Kansas City's Northeast Newscast

On this week's episode of the Northeast Newscast we're getting a sneak preview at the Northeast Kansas City Historical Society's Ninth Annual Fall Homes tour. This year, they're focusing on Gladstone and Benton Boulevards in the Scarritt Renaissance Neighborhood. The six houses, apartment complex and church show off a variety of the neighborhood's historic architecture. Purchase tickets now at nekchs.com for the October 15 tour.

On this week’s episode of the Northeast Newscast, we’re at Eleos Coffee with Refuge KC founder Rich Casebolt. Refuge KC is a Christian ministry that welcomes New Americans to Northeast with Gospel-focused ministry. The organization, founded in 2016, also fills in the gaps where refugee placement organizations fall short. For more information, visit refugekc.org.

On this week's episode of the Northeast Newscast, we're talking to the staff of the Kansas City Museum, who are tasked with managing the Home of the Whole Story. Within that role, they are conscious to hire a thoughtful and diverse staff who hold each other accountable, challenge norms within the museum industry, and focus on making all visitors feel welcome. Listen to learn more about how each member of the team made their way to the Kansas City Museum and how their hiring practices have evolved as the Kansas City Museum was restored and reopened.

On this week's episode of the Northeast Newscast, we're at the historic Elmwood Cemetery with Northeast resident Brad Finch. He's starting a business to clean up overgrown and deteriorating headstones, restoring dignity and improving the appearance of the grounds he often walks. He is focused on respectful, preservation minded low-impact cleaning using only National Cemetery Association approved methods and materials. With Elmwood Cemetery's 150th anniversary is around the corner, Finch is one of a group of dedicated volunteers working hard to maintain the sprawling cemetery and aging headstones. Finch's website is gravematterskc.com, and more information about the October 1 celebration can be found about Elmwood Cemetery at elmwoodcemeterykc.org.

On this week's episode of the Northeast Newscast, we're at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival talking to Bob the Incredible Juggler and Chris Cole. They're in Canterbury every weekend through October 16 for the festival's 45th year. We discuss how they became performers, the diverse and interesting cast of characters that make their way to Kansas City each year, and what their favorite parts of the annual festival are. Keep an eye on Northeast News social media pages for ticket giveaways!

On this week’s episode of the Northeast Newscast, we’re joined by Anthony Mendolia, a former Northeast resident and business owner. Mendolia shares stories of his family business, Mendolia’s Italian Sausage, and reminisces on growing up in Northeast. He compares Northeast and Independence Avenue then and now, and shares his hopes for the future of his beloved childhood community. Mendolia will be joining the Northeast News team as a volunteer, sponsored by Central Bank of Kansas City, focusing on oral and written history, creating connections and advocating for Northeast.

On this week's episode of the Northeast Newscast, Publisher Michael Bushnell is at the Kansas City Museum with Chiluba Musonda, Deputy Director of Operations & Organizational Development, and Paul Gutiérrez, Director of Visitor Experience & Public Programming, to discuss current and future food programming at the Museum. The Museum renovation included updates to the Soda Fountain on the lower level and the addition of a kitchen and cafe space on the main level. Listen to hear about cultural food programming and future food offerings at Elixir and Cafe at 3218.

On this week's episode of the Northeast Newscast, we're joined by Crispin Rea, candidate for Kansas City's Fourth District At-Large council seat. Rea, who grew up on Kansas City's East Side, currently works at the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office in the Special Victims Unit. His priorities include safe neighborhoods, basic city services and economic opportunity.Stay tuned for future episodes with each of our Northeast City Council candidates!

On this week’s episode of the Northeast Newscast, we’re joined by Justin Short, candidate for City Council’s Fourth District at-large. Justin’s priorities include equitable community development, transportation and climate action. Listen now to learn more about Justin Short’s campaign, and stay tuned for interviews with each of our candidates for City Council!

This week we’re hearing from Kansas City’s Homeless Prevention Coordinator, Josh Henges, as he talks about upcoming plans in the KC area and his position as Homeless Prevention Coordinator. He shares with Northeast News editorial assistant, EllieAna Hale, about what he wishes to see in Kansas City and how the surrounding community can take a more active role in the Kansas City area as we navigate through the homelessness crisis, while also discussing the true issues and state of being of the homeless population in Kansas City. 

On this week's episode of the Northeast Newscast, we're recapping our summer interns' experience at our local nonprofit paper.Aniaya Reed and EllieAna Hale, both rising sophomores, worked hard this summer to report on local stories, put together a stellar Back to School issue (out August 3!), and build their social media and digital news skills. We discuss their experience and their career and education goals.Their reporting was funded by the Missouri Press Association's internship grant.  Are you interested in interning for the Northeast News? Send us your resume at northeastnews@socket.net!

On this week's episode of the Northeast Newscast, Reporter Intern Aniaya Reed sits down with Artist Zac Laman to chat about his murals around Kansas City, and his future projects. Listen to learn more about Zac's passion for art and his efforts to spread his work across Missouri's borders. 

On this special mid-week episode of the Northeast Newscast, Publisher Michael Bushnell is interviewing firefighter Chris Hernandez. The Kansas City Fire Department (KCFD) is now accepting applications for Firefighter/EMT, as well as civilian positions with the department. KCFD has a history full of traditions, honor and respect among fire departments nationwide. The fire department wants to offer applicants an opportunity to accept the challenge and become a part of over 140 years of fire service excellence. If you’re up for the challenge, visit our web site and click on the job recruitment interest card link: https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/fire/kcfd-job-recruitment-interest-card

On this week’s episode of the Northeast Newscast, Publisher Michael Bushnell is joined by artist Michel Mirabal, whose paintings are on display at the Kansas City Museum through September 25. A selection of Mirabal’s work is brought to the Museum in partnership with Cubanisms: A Cuban Cultural Project, founded by Kansas City Ethnic Enrichment Commissioners Dálida T. Pupo Barrios (Cuba) and Michael McClintock (USA). The exhibit, “The History Behind the Sheets” is in the Meeting & Education Room on the second floor of Corinthian Hall, is free and open to the public during museum visitor hours.

On this week's episode of the Northeast Newscast, Publisher Michael Bushnell sits down with Officers Mena and Hernandez to discuss the return of the Community Action Network to Northeast Kansas City. Listen to learn more about the Kansas City Police Department's return to community policing strategies in our neighborhoods.

On this week’s episode of the Northeast Newscast, we’re joined by Joseph Williams, sales representative with Camel Culture, a brand that brings a taste of home to immigrants and refugees from all over the world. With a camel dairy right here in Missouri, Northeast businesses owned by Somali, African and Asian refugees can share the culturally appreciated and often dearly missed drink with their customers. Williams explains the unique flash pasteurization process, what camel milk tastes like, and how the connection has led him to learn about and celebrate other cultures.

On this week's episode of the Northeast Newscast we're catching up with Christina Hoxie of the Hoxie Collective, the consultants taking the lead on the Kessler Park Master Plan. Kessler Park stretches across the northern border of Northeast Kansas City, including Cliff Drive, the Colonnade at Concourse Park, bike and walking trails, North Terrace Lake, the Carl DiCapo Fountain, an abandoned reservoir, play grounds and more. Learn more about the project, get involved and join us for a community celebration this weekend! More info at: https://fb.me/e/2IlYJVfBA.

 On this week's episode of the Northeast Newscast, Publisher Michael Bushnell is at the Kansas City Museum with Lisa Shockley, Curator of Collections, and Denise Morrison, Director of Collections & Curatorial Affairs. The Museum recently obtained ownership of its collection from the City of Kansas City, Missouri. They explain how the collections are managed, the history behind the transition, and the future of the Kansas City Museum.

On this week's episode of the Northeast Newscast we're visiting Youth and Family Engagement Librarian Samantha Edwards at the North-East Branch of the Kansas City Public Library at 6000 Wilson Ave. She tells us all about the summer reading program, pop-ins at the park, activities and take-home kits for kiddos of all ages, and all the awesome resources available at the newly renovated North-East Branch. Thanks for listening!

On this week's episode we're joined by Sugar Creek Slavic Festival's Heritage Director Debbie O'Renick and Artistic Director Anna O'Renick. The annual festival includes entertainment, food, drinks, arts, culture, contests and more. The festival is on June 10 from 5-11 p.m. and June 11 from 12-11 p.m. Admission is $4 for adults, free for children under 5. For more information, visit slavicfest.com. Stay tuned for opportunities to win tickets from the Northeast News!