Central Standard

It's not a new story: newspapers are in flux. Recently, Yael Abouhalkah, a longtime Kansas City Star journalist, was laid off; he was one of only two editorial writers at the paper. What is the significance of the newspaper editorial — especially in a time when nearly everyone can broadcast their opinion online? And how are layoffs affecting newsrooms nationwide? Plus, Question Quest sifts through the legend and superstition to find the true story behind the Black Angel in Iowa City, Iowa.

Is nature a place to unplug ... or is it a photo op for social media? (#nature #gettingoutthere)? The relationship between technology and the wilderness. Plus, a look back at how Leon Jordan and others consolidated black political power in Kansas City. Guests: Megan Coleman, KC resident, travelerCorey Arnold, National Geographic; photographer for "The Power of Parks: Can the Selfie Generation Unplug and Get Into Parks?"Matt Hodapp, producer, KCUR's Statehouse Blend Kansas and Statehouse Blend

Do you remember the man who took your tickets at the Tivoli for 17 years? With a recent photo display and theater dedication at the Tivoli, we reflect on the late Bob Smith, an international male model in his prime, who spent the end of his life in Kansas City. But first, a check-in with the superintendent and a teacher in the Hickman Mills School District, as a part of KCUR's ongoing coverage of the district. Guests: Dennis Carpenter, superintendent, Hickman Mills School DistrictMarcia Pitts,

It happens every year — in fact, maybe more often than not: people run for office with almost no shot at winning. With the 2016 Election fast approaching, we reign in a few local candidates running with "no chance in hell." Why are they still in the race? Guests: Alan LaPolice (I), running for Kansas's 1st Congressional District, against Roger MarshallJacob Turk (R), running for Missouri's 5th Congressional District, against Emanuel CleaverPatrick R. Miller, political science professor,

There’s a pizza for everyone, from the picky toddler to the late-night reveler and the sophisticated gourmand. From wood-fired to deep-dish, you can go traditional or dress it up with fancy toppings like fig jam. Get enough for a crowd or order individual pies that are made from scratch and baked in front of you. On Central Standard’s annual pizza show, our Food Critics searched out the best pizza in and around Kansas City. Here are their recommendations: Jenny Vergara, Feast Magazine:

A local chef recommends the best fall harvest toppings, then KCUR's Food Critics search out the best pizza of 2016 in and around KC. Plus, is there anything that makes KC pizza unique? Guests: Paige Vandegrift, local chef, blogger and culinary instructorCharles Ferruzza, The Independent and Shawnee Mission PostJenny Vergara, Feast MagazineJill Silva, The Kansas City Star

When Donald Trump explained his remarks on grabbing women as "locker room talk," some women responded by sharing their own stories of survival. Has the conversation on sexual assault and the casual objectification of women reached a tipping point? Plus, Question Quest finds out what's in the center of the United States. Guests: Annie Cherry, local performerMikah K. Thompson, Director of Affirmative Action and Title IX Coordinator at UMKC

Is the gas station central to the Midwestern experience? A look at the proposal that called for removing a street to expand a fuel stop in Westport, plus two bloggers who love QuikTrip so much that they've reviewed the food there. Guests: Julie Tenenbaum, West Plaza Neighborhood AssociationShannon Jackson, Associate Professor of Anthropology, UMKCRobert Bishop, QuikTrip enthusiast, Lunch Blog KCMatt Shaw, QuikTrip enthusiast, Lunch Blog KC

What is it like to go viral? We check in with a few Kansas Citians whose projects lead them to reach "trending" status in the Interweb. Plus, East and West 18th Streets in downtown Kansas City can feel worlds apart ... even though they're not. How local groups are working to bridge that gap. Guests: Alex Bryant, pastor at New Life Church, creator of viral video about perception of raceHenry Ismert, 7th grader, band Hammerhedd went viral with a Plaza street performanceLuke Ismert​, Henry's

Kansas Citians love their Chiefs. But the game of football has been harshly criticized, for the slew of injuries and the enduring mentality that causes them. We hear from a few people working to change the game, including one UMKC professor who has designed a new football helmet. Also, ahead of an event at the Black Archives of Mid-America, a local historical tour guide shares stories of the late Felix Payne, an influential man who transformed the political identity of black Kansas Citians in