K-State Professor Designs Biodegradable Garments for Sustainable Deathcare

By | November 1, 2024
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.

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…

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On the Ballot | Missouri Abortion Rights

By | October 28, 2024
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".

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,…

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On the Ballot | Missouri’s Minimum Wage

By | October 22, 2024
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.

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…

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Citizen Scientists in the Midwest Help Experts Gather Environmental Data

By | October 18, 2024
A person bends down and submurges a clear bottle into a green creek. They are wearing black boots. There are orange leaves scattered around them.

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…

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On the Ballot: Navigating Missouri’s Ballot Initiative

By | October 9, 2024
Missouri Capitol Building in Jefferson City

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…

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