News & Issues
First U.S.-Cuba Commercial Flight In More Than 50 Years Takes Off
The first commercial flight from the U.S. to Cuba in more than half a century has taken off today, marking another milestone in the thawing relationship between the two countries. The inaugural trip is a JetBlue flight from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to Santa Clara in central Cuba. And as NPR’s Scott Horsley tells our Newscast…
Take 5 For Your Health
Third Round Of Cuts Could Hit Kansas Children’s Cabinet Programs A Saline County, Kansas mom has a message for state officials wrestling with a difficult budget: Leave an autism diagnosis program alone. Allison, who wanted to be identified only by her first name to protect her family’s privacy, said a telemedicine program — funded in…
Homestead Turned Children’s Shelter to Open in October
A Northland organization that serves victims of abuse and neglect is poised to open an enlarged children’s emergency shelter, a project that comes with a backstory of success, generosity and a few ruffled feathers. Synergy Services plans to open its new children’s center at 2501 N.E. 46th St. in Kansas City, North, on Oct. 13….
The Real Bob Ross: Meet The Meticulous Artist Behind Those Happy Trees
We’re not going to bury the lead here: Bob Ross’ hair was actually straight. Just ask his longtime business partner Annette Kowalski, who knew Ross better than anyone — he had just gotten out of the Air Force, and was unsuccessfully trying to make a living as a painter, she says. “He got this bright…



Commentary | Finding Teachable Moments in Unexpected Places
The night before Jacob P. Goldman, a 2016 graduate of Blue Valley North High School, headed off to a college career at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, he attended the 20th annual Crescent Peace Society dinner in Overland Park in mid-August. Jake was there to get one of two Syed Farrukh Shabbir Memorial Scholarships….