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The fifth National Climate Assessment says a warming climate, increasingly extreme weather and drought are threatening the Midwest’s economy and health.

The inaugural market had more than 10 Indigenous vendors as well as dancing exhibitions and a vaccine station. Organizers said it brought people of many different tribes together and taught the public about Native American culture.

The Climate-Resilient Crop and Livestock Project gives Missouri farmers and ranchers funding and technical help to make their operations more climate-smart.

Twenty-four executions have been carried out in 2023, according to the Death Penalty Information Center says. Four of those happened in Missouri, including the first known execution of an openly transgender woman. Meanwhile, 50% of Americans say the death penalty is applied unfairly.

Artist Fernando Achucarro paints late into the night in his home studio on Independence Avenue. The dark and moody images he conjures often rely on the glow of streetlights, candles and dimly-lit lamps. Many were inspired by the loss and trauma of life.

After a former mayor spent $144,000 of public money on the synthetic saxophone, it became the centerpiece of a Kansas City institution. A reissued recording of the instrument, played by our greatest bebopper, was released last month.

In St. Louis, murder investigations often rely on a single detective, making them vulnerable if the detective is unable or unwilling to come to court. But a former homicide investigator said he has no obligation to cooperate, claiming that “retirement is meant to be retirement.”

St. Luke's, a Kansas City-based health system that operates 14 hospitals in Kansas and Missouri, has finalized plans to merge with BJC Healthcare in St. Louis. The two systems expect to complete the $10 billion deal by Jan. 1.

Richard Berkley served a record three terms as Kansas City's mayor, from 1979 to 1991, and was the first Jewish mayor in city history. His tenure was defined in large part by his quick response to the Hyatt Regency skywalk collapse, a disaster that killed 114 people and injured hundreds more.

Entertaining guests from out of town or in need of a break from your family? The holiday season is an ideal time to revisit what Kansas City has to offer, including the refined pianism of Alessio Bax and Lucille Chung, the unruly rock of Thelma and the Sleaze, the protest songs of Sunny War and the classic rock hits of John Waite.

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly said the state will listen to residents and lawmakers opposing the new design and try again.

In Kansas, the number of severe complications during labor and delivery has increased. For moms of color or women enrolled in Medicaid, the numbers are even higher. One of the state’s Medicaid contractors is now providing doula services to help.