When it comes to fighting for a cause, some may picture protestors chaining themselves to machinery or going on hunger strikes. But a former journalist in Kansas fought a proposal for saltwater injection wells in a different way: she read a lot of documents and examined the tiny administrative details. Then: two area researchers on how dogs and humans became friends, then an encore presentation of how a local musician found one family's long-lost Christmas tape at a thrift store. Guests: Cindy

If you voted last election, you may have noticed a few measures concerning parcels of park land. Today, we learn the reasons why they appeared on the ballot and what it means for undeveloped areas in Kansas City. Then, we learn the history behind a controversial series of Thomas Hart Benton paintings made shortly after Pearl Harbor. Guests: Mark L. McHenry, director, KC Parks and Recreation Steve Sitton , site administrator, Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site

Three months have passed since a series of hurricanes rocked the Caribbean and the U.S. mainland. But are things improving? Today, Kansas Citians with loved ones affected by this year's bout of natural disasters give us an update on how recovery efforts are progressing. Then, we meet KC's honorary consuls: local residents with the official task of representing nations from across the globe. Guests: Amy Duke, Houston native José Marti , Kansas Citian from Puerto Rico, board member, Puerto Rican

On this December arts show: the story behind " Uplift ," a new exhibit that's inspired by ladders, and a local science fiction writer on her book, which takes place in the aftermath of the second civil war in the United States. Plus: pajamas and punk rock at the museum? The Nelson hosts a pj party for grown-ups, featuring the music of The Architects. We catch up with drummer Adam Phillips ... and talk about fuzzy onesies. Guests: Kevin McGraw , artist Christine Shuck , author, Gliese 581: The

Sonia Warshawski is a Holocaust survivor who ran a tailor shop in Metcalf South Mall. A documentary about her life is in theaters now. What does this survivor story mean to a younger generation? Plus: On KCUR's Central Standard, we're examining what it takes to change someone's mind . We talk to a local man, who tells us about leaving the religious sect in which he was raised. Guests: Leah Warshawski, Producer and Co-Director, Big Sonia Carter Whitten Omri Gillath, Professor, Department of

We are hearing more stories of sexual harassment and sexual misconduct. But these stories aren't new. How much has changed over time? Three women from three different generations share their perspectives from one industry. Guests: Heidi Van, Artistic Director, The Fishtank Sidonie Garrett, Executive Artistic Director, Heart of America Shakespeare Festival Jae Shanks, sound designer

For an artist, one year is plenty of time to develop new techniques and mature. Today, we check in on local artist Rodolfo Marron, who, after two residencies in New York, has returned to Kansas City with a new exhibit . Then, learn about Liberty's African-American heritage from the group dedicated to documenting and preserving its history. Guests: Rodolfo Marron, artist Cecelia Robinson, historian, Clay County African American Legacy A.J. Byrd, president, Clay County African American Legacy

"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free." Those are words etched on the Statue of Liberty, an icon of our nation's immigrant heritage. But its message barely skims the surface of the various reasons why people migrate to the United States. Today, we dive deeper by listening to Americans — with roots from across the globe — share their personal stories about how they got here. Guests: Nabil Haddad, owner, Winstead's Ilya Papinako, KC resident, immigrant from

What does it mean to be a Midwesterner? It's a hard question to answer, but there's definitely something unique about this land between coasts. From our hardworking ethic to our passive-aggressive attitude, we discuss the characteristics, attitudes and habits (both good and bad) that define being Midwestern. Guests: Ricky Hill, research coordinator, ISGMH D. Rashaan Gilmore, host of Unbossed and Unbothered Reagan Bluel, dairy specialist, University of Missouri Extension Idris Raoufi, urban

On the southwest corner of Troost and Linwood Boulevard, Katz's Drug Store was quietly torn down after years of vacancy. Today, we learn what old landmarks have to teach us about Kansas City's history and why the demolition of Katz has garnered so much attention — even from young people who never shopped there. Guests: Kemet Coleman, local musician, The Phantastics Karla Deel, editor-in-chief, Squeeze Box City