Archives: April 2021

Computer Labs
Culture

KCPL bridges the digital divide, public internet accessibility issues through TechHELP program

Savannah Hawley,

Courtesy of Kansas City Public Library The Kansas City Public Library received a grant from the Missouri Department of Economic Development/Missouri State Library Coronavirus Relief Fund award for its Tech Access initiative. The funds will support the development of KCPL’s Tech for Health and Education Lending Program, or TechHELP. Thanks to the grant, the library purchased 88 Wi-Fi hotspots and…

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Culture

Streetwise talks TikTok shop with Dave Jorgenson from The Washington Post; narrates our Port Fonda piece

THE PITCH STAFF,

This week on the Streetwise podcast we discuss cord-cutting, listen to a reading of Liz Cook & Natalie Gallagher’s Port Fonda expose, check out Tanka Ray’s track “Everyone’s Dead”, and chat with Dave Jorgenson, The Washington Post’s lead TikTok representative—born and raised in KC. Streetwise is hosted by Brock Wilbur, editor in chief of The Pitch. Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify. Subscribe to the Streetwise newsletter, a weekly meditation…

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Politics

City officials discuss prioritization of Kansas City’s biggest bond package

Lucie Krisman,

This year’s infrastructure funding from Kansas City’s General Obligations bond package were brought forth for discussion again after last week’s city budget approval raised concerns. // Image courtesy of KC Streetcar Kansas City’s joint Transportation & Infrastructure and Finance City Council Committee raised questions during yesterday’s meeting about the city’s infrastructure priorities.  The $800 million General Obligation bond package was voted…
Politics

Missouri Senate moves to lift restriction on KCPD residency prerequisite among other law enforcement changes

Both Mayor Quinton Lucas and Chief Rick Smith oppose the changes, so you know it's reaaaaal bad.
Bek Shackelford-Nwanganga,

Mayor Quinton Lucas and KCPD Chief Rick Smith at a previous press conference at City Hall. // Photo by Abbey Higginbotham. In a 30-4 vote, the Missouri senate voted on Monday to lift the requirement that KCPD officers reside within city limits. The bill, which has advanced to House includes several other law enforcement related changes, such as a ban…

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News

After disappointing Jayhawks season, Governor Kelly declares Ted Lasso Coach of the Year

Apparently April 1st is now Ted Lasso Day in Kansas City
THE PITCH,

Gov. Laura Kelly’s proclamation. // Courtesy of Kelly’s Twitter. Hear ye! Hear ye! With Bill Self’s Jayhawks making an early exit from the Big Dance after a disappointing season, and pretty much every other Kansas team in the tank, Governor Laura Kelly has declared Ted Lasso, coach of the UK’s FC Richmond and a Kansas native as Kansas “Coach of…

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Politics

Kansas’ medical marijuana bill moves out of committee

Savannah Hawley,

Following previous attempts including Gov. Laura Kelly’s push for medical marijuana to go toward Medicaid expansion, Kansas lawmakers are pushing legislation to legalize medical marijuana with strict regulations. // Image courtesy of Gov. Laura Kelly Kansas’ medical marijuana bill advanced out of committee this week and legislators are set to begin discussions. The House bill would allow medical marijuana usage…

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Culture

Is Velveeta playing the biggest April Fools joke? Company announces skincare line

Sophia Misle,

Photo courtesy Velveeta Twitter @EatLiquidGold Velveeta announced the V by Velveeta skincare line on March 30 and it has generated mixed reactions. The line, which has a waitlist, contains three products-a daily moisturizer, night cream, and renewal serum. “The creaminess of Velveeta, now in skincare,” says the V by Velveeta website. BUT YOU ALREADY GLOW ADRIAN — Velveeta (@EatLiquidGold) March…

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Savage Love

Savage Love: Fuck around and find out

Dan Savage,

Illustrated by Jack Raybuck Dear Dan: I’ve been with my boyfriend for 2.5 years and we have a great relationship—or so I thought. Last week, I snooped on my boyfriend’s browser history and I don’t know what to do with what I found. I’m a longtime reader and Savage Lovecast listener SO I KNOW WHAT I DID WAS WRONG. I…

Truman
Culture

The Curse of Harry Truman’s swords

Alvin Twain,

President Harry S. Truman (left) and the Shah of Iran (right) in the Oval Office during the Shah’s visit to the United States. // Courtesy of Truman Library, Public Domain The perpetrators have met their demise. The statute of limitations is long past. The strange and remarkable saga of the stolen swords and daggers can now be told. These artifacts…