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Kansas 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 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 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 TodayPatricia Prewitt walks freePatricia Prewitt spent decades imprisoned in Missouri for a murder she says she didn’t commit. She was granted clemency in December and compiled a book of letters detailing her experience. After 38 years behind bars, former Missouri Governor Mike Parson commuted Patty Prewitt's sentence while legal experts had been working to set her free. Now, Prewitt is out with a book of letters she sent from prison. She spoke with Brian Ellison about her time behind bars and how she managed to stay hopeful on KCUR's Up To Date. Contact the show at news@kcur.or...2025-06-0313 minKansas City TodayAbortion access halted again in MissouriThe Missouri Supreme Court ordered a Jackson County judge to lift her rulings that allowed abortions to resume in the state. Why did the court decide to put the ban back into effect for now?The state Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered Judge Jerri Zhang to lift rulings that had allowed abortions to resume in the state — despite voters approving a constitutional amendment for abortion rights last November. Kacen Bayless, reporter for the Kansas City Star, spoke with Brian Ellison about the case on KCUR's daily talk show, Up To Date. Contact the show at ne...2025-05-2911 min
Spirituality AdventuresInterview with a Gay Pastor - Spirituality Adventures feat. Brian EllisonIn this episode, Fred interviews Executive Director of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians: Brian Ellison.
https://www.covnetpres.org/
Brian Ellison has served since 2012 as Executive Director of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, leading its mission of strengthening the Church through equipping and engagement, advocating and educating for the full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people in the Church’s life and leadership.
Brian also serves as stated clerk of the Synod of Mid-America. He has served previously as pastor of Parkville Presbyterian Church (near Kansas City, Missouri) and as stated clerk of Heartland Presbytery. He...2025-05-2847 minKansas City TodayMario Vasquez takes the reins in Kansas CityThe Kansas City Council has found its next city manager. Get to know Mario Vasquez, the first Latino to permanently hold one of most powerful positions in the city. Plus: Stay up to date with the latest political headlines from around the region.Kansas City Council voted 11-2 earlier this month to hire Mario Vasquez as the city manager. The vote came a little more than two months after former City Manager Brian Platt was suspended and fired when the city lost a major whistleblower lawsuit. Vasquez spoke with KCUR's Up To Date host Steve Kraske about...2025-05-1915 min
The Middle with Jeremy HobsonWhat was the biggest story in your community in 2023?In this episode of "The Middle with Jeremy Hobson," we're recapping an eventful year in news and asking you: "what was the biggest story in your community in 2023?" Jeremy is joined by a roundtable of journalists from across the country with some of their most impactful stories of 2023. Nashville Public Radio's Khalil Ekulona in Tennessee tells us how the Covenant School Shooting had major political implications - both locally and nationwide. Gemma Gaudette from Boise State Public Radio in Idaho brings us the latest on the University of Idaho murders which garnered national notoriety. And from Kansas City, Missouri...2023-12-2949 min
Leading TheologicallyLGBTQIA+ Inclusion in the Church with the Rev. Brian EllisonThe Rev. Dr. Lee Hinson-Hasty in conversation with the Rev. Brian Ellison. Ellison is executive director of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, a national organization engaging, educating and equipping congregations and councils toward an equity not yet fully realized for LGBTQIA+ people in church and society. He is also stated clerk of the Synod of Mid-America and of Heartland Presbytery. Additionally, he is host/contributor at KCUR, NPR in Kansas City, where he hosts talk shows, moderates community forums, and anchors election night and breaking news coverage. Brian was previously pastor of a congregation for 13 years and lives in Kansas...2021-06-1029 min
America Amplified: Life, Community, and COVID-19How are we finding community during a pandemic?The stay-at-home orders to curb the coronavirus pandemic have canceled sports, closed museums and moved church services online. These are all places where we have traditionally found community, and people have had to turn to other ways of creating that sense of communal experience. Hosts Brian Ellison of KCUR of Kansas City and Maiken Scott of WHYY in Philadelphia explore how different groups are still finding that connection during the pandemic. How are these groups adapting? How do they plan to move forward, as localities ease restrictions on gatherings? What are our long-term concerns? Guests include: The Rev. Alyn E...2020-05-3149 min
America Amplified: Life, Community, and COVID-19Examining the future of health careThe coronavirus pandemic’s impact on our health care system may be seen in more ways than in how we manage people with COVID-19. Since March, routine care, scheduled surgeries and wellness exams have been put mostly on hold or done via teleconference. Primary care physicians are at the front lines of care and can help identify issues before they develop into something more serious. Hosts Maiken Scott of WHYY in Philadelphia and Brian Ellison of KCUR in Kansas City discuss what the future of health care may look like. Will physicians rely more on telemedicine? How will this aff...2020-05-3149 min
America Amplified: Life, Community, and COVID-19What has the pandemic taught us about how we care for our seniors?In Massachusetts, half of all COVID-19 deaths have occurred among nursing home residents, according to the AARP — and that’s just one of the many startling statistics about the virus’ deadly impact on this vulnerable population. Hosts John Dankosky of New England Public Radio and Brian Ellison of KCUR in Kansas City, Missouri, explore what the crisis has taught us about how we care for our seniors. You’ll hear from: Patricia McCreary, founder and owner of Margaret’s Place, a senior recreational center in Kansas City, Missouri; Beverly Murray, a 91-year-old who lived alone in an apartment in Excelsior...2020-05-0350 min
America Amplified: Life, Community, and COVID-19Are we ready to reopen more businesses right now?It’s May, and that means more states across America will begin lifting stay-at-home restrictions put in place to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Are we, as a nation, ready for this? Hosts Brian Ellison of KCUR in Kansas City, Missouri, and John Dankosky of New England Public Radio explore the economic and emotional strife we’re facing. On the one hand, businesses that have been closed and people out of work need to restart. On the other, widespread testing and a vaccine are not yet available. You’ll hear from Pedro Soto, entrepreneur and president and CEO of...2020-05-0350 min
Politically SpeakingBreaking down the ups and downs of the 2019 Missouri General Assembly sessionOn a special edition of Politically Speaking, St. Louis Public Radio links up with KCUR’s Statehouse Blend to review the ins and outs of the 2019 session of the Missouri General Assembly.
St. Louis Public Radio’s Jason Rosenbaum and Rachel Lippmann joined KCUR’s Samuel King and Brian Ellison to talk about the final week of the legislative session. That’s when the legislature sent a wide-ranging economic development bill to Gov. Mike Parson over the objections of conservative senators.
The General Assembly also passed a far-reaching abortion ban that bars the procedures after eight weeks of pregnancy. There are no e...2019-05-2137 min
Statehouse Blend MissouriMissouri Auditor Nicole Galloway Discusses The State Budget, Putnam County HospitalsBefore getting into the Missouri House, Democrat Robert Sauls was a prosecutor, a public defender and a military lawyer. Perhaps it's no surprise, then, that he has focused on criminal justice reform in his first term, cosponsoring bills that seek to change sentencing laws and create special veterans treatment courts. Sauls spoke with Statehouse Blend Missouri host Brian Ellison about life as a newbie legislator, and where he thinks the state budget, which is advancing through the General Assembly, falls short. Subscribe to Statehouse Blend Missouri: iTunes , Google Play , and on the NPRone app .2019-04-1713 minStatehouse Blend MissouriMissouri Rep. Robert Sauls On Changing Criminal Justice LawsBefore getting into the Missouri House, Democrat Robert Sauls was a prosecutor, a public defender and a military lawyer. Perhaps it's no surprise, then, that he has focused on criminal justice reform in his first term, cosponsoring bills that seek to change sentencing laws and create special veterans treatment courts. Sauls spoke with Statehouse Blend Missouri host Brian Ellison about life as a newbie legislator, and where he thinks the state budget, which is advancing through the General Assembly, falls short. Subscribe to Statehouse Blend Missouri: iTunes , Google Play , and on the NPRone app .2019-04-0425 min
Statehouse Blend MissouriMissouri Rep. Robert Sauls On Changing Criminal Justice LawsBefore getting into the Missouri House, Democrat Robert Sauls was a prosecutor, a public defender and a military lawyer. Perhaps it's no surprise, then, that he has focused on criminal justice reform in his first term, cosponsoring bills that seek to change sentencing laws and create special veterans treatment courts. Sauls spoke with Statehouse Blend Missouri host Brian Ellison about life as a newbie legislator, and where he thinks the state budget, which is advancing through the General Assembly, falls short. Subscribe to Statehouse Blend Missouri: iTunes , Google Play , and on the NPRone app .2019-04-0425 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 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 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 minStatehouse Blend MissouriThe Search For Common Ground On GunsAs students rally nationwide for more gun regulation, Missouri legislators are considering — and advancing — several bills to make firearms more legal, for more people, in more places. What underlies the enduring, and seemingly intractable, divide on gun laws in Missouri? Host Brian Ellison welcomed Rep. T.J. Berry, a Kearney Republican, and Rep. Jon Carpenter, a Gladstone Democrat, and an audience of 75 for a live taping of the podcast April 19 in Kansas City. Music used in this episode: Warming Evening by Nameless Dancers; Rally , The Telling and On Belay by Blue Dot Sessions2018-04-2422 minStatehouse Blend MissouriThe Search For Common Ground On GunsAs students rally nationwide for more gun regulation, Missouri legislators are considering — and advancing — several bills to make firearms more legal, for more people, in more places. What underlies the enduring, and seemingly intractable, divide on gun laws in Missouri? Host Brian Ellison welcomed Rep. T.J. Berry, a Kearney Republican, and Rep. Jon Carpenter, a Gladstone Democrat, and an audience of 75 for a live taping of the podcast April 19 in Kansas City. Music used in this episode: Warming Evening by Nameless Dancers; Rally , The Telling and On Belay by Blue Dot Sessions2018-04-2422 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 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 minStatehouse Blend MissouriHow To Spend 28 Billion DollarsThe Missouri House has approved its budget for the 2018 fiscal year, and the ball is now in the Senate's court. It's no small thing getting all the numbers to add up to pay for transportation, K-12 and higher education, social services ... and everything else. But how does that work, especially when lawmakers don't share the vision of the governor, whose proposal is their starting place and who ultimately has to implement whatever priorities they set? Host Brian Ellison talks about the process and the results so far with Traci Gleason of the Missouri Budget Project and Rep. Kip Kendrick, the...2018-04-0220 minStatehouse Blend MissouriHow To Spend 28 Billion DollarsThe Missouri House has approved its budget for the 2018 fiscal year, and the ball is now in the Senate's court. It's no small thing getting all the numbers to add up to pay for transportation, K-12 and higher education, social services ... and everything else. But how does that work, especially when lawmakers don't share the vision of the governor, whose proposal is their starting place and who ultimately has to implement whatever priorities they set? Host Brian Ellison talks about the process and the results so far with Traci Gleason of the Missouri Budget Project and Rep. Kip Kendrick, the...2018-04-0220 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 min
Country Club Christian Church SermonsPathways to Learning: Politics and Elections from the Christian PerspectiveIn the second of this two-part Pathways to Learning series on Politics and Elections, Rev. Brian Ellison brings us the Christian perspective. Rev. Ellison is ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA), and is executive director of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians. He is also a frequent contributor to KCUR, Kansas City’s NPR station.
Pathways to Learning is a periodic series of elective offerings open to everyone, focusing upon timely topics on the Bible, spirituality, current events, family life and technology.
(October 30, 2016)2016-11-0352 min