Tax Day, or increasingly, Election Day. With that in mind, beware of political candidates ringing your doorbell along with trick-or-treaters on Thursday night. After all, it may be the only…
On the Ballot | Missouri Abortion Rights
Introduction Amendment 3 presents Missouri voters with the decision to overturn the state’s abortion ban and enshrine the right to an abortion in the state constitution. Its inclusion in Missouri’s November ballot is a direct result of a citizen-led campaign that gathered more than 380,000 signatures. If passed, Amendment 3 would overturn Missouri’s abortion ban,…
KC Live Theater Provides Alternative to What People Miss in Shrinking Congregations
When the Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre presents “Freud’s Last Session” the weekend of Nov. 22, the audience will hear a debate about God’s existence by actors playing Sigmund Freud, founder of psychoanalysis, and C.S. Lewis, one of the 20th Century’s most important Christian writers. But the goal won’t be to convince anyone of any religious, spiritual,…
On the Ballot | Missouri’s Minimum Wage
Introduction Proposition A will appear on Missouri’s November ballot, asking voters to decide on raising the state’s minimum wage and implementing paid sick leave. If approved, the minimum wage would increase to $13.75 in 2025 and $15 in 2026, with annual adjustments based on inflation. The law would also require businesses to provide paid sick…
New Ice Rink Opens, Davids Debates Reddy and Country Music Stars Visit KC
Early Voting Underway The Presidential Election is now just two weeks away, but the voting floodgates open this week as Missouri begins in-person advance voting on Tuesday. Early voting is already underway in Kansas. The Johnson County election office says more than 3,000 people cast ballots within the first hour of advance voting starting on…
Citizen Scientists in the Midwest Help Experts Gather Environmental Data
A new policy brief from the United Nations argues that citizen science is crucial to global water security. Ground and surface water are facing increasing threats from pollution and climate change, and scientists need help. Citizen science, which is done by non-professional scientists, is part of the solution, according to the report. And it’s happening…
Early Voting Begins and Hundred-Year-Old Time Capsule is Opened
A Holiday Heads Up If you’re waiting on that birthday check from grandma, you should be aware there’s no mail delivery today. Government buildings, banks and post offices are all closed in recognition of Columbus Day, now more frequently referred to as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. We can also declare this the official first day of…
On the Ballot: Navigating Missouri’s Ballot Initiative
Introduction This short video takes a deep dive into the process behind Missouri’s ballot initiative petitions, a key tool for citizen-driven democracy. The episode features Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft and grassroots organizer Justice Gatson, who walk viewers through the complex journey from drafting a ballot measure to gathering the necessary signatures and ensuring…
Voter Registration on Deadline as Sports Fans Pick Sides and Local Municipalities Clash
Chiefs and Royals Clash in Primetime Who’s going to win the battle for eyeballs tonight? Team Royals or Team Chiefs? Your local sports team loyalties are being put to the test due to an unfortunate scheduling clash that has the Royals playing a critical playoff game at the same time the Chiefs are on Monday…
Compassion Amid Tragedy: Funeral Services for Victims of Homicide
[Duane Harvey] “This is where we come into. The bodies are brought in here, taken into the morgue.” [Saundra McFadden-Weaver] “She passed away a few days ago. And so now they’re honoring her.” [Theresa Lewis, Family Member] “She was an innocent bystander. And she died for their crime.” [Duane Harvey] “You’d be surprised how many…
Former Brewer Hones New Passion for Jewish Grandma Food
Michael Crane’s quest for a perfect pastrami on rye started six months ago after he ordered the standard Jewish deli classic while enjoying lunch with his wife. Eager to relish a sandwich of mouthwatering, smoked, cured, and spiced brisket piled high on slices of sturdy, slightly earthy rye bread, Crane was disappointed when served a…
Noodle Kugel Recipe from Local Brewer Michael Crane
Grandma Brynia’s Noodle Kugel To see more about local brewer Michael Crane and his passion for Jewish Grandma food, see our recent story from Jill Wendholt Silva. A noodle casserole that can be savory or sweet, Crane’s version contains sweet raisins. Makes 12 servings 12 ounces wide egg noodles Ingredients Instructions 1. Preheat oven to…
Traditional Mandel Bread Recipe From Local Brewer Michael Crane
Brynia’s Mandel Brote (Mandel Bread) To see more about local brewer Michael Crane and his passion for Jewish Grandma food, see our recent story from Jill Wendholt Silva. Mandelbread translates to almond bread, which is basically Jewish biscotti. “I did some research, and there are records of Jews in Italy, so biscotti did come first,”…