Clergy Sex Abuse Survivor Reflects on His Reform Work

St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City

A 2002 series of Boston Globe articles turned a scandal about Catholic priests who sexually abuse children (and bishops who protect those priests) into a national story. The Globe, however, wasn’t the first newspaper to expose this reprehensible crime. Credit for that goes to the independent, Kansas City-based National Catholic Reporter. NCR was writing about…

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Former Brewer Hones New Passion for Jewish Grandma Food

A sheet of crescent shaped tan-colored cookies called Rugelach sit on a countertop.

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…

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Noodle Kugel Recipe from Local Brewer Michael Crane

An old printed recipe for Noodle Pudding

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…

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Traditional Mandel Bread Recipe From Local Brewer Michael Crane

A Handwritten recipe of discolored paper written in blue ink.

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,”…

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New Pastor Brings Generations of Faith to the Pulpit

A Sanctuary of a church with people standing in the pews and aisle.

The new senior pastor whom my congregation, Second Presbyterian Church, will welcome to the pulpit this weekend brings with her a family legacy that may seem unusual. The Rev. Sarah Are Speed is not simply the daughter of Carol and the Rev. Tom Are, former senior pastor at Village Presbyterian Church in Prairie Village, she’s…

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