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On this holiday commemorating Martin Luther King Jr., Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Leonard Pitts Jr. offers his thoughts on the slain civil rights leader, and critiques President Donald Trump's recent tributes to Dr. King and Rosa Parks . When it comes to the president's recent disputed remarks about certain African countries, Haiti, and El Salvador , and his track record on race, Pitts calls for the media to be "more forthright in calling this what it is" — racism.

Kansas City's music scene has a long tradition of hardworking artists who turn out great, original songs. Last year was no different. Today, Playlistplay.com co-creater Savanna Howland, Judy Mills of Mills Record Company , and KCUR contributor Bill Brownlee offer a sampling of their favorite 2017 releases from Kansas City and around the world. From Bummer to Deborah Brown , the list includes acts to satisfy jazz heads and head-bangers alike. Today's local playlist: " Holy Terror ," by Bummer "

A story overnight from KMOV revealing a pre-candidacy affair by Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens overshadowed his State of the State Address, given just hours earlier. Included in the story was an allegation against the governor of blackmail. State lawmakers and political reporters recap the reports, and discuss how they could affect the Greitens' administration and the General Assembly. Then, a number of U.S. cities vowed to continue to fight climate change in the wake of Pres. Trump's withdrawal

If you're native to, say, the deserts of North Africa, a winter in Kansas City can be a shock to your system. You can combat the cold with layers of warm clothing, by turning up the thermostat or having a hot drink, but what if you're not human and your home is the Kansas City Zoo? We learn what it takes to keep the nesh occupants happy and healthy in the coldest weather. Then, in the wake of Gov. Sam Brownback's State of the State Address Tuesday night, we ask statehouse reporters what Kansans

From newsrooms to the U.S. Capitol to the stage at the Golden Globes, people are drawing back the curtain on an issue that has plagued our workplaces, homes and schools for years. Today, psychologist Wes Crenshaw returns with a panel of young women to talk about this very issue: sexual assault and harassment. They give us their take on what's going on in the #MeToo movement right now, and let us know why this issue is still especially relevant for people their age.

When you think of a relaxing retirement, you don't normally consider hiking more than 2,000 miles. But you are not Deb Vacek, who took on the Appalachian Trail after leaving the professional world. Today, we meet the Kansas City adventurer. Then, we find out why Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway is crying foul over the state's delay in issuing tax refunds , and why she says "a dark money group with secret donors" is retaliating against her office's search for documents related to the case.

The challenges of life in poverty are diverse, and can be hard to grasp for people who haven't lived it themselves. Today, we learn how future health care professionals are using poverty simulations to get a new perspective on what their poorest patients face daily. Then, find out how the Kansas City nonprofit Women's Foundation is helping the Kansas legislature confront what some call a culture of harassment in the capital.

It may seem like obtaining photo identification is an easy thing, but a lot of obstacles can stand in the way. Today, we discuss how getting a photo ID can be a high hurdle for a lot of folks, and how not having one can hold people back in ways big and small. Then, a major change to adoption law in Missouri just took effect. The new rules could have serious implications for the state's adoptees, and the privacy of the parents who gave them up.

The New Year is a natural time for people to reflect on years past, and look for ways to improve their lots going forward. Today, we do too. First, we discuss the dilemmas American history educators face when teaching inclusive lessons about such a diverse country. After that, a hard look at resolutions. We get expert advice from some very motivated people, including Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's personal trainer . They share tips about making resolutions you can keep, and keeping

Maintaining a healthy personal financial situation can sometimes feel constraining, but the pay-offs are many. Today, the Smart Money Experts are back to discuss the benefits of putting your money toward physical assets. We also discuss the ramifications of GOP tax reform, which has jumped its hurdles in Congress and is en route to the president's desk. Plus, our experts explain what exactly a Bitcoin is, and update us on other happenings in the world of finance.