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Drag is big these days in pop culture, but the cross-dressing tradition goes back further than most people realize. Today, we trace its roots on the American frontier. Then, we take a close look with sociologist and researcher Jonathan Metzl at claims that gun violence in America is primarily a mental health issue, and not one related to the easy availability of firearms.

Today, a look at how a new initiative is gearing up to combat youth violence in Kansas City, Kansas. Then, we get some insight into the Kansas City Municipal Domestic Violence Court. The U.S. Department of Justice's STOP Violence Against Women initiative recently awarded the court "mentor" status — the first municipal court to earn such a distinction. Its judge and coordinator talk with guest host Danie Alexander about the role the court plays in rehabilitating offenders.

Fans know their favorite teams are full of drama, on the field and sometimes off. Players come and players go, but at every game there’s at least one real character whose only job is to be a good sport. Commentator Victor Wishna explains in this month’s edition of 'A Fan’s Notes.' Who says there’s no good news anymore? You may have missed this, but just last week the Kansas City Royals’ own Sluggerrr — you know, the 6-foot-9 lion who dances on the dugout between innings — was inducted into the

Thanksgiving is practically upon us, marking the start of the holiday season. Today, we listen back to a conversation with Master Sommelier Doug Frost and others to get you prepared for winter partying with some great wine and drink pairing ideas. Then, we sit down with Vietnam veteran and poet John Musgrave . More than 40 years after the end of the conflict, he still struggles to understand a war he was eager to join but disillusioned with once he got there.

In more than 30 years of writing for The New Yorker , Adam Gopnik has covered everything from the science of meditation to the relationship between baseball and art. Today, he joins Steve Kraske to help recalibrate the true meaning of liberalism. Then, we find out why some consider Harry Truman's presidency an accident , which nonetheless changed the course of history in its first few months. Adam Gopnik will present 'Radical Liberalism: A Manifesto For A New Movement' at the Cockefair Chair

Today, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released the latest data on the state's public schools, so we ask Kansas City Public Schools Superintendent Mark Bedell to explain where his district did well and what areas still need improvement . Then, this summer, Kansas City, Missouri, got a new chief of police, a 29-year veteran of the force. We talk with Chief Rick Smith and the president of the police board about reinstating community policing, increasing diversity in

Author Whitney Terrell told the story of a female soldier in his novel, The Good Lieutenant . His consultant for that book, Angela Fitle, lived it in the Army during Operation Iraqi Freedom II. They share their thoughts on the female experience of war. Then children's author Brian Selznick reveals what it was like to condense his novel Wonderstruck ​ into the screenplay for the just-released film version. Whitney Terrell and author Helen Benedict present 'Women and War' at the Plaza Branch of

The Kansas City Star published on Sunday a long list of ways the state government in Topeka resists efforts to disclose information to the public. Today, we discuss The Star 's assertions with reporters who broke the story and former state Rep. John Rubin, who tried to fix the problem from inside the Statehouse. Then, among other post-holiday events is an increase in the number of separations and divorces. Family psychologist Wes Crenshaw explains how a co-parenting approach can help smooth what

Despite several unsuccessful attempts to repeal Obamacare outright, Pres. Donald Trump has made substantial changes in how the healthcare exchange works. Today, we discuss those changes, and how they're affecting folks who depend on the Affordable Care Act. Then, the City School Fair wants to make Kansas City, Missouri parents aware of all the possibilities for K-12 education that don't require moving to the suburbs. The fair is kicking off its second year helping parents and students explore

The election results are official. The big surprises: The single-terminal proposal at Kansas City International Airport is an overwhelming "go," and Kansas City, Kansas, Mayor Mark Holland was unseated by challenger David Alvey. Today, we discuss the impacts Tuesday's elections will have on the metro. Then, "efflux pumps" sound like devices to install in your leaky basement or septic tank, but protein scientist Joanna Slusky says they're more useful for fighting antibiotic resistance in microbes