Kansas City Today KCUR Studios

How Charlie Parker's plastic saxophone ended up as the centerpiece of Kansas City's American Jazz Museum — and how it's being revived for a new album. Plus: Midwest climatologists and meteorologists face stress, burnout and even death threats when they talk about climate change.

Richard Berkley, Kansas City's longest-serving mayor, died Wednesday at 92. We'll remember his leadership, especially during one of Kansas City's darkest moments, the Hyatt Regency skywalk collapse in 1981. Plus, the Kansas City Police Department is spending thousands on technology some say is ineffective.

In a matter of months, the union representing maintenance, custodial and cafeteria workers at Kansas City Public Schools went from a cordial relationship with the district to filing seven class-action grievances. What's caused the tension?

The number of severe complications during labor and delivery has increased for Kansas moms. For moms of color or women enrolled in Medicaid, complications are even more common. One of the state’s Medicaid contractors is now covering doula services as a way to help.

We’re less than one year away from the 2024 elections. As the political landscapes take shape that will determine the future of abortion, taxes, education and more in both Kansas and Missouri, what will we be watching in the next 12 months?

A new generation of Native American students in Lawrence, Kansas, is learning the art of thatching and reconnecting with a Great Plains tradition. Plus: A Black karate master from Kansas City represented the U.S. at a world kickboxing tournament.