KANSAS CITY PUBLIC

May 19 2026HEALTH

How cities, dirtier air, and shifting weather harm our lungs

City living used to mean better hospitals and faster ambulances. Now it often means breathing air that quietly damages lungs over years. Poor air quality isn’t just annoying—it rearranges how infections spread inside our chests. Warm air holds more water, which helps viruses and bacteria travel far

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May 17 2026EDUCATION

Public colleges face tough questions about their future

Public universities were built to lift people up, not shut them out. But today, many wonder if these schools still serve the public good. Rising costs make families hesitate before signing up. Some question whether degrees still lead to good jobs. Others doubt if universities are spending money wise

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May 12 2026SPORTS

Kansas baseball slides in rankings after tough week

Kansas baseball had a rough week at the plate and in the standings. A seven-day stretch that included four defeats pushed the team out of the top ten in the latest USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll. The Jayhawks entered the past week ranked ninth with an overall record of 37 wins and 15 losses. But los

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May 10 2026POLITICS

Why Kansas Voters Rarely Get a Real Choice

Kansas stands out in American politics for a surprising reason: nearly one-third of its state legislative races in 2024 had no competition at all. That means 57 winners took office without facing a single opponent, locking in their positions before any votes were cast. The pattern isn’t random—two-t

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May 06 2026HEALTH

Breathing in Secondhand Smoke Outside: How Easy Is It to Avoid?

City sidewalks and parks often have special spots where people can light up. These areas are meant to keep smokers away from indoor spaces, but they might not protect everyone nearby. Studies show that secondhand smoke can travel through the air, even outside. Yet most research focuses on how much s

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Apr 29 2026POLITICS

Political Jokes and Media Responsibility: A Late-Night Debate

Public figures often clash over where comedy ends and offense begins. A recent argument highlights this tension after a late-night host made a joke about Melania Trump, sparking a debate about media responsibility and political speech. A top advisor to the first lady called for the host’s removal, c

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Apr 24 2026HEALTH

Rethinking HIV Laws: Are Strict Rules Really the Best Defense?

Public health debates often clash over how to handle diseases like HIV. Russia once took a hard stance, making it a crime to spread HIV through actions like unprotected sex or needle sharing. The idea was simple: punish those who put others at risk to slow the epidemic. But over time, experts began

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Apr 21 2026SPORTS

Kansas Baseball Climbs the Rankings and Sees Big Games Ahead

Kansas baseball has moved up in the national rankings, jumping from 21st to 16th place in a recent coaches poll. The team shares that spot with Nebraska, and the two schools will meet again this week in Lawrence. Kansas is leading its conference after winning a recent series against Oklahoma S

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Apr 20 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Celebrities who faced unfair media storms

Public figures often face intense scrutiny, but some get caught in media crosshairs unfairly. Reports like these highlight how power dynamics shape public perception. Mental health struggles are rarely treated with care in celebrity narratives. Amanda Bynes, for example, was ridiculed as she battled

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Apr 18 2026EDUCATION

Kansas Parks That Tell America’s Story

Kansas quietly guards some of the nation’s most meaningful places, where grasslands roar, forts stand frozen in time, and a single courtroom changed the course of schooling forever. Five spots across the state fall under the National Park Service, each with a different heartbeat. Four lean into huma

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