Keeping An 'Open Mind' On Civil Discourse, And Kansas City's Heartland Mermaid

By Steve Kraske,

Published May 1, 2017 at 3:09 PM CDT

Alexander Heffner thinks a lot about how to get millennials engaged in politics. Perhaps because he is one himself. Today, the host of PBS' The Open Mind, talks about framing old policy arguments in new ways and whether the media is fulfilling its civic duty. Then, we learn about the life of a Kansas City mermaid who — gasp! — doesn't like seafood!

Alexander Heffner will give Park University's 2017 Dr. Jerzy Hauptmann Distinguished Guest Lecture on the future of civil discourse at the Park Distance Learning Conference Center on Monday, May 1, at 3 p.m. Visit Park.edu for more information.

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Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

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Luke X. Martin

As culture editor, I oversee KCUR’s coverage of race, culture, the arts, food and sports. I work with reporters to make sure our stories reflect the fullest view of the place we call home, so listeners and readers feel primed to explore the places, projects and people who make up a vibrant Kansas City. Email me at luke@kcur.org.

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