KANSAS CITY STAR

May 20 2026CRYPTO

Bitcoin: What Happens When You Invest $100 Every Month for Over a Decade?

Starting in 2015, putting $100 into Bitcoin each month would have turned $13, 700 into over $632, 000 by mid-2026. That’s a massive 4, 515% return. But here’s the catch: this strategy didn’t make anyone rich overnight. Prices swung wildly, and at one point, the total investment lost 76% of its value

reading time less than a minute
May 19 2026BUSINESS

Road work headaches: Ottawa County’s summer traffic shuffle

Starting this spring, Ottawa County drivers face a rolling series of detours while crews upgrade aging pipes and potholed roads. In Port Sheldon Township, 160th Avenue at Van Buren Street vanished for a water-line upgrade that won’t finish until late May. Commuters now snake through quieter side str

reading time less than a minute
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

reading time less than a minute
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

reading time less than a minute
May 11 2026HEALTH

How first-year students handle stress and why some struggle more than others

Starting university is often seen as a fresh start, but it can also bring unexpected pressure. Many students face state anxiety—stress that shows up in the moment—when dealing with new routines, academic demands, and social changes. Some handle it well, while others find it hard to adjust. Research

reading time less than a minute
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

reading time less than a minute
May 09 2026FINANCE

China now allows two more firms to audit Hong Kong-listed firms

Starting mid-May, Chinese companies trading in Hong Kong will have more options when picking auditors. The country’s finance and stock market watchdogs just greenlit RSM and Baker Tilly, two accounting firms based in China, to handle these audits. This move follows a 2025 decision to expand the list

reading time less than a minute
May 08 2026ENVIRONMENT

Holyoke says goodbye to rat poison on public land

Starting next month, Holyoke will stop using poison to control rats on city property. The City Council voted unanimously to ban a group of strong rodenticides called second-generation anticoagulants. The move follows concerns about how these chemicals affect more than just rats—they can harm pets, b

reading time less than a minute
May 06 2026POLITICS

New Zealand Adds Citizenship Test for New Residents

Starting in 2027, people who want to become citizens of New Zealand will have to pass a new test. The exam will be held face‑to‑face and will contain 20 multiple‑choice questions written in English. Applicants must answer at least 15 correctly to qualify. The questions will cover a range of topics.

reading time less than a minute
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

reading time less than a minute