The August primary elections were big for Johnson County Democrats, with primary wins for U.S. Senate candidate Adam Hamilton and Kansas governor candidate Cindy Holscher. What should voters expect in November, and what does it say about the future of the party and the state?

History would suggest it will be a tough election for Democrats in Kansas this November. On the surface, at least, Republicans stand to do very well in the top statewide races, given the state’s ruby-red leanings.

But Democrats are riding a wave of hope after this month’s primaries, emanating mainly from Johnson County. After a late entry to the race Leawood pastor Adam Hamilton overwhelmed a crowded field to seek a U.S. Senate seat. He’ll take on incumbent Republican Roger Marshall in November.

And in the race for governor, Overland Park state senator Cindy Holscher beat two other

Johnson County rivals to face state Senate president Ty Masterson, who's endorsed by President Trump.

KCUR’s Nomin Ujiyediin sat down with Johnson County Post editor Kyle Palmer to dig into those races and what they tell us about the county’s evolving political profile.

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Kansas City Today is hosted by Brian Ellison. It is produced by Byron Love and KCUR Studios, and edited by Emily Younker.

You can support Kansas City Today by becoming a KCUR member: kcur.org/donate.

Purple martins are back in Kansas. Thousands of the birds are gathering near the Wichita airport each evening as they prepare for their annual migration. Plus: A small town in south-central Kansas proudly bears the nickname “Midway USA,” positioning itself firmly between California and New York.

Tens of thousands of purple martins are meeting up in Wichita in preparation for their annual migration. As Suzanne Perez of the Kansas News Service reports, the nightly spectacle has also become a gathering for bird watchers.

For more than 80 years, a sign near U.S. Highway 50 has served as the midway marker for cross-country travelers making their way through Kansas. KMUW's Beccy Tanner takes us to Kinsley, where the historic sign points the way in two directions.

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Kansas City Today is hosted by Nomin Ujiyediin. It is produced by Byron Love and KCUR Studios, and edited by Emily Younker and Luke X. Martin.

You can support Kansas City Today by becoming a KCUR member: kcur.org/donate.

Missouri's candidates are set for the November general election under a redrawn congressional map. But with Kansas City's three districts carved to specifically benefit Republicans, even longtime Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II faces a tough race.

Childcare costs in Missouri and Kansas can now rival a mortgage for working families, but two Midwestern lawmakers are fighting to change that. Plus: After the Affordable Care Act tax credits lapsed, healthcare premiums spiked for millions of farmers and ranchers.

State Sen. Rick Brattin was selected by voters during last week's primary election as the Republican candidate for Missouri's 5th Congressional District, a seat currently held by Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II. The 5th District is expected to lean more Republican under newly drawn congressional maps.

Two winners of last week's primaries are aiming for their first terms representing Missouri in Congress next year. We'll hear how Republican Chris Stigall and Democrat Jordan Herrera plan to unite their respective parties and secure seats in Washington.

Senior News Analyst Brian Ellison spoke with both Stigall and Herrera on the KCUR's daily talk show Up To Date. 

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Kansas City Today is hosted by Brian Ellison. It is produced by Byron Love and KCUR Studios, and edited by Madeline Fox.

You can support Kansas City Today by becoming a KCUR member: kcur.org/donate.

Drive-in theaters have shown movies under the stars for generations, and many Kansas filmgoers still see value for these nostalgic experiences in a changing movie landscape. Plus: There’s a chance the wheat in your spaghetti could be grown in western Kansas in the next few years.

In the 1950’s, drive-in screens towered over the Kansas prairie. But challenges like shifting viewing habits have caused their numbers to dwindle. The theaters face an uncertain future, but owners aren't ready to roll the credits on drive-ins just yet. Roger Nomer of the Kansas News Service reports.

Kansas is known for its wheat used to make bread, tortillas or cereal. But that wheat is not making farmers much money these days. Now, there’s a new type of wheat with a potential new market: making pasta. Calen Moore of the Kansas News Service and editor Stephen Koranda discuss a new wheat innovation that could be coming to the pasta in your grocery store.

Contact the show at [email protected]. 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 Gabe Rosenberg, Madeline Fox and Emily Younker.

You can support Kansas City Today by becoming a KCUR member: kcur.org/donate.

Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejected a citizen referendum that would have given voters the chance to overturn the new Republican-drawn congressional map. Hoskins said the measure was unconstitutional, but the group People Not Politicians said he's being "obstructionist."

Missouri residents overwhelmingly voted against proposals to eliminate the income tax and change how citizens can change the Missouri constitution. Meanwhile, Kansans elected Reverend Adam Hamilton as the Democratic opponent to U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall and Democrat Cindy Holscher and Republican Ty Masterson will face each other in the race for Kansas governor.

KCUR's Brian Ellison breaks it all down with news director Madeline Fox.

Contact the show at [email protected]. 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 Studios, and edited by Madeline Fox and Luke X. Martin.

You can support Kansas City Today by becoming a KCUR member: kcur.org/donate.

Today, Missourians will decide the fate of a proposed constitutional amendment that gives lawmakers the ability to expand sales and use taxes in order to eliminate the state income tax.