Unraveling the News Together

Knit and Crochet Discussion Circle

Read, reflect, listen and learn together in a facilitated discussion about topics in the news with a focus on Kansas or Topeka perspectives. Bring your current yarn project or learn a new skill.

Unraveling the News discussion guidelines

Each topic includes a few articles and a podcast as a starting point. These will be posted two weeks in advance, linked in this event description and available at the discussion.

We will focus on being curious, listening to understand, raising questions, and identifying things we each want to learn more about.

A reference librarian and experienced facilitator will guide the discussion using a circle discussion method where each person can speak or pass when it's their turn.

The discussion will strive to remain nonpartisan, meaning that the group does not expressly support one political party or candidate over another.

Knit and Crochet circle guidelines

For participants who also want to begin or improve their knit or crochet skills, we will use the Each One Teach Two model. https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/knitguide.html

Please bring your own yarn project and supplies. A few learn to knit and learn to crochet kits will also be available for use during the discussion.

Topics for each future sessions are chosen by the attendees at the previous sessions. Bring your ideas! 

Our discussion topic is "private equity" in the local news.

This includes articles regarding development and business in our community, particularly around the recent store closing announcements.  Links include articles about store closings as well as links to the local business development organizations. Some newspaper links may request you to log in with your library card. Access the Topeka Capital Journal online through the library.

• When will Big Lots in Topeka close its doors? Here's what we know. Keishera Lately. Topeka Capital-Journal, The (KS), 24 Feb. 2025, p. 2. NewsBank: America's News.
• Retail chains are closing stores across the U.S. Which ones are in Topeka?. Keirshera Lately. Topeka Capital-Journal, The (KS), sec. Business, 20 Mar. 2025. NewsBank: America's News.
• Joann Fabrics is reportedly going out of business, closing all stores nationwide. Emily Van de Riet, Feb. 24, 2025 WIBW
• Staffing minimum spurs debate. Rose Conlen, Kansas News Service. Article begins on page A2 and continues onto page A3. Topeka Capital-Journal, The (KS), 24 July 2024, p. 2. NewsBank: America's News.
• 60+ bars and restaurants closed in the Kansas City area in 2024. See where and why. David Hudnall. Kansas City Star, The (MO), sec. openings closings, 20 Dec. 2024. NewsBank: America's News.
• College sports should learn from Red Lobster's mistakes. Dan Wolken. Columnist. USA Today.  Page B3, the 13th page. Topeka Capital-Journal, The (KS), 26 May 2024, p. 13. NewsBank: America's News.
• Just how valuable is Kansas athletics? Jordan Guskey. Topeka Capital Journal. Page B1, Topeka Capital-Journal, The (KS), 29 Dec. 2024, p. 11. NewsBank: America's News.
• National clothing retailer will close all its stores, including 3 in Kansas City area. David Hudnall. Kansas City Star, The (MO), sec. openings closings, 8 May 2024. NewsBank: America's News.
• Mission: GO Topeka creates county-wide economic success for all companies and citizens through implementation of an aggressive economic development strategy that capitalizes on the unique strengths of the community. From the Go Topeka website.
• The Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO) was established by an interlocal agreement between Shawnee County and the City of Topeka, Kansas, in 2001.  JEDO is funded through the half cent county wide retailers sales tax established by the inter-local agreement and is to be used for economic development.

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