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

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.
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.

Copyright 2021 KCUR 89.3. To see more, visit KCUR 89.3.

Steve Kraske is an associate teaching professor of journalism at UMKC, a political columnist for The Kansas City Star and has hosted "Up to Date" since 2002. He worked as the full-time political correspondent for The Star from 1994-2013 covering national, state and local campaigns. He also has covered the statehouses in Topeka and Jefferson City.
Luke X. Martin is an assistant producer for KCUR's Up To Date.