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Folk Alliance International Conference attendees gathered in Kansas City in February.

Among Folk Musicians, Protest Music's Future Is Up For Debate

Galvanized by current political events, artists at the Folk Alliance International Conference discuss the ways they see protest music evolving — and folk itself expanding.

Mathew "Skippy" Mauldin holds a flag during a rally outside the Missouri State Capitol, on March 31, in Jefferson City. He was protesting a proposed state constitutional amendment to protect some businesses citing religious objections while denying goods or services related to same-sex weddings.

Missouri's Proposed Religious Freedom Amendment Sets Old Allies At Odds

The business community, including solidly GOP-leaning groups, oppose the bill, after seeing the effect of similar measures elsewhere. The blowback has surprised Christian conservatives in Missouri.

Missouri Auditor Tom Schweich committed suicide following political attacks during his campaign for governor. His press secretary, Spence Jackson, committed suicide just one month later.

Suicides By Missouri Politicians Raise Questions About State Ethics

Two of the state's prominent Republicans, Tom Schweich and Spence Jackson, committed suicide just a month apart. Both men were upset about political attacks early in the state's gubernatorial primary.

Hundreds of union members rally outside the Capitol in Madison on Tuesday to oppose a Republican-led measure that would make Wisconsin a right-to-work state.

Gov. Scott Walker Goes Head-To-Head With Labor Over Right-To-Work

Wisconsin Republicans are fast-tracking a "right to work" bill to Gov. Scott Walker. The law aims to weaken private sector unions by letting employees opt out of paying dues.

A functioning oil rig sits in front of the capital building in Oklahoma City, Okla. The oil industry is an important employer in the state, but officials are concerned a technique used to dispose of wastewater from oil extraction is behind a surge in earthquakes here.

With Quakes Spiking, Oil Industry Is Under The Microscope In Oklahoma

Oil is big business in Oklahoma, and the industry has been a boon for many cities here. But there are concerns that techniques used for extracting oil are behind a surge in temblors in the state.

Remembering Keely Smith, Musical Partner To Her Husband, Louis Prima

Singer Keely Smith died on Saturday after a long bout of ill health. She was best known for her work with band leader Louis Prima in the 50s and 60s, and for their hit, "That Old Black Magic."

A student stops to look at a memorial at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., on Feb. 28. Last month's shooting raised questions about whether states are doing enough to fund mental health services in schools.

Mental Health Funding Tied To Florida's Controversial Gun Legislation

Florida has had three mass shootings in 20 months. Twice before, there have been calls for more mental health funding from the state — to no avail. Will this time be any different?

Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach in his Topeka office in May, 2017, after he was appointed by President Trump to co-chair the Presidential Commission on Election Integrity.

Kobach Trial Ends, Judge Now Deliberating On Kansas Voting

The trial has ended in the lawsuit alleging Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach's requirements to register to vote in his state are unreasonable. A federal judge will rule on the suit within months.

Just Coffee Cooperative's Benjamin Lisser prepares to grind coffee. The glass tube on his vest tests the air in his breathing zone for diacetyl, a chemical byproduct of the coffee roasting process that can cause lung disease.

Coffee Workers' Concerns Brew Over Chemical's Link To Lung Disease

A chemical called diacetyl, which is released as a natural byproduct of the coffee roasting process, has been linked to lung disease. A CDC group advises coffee plants to take precautions.

Students at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan. The pandemic is straining many small American colleges, but some enjoy distinct advantages over their bigger rivals in fighting the spread of the coronavirus on campus.

Despite Strains, Small Colleges Find Advantages In Dealing With COVID-19 On Campus

A smaller student body and shared sense of purpose make it easier to gain compliance with university policies on things such as mask usage and social distancing.

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