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Kansas City TodayThe Kansas senator who helped pass the ADAThe late Kansas Sen. Bob Dole was a champion for disability rights. One of his biggest accomplishments was getting the Americans with Disabilities Act passed, 35 years ago this week. We'll look back on the role Kansas played in this landmark civil rights law.The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law 35 years ago this Saturday. It’s the first comprehensive civil rights law for people with disabilities, and it almost didn’t pass. It took years of protests, and advocates from across the country, including the late Republican Sen. Bob Dole. From the KCUR podcast A Peopl...2025-07-2513 minKansas City TodayTraveling hours to see a doctor in KansasIn western Kansas, rural hospitals have been closing or are perpetually understaffed, leaving residents to drive anywhere from an hour to multiple hours for doctors appointments. Plus: Scientists are working on a new framework that factors climate trends into how we think about drought.Western Kansas is the place for a quiet, rural lifestyle. But with that comes shortages when you need to see a doctor. Rural Kansans on average travel twice as far for medical care than their urban counterparts. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have found that largely due to this...2025-07-2414 minKansas City TodayHow public media funding cuts are hurting rural stationsPublic radio and television stations in rural areas may be hit the hardest after Congress clawed back $1 billion for public broadcasting.High Plains Public Radio, which broadcasts in western Kansas, lost 15% of its operating costs, according to executive director Quentin Hope. And in southern Missouri, general manager Rachel Knight says Ozarks Public Radio has lost 10% of its budget and Ozarks Public Television has lost one-third of its budget.Hope and Knight sat down with Up To Date host Steve Kraske to discuss the impacts of the rescission on their rural stations.Contact the...2025-07-2314 minKansas City TodayWill the US privatize the Postal Service?Talks of overhauling the U.S. Postal Service have picked up since President Donald Trump began his second term. With service cutbacks already underway and privatization on the table, rural residents are bracing for more disruptions. Plus: There are more than 40 species of fireflies in Missouri, but for the past few years, people have been concerned about the populations diminishing.As a government agency providing a public service, the U.S. Postal Service is not required to make a profit. But it is not supposed to lose money, either, which it has done every year since 2007, according...2025-07-2214 minKansas City TodayWhat the federal funding clawback means for KCURCongress has approved a plan to claw back funding from U.S. foreign aid programs and public broadcasting organizations like NPR and PBS. What does this mean for KCUR? The station's general manager and interim content director discuss how this could impact our work.Steve Kraske was joined on Up To Date by Sarah Morris, KCUR's general manager and a board member for NPR, and Lisa Rodriguez, interim director of content-journalism, to talk about the future of public media and the challenges ahead for KCUR. Contact the show at news@kcur.org. Follow KCUR on I...2025-07-2115 minKansas City TodayAI-aided art will greet Kansas City streetcar ridersSome artists shy away from using AI. Kansas City photographer and digital artist David Morris embraces it. Hear how a local creative harnesses AI to bring his vision to life, and where you can see it! Plus: A Kansas City bookselling icon is retiring after years of tracking down Black books and vinyl. Now, a new generation is stepping up to preserve her legacy. Artificial intelligence had a hand in a new art installation at a Kansas City Streetcar stop. David Morris’ abstract digital collage is called “Music is Community," and it’s part of this year’s “Art i...2025-07-1814 minKansas City TodayCan Kansas City's transportation death spiral be fixed?In recent years, most Kansas City suburbs have cut transportation funding, which means fewer and slower buses. Local officials are racing to fix that. Plus: High school graduation rates in Kansas are higher than ever. But some people worry that the growth of credit recovery programs could be lowering standards for students.Many suburbs in the Kansas City metro have fewer and slower buses because of cuts to transportation funding. Regional cooperation for transit programs also has been lacking. KCUR's Savannah Hawley-Bates reports on how Kansas City’s transit system is in a death spiral, and what ca...2025-07-1715 minKansas City TodayMultibillion-dollar Panasonic plant opens in KansasPanasonic's highly anticipated $4 billion electric vehicle battery plant opened in De Soto, Kansas, this week. But problems with Tesla, tariffs and tax breaks have investors worried. Leaders of the plant believe it's just a bump in the road.The Kansas News Service's Zane Irwin covered the grand opening of the Panasonic plant, which aims to employ 4,000 people and have eight fully operational production lines by the end of 2026. He discussed its potential, future and possible challenges with Up to Date host Steve Kraske.Contact the show at news@kcur.org. Follow KCUR on Instagram and Fac...2025-07-1612 minKansas City TodayTrump's budget may shutter this Missouri environmental labScientists in a Columbia, Missouri, lab have studied how toxic chemicals affect animals and ecosystems since the 1960s. But President Trump's proposed budget would likely mean lights out. Plus: Hydroelectric power is a mainstay of the United States electrical grid, but federal hurdles could take plants offline.The White House wants to cut the budget of the Ecosystems Mission Area, the research arm of the Department of the Interior, by 90%. KBIA’s Harshawn Ratanpal reports about the potential threat to the Columbia Environmental Research Center.Hydropower is one of the oldest sources of energy. It da...2025-07-1512 minKansas City TodayHow Missouri governors 'quietly dismantled' an ethics watchdogA new report has raised concerns that Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe and his predecessor have failed to fill vacancies at the Missouri Ethics Commission. As a result, the state watchdog has been unable to investigate dozens of complaints of ethical misconduct.KCUR's Up To Date host Steve Kraske spoke with Kansas City Star reporter Kacen Bayless about the conseqeunces of those vacancies — which Kehoe finally filled on Friday.Contact the show at news@kcur.org. Follow KCUR on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news.Kansas City Today is hosted by Nomin Ujiyediin. It is...2025-07-1413 minKansas City TodayAmateur archaeologists are digging into Kansas historyCrews of volunteers are digging into the ruins of a 168-year-old mansion in Lecompton, Kansas, that belonged to a territorial governor. The work is done through the Kansas Historical Society's annual archaeological field school. Plus: Children’s author Derrick Barnes from Kansas City is known for books that are all about making Black kids feel seen.Dozens of amateur archaeologists are digging into Kansas territorial history at the site of a pre-Civil War mansion near Lecompton, on the bluffs above the Kansas River. KCUR’s Julie Denesha takes us there.Bestselling children’s author Derrick Barnes...2025-07-1114 minKansas City TodayWhy Jackson County is having a recall vote on Frank White Jr.Jackson County’s top elected official is facing a recall election. County Executive Frank White Jr. says it’s a political vendetta, while lawmakers say it’s actually about property taxes. But will it actually happen next month?The Jackson County Legislature this week approved a special election to recall White. Lawmakers set the election date for Aug. 26, but the county election board said that date is unlikely to work with such a quick turnaround.Up to Date host Steve Kraske sat down with Jackson County Legislative Chair DaRon McGee to talk about White and the re...2025-07-1012 minKansas City TodayAn Overland Park teen fights to protect cancer fundingThe Trump administration proposed slashing billions of dollars from federal health agencies, but a high school student from Overland Park has been pushing lawmakers to preserve cancer research funding. Plus, we remember a beloved Kansas City singer who died after a long battle with cancer.Matthew Chen, a senior at Blue Valley North High School, knows the importance of cancer research firsthand: He’s been working with the University of Kansas Cancer Center for two years to look into the disease. KCUR’s Jodi Fortino talked with Chen about what federal cuts could mean for research like his...2025-07-0913 minKansas City TodayMissouri activists step up to comfort ICE detaineesPresident Trump's mass deportation efforts have led to the arrests of tens of thousands of immigrants, some of whom end up at the Phelps County Jail in Rolla, Missouri. Now some local activists are trying to provide comfort and assistance to detainees stuck in an unfamiliar place.A group known as Abide in Love is providing ICE detainees in Missouri with food, hygiene products, clothing, and access to phone calls and texting to contact their families. St. Louis Public Radio’s Jonathan Ahl reports.Contact the show at news@kcur.org. Follow KCUR on Instagram and ...2025-07-0812 minKansas City TodayMissouri's governor cut funding to Kansas City institutionsMissouri Gov. Mike Kehoe signed the state budget into law last week, approving more than $50 billion in spending. But he also stripped more than half a billion dollars out that had been approved by lawmakers, including for dozens of programs and projects in Kansas City.KCUR's Brian Ellison spoke with Up To Date host Steve Kraske about Kehoe's decision to use his line item vetoes, and what fallout those could have across the state.Contact the show at news@kcur.org. Follow KCUR on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news.Kansas City Toda...2025-07-0714 minKansas City TodayThe immigrants who brought soccer to Kansas CityKansas City will be the smallest city in North America to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. But it may not have embraced the sport at all, if not for the efforts of immigrants who fought for the beautiful game — before there were even soccer fields to play on.In less than a year, Kansas City will welcome the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and hundreds of thousands of soccer fans. This moment is helping cement the city as an international soccer destination, but it wasn’t always this way. From the podcast “A People’s History of Kansas City,” Suzanne Ho...2025-07-0311 minKansas City TodayPreserving Missouri's night skyPeople across Missouri and Kansas are losing their starry views to light pollution. But the right lighting decisions can help preserve night skies and benefit animal and human health. Missouri's Thousand Hills State Park is the 12th place in the world to earn a special title: urban night sky place. "The point of this certification is not to just get rid of all of the lights," the park superintendent says. "We just don’t want them pointing up so we can’t see the sky. Or pointing in our eyes so we can’t see at all." The Ka...2025-07-0211 minKansas City TodayKansas City's IRS workers struggle after cutsMany federal workers in Kansas City have seen their jobs and departments cut and their work devalued under the Trump administration. We're bringing you another conversation about the Department of Government Efficiency's impacts in town, this time with a local union representative for the U.S. Department of the Treasury.KCUR's Nomin Ujiyediin spoke with Shannon Ellis, an IRS employee who works in the customer service department and is president of the National Treasury Employees Union Chapter 66 — representing more than 6,000 employees.If you’re a current or former federal employee and you want to talk to K...2025-07-0114 minKansas City TodayKansas City Chiefs and Royals play hard-to-getThe Kansas City Chiefs asked the state of Kansas to extend its offer for a stadium funding incentives package, catching Missouri lawmakers off guard after they passed a funding measure of their own. But neither the Chiefs nor the Royals have made any location commitments yet.Steve Kraske spoke to Kansas City Star government and politics reporter Kacen Bayless about stadium developments on KCUR's Up to Date.Contact the show at news@kcur.org. Follow KCUR on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news.Kansas City Today is hosted by Brian Ellison. It is p...2025-06-3012 minKansas City TodayTrans kids grapple with bans on their medical careNext year, transgender teens in Kansas will no longer be able to access puberty blockers and hormone treatments for gender-affirming care. One family in Wichita is worried about navigating the changes. Plus, aircraft manufacturing is a big part of the Kansas economy, but new tariffs by the Trump administration have some companies scrambling. In Kansas and across the country, transgender children have been the subject of legislation, litigation and political debate. Zane Irwin of the Kansas News Service spent the day with a Kansas family affected by the state’s recent ban on gender-affirming health care for mi...2025-06-2714 minKansas City TodayGiving Kansas City kids a career boostAn organization that provides teenagers with internship opportunities has grown to be one of the metro's largest summer employers of youth. But are there enough positions to go around for students with the same dream career? Take a deep dive into ProX.For teens in Kansas City, there aren't too many places where they can get on-the-job experience for their dream careers. But one organization is dedicated to giving them the chance to see what the day-to-day of their dream job is like. KCUR's Brandon Azim explains.Contact the show at news@kcur.org. Follow...2025-06-2611 minKansas City TodayInvestigating the cost of KCPD car crashesThe Kansas City Police Department pays out settlements for crashes for which it takes responsibility. A 10-month KCUR investigation uncovered how often Kansas City police wreck their vehicles — and the cost to taxpayers.A KCUR investigation revealed that the vast majority of Kansas City Police Department legal settlements involve car wrecks. The big-dollar settlements usually involve a wrongful conviction, but month after month, the police department writes checks for car crashes for which it accepts liability. KCUR’s Sam Zeff joins Carlos Moreno to talk about his investigation.Contact the show at news@kcur.org. Foll...2025-06-2510 minKansas City TodayA Kansas City nurse's Middle East experienceAs missile attacks intensified between Israel and Iran last week, a Kansas City-area nurse was providing aid in Jordan. She describes her experience in the country situated between two warring nations.The United States has executed airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, intervening in the war over the weekend in support of Israel. Roxanne Jones, a Kansas City-area nurse and vice president of Lenexa-based Global Care Force, was providing aid in Jordan, located between the two nations. She shares her experience with Steve Kraske on KCUR's daily talk show Up To Date.Contact the show...2025-06-2413 minKansas City TodaySen. Josh Hawley has concerns about the 'Big Beautiful Bill'The U.S. Senate version of President Trump's so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” could ultimately have major budgetary consequences for Missouri, because of a provision capping a critical tax that helps pay for Medicaid. Republican Sen. Josh Hawley says he's concerned about the effect on rural hospitals.St. Louis Public Radio's politics correspondent Jason Rosenbaum discusses the details with KCUR's Brian Ellison. Contact the show at news@kcur.org. Follow KCUR on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news.Kansas City Today is hosted by Brian Ellison. It is produced by Byron Love and KCUR Stu...2025-06-2315 minKansas City TodayGay rights activism at Kansas collegesThe Lawrence Gay Liberation Front has, under various names, challenged misconceptions about LGBTQ+ students at the University of Kansas for 45 years. Now, a book tells those students' stories. Plus: A Kansas museum dedicated to "The Wizard of Oz" is showcasing a movie prop that's never been seen by the public.Gay rights activism at the University of Kansas was led in the 1970s by the Lawrence Gay Liberation Front, but it took 10 years and a lawsuit for the student group to gain official recognition. Now that history has been pieced together by Katherine Rose-Mockry, retired director of...2025-06-2015 minKansas City TodayWhat has Kansas City's reparations commission done?Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas convened a reparations commission in May 2023 with the goal of recommending how the city could repair harms from racism. Two years later, much of that work has yet to begin. Terri Barnes, chair of the Mayor's Commission on Reparations, and Dr. Linwood Tauheed, the economics subcommittee head, spoke with KCUR's Up To Date host Steve Kraske about why the group is optimistic about moving forward, despite facing challenges at the start.Contact the show at news@kcur.org. Follow KCUR on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news....2025-06-1913 minKansas City TodayReclaiming Native landNative Americans in the U.S. lost much of their land by the 20th century, as portions of their reservations were sold. But in the Midwest, more tribes are reclaiming their ancestral territory as the “Land Back” movement gains momentum.Over the past decade, Native tribes have been trying to regain ancestral lands through the growing “Land Back” movement. In one of the latest cases, the state of Illinois returned land, illegally sold nearly 200 years ago to white settlers, to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. Harvest Public Media contributor Peter Medlin reports on the “Land Back” movement in the Midwe...2025-06-1811 minKansas City TodayA threat to journalism in Kansas CityThe U.S. House voted to take back $1.1 billion from public broadcasting stations like NPR and KCUR. Now, the rescission package heads to the U.S. Senate. KCUR's CEO and news director explain what's happening and what it means for this station — plus how we approach our journalism.KCUR General Manager Sarah Morris and KCUR Interim Director of Content-Journalism Lisa Rodriguez joined Steve Kraske on Up To Date to share how defunding the Corporation for Public Broadcasting would affect journalism across the country.Contact the show at news@kcur.org. Follow KCUR on Instagram and Fa...2025-06-1712 minKansas City TodayDOGE hits the Labor Department in Kansas CityMany federal workers in Kansas City are seeing their jobs and departments cut and their work devalued under the Trump administration. We're bringing you another conversation about DOGE's impacts in town — this time with a local union representative for the U.S. Department of Labor.KCUR's Nomin Ujiyediin spoke with Jeff Suchman, a worker's comp claims examiner for federal firefighters and the president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 1748 — which represents Labor Department employees in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska.Suchman said that working at the department recently has been chaotic, with management tell...2025-06-1613 min
Up To DateWith public media funding under threat, KCUR leader says station will do 'whatever it takes'If the U.S. Senate signs off on the rescission package passed by the U.S. House on Thursday, the loss of federal funding would be an immediate hit to hundreds of public broadcasters like KCUR. "We're going to rely on this community to figure out ways so that we are not having to diminish the service we provide," says General Manager Sarah Morris.2025-06-1311 minKansas City Today'No Kings' protests in Kansas City“No Kings” protesters will take to the streets around the country this Saturday to push back against the policies of the Trump administration. Several protests are planned around Kansas City, including at the Country Club Plaza.KCUR's Steve Kraske spoke with Beverly Harvey, founder and group leader of Indivisible KC and an organizer with the "No Kings" rally, about recent protests and criticisms of the Trump administration. The protest takes place Saturday at Country Club Plaza, while others are planned for Overland Park, Lee's Summit and more.Contact the show at news@kcur.org. Follow KCUR...2025-06-1313 minKansas City TodayHow Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' could hurt Kansans on MedicaidFederal lawmakers are considering billions of dollars in Medicaid cuts, a proposal that has divided Republicans. Some Kansans who rely on the program are afraid they’ll lose coverage or benefits.The "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" would include $715 billion in cuts to Medicaid spending over the next decade, as part of an effort to lower spending and taxes. Bek Shackelford-Nwanganga of the Kansas News Service reports on what that could mean for health care providers and the hundreds of thousands of Kansans who rely on Medicaid.Contact the show at news@kcur.org. Follow KC...2025-06-1211 minKansas City Today'Dire conditions' at a Kansas ICE prisonImmigrant detainees at the federal penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas, have reported denied medical care, prolonged detention and unequal treatment. It's drawing serious scrutiny to the conditions in ICE custody, and the ACLU is calling for changes.Kansas City Star reporter Matthew Kelly explains what's happening on KCUR Up To Date. Contact the show at news@kcur.org. Follow KCUR on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news.Kansas City Today is hosted by Nomin Ujiyediin. It is produced by Byron Love and KCUR Studios, and edited by Lisa Rodriguez, Emily Younker and Gabe...2025-06-1114 minKansas City TodayMore Kansas City gardeners should embrace native plantsA Kansas City gardener had a light bulb moment: If she chose native plants for her yard, it would be better for wildlife. Now it’s home to birds, frogs, bees, and many butterflies. Plus: Farmers have been taking on more debt, while their incomes have been shrinking over the last few years.Wildlife-friendly gardening is gaining traction across the Midwest. The KCUR Studios podcast Up From Dust talked to a master gardener about why she switched to this approach and her tips for getting started. Celia Llopis-Jepsen of the Kansas News Service reports.Farmers hav...2025-06-1014 minUp To DateKCUR leaders on the executive order to defund NPR and member stationsPresident Trump signed an executive order directing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to immediately cut funding for NPR and its member stations. KCUR's general manager and interim director of content explain what we know about the impact to KCUR and Classical KC.2025-05-0618 min
Up From DustIntroducing: Up From Dust(Jessica Cornelison / KCUR 89.3)Trees are swallowing prairies. Bees are starving for food. Farmland is washing away in the rain. Humans broke the environment — but we can heal it, too. Up From Dust is a new podcast about the price of trying to shape the world around our needs, as seen from America’s breadbasket: Kansas. Hosts Celia Llopis-Jepsen and David Condos wander across prairies, farm fields and suburbia to find the folks who are finding less damaging, more sustainable ways to fix our generational mistakes. Coming soon from the Kansas News Service, KCUR Studios, and the...2024-04-0201 min
Hungry For MOThe salad days of Wish-Bone dressingRead more about the Wishbone restaurant and the rise of Wish-Bone Italian dressing, from KCUR's Mackenzie Martin and Jenny Vergara.Hungry For MO is a production of KCUR Studios, with support from the Missouri Humanities Council. It’s hosted by Natasha Bailey and Jenny Vergara. This episode was written and produced by Mackenzie Martin with editing from Gabe Rosenberg and Suzanne Hogan. Sound design and mix by Mackenzie Martin with help from intern Zacchary Rodgers. Music this episode from Blue Dot Sessions.2022-12-1432 minHungry For MOBlack walnut magicRead more about the black walnut and how it shaped Missouri cuisine from KCUR's Natasha Bailey and Suzanne Hogan.Hungry For MO is a production of KCUR Studios, with support from the Missouri Humanities Council. It’s hosted by Natasha Bailey and Jenny Vergara. This episode was written and produced by Suzanne Hogan with editing from Gabe Rosenberg and Mackenzie Martin. Sound design and mix by Suzanne Hogan and intern Zacchary Rodgers. Music this episode from Blue Dot Sessions. Special thanks this episode to reporter Bek Shackelford-Nwanganga for additional reporting from Stockton, Missouri.2022-12-0727 minHungry For MONo apologies for St. Louis pizzaRead more about how St. Louis pizza is the style everyone loves to hate from KCUR's Jenny Vergara and Mackenzie Martin.Hungry For MO is a production of KCUR Studios, with support from the Missouri Humanities Council. It’s hosted by Natasha Bailey and Jenny Vergara. This episode was written and produced by Mackenzie Martin with editing from Gabe Rosenberg and Suzanne Hogan. Sound design and mix by Mackenzie Martin and intern Zacchary Rodgers. Music this episode from Blue Dot Sessions. Special thanks this episode to St. Louis Public Radio’s Brian Munoz, who gathered sounds and inte...2022-11-3029 min
Hungry For MOA toast to the birthplace of sliced breadPrior to 1928, if you wanted sliced bread, you had to cut it yourself. Until two entrepreneurs in Chillicothe, Missouri, changed history.(David White KCUR 89.3 / Images Courtesy of Catherine Stortz Ripley / The Rohwedder Family Collection / Sliced Bread Innovation Center)New episodes of Hungry For MO start on November 30. Until then, we recommend listening to more stories from A People's History of Kansas City.Read more about how a Missouri town almost forgot it invented the greatest thing in the world from KCUR's Suzanne Hogan.2022-11-2129 min
A People's History of Kansas CityPHKC live! Go behind the scenes with Suzanne Hogan and Mackenzie MartinJoin the KCUR podcast team that makes "A People's History of Kansas City" live at the Gem Theater on Thursday, Sept. 1 for a behind-the-scenes look at their award-winning episode, "Kansas City's Barbecue King." There will be BBQ trivia, a special guest and some never-before-heard information about Henry Perry. Tickets available at kcur.org/events.2022-08-2601 min
Real Humans By Gina KaufmannA Voice Of Calm For Kansas CityRenee Blanche started hosting KCUR's "Night Tides" 27 years ago this month. She found exactly what her listeners now seek: "That Sunday night space became an island in the storm of my life."2021-09-1910 minHungry For MOMyth-busting the St. Louis World's Fair Ice tea, cotton candy, ice cream and hamburgers were all popularized at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis.(Crysta Henthorne / KCUR 89.3)Read more about how the World's Fair of 1904 offered the best and worst of America from KCUR's Suzanne Hogan.2021-09-1428 minHungry For MOCrock-Pots for the people(Crysta Henthorne / KCUR 89.3)Read more about the Kansas City women who taught America how to use the Crock-Pot from KCUR's Mackenzie Martin.2021-09-0733 minHungry For MOGeorge Washington Carver’s quiet revolution(Crysta Henthorne / KCUR 89.3)Read more about George Washington Carver's revolutionary contributions to the world, stretching from civil rights to agriculture, from KCUR's Suzanne Hogan.2021-08-3130 minReal Humans By Gina KaufmannThe Most Curious Sandwich In MissouriThe Real Humans podcast crew is off this week, so we’re sharing this story from KCUR’s new food podcast Hungry For MO. It’s about chef Qui Tran — who immigrated with his family from Vietnam to St. Louis, and fell in love with a unique, oddly-named dish called the St. Paul sandwich.2021-08-2913 minHungry For MOChinese food, Missouri-style Springfield cashew chicken and the St. Paul sandwich are both dishes created by immigrants in Missouri – and now help define the state's cuisine.(Crysta Henthorne / KCUR 89.3)Read more about how Missouri's immigrants created the St. Paul sandwich 80 years ago or how David Leong turned Springfield cashew chicken into a uniquely Missouri phenomenon from KCUR's Mackenzie Martin.2021-08-2430 minHungry For MOHow Missouri saved wine(Crysta Henthorne / 89.3 KCUR)Learn more about how two Missourians stepped up to save the global wine industry from KCUR's Suzanne Hogan.2021-08-1722 minHungry For MOWho gets to define Missouri barbecue?(Crysta Henthorne / KCUR 89.3)Learn more about how Missouri's barbecue has evolved over the last 200 years — and recent efforts to redefine it — from KCUR's Mackenzie Martin.KCUR's Jenny Vergara also has a list of the best barbecue in the state of Missouri.2021-08-1029 minReal Humans By Gina KaufmannA Chiefs Fan's Alternate Pandemic RealityA year ago, KCUR aired the "coronavirus diaries" of a Kansas City native teaching English in China. Back then, his account of life in quarantine — including an eerily quiet Super Bowl watch party — seemed unimaginable. Now, the normalcy of his post-COVID life is what's surreal.2021-02-0707 minReal Humans By Gina KaufmannTrailer: Real HumansThe coronavirus has changed everything about how we live in Kansas City. Starting Jan. 24, KCUR's Gina Kaufmann will bring you a weekly podcast about how we're adapting to a very different world. Think of it as weekly letters from her to you.2021-01-1701 min
Question QuestQuestion Quest: TrailerStarting in September, KCUR Studios brings you Question Quest, a podcast about everyday mysteries, curiosities and questions in the Midwest. Co-hosts Suzanne Hogan and Cody Newill will take turns sending each other on grand adventures to find the stories behind intriguing things.2020-04-1501 min
Central StandardSeg. 1: COVID-19's Frontline Fighters | Seg. 2: Dividing Household ChoresSegment 1: Health care workers continue to work in unsafe environments. A lack of protective gear and the silent nature of COVID-19 are just two new concerns piled on top of existing ones Kansas City health care providers deal with during the pandemic. Many are already coming to terms with the idea they will likely contract the virus. Dr. Allison Edwards , owner of Kansas City Direct Primary Care Heidi Lucas , state director of Missouri Nurses Association Segment 2, beginning at 35:45: Getting house work done while working from home Has the work-from-home nature of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic changed the division of labor...2020-04-0257 min
My Fellow KansansBONUS: Kansas Drinkers Can Thank This Tough GuyIn this episode of KCUR's new podcast, A People's History of Kansas City , host Suzanne Hogan and Matthew Long-Middleton tell the story of the pugnacious Kansas sheriff and attorney general Vern Miller, whose antics seemed to be a throwback to the Wild West era but left a surprising legacy.2020-04-0227 minCentral StandardSeg. 1: Helping The Homeless | Seg. 2: Essential Workers In PandemicSegment 1: How the coronavirus pandemic is affecting the least fortunate among us. One advocate for people experiencing homelessness says that population is always in crisis. When you add a worldwide pandemic to the mix, the stakes are even higher for them and the organizations that work to provide them the resources to survive. Stephanie Boyer , CEO of reStart Precious Stargell Cushman , CEO of Community LINC Segment 2, beginning at 33:00: Many grocery store clerks, plumbers and laundromat attendants are reporting to work like normal. What or who qualifies as an essential business or worker? The question is gaining new importance as states...2020-03-3156 minCentral StandardCoronavirus Q&A: Is It Safe To Go To The Bank?Answers to coronavirus questions, and resources available in the Kansas City area As part of special coverage of the novel coronavirus, KCUR opened the phone lines to answer your questions. From hospital preparedness to mental health to where to find social services, our panel of experts fielded questions from around the metro, including one senior who wanted to know if the drive-thru at the bank could put her at risk. Dr. Mary Anne Jackson , professor and interim dean at the UMKC School of Medicine Katie Kriegshauser , psychologist and director of the Kansas City Center for Anxiety Treatment Jim MacDonald , chief...2020-03-2057 minCentral StandardSeg. 1: Sports And Coronavirus | Seg. 2: The Digital DivideSegment 1: How sports journalists are adapting to a lack of sporting events. The coronavirus has proven to be a huge disruption in the world of athletics. Aside from professional teams suspending seasons (to the dismay of thousands), sports journalists are also facing a major shift in how they find and report stories. Marleah Campbell , sports director for WIBW-TV Greg Echlin , sports contributor for KCUR Vahe Gregorian , sports columnist for the Kansas City Star Segment 2, beginning at 29:39: Social distancing without the internet Schools are closing and many businesses are asking employees to work from home. What about those without adequate internet...2020-03-2056 minCentral StandardSeg. 1: Sick Leave + Viruses | Seg. 2: A People's HistorySegment 1: Can we really expect people to stay home from work when they're sick if they don't get paid sick leave? In Missouri and Kansas, employers are not required to provide sick leave. What does that mean as we watch the coronavirus spread and workers are told to self-quarantine? Christopher Ingraham, data reporter for The Washington Post, Our lack of paid sick leave will make the coronavirus worse Wade Conyers, local sous chef Segment 2, beginning at 25:04: Season 1, Episode 5, A People's History of Kansas City. We continue sharing installments of this new podcast from KCUR exploring the everyday heroes, renegades and v...2020-03-1251 min
MidwesternishIntroducing A People's History Of Kansas CityMidwesternish listeners, we have a new podcast for you! KCUR's Suzanne Hogan brings you tales of the everyday heroes, renegades and visionaries who shaped Kansas City and the region. If these stories aren't told, they're in danger of fading into the past. The first episode drops February 6. Apple Podcasts | Spotify2020-02-0401 minA People's History of Kansas CityIntroducing A People's History Of Kansas CityKCUR's Suzanne Hogan brings you tales of the everyday heroes, renegades and visionaries who shaped Kansas City and the region. If these stories aren't told, they're in danger of fading into the past. The first episode drops February 6. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Play2020-01-3001 min
Statehouse Blend MissouriGuns, Gambling And The Gas Tax: Previewing The 2020 Missouri Legislative SessionThe 2020 session of the Missouri General Assembly, which convenes Wednesday, promises the usual array of legislative wrangling and partisan bickering — all with an election looming in November. In this episode of Statehouse Blend Missouri, we bring you a preview, which first aired on KCUR's Up to Date on Jan. 6. Host Steve Kraske spoke with Brian Hauswirth, news director of Missourinet, and Jaclyn Driscoll, the statehouse reporter for St. Louis Public Radio.2020-01-0824 min
Statehouse Blend MissouriGuns, Gambling And The Gas Tax: Previewing The 2020 Missouri Legislative SessionThe 2020 session of the Missouri General Assembly, which convenes Wednesday, promises the usual array of legislative wrangling and partisan bickering — all with an election looming in November. In this episode of Statehouse Blend Missouri, we bring you a preview, which first aired on KCUR's Up to Date on Jan. 6. Host Steve Kraske spoke with Brian Hauswirth, news director of Missourinet, and Jaclyn Driscoll, the statehouse reporter for St. Louis Public Radio.2020-01-0824 minMy Fellow KansansMy Fellow Kansans LiveMy Fellow Kansans is coming to Johnson County Library Nov. 13 for a live podcast event. Host Jim McLean will lead a discussion about rural issues with a panel of special guests, including state Rep. Eileen Horn. If you live in the area, we hope you'll join us. RSVP at KCUR.org/Kansans .2019-11-1100 minStatehouse Blend MissouriThe 2019 Missouri Legislative Session Recap: GOP Wins Big On Abortion, Economic DevelopmentIn this very special episode of KCUR’s Statehouse Blend Missouri podcast, we joined forces with St. Louis Public Radio’s Politically Speaking podcast to round up the 2019 session of the Missouri General Assembly.2019-05-2136 minStatehouse Blend MissouriThe 2019 Missouri Legislative Session Recap: GOP Wins Big On Abortion, Economic DevelopmentIn this very special episode of KCUR’s Statehouse Blend Missouri podcast, we joined forces with St. Louis Public Radio’s Politically Speaking podcast to round up the 2019 session of the Missouri General Assembly.2019-05-2136 minStatehouse Blend MissouriMissouri Auditor Nicole Galloway Discusses The State Budget, Putnam County HospitalsMissouri Auditor Nicole Galloway ’s been busy, looking into Clay County’s finances, the attorney general’s office and raising questions about the state’s tax revenues and budget issues. She sat down with KCUR's Samuel King on April 15 (Tax Day) to discuss all of these things, as well as what it’s like to be the only Democrat holding a statewide office. Subscribe to Statehouse Blend Missouri: iTunes , Google Play , and on the NPRone app .2019-04-1713 minStatehouse Blend MissouriAn End to Gerrymandering? Missouri's 2018 Ballot QuestionsMidterm elections are just around the corner, but much of Missouri's ballot is covered with pot — and redistricting, ethics rules, a gas tax and a minimum wage increase. Ballot questions join the U.S. Senate race as the big-ticket items on November 6 in Missouri. Host Brian Ellison talks with KCUR's Samuel King , Clean Missouri campaign director Sean Soendker Nicholson and Kansas City Star reporter Allison Kite . Subscribe to Statehouse Blend Missouri: iTunes , Google Play , and on the NPRone app .2018-10-2932 minStatehouse Blend MissouriAn End to Gerrymandering? Missouri's 2018 Ballot QuestionsMidterm elections are just around the corner, but much of Missouri's ballot is covered with pot — and redistricting, ethics rules, a gas tax and a minimum wage increase. Ballot questions join the U.S. Senate race as the big-ticket items on November 6 in Missouri. Host Brian Ellison talks with KCUR's Samuel King , Clean Missouri campaign director Sean Soendker Nicholson and Kansas City Star reporter Allison Kite . Subscribe to Statehouse Blend Missouri: iTunes , Google Play , and on the NPRone app .2018-10-2932 minMy Fellow KansansMy Fellow Kansans LIVEMy Fellow Kansans is coming to Johnson County Library on Oct. 25 for a live event, featuring podcast host Jim McLean and political scientist Beth Vonnahme. We'll discuss the current state of Kansas politics and learn how Kansas voters are feeling ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. You'll have a chance to ask questions and hear more about the making of our podcast, too. Join us for this special live event on Oct. 25 at 6:30 p.m. at the Johnson County Library Central Branch in Overland Park, Kansas. You can learn more and RSVP at kcur.org/kansans .2018-10-1900 minStatehouse Blend Missouri'Dark Money' Pours Into MissouriThe influence of money in today's politics is undeniable, in Missouri and everywhere else. We explore campaign contributions, PACs, "dark money" groups and more, not only in big races like the U.S. Senate race between Claire McCaskill and Josh Hawley, but also in tight local races like the fight for the Missouri Senate seat in Platte and Buchanan Counties. We talk with Republican Tony Luetkemeyer and Democrat Martin Rucker , and St. Louis Public Radio's Jo Mannies . (For more of the conversation about issues in the 34th District Senate race, visit kcur.org next week.)2018-10-0527 minStatehouse Blend Missouri'Dark Money' Pours Into MissouriThe influence of money in today's politics is undeniable, in Missouri and everywhere else. We explore campaign contributions, PACs, "dark money" groups and more, not only in big races like the U.S. Senate race between Claire McCaskill and Josh Hawley, but also in tight local races like the fight for the Missouri Senate seat in Platte and Buchanan Counties. We talk with Republican Tony Luetkemeyer and Democrat Martin Rucker , and St. Louis Public Radio's Jo Mannies . (For more of the conversation about issues in the 34th District Senate race, visit kcur.org next week.)2018-10-0527 minStatehouse Blend MissouriA Wild Political Year Races Toward NovemberThe final slog to the November elections is underway, and Missouri's already wild political year holds the possibility of getting wilder yet. As Democrat Jason Kander pivots from the state and national stage to a Kansas City mayoral run, we get his assessment of the state of Missouri politics. We recap the primary election's top story, the overwhelming defeat of the anti-union "Right to Work" law. And we take a closer look at November's top race: the battle between Claire McCaskill and Josh Hawley that could determine control of the U.S. Senate. Guests: Jason Kander ; Samuel King , KCUR; Bryan...2018-08-2424 minStatehouse Blend MissouriA Wild Political Year Races Toward NovemberThe final slog to the November elections is underway, and Missouri's already wild political year holds the possibility of getting wilder yet. As Democrat Jason Kander pivots from the state and national stage to a Kansas City mayoral run, we get his assessment of the state of Missouri politics. We recap the primary election's top story, the overwhelming defeat of the anti-union "Right to Work" law. And we take a closer look at November's top race: the battle between Claire McCaskill and Josh Hawley that could determine control of the U.S. Senate. Guests: Jason Kander ; Samuel King , KCUR; Bryan...2018-08-2424 minStatehouse Blend MissouriSession Scorecard: GOP Agenda WinsAs the 2018 legislative session careened to an end, we took stock of what legislation passed, what didn't pass, and what was allowed to quietly pass away. It turns out that with all eyes on the accusations against Gov. Eric Greitens, his fellow Republicans were fairly successful at advancing a legislative agenda. Host Brian Ellison calls on KCUR editor Erica Hunzinger to help recap the session, and Sen. Jason Holsman , a Kansas City Democrat, talks about what went wrong for his party.2018-05-2224 minStatehouse Blend MissouriSession Scorecard: GOP Agenda WinsAs the 2018 legislative session careened to an end, we took stock of what legislation passed, what didn't pass, and what was allowed to quietly pass away. It turns out that with all eyes on the accusations against Gov. Eric Greitens, his fellow Republicans were fairly successful at advancing a legislative agenda. Host Brian Ellison calls on KCUR editor Erica Hunzinger to help recap the session, and Sen. Jason Holsman , a Kansas City Democrat, talks about what went wrong for his party.2018-05-2224 minStatehouse Blend MissouriBattle For A Senate Seat In A Swing DistrictMissouri Reps. Lauren Arthur and Kevin Corlew are fighting over an exceedingly rare prize in Missouri politics: an open Senate seat in a district that doesn't have a clear partisan leaning. Whether voters choose the Democratic Arthur or the Republican Corlew in a June 5 special election could speak volumes about the mood of the electorate at a turbulent time. Host Brian Ellison moderated a candidate forum on May 10, co-sponsored by KCUR and the League of Women Voters. This episode provides highlights; to hear the entire unedited forum: . Music used in this episode: Warming Evening by Nameless Dancers; The Silver Hatch...2018-05-1424 minStatehouse Blend MissouriBattle For A Senate Seat In A Swing DistrictMissouri Reps. Lauren Arthur and Kevin Corlew are fighting over an exceedingly rare prize in Missouri politics: an open Senate seat in a district that doesn't have a clear partisan leaning. Whether voters choose the Democratic Arthur or the Republican Corlew in a June 5 special election could speak volumes about the mood of the electorate at a turbulent time. Host Brian Ellison moderated a candidate forum on May 10, co-sponsored by KCUR and the League of Women Voters. This episode provides highlights; to hear the entire unedited forum: . Music used in this episode: Warming Evening by Nameless Dancers; The Silver Hatch...2018-05-1424 min
My Fellow KansansDown To The WireIt's the end of the line for Kansas lawmakers. The curtain comes down on the 2018 legislative session Friday — maybe before. We'll talk about the fate of the big tax-cut bill we discussed last week and the school funding plan. Plus, what is the "Truth Caucus" and what are their plans for 2018? Subscribe to Statehouse Blend Kansas, and stay up to date with the latest news from the Kansas Legislature: iTunes , Google Play , and on the NPR One app . Jim McLean is managing director of the Kansas News Service, a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public Ra...2018-05-0221 minStatehouse Blend MissouriHow A Governor’s Scandals May Shift The U.S. SenateMissouri Attorney General Josh Hawley seems headed for the Republican nomination to challenge incumbent U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill this fall. But Hawley's path has been made rougher by his complicated relationship with Gov. Eric Greitens—fellow Republican, fellow first-time-officeholder—and subject of his investigations. In this episode, host Brian Ellison takes an early look at the 2018 race. He talks with KCUR's Erica Hunzinger about Hawley's history and present entanglement with the governor. Then KCUR's Up to Date host Steve Kraske analyzes McCaskill's chances and recalls covering that 2012 race. Subscribe to Statehouse Blend Missouri, and stay up to date with the...2018-04-3021 minStatehouse Blend MissouriHow A Governor’s Scandals May Shift The U.S. SenateMissouri Attorney General Josh Hawley seems headed for the Republican nomination to challenge incumbent U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill this fall. But Hawley's path has been made rougher by his complicated relationship with Gov. Eric Greitens—fellow Republican, fellow first-time-officeholder—and subject of his investigations. In this episode, host Brian Ellison takes an early look at the 2018 race. He talks with KCUR's Erica Hunzinger about Hawley's history and present entanglement with the governor. Then KCUR's Up to Date host Steve Kraske analyzes McCaskill's chances and recalls covering that 2012 race. Subscribe to Statehouse Blend Missouri, and stay up to date with the...2018-04-3021 minMy Fellow KansansCan We Afford New Tax Cuts?All the commotion around a school funding plan may have overshadowed the fact that Kansas lawmakers are also working on a controversial tax cut bill. Some say it simply returns a federal windfall to Kansas taxpayers. Others argue it’s unaffordable at a time when the state is still recovering from former Governor Sam Brownback’s 2012 tax cuts. Subscribe to Statehouse Blend Kansas, and stay up to date with the latest news from the Kansas Legislature: iTunes , Google Play , and on the NPR One app . Jim McLean is managing director of the Kansas News Service, a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Publ...2018-04-2515 minMy Fellow KansansIs History Repeating Itself In School Funding Debate?Lawmakers and Governor Jeff Colyer have written another chapter in the story of this ongoing debate by authorizing a $500 million increase in school funding over the next five years. But will that be enough to end the litigation? If not, are we headed for another showdown like the one that rocked the Statehouse in 2005? Subscribe to Statehouse Blend Kansas, and stay up to date with the latest news from the Kansas Legislature: iTunes , Google Play , and on the NPR One app . Jim McLean is managing director of the Kansas News Service, a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and...2018-04-1825 minStatehouse Blend MissouriThe Greitens ReportOn Wednesday, a Missouri House committee released an explosive report about an affair Gov. Eric Greitens has admitted having with his former hairdresser in 2015. Many lawmakers have called the details of that report "disturbing" and Greitens’ future as governor may be in jeopardy. In this episode, host Brian Ellison and KCUR editor Erica Hunzinger unpack the report's details. We also hear from two lawmakers, Republican Rep. Kevin Corlew and House Democratic Floor Leader Gail McCann Beatty, who both think it's time for Greitens to go. Subscribe to Statehouse Blend Missouri, and stay up to date with the latest news from th...2018-04-1219 minStatehouse Blend MissouriThe Greitens ReportOn Wednesday, a Missouri House committee released an explosive report about an affair Gov. Eric Greitens has admitted having with his former hairdresser in 2015. Many lawmakers have called the details of that report "disturbing" and Greitens’ future as governor may be in jeopardy. In this episode, host Brian Ellison and KCUR editor Erica Hunzinger unpack the report's details. We also hear from two lawmakers, Republican Rep. Kevin Corlew and House Democratic Floor Leader Gail McCann Beatty, who both think it's time for Greitens to go. Subscribe to Statehouse Blend Missouri, and stay up to date with the latest news from th...2018-04-1219 minMy Fellow KansansA School Funding MilestoneAfter months and months of debate, it’s finally happened. The Kansas Legislature has passed a school funding plan. Now, the questions are whether lawmakers can fix a mistake in the plan and, once fixed, whether it increases funding enough to satisfy the Kansas Supreme Court. Subscribe to Statehouse Blend Kansas, and stay up to date with the latest news from the Kansas Legislature: iTunes , Google Play , and on the NPR One app . Music used in this episode: Warming Evening by Nameless Dancers; Soothe , and Balti by Blue Dot Sessions. Jim McLean is managing director of the Kansas News Service, a...2018-04-1122 minStatehouse Blend MissouriMissouri's Constant Abortion DebateIn some states, abortion is on the agenda just about every year. Missouri is one of those states, and it is one where efforts to regulate or restrict abortion are often successful. Last week, the House passed a bill banning abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Host Brian Ellison talks with the bill's sponsor, Rep. Donna Lichtenegger , and KCUR's health editor, Dan Margolies , to put the legislation in the broader context of Missouri abortion law and the numerous court challenges it continues to face. Subscribe to Statehouse Blend Missouri, and stay up to date with the latest news from the Missouri...2018-04-0921 minStatehouse Blend MissouriMissouri's Constant Abortion DebateIn some states, abortion is on the agenda just about every year. Missouri is one of those states, and it is one where efforts to regulate or restrict abortion are often successful. Last week, the House passed a bill banning abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Host Brian Ellison talks with the bill's sponsor, Rep. Donna Lichtenegger , and KCUR's health editor, Dan Margolies , to put the legislation in the broader context of Missouri abortion law and the numerous court challenges it continues to face. Subscribe to Statehouse Blend Missouri, and stay up to date with the latest news from the Missouri...2018-04-0921 minMy Fellow KansansBacks To The WallThe clock is ticking for the Kansas Legislature to agree on a new school finance formula. One lawmaker in the middle of the debate says while progress is being made, it’s not happening fast enough. On this episode, the story of the legislature’s increasingly frantic efforts to meet the court’s end of the month deadline. Subscribe to Statehouse Blend Kansas, and stay up to date with the latest news from the Kansas Legislature: iTunes , Google Play , and on the NPR One app . Music used in this episode: Warming Evening by Nameless Dancers; Balti , The Silver Hatch and Lemon...2018-04-0419 minMy Fellow KansansIs Kansas Ready For A New Political Party?Is this the right time for a new political party in Kansas? Can an independent candidate win the governor’s race? The coming election could give us answers to both questions. The viability of independent candidates and parties in this edition of Statehouse Blend Kansas. Subscribe to Statehouse Blend Kansas, and stay up to date with the latest news from the Kansas Legislature: iTunes , Google Play , and on the NPR One app . Music used in this episode: Warming Evening by Nameless Dancers; Soothe , Balti and Thannoid by Blue Dot Sessions. Jim McLean is managing director of the Kansas News Service, a...2018-03-2723 minStatehouse Blend MissouriMidterm Evaluation: Everything's Coming Up GreitensAs the Missouri General Assembly takes a spring break, we take a look at the term so far and what's left to be done. But like everyone else, we have a hard time talking about anything but the indictment and investigations of Governor Eric Greitens. Joining host Brian Ellison with analysis and predictions are KCUR's Erica Hunzinger, the Kansas City Star's Bryan Lowry and Missourinet's Alisa Nelson. Subscribe to Statehouse Blend Missouri, and stay up to date with the latest news from the Missouri General Assembly: iTunes , Google Play , and on the NPRone app . Music used in this episode: Warming...2018-03-2622 minStatehouse Blend MissouriMidterm Evaluation: Everything's Coming Up GreitensAs the Missouri General Assembly takes a spring break, we take a look at the term so far and what's left to be done. But like everyone else, we have a hard time talking about anything but the indictment and investigations of Governor Eric Greitens. Joining host Brian Ellison with analysis and predictions are KCUR's Erica Hunzinger, the Kansas City Star's Bryan Lowry and Missourinet's Alisa Nelson. Subscribe to Statehouse Blend Missouri, and stay up to date with the latest news from the Missouri General Assembly: iTunes , Google Play , and on the NPRone app . Music used in this episode: Warming...2018-03-2622 minMy Fellow Kansans"Satisfy The Court"Last year the Kansas Supreme Court ruled the state wasn't adequately funding its public schools. What the justices didn’t say was how much more money would be enough. But a new development has potentially changed the debate to the tune of $2 billion dollars. Subscribe to Statehouse Blend Kansas, and stay up to date with the latest news from the Kansas Legislature: iTunes , Google Play , and on the NPR One app . Jim McLean is managing director of the Kansas News Service, a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public Radio covering health, education and politics. You ca...2018-03-1918 minMy Fellow KansansThe High Stakes Trial Over Kansas Voter LawsAre Kansas’ strict voter registration laws necessary protections against fraud, or are they a nakedly political attempt to disenfranchise certain voters? That question is at the heart of a federal trial going on in Kansas. We explain this complicated issue and get the latest from the Statehouse. Subscribe to Statehouse Blend Kansas, and stay up to date with the latest news from the Kansas Legislature: iTunes , Google Play , and on the NPR One app . Music used in this episode: Warming Evening by Nameless Dancers; Soothe , The Silver Hatch and Manele by Blue Dot Sessions. Jim McLean is managing director of th...2018-03-1225 minMy Fellow KansansRegulating Guns In KansasIn the weeks since the shooting at a Parkland, Florida high school, student activists and others have taken to the streets in an effort to spur policy makers to talk about how we regulate guns. But, is that debate happening here in Kansas? Subscribe to Statehouse Blend Kansas, and stay up to date with the latest news from the Kansas Legislature: iTunes , Google Play , and on the NPR One app . Music used in this episode: Warming Evening by Nameless Dancers; Sad Marimba by Lee Rosevere; Am-Trans by Poddington Bear; In Passage by Blue Dot Sessions Jim McLean is managing director...2018-03-0522 minMy Fellow KansansThe Unintended Consequences Of A Criminal DatabaseStatewide criminal registries took off in the 1990s, fueled by crimes against children and a desire to alert people to the presence of sex offenders in their neighborhoods. But some are saying that Kansas’ database has gotten out of hand , that it’s expanded to include too many different types of offenders . So, a debate is beginning about how it might be streamlined. Subscribe to Statehouse Blend Kansas, and stay up to date with the latest news from the Kansas Legislature: iTunes , Google Play , and on the NPR One app . Music used in this episode: Warming Evening by Nameless Dancers; Sad...2018-02-2821 minMy Fellow KansansThe Medicaid GapKansas is one of a handful of states that have not expanded Medicaid. This has created a gap for patients who are too poor to afford insurance, but make too much money to be eligible for Medicaid. Advocates say that expansion could give coverage to these people, but with consistent legislative opposition, what are the odds of a bill passing this year? Subscribe to Statehouse Blend Kansas, and stay up to date with the latest news from the Kansas Legislature: iTunes , Google Play , and on the NPR One app . Music used in this episode: Warming Evening by Nameless Dancers; Am-Trans...2018-02-2019 minMy Fellow KansansThe Polarization Of Our PoliticsThe political divisions in America, and Kansas, appear deeper than ever. Republicans and Democrats can't seem to work together on anything. One candidate for Kansas Governor thinks an independent party might help our polarized politics. We talk with Greg Orman on this episode of Statehouse Blend Kansas. Subscribe to Statehouse Blend Kansas, and stay up to date with the latest news from the Kansas Legislature: iTunes , Google Play , and on the NPR One app . Music used in this episode: Warming Evening by Nameless Dancers; Am-Trans by Poddington Bear and What Have You Done by Lee Rosevere. Jim McLean is managing...2018-02-1222 minMy Fellow KansansA Change Of Tone In Topeka?How important is the tone a Governor sets in state politics? Can a tenor of optimism or the opposite affect policy? As Kansas transitions from former Gov. Sam Brownback to new Gov. Jeff Colyer, we discuss what practical difference this change in leadership might make in the statehouse. Subscribe to Statehouse Blend Kansas, and stay up to date with the latest news from the Kansas Legislature: iTunes , Google Play , and on the NPR One app . Music used in this episode: Warming Evening by Nameless Dancers; Starday by Podington Bear; and As I Was Saying by Lee Rosevere. Jim McLean is...2018-02-0513 minMy Fellow KansansBrownback Out; Colyer InDuring his State of the State address, exiting Gov. Sam Brownback said his budget recommendations included an additional $600 million in funding over the next five years. That left many lawmakers stunned, and Senator Jim Denning, a Republican representing the 8th District, angry. We sit down with Denning to talk about what he's expecting as Lt. Governor Colyer takes on a new role as governor, and discuss why an attempted ousting of a legendary state employee ignited a major backlash. Subscribe to Statehouse Blend Kansas, and stay up to date with the latest news from the Kansas Legislature: iTunes , Google Play...2018-01-3015 min
Question QuestQuestion Quest: TrailerStarting in September, KCUR Studios brings you Question Quest, a podcast about everyday mysteries, curiosities and questions in the Midwest. Co-hosts Suzanne Hogan and Cody Newill will take turns sending each other on grand adventures to find the stories behind intriguing things.2016-07-2601 min