KCPT

Stories by KCPT

An aerial view of two stadiums with a large expanse of parking lot surroum.nding the

On the Ballot | Sports Betting in Missouri

Introduction In the wake of Kansas legalizing sports betting, Missouri voters will decide whether or not to allow the same on the other side of the state line. Amendment 2 proposes allowing people 21 years old and older to bet on sports in Missouri. If it passes, the Missouri Gaming Commission would regulate sports betting statewide….

Ranking box graphic with hand writing over a blue background.

On the Ballot | Ranked-Choice Voting

Introduction On Tuesday voters will decide whether to change Missouri law to prohibit ranked-choice voting and change the language in the Missouri Constitution to say that “only” U.S. Citizens can vote rather than “all”. Ranked-choice voting allows voters to rank all the candidates in order of preference. The way it works: Transcript Nick Haines [Host,…

Close-up of a small bronze statuette of Lady Justice before a flag of Missouri.

On the Ballot | Court Fees to Support Law Enforcement Salaries & Benefits

Introduction Amendment 6, which asks voters to decide whether to amend the Missouri Constitution to allow state courts to charge administrative fees to provide pensions and other compensation to former sheriffs, prosecuting attorneys, and circuit attorneys, is on Tuesday’s ballot. The amendment is in direct opposition to a unanimous 2021 Missouri Supreme Court ruling that…

A photo of a museum exhibition. At the left of the photo, a mannequin stands with a light yellow gown and a white veil over its head. The veil is peppered with light brown floral prints. On top of the mannequins head is a crown of prairie grass. To the right of the mannequin with the gown, and in the center of the photo is a coffin cover. The cover depicts an angel in a blue gown with white wings. She is depicted standing in the prairie, covered in prairie flowers. Off to the right side of the photograph is a mannequin lying flat, covered in a blue burial garment.

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…

Among those dedicating new interpretation panels during an October 3 ceremony at the Byram’s Ford Battlefield near Swope Park were (from left) U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, Kansas City Mayor Pro Tem and Fifth District Council Member Ryana Parks-Shaw, Kansas City Parks and Recreation Director Chris Cotten, and Fifth District at Large City Council member Darrell Curls.

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…

Customers shop inside a Buc-ee's convenience store.

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…

A wooden door opens into a room with blurred figures, white walls and voter dividers sitting on tables. On the door is a sign that has a black arrow and the word Voting. It also has a sign with a red circle with hash through it around a cell phone that says, "cell phone use is prohibited".

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,…

A scene from a production of Godspell

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,…

The words Minimum Wage are written in black ink with red underlines on a piece of graph paper with a red and black marker sits next to them on the page.

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…

Nick Haines sitting at desk with downtown Kansas City in background and calendar pages with arrow circling date.

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…