From fiddle contests and barn dances to banjos and mandolin clubs, Kansas has a rich musical history that often goes undocumented. Musician and historian Derrick Doty, known as the Flint Hills Fiddler, is working to preserve those traditions while sharing the stories behind the sounds that helped shape Kansas.

A baton carrying a copy of the Declaration of Independence is making its way across the country, connecting communities and Americans along the American Discovery Trail. We caught part of its journey through Kansas, where local hikers, cyclists and community members helped carry the relay east.

From a difficult childhood in Miami to becoming a Kansas executive and community leader, Rafael Mendes’ journey is one of transformation, perseverance, and the power of relationships. Now based in Salina, Rafael uses his experiences to connect people, serve his community, and share the stories that make Kansas stronger.

First responders and emergency response agencies from the Salina area, along with 10 Emergency Management Directors from across the region, came together at Salina Regional Airport on Tuesday, September 15, for a full-scale disaster exercise. David Sorel, Director of Operations with the Salina Airport Authority, told Ask A Kansan that the airport is required to conduct a full-scale exercise periodically as part of its FAA Part 139 certification. Planning for Tuesday’s exercis

Laura Avery is an author, educator, and executive director of the Kansas Book Festival. A Topeka native, Laura returned to Kansas in 2020 after more than a decade away and now combines her passion for writing and reading with her work celebrating Kansas authors, stories, and the importance of books.

A small Kansas town is making a big statement through public art. In Linn, a community-led effort raised more than $73,000 to create a massive mural celebrating the town’s history, heritage and the people who helped shape it.

Neriah Guerin entered Kansas expecting little more than the flat and boring landscape he remembered from trips along I-70. What he found instead was something he didn’t expect: Kansans willing to offer meals, a place to sleep, and plenty of encouragement along his journey.

Curtis Wolf, director of the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, has spent more than 17 years helping Kansans discover the remarkable ecosystem of Cheyenne Bottoms and understand why wetlands matter.

Matthew Tyler Miller Wells, Associate Director of Automotive Studies at McPherson College, is helping prepare the next generation of automotive restoration professionals. A 2020 graduate of the program, Matt brings years of experience in restoration, museum education and automotive history. His work focuses on connecting students and the public with the craftsmanship, culture and future of the collector car world.

Kansas State University President Richard Linton has spent more than four decades in higher education, beginning his career as a food microbiologist before moving into university administration. In this episode of Ask A Kansan, Linton discusses his journey to the presidency, the role of mentors in shaping his career, and what it means for K-State to serve as a next-generation land-grant university.

Cathy Hopkins serves as chair of the Kansas State Board of Education and represents District 5, a 44-county region spanning much of western and north-central Kansas. A lifelong Kansan, Cathy grew up near Garnett on her family’s dairy farm before eventually settling in Hays.

In early April, the four astronauts of the Artemis II mission set a new distance-from-Earth record, traveling 252,756 miles from our planet. After orbiting the Moon, the crew held a press conference during their voyage home aboard the Orion spacecraft, named Integrity. During the press conference, Kansas Senator Jerry Moran invited the crew to visit the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson, Kansas. Prior to Moran’s invitation, Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman had told the senator that

Hanna Mick is an elementary school counselor in Topeka and a counselor leader consultant with the Kansas State Department of Education. A Kansas native and K-State graduate, Hanna was named Kansas School Counselor of the Year and a finalist for the national award. Her work focuses on helping students build academic, social-emotional and career skills while preparing them to navigate an increasingly digital world.

The 92nd NBC World Series brought nearly two weeks of high-level summer baseball to Wichita, featuring 18 teams, five Kansas squads, and the return of the legendary Baseball Around the Clock challenge. We look back at the tournament, its Kansas roots, and the teams that battled for the 2026 championship.

For 24 years, Matt Gary has been inspiring Salina students through music education and guitar. What began as a classroom experiment has grown into a program serving hundreds of students each year. From national recognition to performances at the Stiefel Theatre, Matt believes music teaches more than notes—it builds confidence, work ethic, creativity and a lifelong connection to others.

The world's largest operating steam locomotive, Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014, made a memorable journey across Kansas, drawing thousands of spectators eager to witness a living piece of railroad history. The legendary steam engine, built in 1941 and restored to service in 2019, is traveling the country as part of a nationwide tour celebrating America's 250th birthday.

Economics doesn't have to be complicated. Jeremy Hill, Regional Executive for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, joins Ask A Kansan to explain inflation, interest rates, and the forces shaping Kansas' economy. From manufacturing growth to household budgets, Jeremy shares the stories behind the data and why they matter to every Kansan.

From falconry to zoo leadership, Ryan VanZant has dedicated his life to wildlife conservation. As Executive Director of Rolling Hills Zoo, he discusses Kansas' disappearing prairies, endangered species, and how modern zoos inspire the next generation to protect the natural world. It's a fascinating conversation about conservation, education, and the wild side of Kansas.

From Juneteenth's Red Drink and Swedish folk dancing to cowboy poetry and Mexican American fast-pitch softball, Humanities Kansas is bringing communities together to celebrate the traditions that have shaped our state. We traveled across Kansas to document five unique presentations that prove our history is best understood through the people who continue to live it.

Katie Woods is the Tournment Director of the National Baseball Congress (NBC) in Wichita, where she is helping preserve and reimagine one of America's most storied amateur baseball traditions.