News & Issues
Stories from around the Kansas City Metro area on a variety of topics.
KC Week in Review: Local lessons of Ferguson
This week’s panel discusses some of the local and wider political implications of the unrest in Ferguson as well as tracks current election topics including the race for Kansas governor, Pat Robertson, and streetcars. Also this week, a refreshing string of positive news stories coming out of the Kansas City, Missouri school district. News reviewers: Steve Kraske, KCUR; Eric Wesson, The…
Early learning leader for US Department of Education to speak in KC
Dr. Libby Doggett’s understanding of the importance of early childhood education began while volunteering in a Head Start classroom as an undergraduate at the University of Texas. As the U.S. Department of Education’s lead person on early learning, Doggett spends a lot of her time working to help business and policy leaders at every level…
How can gigabit internet be used in healthcare?
When Bob Summers found himself in a new city, without his regular trainer or workout buddies, he wondered how technology could help him stick to his exercise and health routine. That’s why he developed Fitnet, an interactive app that connects people with fitness trainers through on-demand video. He demonstrated how the user can follow along…
Missouri veto lays bare growing debate over electronic cigarettes
Carlo Cavallaro pours a brown liquid into a device that looks a little like a Star Trek phaser. When it hits battery-heated coils, the liquid sizzles and turns into vapor. He takes a big draw and exhales a sugary-smelling cloud. Cavallaro makes his own custom nicotine-infused e-cigarette juice. “This one that I have here is…
Kansas mental health system under increasing stress
OSAWATOMIE — One day last month, Osawatomie State Hospital had 254 patients in its care — almost 50 more than its optimal capacity. The overcrowded conditions forced a few dozen patients, all of them coping with a serious mental illness and likely a danger to themselves or others, to be triple-bunked in rooms meant for two….
Green Works KC fuels graduation rates with environmental education
As part of the national American Graduate initiative, KCPT is highlighting several community leaders and educators who are making significant, scalable changes to prepare students for success in K–12 and beyond.These stories of local education champions will air on KCPT in the weeks leading up to American Graduate Day on Sept. 27, a live, multi-platform…
New bus route addresses health needs of KCK residents
It was nearly a decade ago that the Rosedale Development Association, a nonprofit community improvement corporation, identified lack of transportation as a significant barrier for neighborhood residents who wanted better access to medical care, grocery stores and other basic services. The feedback came via a community-needs survey conducted by a volunteer working with the organization,…
Survey Showing Spike In Kansas’ Uninsured Rate Questioned
Remember that headline-grabbing report last week that said Kansas was the only state in the nation to see a significant increase in its uninsured rate? Well, it’s looking more and more suspect. Some officials were immediately skeptical when the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index survey results were released, showing that the adult uninsured rate in Kansas had increased by…
Meet a mayor that makes time to read with kids every week
Video by Lindsey Foat and John McGrath, story by Caitlin Cress | The Hale Center for Journalism As part of the national American Graduate initiative, KCPT is highlighting several community leaders and educators who are making significant, scalable changes to prepare students for success in K-12 and beyond.These stories of local education champions will air…
New figures reveal racial divide in swimming pool deaths
LaShana McGee marvels at the exploits of her 4-year-old daughter around their neighborhood pool in Piper, Kan. “She goes straight to the deep end. It’s crazy,” McGee said. “I don’t know why she does that, but she does. She just jumps right in, and she will swim her way back to the stairs where you…