KMUW

Algae is a 'little vacuum' for microplastics. Midwest scientists think it could clean up the problem Tiny shards of plastic called microplastics are all over the environment and even inside human bodies. Researchers have found a type of bioengineered algae that can clean up these pesky particles.

Algae is a "little vacuum'"for microplastics. Midwest scientists think it could clean up the problem. www.kmuw.org/2026-03-04/a...

Kansas legislators want to eliminate state laws about silencers and sawed-off shotguns The Kansas bill is prompted by changes in federal law and the possibility of registration requirements regarding silencers and short-barreled shotguns being overturned completely.

Kansas lawmakers want to legalize silencers and sawed-off shotguns
www.kmuw.org/2026-03-04/k...

Kansas bill would allow renters to pay landlords in increments The proposal would allow renters to pay their monthly rent in multiple payments so long as all is paid in full and on time.

The proposal would allow renters to pay their monthly rent in multiple payments so long as all is paid in full and on time. www.kmuw.org/government/2...

Buying water from for-profit kiosks may come with lead, research finds Many Midwest residents distrust their tap water. Some purchase water and ice from standalone kiosks. University of Iowa researchers found at least trace levels of lead in most of these kiosks.

Many Midwest residents distrust their tap water. Some purchase water and ice from standalone kiosks. University of Iowa researchers found at least trace levels of lead in most of these kiosks. www.kmuw.org/2026-03-05/l...

Breaking the Courtroom Ceiling: How Belva Lockwood paved the way for women to practice law Women are the majority of law school graduates, but in the late 1800's, women could be barred from practicing law depending on the whim of the state. On today's Past and Present, Dr. Robin Henry…

Breaking the Courtroom Ceiling: How Belva Lockwood paved the way for women to practice law
www.kmuw.org/podcast/past...

Trump fires Kristi Noem as DHS chief, names Sen. Markwayne Mullin to replace her Stepping in as acting secretary is GOP Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma who Trump said had "Wisdom and Courage required to Advance our America First Agenda."

Trump fires Kristi Noem as DHS chief, names Sen. Markwayne Mullin to replace her
www.kmuw.org/2026-03-05/t...

Tune in to Here & Now on KMUW at 12:20 p.m. to hear Kathy and Ross Petras of You’re Saying It Wrong!

Kansas judge orders Friday hearing on anti-transgender ID and bathroom law Two transgender men from Lawrence filed a lawsuit last week to stop the new Kansas law from taking effect. Hundreds of transgender residents were told their IDs are immediately invalid and must be…

Kansas judge orders Friday hearing on anti-transgender ID and bathroom law
www.kmuw.org/government/2...

A glimpse of Gridiron rehearsals Gridiron is an annual Wichita event where journalists satirize the year's news and politicians to raise money for journalism scholarships. Performances will run on March 12-14 at Roxy's Downtown.

Gridiron is an annual Wichita event where journalists satirize the year's news and politicians to raise money for journalism scholarships. Performances will run on March 12-14 at Roxy's Downtown. Hear sounds from rehearsals on Wichita Soundscapes. www.kmuw.org/podcast/wich...

Kansas Republicans celebrate as an endangered prairie chicken loses federal protective status The lesser prairie chicken, known for its flamboyant courtship dances and bulging neck pouches, has lost a majority of its population in the grasslands and brush of southwestern Kansas. But…

Kansas Republicans celebrate as an endangered prairie chicken loses federal protective status
www.kmuw.org/government/2...

Algae is a 'little vacuum' for microplastics. Midwest scientists think it could clean up the problem Tiny shards of plastic called microplastics are all over the environment and even inside human bodies. Researchers have found a type of bioengineered algae that can clean up these pesky particles.

Tiny shards of plastic called microplastics are all over the environment and even inside human bodies. Researchers have found a type of bioengineered algae that can clean up these pesky particles.
www.kmuw.org/2026-03-04/a...

Kansas lawmakers want to legalize silencers and sawed-off shotguns Multiple law enforcement organizations came out against the bill. They want stiff penalties for crimes using weapons like short-barreled shotguns and guns with suppressors.

Multiple law enforcement organizations came out against the bill. They want stiff penalties for crimes using weapons like short-barreled shotguns and guns with suppressors.
www.kmuw.org/2026-03-04/k...

BREAKING: Unofficial results show Wichita voters resoundingly rejecting a proposed 1% sales tax. www.kmuw.org/local-news/2...

Sedgwick County has dropped a second round of updates.

The first drop of election results has "No" leading the sales tax question by nearly 10K votes. www.sedgwickcounty.org/media/71182/...

Mosses are the underdogs of the plant world. These scientists are trying to protect them More than 1,600 plants and animals are protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, but out of all of those, only one is a moss. A new effort seeks to protect these often overlooked plants.

Mosses are the underdogs of the plant world. These scientists are trying to protect them
www.kmuw.org/2026-03-02/s...

'Evil Genius' is a dark and clever feminist fantasy Claire Oshetsky's new novel, "Evil Genius," explores complex themes of obsession and desire, with a darkly comic style and a storyline that twists, turns and goes places you never expect.

Review: "Evil Genius" is a dark and clever feminist fantasy www.kmuw.org/podcast/book...

Kansas bill would require drivers use turn signals in roundabouts — which technically isn't law yet Some legislators were unclear if Kansas law already requires the use of turn signals in a roundabout. "As much as I hate them stupid things," Berryton Republican Sen. Rick Kloos said, "I like the…

Some legislators were unclear if Kansas law already requires the use of turn signals in a roundabout. "As much as I hate them stupid things," Berryton Republican Sen. Rick Kloos said, "I like the bill." www.kmuw.org/government/2...

Trump defends Iran strikes, offers objectives for military operation His remarks are the first public ones to reporters since the U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran began Saturday despite weeks of talks designed to stave off a conflict.

His remarks are the first public ones to reporters since the U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran began Saturday despite weeks of talks designed to stave off a conflict.
www.kmuw.org/2026-03-02/t...

The Cherokee Maidens & Sycamore Swing return to Walker’s Jazz Lounge The Cherokee Maidens and Sycamore Swing recently ended a seven-year hiatus with a local gig and a short tour. The band is back in Wichita this Sunday for a sold out performance at Walker's Jazz…

The Cherokee Maidens and Sycamore Swing recently ended a seven-year hiatus with a local gig and a short tour. The band is back in Wichita this Sunday for a sold out performance at Walker's Jazz Lounge.
www.kmuw.org/music/2026-0...

New Wichita business offers a place for kids to play and parents to relax Play & Party Co., a new indoor play place at Westlink Shopping Center, was developed by a mother of five. It caters to children of all ages and helps parents connect with one another.

Play & Party Co., a new indoor play place at Westlink Shopping Center, was developed by a mother of five. It caters to children of all ages and helps parents connect with one another.
www.kmuw.org/the-range/20...

It’s not hard to wonder why Guy and Mae’s ribs are so special In the tiny town of Williamsburg, in eastern Kansas, there’s a place that draws visitors from all over the state, from both coasts, and even other countries. For this month’s Hidden Kansas, Lu Anne…

Hidden Kansas: It’s not hard to wonder why Guy and Mae’s ribs are so special
www.kmuw.org/podcast/the-...

New Wichita business offers a place for kids to play and parents to relax Play & Party Co., a new indoor play place at Westlink Shopping Center, was developed by a mother of five. It caters to children of all ages and helps parents connect with one another.

Play & Party Co., a new indoor play place at Westlink Shopping Center, was developed by a mother of five. It caters to children of all ages and helps parents connect with one another. www.kmuw.org/the-range/20...

ACLU sues to block Kansas anti-transgender bathroom and ID law: ‘Cruel and horrifying’ Kansas this week invalidated the IDs of transgender Kansans who changed the gender marker on their driver’s licenses or birth certificates. The ACLU is suing to stop the law, which also restricts…

Kansas this week invalidated the IDs of transgender Kansans who changed the gender marker on their driver’s licenses or birth certificates. The ACLU is suing to stop the law, which also restricts bathroom use, saying it violates the constitutional rights of residents.
www.kmuw.org/2026-02-27/a...

Early in-person voting starts today for Wichita's proposed sales tax Most satellite voting locations will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Early in-person voting starts today for Wichita's proposed sales tax
www.kmuw.org/2026-02-26/e...

Transgender Kansans had their IDs invalidated overnight, causing confusion and panic Some transgender Kansans received letters urging them to request new IDs that conflict with their gender identity and presentation, because their current ones are "invalid immediately." It’s the…

Transgender Kansans had their IDs invalidated overnight, causing confusion and panic www.kmuw.org/2026-02-26/k...

USDA lost 24,000 workers under Trump, hurting critical resources for farmers The Trump administration's federal workforce cuts shrunk U.S. Department of Agriculture agencies that inspect produce, provide conservation resources and collect data on crops and livestock. It's…

USDA lost 24,000 workers under Trump, hurting critical resources for farmers www.kmuw.org/2026-02-24/f...

How will Kansas enforce its anti-transgender bathroom law? Texas' version has caused confusion A new Kansas law, passed by Republican lawmakers over the governor's veto, requires that people using private facilities like bathrooms and locker rooms must use the facility that matches their…

How will Kansas enforce its anti-transgender bathroom law? Texas' version has caused confusion www.kmuw.org/government/2...

‘The Bluff’ is good (enough), bloody fun Fletcher Powell says a new action movie mostly serves its purpose.

Review: "The Bluff" is good (enough), bloody fun www.kmuw.org/podcast/movi...

California lawsuit accuses Brandon Steven Motors dealership of 'unfair' business practices The lawsuit claims that Honda of Downtown Los Angeles filed a false police report after a car sale went south. That report led to the arrest of a California woman.

The lawsuit claims that Honda of Downtown Los Angeles filed a false police report after a car sale went south. That report led to the arrest of a California woman.
www.kmuw.org/2026-02-24/c...