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Articles by Ava McCluer
Drag Race’s Bosco satirizes media transphobia in ‘The Marvelous Miss Gender’ live show
I always admire when a creator’s work feels like it exists only in a world of their own creation, like Boots Riley’s surreal dystopias in Sorry to Bother YouandI Love Boosters, or Yayoi Kusama’s polka-dotted contemporary creations. Each work seems like it could only be generated from their minds. Walking away from Bosco’s one-woman show as The Marvelous Miss Gender, I placed the RuPaul’s Drag Race icon in similar ranks as a true auteur of her craft.
Marin Meyer and Morgan Cochran roast anonymous dating tales at Flirts & Fumbles
Marin Meyer has been in the matchmaking business for years, running speed dating and mingling events in the city. Today, her talents have manifested in the creation of Flirts & Fumbles, a live comedy dating show she co-hosts with local stand-up comedian Morgan Cochran. Once a month, the duo reads anonymous dating stories to a live audience. The show didn’t always look like this, however.
Who has the best pistachio latte in KC?
The global Dubai chocolate craze began in 2023, when TikTok fed us videos of influencers tasting the dessert, sparking a culinary sensation. This Arab treat features milk chocolate filled with a pistachio-tahini cream, inspired by elements of knafeh, a traditional Arab pastry. Soon, big brands joined in; Shake Shack released its Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Shake, and Costco started selling Dubai chocolate ice cream bars.
Going bananas: Where to find the “it-girl” beverage in KC
Photo illustration by Ava McCluer Banana and coffee: an unexpected combination making international waves. The craze over the fruit itself and its joyful color came first with the virality of Korean banana milk, Prada’s flavored lip balm, and ‘butter yellow‘ trending in the fashion world. Now, coffee chains and brands are starting to catch on: see 7Brew’s Banana Bread Mocha, or the new line of Califia Farms Banana Crème almond milk products. Kansas City is no exception to the trend.
EyesOffKC organizes against Flock surveillance for upcoming National Week of Action
AI-powered license plate readers have been criticized for documented abuse Dissent has risen on the national and local levels for Automatic License Plate Readers, cameras that capture data from passing vehicles, headlined by Flock Safety. ALPR companies boast cases of their technology assisting missing persons cases, recovering stolen vehicles, and theft prevention, but the roughly 1,500 cameras in the KC area have prompted surveillance and privacy concerns from residents.
Full Tilt Film Festival welcomes sports documentaries, panels, and more to 18th and Vine
Film screenings, panels and Q&As will take place from August 28-29. Courtesy of Full Tilt Film Festival After Kansas City takes around a month break from the World Cup bustle, the Full Tilt Film Festival wants to “pull you right back” into sports celebration the last weekend in August. In its inaugural year, Full Tilt is a sports-centered film festival offering screenings, panels, and Q&As with both filmmakers and athletes from August 28-29.
Lethan Candlish’s “Who Am I, Again?” tour is 20 years in the making
About life after a traumatic brain injury, the “verbal collage” is coming to KC Fringe July 18-23 Lethan Candlish performing “Who Am I, Again?” // Photo by Anna Isaeva At 17, Lethan Candlish suffered a traumatic brain injury, a lifelong recovery event that changes a person’s abilities, personality, and even their likes and dislikes.
TheBabeGabe brings her singular pop stardom to FIFA Fan Fest
Her and the music collective, SEVEN RINGS, will perform at the FIFA FanFest July 11. TheBabeGabe at the FIFA Fan Festival // Photo by Stella Subasic Solo artist TheBabeGabe is a genre-defyer, lover of Tumblr culture, and in her own words, Kansas City’s first pop star. Her latest EP made up of four songs, Love Language, follows a sister-album drop, HONEYPOP and HONEYPOP: RELOADED.
Elias Abid performs new single and unreleased songs at Algeria match watch party
His debut EP, opticplay, is set to release this Fall, and marks “a departure,” both musically and personally. Kansas City artist Elias Abid // Photo by Lisa Morel In his newly released single, “Gone Glow,” French-Algerian artist and Kansas City native Elias Abid is noticeably more self-assured, polished, and vulnerable than in his previous work. It’s the first song from his debut EP, opticplay, which is set to come out this Fall.
No cops, no corporations: People’s Pride to illuminate the West Bottoms
The event will close out Pride Month on June 27 and 28 with both 21+ and all ages events. Courtesy People’s Pride and The Ship On June 27 and 28, People’s Pride will decenter corporate rainbow-washing for “two hot days of radical queer love and joy.” Free to attend and based in the West Bottoms, the weekend starts with a resource fair at No Divide KC from 12 – 6 p.m., followed by CIRQUE DU FREAQUÉ at The Ship from 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. on Saturday.
Ahead of Celebrate AMERI’KANA Festival, Art as Mentorship releases tool for supporting Immigrant and Black-owned businesses
AMERI’KANA Music & Arts Festival 2025 // Photo Courtesy of AMERI’KANA Before the vibrant festival even begins later this summer, Art as Mentorship and small businesses are encouraging locals to celebrate true Americana by offering an engaging tool: Passports are now available at places like Café Corazón, Café Cà Phê, and Baba’s Pantry, inviting customers to collect stamps in exchange for prizes redeemable at the free Celebrate AMERI’KANA Music & Arts Festival on August 1.
15th annual JuneteenthKC Heritage Festival to take place in Historic Jazz District
The free celebration be two days and feature vendors, a kid's area, and performances from Common, Akeem Ali, and more. Courtesy JuneteenthKC Facebook JuneteenthKC is celebrating 15 years of its Heritage Festival, which commemorates Juneteenth, the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas learned of their freedom over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
Jared Horman’s new Westport mural honors Kansas City drag artists
The public art piece commemorates 18 performers dating back to the 1870s. Jared Horman with the finished mural // Photo by John Brant Jared Horman’s art is stippled throughout Kansas City: he recently painted a Chappell Roan mural in Midtown, did a World AIDS Day mural on the side of KC CARE Health Center in 2020, and redesigned the official KC flag in 2023 with a simplified concept. His latest project in Westport is newly finished, and recognizes local drag artists going back over a century.
Local artist Remy Wharry opens creative studio and retail space for Raw Art acrylic paints
Remy Wharry with painting “My Beloved” at Raw Art Creative Studio // Photo by Ava McCluer Raw Art Creative Studio is not only named for owner Remy (Abigail) Wharry, but also for her business values: reliability, advocacy, and wellness. First came Raw Art Paint, the Midwest’s first black and woman-owned paint company. Now, located at 3004 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO, Wharry has expanded with a studio and retail space.
She’s the He! is a campy reclamation of the gender-bending sex comedies
Siobhan McCarthy’s directorial debut satirizes conservative nightmares. Misha Osherovich (Ethan) and Nico Carney (Alex) in She’s the He! // Courtesy of Obscured Releasing Conservative groups have been claiming for years that transgender people are a threat to private spaces like bathrooms and dressing rooms.
Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas fall flat in Power Ballad
Director John Carney has made a career in musical movies that have blown audiences away, like Once and Sing Street. His latest has a Jonas Brother and Paul Rudd, which sounds like an unbeatable combo, but Power Ballad ends up disappointingly out-of-tune. 15 years ago, Kansas City native Rick Power (Paul Rudd) had a dream of playing at Madison Square Garden. But when he met Rachel (Marcella Plunkett) on tour in Ireland, life got in the way, and he has stayed there ever since.
Dark Horse Coffee’s debut Summer menu experiments with bold flavor combinations
Abbey Hansen and Holly Holcomb of Dark Horse Coffee // Courtesy of Dark Horse Coffee As the year of the horse, 2026 is said to be a year of independence, confidence, and forward momentum.
WWII drama Pressure wastes worthwhile talent on a blustering narrative
Next week marks 82 years since the Normandy landings on D-Day, an event that led to the liberation of France and Western Europe, and was an integral part of the victory against Nazi tyranny. But the hundreds of thousands of men braving the French shores and skies also faced another, less predictable enemy: the weather. Pressure stars Brendan Fraser as Dwight D. Eisenhower and Andrew Scott as meteorologist James Stagg.
‘Mahjong in The Mandarin’ to wrap up AANHPI month by bringing focus back to the game’s Chinese roots
Vivilore in Independence, MO, is wrapping up AANHPI month with an event centered around the traditional way to play mahjong. Jollene Hastings, owner of Vivlore and its event space, The Mandarin, aims to honor the Asian heritage of the game. “It’s very trendy right now, and there’s a push to make it ‘aesthetic,’” Hastings says. “We wanted to show the original way that it was intended to be played.” The game of skill, luck, and strategy goes back nearly 200 years.
Hunt is on for $10,000 diamond hidden somewhere in Boone County
The race to find a $10,000 diamond hidden somewhere in Boone County kicked off Saturday morning with 56 teams competing for the prize. The 2.53-carat gemstone, provided by Buchroeders Jewelers, is the grand prize for the team that solves a complicated set of puzzles leading to its location. The treasure hunt began at 9 a.m. Saturday, and each team paid $100 to join. The hunt, called Booneanza, was put together by the Boone County History and Culture Center as a fundraiser.
The hunt is on for a $10,000 diamond hidden somewhere in Boone County
The race to find a $10,000 diamond hidden somewhere in Boone County kicked off Saturday morning with 56 teams competing for the prize. The 2.53-carat gemstone, provided by Buchroeders Jewelers, is the grand prize for the team that solves a complicated set of puzzles leading to its location. The treasure hunt began at 9 a.m. Saturday, and each team paid $100 to join.
A simple app has turned thousands in Boone County into eager naturalists
Garrett Frandson has a soft spot for wasps. “They’re always found in any habitat, and they’re typically not really liked by people,” said Frandson, who works for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in stream water quality. Cheryl Rosenfeld uses iNaturalist to identify plants on April 10 at the Grindstone Nature Area. Rosenfeld has made over 10,000 observations in the app, putting her in sixth place in the Boone County observation rankings.
MU researcher looking for ways to help alpha-gal sufferers
Chris Engelage's family takes care of goats, cattle and a mule on their farm in Warren County. Engelage also loves to hunt. But if he were to eat a burger made from his own meat, he would be hit with joint pain, stomachaches and excruciating headaches. Engelage has alpha-gal syndrome, an acute mammalian meat allergy caused by the lone star tick.
MU researcher looking for ways to help alpha-gal sufferers
Chris Engelage's family takes care of goats, cattle and a mule on their farm in Warren County. Engelage also loves to hunt. But if he were to eat a burger made from his own meat, he would be hit with joint pain, stomachaches and excruciating headaches. Engelage has alpha-gal syndrome, an acute mammalian meat allergy caused by the lone star tick.
Mizzou researcher is looking for ways to help alpha-gal sufferers lead normal lives
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‘School for Defectors’ looks forward with hope
Tucked away in an industrial area of Busan, South Korea, a mere 20 students are crammed into intimate dormitories and confined classrooms. It’s one of the country's only boarding schools, the ideal atmosphere to teach defectors — those who have fled North Korea in search of a better life. Jangdahyun School (JDH) works to aid students in the unification process. The curriculum encourages students' individuality, an impossibility under totalitarian rule.
Mahjong makes a big comeback, and Columbia rides the wave
Lauren Crosby learned the 19th-century Chinese tile game called mahjong three years ago during a Thanksgiving break. After getting the gist of it, she introduced the game at a birthday party. It turned out to be a huge hit. Word of mouth spread, and Crosby decided in March to launch a community group called COMO Mahjong, which offers classes, workshops, leagues and retreats. League play is scheduled every Wednesday and Friday at the Wyndham Ridge Clubhouse.
Columbia Public Library celebrates Take Your Child to the Library Day
Columbia Public Library joined thousands of libraries around the world to participate in Take Your Child to the Library Day activities, encouraging families to get library cards while highlighting children's programs. The library celebrated with a scavenger hunt and offered a free book for each child. The Holts Summit, Callaway County and Southern Boone County public libraries participated as well.
Silent Book Club in Columbia library lets readers bring their own books, read in peace
The self-proclaimed “most casual book club in town” meets once a month at the Columbia Public Library for anyone who wants to spend a quiet hour reading. There is no assigned reading, and it’s bring your own book. Called the Silent Book Club, the one in Columbia is among a growing number of these reading groups worldwide that have become alternatives to the chatty clubs where everyone reads the same book and offers up their opinions.
Businesses serve up wassail for downtown holiday stroll
Columbia residents strolled around downtown and sipped on a drink that dates back to the Middle Ages on Saturday. Wassail is a traditional form of cider with seasonal spices, oranges and apples. The drink is a part of wassailing, an Old English tradition dating back to the Middle Ages where communities gather to carol and drink wassail during Christmas. In the Middle Ages, wassail was exchanged between feudal lords and peasants.
Students protest Flock Safety cameras, Choi's stance on crime Original
Roughly 50 students gathered on the University of Missouri's campus Thursday to protest surveillance cameras and data privacy. The students demanded that data from flock surveillance systems not be shared with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and that "city policy is directed by city officials, not Mike Kehoe and Mun Choi," according to an Instagram post from the Mizzou Young Democratic Socialists of America.
'No degree, no savings and no guidebook': Deaf entrepreneur shares journey to success
Ten years ago, Jessica Bax was a "housewife" with little work experience. Now, she is the owner of a successful small business in Fulton. She is also deaf and nonverbal. Around the same time, Bax was taking online business classes with William King, a professor who, at the time, taught at Moberly Area Community College. She said the language and lessons she learned from King helped with the transition.
Local hospitals reduce wait times for primary care physicians Original
With excessive wait times plaguing hospitals across the country, local hospital systems have found ways to improve wait times for patients to see their primary care physicians. "The vast majority of places in Missouri have primary care shortages," Dave Dillon, spokesperson for Missouri Hospital Association, said.
Wait times to establish care at Boone Health and MU Health Care are shortening Original
MU Health Care and Boone Health's expansion into rural areas have provided patients with more access to care, but has it removed the barrier of time it takes to see a primary care physician? The COVID-19 pandemic increased demand for healthcare workers in the U.S., creating a shortage that many hospitals are still fighting to recover from. According to previous Missourian reporting, MU Health Care created a five-year plan in 2022 to curb this shortage by hiring 122 new clinicians by 2027.
MU Health Care discusses potential federal cuts with MU Faculty Council
MU Health Care shared concerns over federal cuts and updates on patient wait times with the University of Missouri Faculty Council Thursday. Chief Operating Officer Tonya Johnson discussed the major headwinds MU Health Care is facing, such as workforce shortages lingering from the COVID-19 pandemic, rural hospital closures and workplace violence. She said another hurdle MU Health Care is facing is the Trump administration's One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which includes major cuts for Medicaid.
Boone Health announces new Glasgow clinic to combat health deserts
The Boone Hospital Foundation donated $1 million to build a clinic in Glasgow, an hour drive from Columbia, to combat health care deserts. According to GoodRx research 80% of counties in the United States are considered health care deserts, which lack adequate access to essential services. This can result in patients driving hours to the nearest hospital for simple procedures like X-rays and labs.
Boone Health announces new Glasglow clinic to combat health deserts
The Boone Hospital Foundation donated $1 million to build a clinic in Glasgow, an hour drive from Columbia, to combat healthcare deserts. According to GoodRx research 80% of counties in the United States are considered healthcare deserts, which lack adequate access to essential services. This can result in patients driving hours to the nearest hospital for simple procedures like X-rays and labs.
Gender expression and identity no longer protected by Mizzou student organizations
University of Missouri student organizations will no longer be required to protect gender identity and expression. To remain registered as a club yearly, organizations must adhere to a “Constitution Checklist” or required statement, including a nondiscrimination clause, according to a post from the Mizzou College Republicans. The post, made on Sept.
Gender expression and identity no longer protected by MU student organizations
University of Missouri student organizations will no longer be required to protect gender identity and expression. To remain registered as a club yearly, organizations must adhere to a “Constitution Checklist” or required statement, including a nondiscrimination clause, according to a post from the Mizzou College Republicans. The post, made on Sept.
Mizzou Students for Justice in Palestine again denied spot in Homecoming parade | Jefferson City News-Tribune
UM System President Mun Choi revealed Thursday in a Faculty Council meeting Mizzou Students for Justice in Palestine, MSJP, will not be participating in this year's Homecoming parade. "It's for safety reasons," Choi said. This decision comes after MSJP was barred from participating three days before the parade in 2024, followed by a recent lawsuit filed on behalf of MSJP by the Council on American-Islamic Relations, CAIR.
Mizzou Students for Justice in Palestine denied spot in Homecoming parade
UM System President Mun Choi revealed Thursday in a Faculty Council meeting that Mizzou Students for Justice in Palestine, MSJP, will not be participating in this year's Homecoming parade. "It's for safety reasons," Choi said.
MU embraces AI use with "Show-Me AI"
By Ava McCluer,Sophia Rentschler The University of Missouri started testing pilots of its new generative AI program, Show-Me AI.Despite all of the hype surrounding the advancements of machine learning models, some students are hesitant to join Mizzou in their embrace of AI. University student Analyse Riley says she believes the intentions of Show-Me AI are good, but there could be unintended consequences.
Student harassment addressed at Faculty Council given open committee positions
During Thursday's University of Missouri Faculty Council meeting, members emphasized the need to fill the Student Affairs Committee chair position, urging representation to address issues of harassment on campus. Faculty Council Chair Carolyn Orbann explained the chancellor's office is working to gather more information on reported incidents after receiving a letter from the Legion of Black Collegians on Aug. 20 claiming continued harassment of Black students on campus, among other grievances.
Panera Bread to open next fall at MU Student Center
By Ava McCluer,Anna Colletto A Panera Bread is headed for the University of Missouri's Student Center next fall, replacing Infusion, a coffee and smoothie shop. MU announced the new addition Tuesday, via email and a post on Instagram. Campus Dining hinted at the change in March, writing in a post that Infusion would close to make room for "an exciting new vendor."
Tootie Burns looks at her sky blue office door and a collection of her mixed media and mosaic
By Ava McCluer/Missourian In this special publication for The District, find out what activities and shopping you can do in downtown Columbia this spring. Read the e-book Burns has kept a place at Orr Street Studios for 17 years and has served on the North Villag... In this special publication for The District, find out what activities and shopping you can do in downtown Columbia this spring. Read the e-book
How to jump into community service on your own
Serving the community can be a symbiotic relationship, proven to improve the mental and physical health of volunteers, as well as contributing where there is a need. For those 65 and older, service can lead to lower rates of depression and anxiety, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Five Columbia organizations making an environmental difference
For those who value an eco-friendly lifestyle, volunteering with organizations that promote sustainability and conservation can make a major local impact. Here's a list of five organizations for volunteers who need a place to start.
A lifetime of advocacy in education and the environment
By Katherine Keely/Missourian,By Ava McCluer Dick Parker has belonged to a hippie commune, climbed mountains and traveled around the world, but that doesn't come even close to what makes him the most proud. Now retired, Parker believes most intensely in energy efficiency, reducing his carbon footprint and protecting the environment.
REVIEW: ‘Deaf President Now!’ is an important piece of disabled rights history
Over eight tumultuous days, students at Gallaudet University, a private college for the deaf and hard of hearing, shut down school operations after the board of trustees appointed another hearing president. At the time, in 1988, there had never been a deaf president of the university in its 124-year history.
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