From KPR
Kansas lawmakers are considering a bill that would limit the free speech rights of university employees - at least under certain conditions. Guest Commentator Dr. Mark Peterson says the proposal is misguided -- even ridiculous -- given that Kansas is located in the very heart of America, otherwise known as the "Land of the Free."
Sound Proverbs & Adages Lost on Some Kansas Leaders
Kansas elected officials have been busy addressing a number of social issues this week. The governor rolled back job protections for gay state workers. Lawmakers held hearings on whether it's too easy to get a divorce. And one state senator proposed higher pay for foster parents who regularly attend church and abstain from using alcohol and tobacco. All of this has many folks at the Here, Kan., Co-op paying closer attention to what's been happening in Topeka. Commentator William Jennings Bryan Oleander is one of them.
Saddle up and hit the trail! True Grit, the 1968 novel, is this year's "Big Read" at the Topeka-Shawnee County Public Library. We'll talk about the book, the 1969 movie, its 2010 remake, and all the activities going on at the library to celebrate. We'll also hear about the new online book club at the Kansas City, Kan., library.
Taking Stock: Wildlife & Water Levels in Western Kansas
Every winter, the state of Kansas sends teams to central and western Kansas to measure groundwater levels, including water levels in the great Ogallala Aquifer. Being part of these annual expeditions isn't always glamorous, but as we learn from Commentator Rex Buchanan, the work is important and the journey out west can be quite interesting.
From NPR
Nursing employees suffer 35,000 back and other injuries nearly every year. But many career-ending injuries could be prevented if hospitals brought in new technology and taught "safe patient handling."
One in two men and one in three women will have a single diagnosis in common: cancer. For years, this was a shameful secret. Now, a huge number of us are “living cancer” – whether we’re being treated ourselves, or helping a family member or friend.
Iranians Wait and Wonder if a New Dawn Is Coming
Steve Inskeep spent a week reporting from Iran.
Susan Stamberg has talked to everyone from focus pullers to foley artists. She finds that in the last 10 years, technology and out-of-state tax incentives have been Hollywood game-changers.
