Parkville

A University of Missouri professor spent years listening to insects — hear how his work is influencing other researchers. Plus, a 117-year-old African American church in Parkville is getting much-needed restoration work thanks to the National Heritage fund.

A 117-year-old historically-Black church in Missouri is getting much-needed restoration work thanks to a grant from the National Heritage fund — and a crew of about a dozen volunteer builders.

Since his time at Park University's International Center for Music in his adopted home of Kansas City, Kenny Broberg's career has been thriving. Classical KC's Brooke Knoll catches up with Kenny and they discuss his upcoming performances and new albums.

Fifty-four years after the first annual Earth Day, many people are making environmental sustainability their business. KCUR's Up To Date spoke with Kansas Citians whose livelihood is saving the planet.

Park University graduate student Victor Diaz was named one of 11 senior semifinalists in this month's Sphinx Competition, hosted annually in Detroit. The top award is $50,000, but Diaz has another prize in mind: Inspiring more Hispanic kids to discover classical music.

The Parkville, Missouri, university is cutting 16 faculty positions, three master’s programs and about a dozen total majors, certificates, concentrations and minors. The number of students enrolled has dropped by more than 30% over the last few years.

When it launched in 2016, KC Cattle Company made it a priority to hire veterans like founder Patrick Montgomery. With a retail store in Parkville and a ranch in Weston, they were put on the map with an all-beef wagyu hot dog named the best in the nation by Food & Wine.

Tucked into the hills above the Missouri River, this picturesque Missouri town carries a complex history. It's one of the fastest growing communities in the region, yet honors its 19th century roots.

In January, a Parkville family learned their 8-year-old daughter had a rare illness. Though there is no cure, there is a drug that could help slow the disease. The problem? It costs more than $200,000 a year. Plus: Kansas politicians make bold claims about how to stop population declines in rural communities. Their efforts may not be enough to reverse the trend.

In January, the Anstaett family learned their eight-year-old daughter had Batten disease, a rare condition with a difficult — and eventually terminal — prognosis. The drug showing promise in slowing the disease isn't covered by their insurance because it's still in clinical trials.

For all the talk about a possible Kansas City Chiefs football dynasty, Mike Talamantes' teams at Park University just north of the river are continuing their dominance.

On Jan. 21, Washington Chapel C.M.E. Church was broken into and a piece of a memorial stained glass window removed. The church was built in 1907 by formerly enslaved families in Parkville, Missouri.