KC Currents

Made In Olathe: Custom Brass Instruments
Mike Corrigan calls himself the Horn Doctor. He knows the physics, chemistry and geometry behind making music, from the unique properties of brass, copper and silver to the angle of a bend on a horn bell.

8-Year-Old’s Mission To Help South Sudan
In 2001, when the Lost Boys of Sudan came to the United States, most of the young refugees brought painful memories of war as well as a deep desire to help their home country. Now, over a decade later, many of them have families and children of their own. A former Lost Boy living in Kansas City recently found out that his devotion to Sudan doesn’t end with him. John Akuei was as surprised as anyone when his son decided he wanted to collect school supplies for children in South Sudan.

Local Handmade Marbles Inspire Memories From A Simpler Playtime
As the winter holidays approach, toys are on the minds of children and parents alike. So this week we take you to a unique place—The Moon Marble Company in Bonner Springs Kansas, where toys and of course, marbles draw crowds from all over.

Local Artifacts
From The Atomic Era
Once upon a time, youth in the 50s and 60s lived in fear. They practiced going to “fallout” shelters to escape the atomic bomb. Independence resident Michael Scheibach has studied this period of American history extensively. In addition to combing through school newspapers, Sheibach’s collection of photographs, posters and other artifacts from Kansas City high schools tells the story of an America trying its best to prepare for the possibility of annihilation.

Local Artist's Drawings Help Solve Crimes
You’ve probably seen crime shows like CSI and America’s Most Wanted, where artists work with victims to create a drawing that helps identify a criminal. This job is performed by a forensic illustrator.  If you’ve seen one of these drawings on the news in Kansas City, then you’ve seen the work of artist and author Lee Hammond, who lives in Overland Park.

 Audio File11-18-12 KC Currents Full Show Click on individual stories belowEdit | Remove

Navajo Code Talker Chester Nez
For the past several years, the numbers of nontraditional college students have been increasing. But last Monday, as part of a Veterans Day observance, the University of Kansas awarded a degree to one of its least traditional graduates ever: a 91-year-old former Navajo Code Talker.

 Kenyan Journalist Recalls Dangerous Career
A free press tends to be something journalists take for granted as a part of American democracy. But around the world, journalism can have life-threatening occupational hazards. Before coming to the U.S., UMKC communication studies major Peter Makori faced down death as he worked as journalist for The Standard, Kenya’s oldest newspaper. After surviving ten years of intimidation, brutal beatings and imprisonment, a Friendly Press fellowship landed him at The Kansas City Star in 2005.

Kansas Voter ID Law Faces Biggest Test

Requiring voters to show a photo ID has been a controversial issue in recent years with many states considering the requirement. A photo ID law got vetoed last year in Missouri, but Kansas lawmakers passed a measure last year requiring a photo ID when voting.  That law got its first test in August.

Farmers Put Aside Differences, Push For Farm Bill

 Audio FileKC Currents 10/28/12Edit | Remove

Altar Celebrates Life In Day Of The Dead Tradition
The Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday of remembrance and celebration for friends and family members who have died. Traditionally, families build private altars honoring the dead using skulls, flowers, and the favorite food and drink of the departed. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is hosting its second annual Day of the Dead Celebration November 4th. Mexican Artist Betsabeé Romero and area artists have come together to create a special altar installation for the event.