In this episode, hosts Eric Fey and Brianna Lennon speak with Rachel Raper, the Director of Elections for Orange County, North Carolina.They spoke about the unique way the state tracks and traces back mail ballots to voters, and about how election administrators have overcome many of the challenges that have impacted North Carolina in the last few years.

'Echoes of Missouri' is on display now through August 2nd at The Montminy Gallery in Columbia. The exhibition explores African-American art, music, performance, culture, and history, with a focus on the legacy of John William "Blind" Boone. Donald Quist, PhD, says, "this feels like a celebration... It's been lovely to see these crossovers between these different types of artistry - rappers and poets and fine artists and painters all in this one place. It's been special." July 8, 2025

KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Dr. Rachel Thibodeau-Nielsen of the University of Missouri Dept. of Human Development and Family Science about why play isn't just fun for kids, but is a big part of their learning and development.

"You can't really leave a legacy if you didn't save and build for yourself all those years; and hopefully your money outlives you and you have something to pass down to your loved ones," Leslie Wilbers, managing partner at LaBrunerie Financial. "If you can get that willpower and those habits built at a young age, it will really pay off in the future." July 7, 2025

We're mere hours away from the 2025 Fire in the Sky event at Stephens Lake Park in Columbia! Parks and Rec specialist Moira Theis tells us everything we need to know before we leave the house. July 4, 2025

KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Dr. Melissa Herzog about her work and teaching in Positive Youth Development and how it helps young people find interests that can motivate them.

KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Dr. Steven Krauss of the University of Missouri Dept. of Human Development and Family Science about his work with 4-H Clubs of Missouri and his teaching in Volunteerism and Youth-Adult Parnerships.

Solarize Columbia came about through local non-profit sponsors and the City of Columbia Office of Sustainability. Carolyn Amparan, steering committee member, says the program aims to make solar and battery storage more accessible by providing discounted pricing and financing options, and by using a vetted installer. Find out more about an upcoming launch event on today's show! July 3, 2025

KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Dr. Clay Hurdle of the MU School of Human Development and Family Science. Dr. Hurdle discusses teaching leadership to Mizzou students and working with young people through MU Extension and 4-H Clubs of Missouri.

"Sparklers are still not totally safe. They burn at about 1,200 degrees and they account for, I want to say 28% of most firework injuries," Fire Marshal Michael Bauer, Columbia Fire Department. "Leave the fireworks up to the professionals and everybody will have a safe 4th of July." July 2, 2025