Archives: February 2025

Politics

Missouri Republicans continue push to bar state funding of diversity, equity and inclusion

Previous attempts have failed, but emboldened by federal cuts to programs, Missouri lawmakers have re-filed anti-DEI legislation.
Annelise Hanshaw,

Sen. Rick Brattin chairs the Senate Education Committee, asking questions Tuesday of the state’s commissioner of education (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent). Missouri lawmakers have rekindled a crusade against diversity, equity and inclusion programs with a handful of bills seeking to outlaw DEI in state-funded entities. In 2022, just two bills named DEI as a target. But the number grew to 14…

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Politics

Kansas City mayor accused of retaliating against whistleblower who revealed nonprofit spending

An attorney for Tom Keating, who volunteered for the nonprofit that has paid for Mayor Quinton Lucas’ Super Bowl trips, is demanding an apology and threatening further legal action.
Allison Kite,

Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas delivers his State of the City address in February 2024. (City of Kansas City) The whistleblower who revealed financial transactions he felt were potentially unlawful by a nonprofit that bankrolled travel and entertainment for the Kansas City, Missouri, mayor says he is now being targeted with defamation and retaliation. Tom Keating has worked on…

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Movies

Timestalker is a disappointing second feature from Prevenge triple-threat Alice Lowe

Out on VOD just in time for Valentine's Day.
Abby Olcese,

Comedian, actress and emerging filmmaker Alice Lowe hits something of a sophomore slump with Timestalker, a gory, goofy time-spanning adventure out now on VOD that combines elements of Monty Python, Time Bandits, and Lowe’s professed love for Neil Jordan’s 1984 cult classic The Company of Wolves. Visually, it’s a lot of fun, and boasts some committed performances from the cast….

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Theater

Beetlejuice musical adaptation gives Kansas City more “Day-O”, more character, and more chaos

The hit film takes the stage and becomes a true celebration of 'theater kids' everywhere.
Kat Alfieri,

Justin Collette (Beetlejuice) and Tour Company // Photo by Matthew Murphy Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice… dare I say it again? As it sits on the tip of my tongue, I already know it’s too late. The agent of chaos is traipsing through the frozen tundras of the Midwest as we speak. Tim Burton’s 1988 hit film gets a theatrical facelift in the…

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Music

Pianist Eddie Moore riffs on adaptability ahead of this weekend’s Winterlude Jazz Festival at JCCC

Nick Spacek,

Eddie Moore. // photo by Megan Strickland This weekend’s Winterlude Jazz Festival at Johnson County Community College’s Midwest Trust Center features two days of live jazz in the Center’s Yardley Hall and Polsky Theatre. Beginning the afternoon of Saturday, February 15, there will be live performances from Lynn Zimmer and Friends, Eddie Moore, Doug Talley Quartet, Ensemble Ibérica, and the…

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Politics

Missouri AG Andrew Bailey just sued Starbucks over DEI. Taxpayers shouldn’t cover the cost of this man embarrassing us.

With Bailey's latest performative, grievance-fueled stunt, there are already plenty of reasons he could (and should) lose. As the chief legal officer for the Show Me State, he is wasting everyone's time.
Michael McGrady Jr.,

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, shown speaking with reporters Jan. 13, was grilled by lawmakers Wednesday about his office budget and a new lawsuit filed against Starbucks accusing the company of discrimination. (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent) Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, the far-right Republican who won his first full term in office in November 2024, announced that he filed a lawsuit…

Christy Jason Tu Mural
Culture

Four Inane Questions with Training Umbrella’s Christy and Jason Rogers

Michael Mackie,

Photo Courtesy of Christy and Jason Rogers Back in 2010, Christy Rogers saw an opportunity and ran with it. She was determined to create a comfortable space where companies could throw corporate conferences and/or training seminars in style. And that’s how Training Umbrella in Overland Park came to fruition. Along with her husband Jason, the duo has helped revolutionize how…

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News

Missouri’s grocery shelves feel impact of bird flu

Egg prices are expected to increase by 20% in 2025, largely due to the spread of a highly pathogenic avian influenza.
Meg Cunningham,

A form of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or H5N1, picked up in October and began spreading quickly through the country toward the end of the year. It’s made egg prices unpredictable as grocery stores work to keep their shelves stocked. (Meg Cunningham/The Beacon) For some people in rural Missouri, soaring egg prices have little impact on their shopping habits. They…

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Music

Photos: Rapper ian brought TOUR PT.2 to the Granada on Tuesday night

Tommy Vean,

ian. // photo credit Tommy Vean ian The Granada Tuesday, February 11 Rapper ian brought his debut headlining tour to the Granada in Lawrence on Tuesday night. Entitled TOUR PT.2, the performance showcased the vast majority of the rapper’s debut studio album, Goodbye Horses, as well as cuts from his first mixtape, Valedictorian. Our photographer Tommy Vean was there to…

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Music

Chicago indie rockers Califone are playing a free show at the Lawrence Public Library next week

Nick Spacek,

Califone. // facebook.com/califone With a new album, The Villager’s Companion, out on Valentine’s Day, Chicago experimental rock band Califone is embarking on a living room tour. The lone exception is when the Lawrence Public Library’s Sound+Vision Studio presents the band for a free show in its auditorium on Wednesday, February 19. Artwork design by D. Norsen Design “You ever love…

Cafe Ca Phe 4eva
Culture, Food & Drink

Béty Lê Shackelford champions marginalized communities through good eats and good deeds

Jordan Baranowski,

Photo by Phon Wills If you’ve followed trends of motivation and self-betterment over the years, you may have encountered the Japanese idea of ikigai. Ikigai literally refers to the idea of “the meaning of living,” and it is the search to find a passion that makes your life and the world a better place. Béty Lê Shackelford—the founder and executive…

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Culture

KC Cares: Feathered friends get a much needed lift off at Beak n Wings

Beth Lipoff,

Aspen Ficken holds Hennessy, an African grey parrot, during a visit to Beak n Wings in Lenexa. // Photo by Beth Lipoff From parakeets to macaws, when birds need help, Beak n Wings is there. The Lenexa-based bird rescue looks after feathered friends large and small. Since 1999, the rescue has not only been housing birds but it has also…

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Art, Culture, Theater

Queer identity and healing witchcraft cast a combined spell on stage in Claire Carson’s Kissing in the Grocery Store

Sophia Lail,

“We’ll cast a spell on you this February!” // Courtesy of Whim Productions. Feeling hopeless? Still pining over an ex? Too scared to work through your problems? Manifestation will fix your struggles when you can’t! Or so you think. I, too, have found that it’s much easier to wish upon a star instead of doing the emotional labor of working through…

Cast
Theater

Spinning Tree Theatre uses established KC players to boost young playwrights

Emily Wheeler,

The cast members of the three featured productions at this year’s Teen Writers Fest. // Photo by Micah Thompson Imagine watching your own ideas come to life on stage—ideas that once existed only in your mind, now performed by actors under professional lights. Thanks to Spinning Tree Theatre’s one-of-a-kind program, that is the reality for young artists in the Kansas…

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Sports

Photos: Zwolak wins via decision against Fields at FAC MMA 28

Tarik Sykes,

FAC MMA 28. // Photo by Tarik Sykes The Fighting Alliance Championship hosted their MMA 28 card this past Saturday, Feb. 8 at Cable Dahmer Arena. Kansas Citians from across the metro joined together in Independence to watch an amateur card and the professional main card take place. Muhammad Zwolak won the main event against Nick Fields via decision. Our…
Food & Drink

Eat This Now: Injera and all at Abol Ethiopian Restaurant

Sarah Sipple,

Doro Tibs and Vegetarian Combo at Abol Ethiopian Restaurant // Photo by Sarah Sipple Abol Ethiopian Restaurant is nestled among gift shops, salons, boutiques, and the award-winning Overland Park Farmers’ Market. The lunch and dinner spot, formerly named Elsa’s, introduced an expanded menu and hours of operation early in 2024 under new management. On a wintery lunch date with friends,…

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Politics

One year after KC’s Super Bowl parade shooting, trauma and turmoil hang heavy over the survivors

Bram Sable-Smith, Peggy Lowe,

Emily Tavis attends Westside Family Church in Leavenworth, Kansas, on Feb. 2, 2025. The church has been a source of companionship and support since she was shot at last year’s Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl celebration. She was even referred to the in-house therapist at a sister church in Lenexa, Kansas. // Christopher Smith for KFF Health News Emily Tavis…

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Culture

Florist Laura Mohamadi of Flower House KC talks the ups and downs of the unpredictable Valentine’s Day business

Don’t make your florist deal with your procrastination
Kat Alfieri,

Owner Laura Mohamadi // Photo courtesy of Laura Mohamadi Our dearest procrastinators, With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, The Pitch is here to remind you that your sweetheart needs some flowers, and now is the time to act. We are willing to let it slide how sad it is that we’re the messenger just as long as you take…

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Politics

Loud Light Kansas Politics Recap: More anti-trans bills, the missing budget, and fake election conspiracies

Brock Wilbur,

The Pitch has partnered with a local political awareness organization called Loud Light. Their goal is to engage and empower individuals from underrepresented populations to build community power. And impact decision-makers. Each week of the year that the Kansas statehouse is in session, they release a short video recapping what the legislature is up to. Knowing the nitty-gritty of what’s happening with your…

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Culture

Eat This Edible: Grön’s recently launched MEGA Pearl flavors offer newly renovated highs and tastes

Joe Ellett,

Photo Courtesy of Grön Grön—female-owned cannabis company out of Oregon—is no stranger to the Missouri marijuana market. The brand and their owner Christine Apple have been serving the Show-Me State industry highs since before recreational cannabis sales even began. Photo Courtesy of Grön Strictly involved in the edible side of the weed game, the company has become a prominent distributor…