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Seg. 1: Voting In Judicial Retention Elections. Seg. 2: Kansas City's Only Pay-What-You-Can Café.

Luke X. Martin
/
KCUR 89.3
Thelma's Kitchen, an initiative of Reconciliation Services at 31st and Troost, has been operating on a pay-what-you-can basis since the summer.

Segment 1: Why voting to retain (or not retain) judges matters.

The confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court, and the shift to a more conservative court, has shown that persons picked to serve on the bench matter. This holds true at the state level too. But unlike the federal courts, judges who serve in the Kansas or Missouri state courts are required to stand for retention. That means you decide if they keep their jobs. Today, we got advice on informing yourself and voting responsibly in these oft-overlooked elections.

Segment 2, beginning at 22:22: Can a restaurant transform Troost?

Here’s an intriguing concept for a restaurant: You pay what you can afford. And if you don’t have much money, maybe you volunteer some time. That’s the concept of Thelma's Kitchen, a community café at 3101 Troost Ave. named after a woman who was known in the neighborhood for taking care of others. The eatery builds on Reconciliation Services' 30 years as a community advocate, aiming to transform Troost from a dividing line to a gathering place.

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.
As culture editor, I help you embrace what makes Kansas City fun and vibrant, whether it’s a championship sports franchise or a little-known wonder. I work with reporters to ensure KCUR stories on art, culture, and race fully reflect our diverse home so readers and listeners can take full advantage of what the metro has to offer. Email me at luke@kcur.org.