Kansas City Today

By KCUR StudiosSociety & Culture News Politics Daily News

Kansas City Today episodes

February 02, 2022 A sign of change for Kansas City, Kansas?
In the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, African Americans now hold five key positions simultaneously: mayor, police chief, district attorney, county administrator and general manager of the Board of Public Utilities.
KCUR’s Luke Martin reports on how the new leadership takes up the daunting task of creating a better government for Kansas' most diverse county.
Kansas lawmakers will vote this week on a proposal to dramatically increase the tax breaks and other subsidies used to recruit big companies. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly says Kansas needs the beefed-up incentives to stay in the running for a $4 billion manufacturing plant. Jim McLean of the Kansas News Service reports some lawmakers are skeptical about changing the rules for a company that remains a mystery.
Contact the show at [email protected]. Follow KCUR on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news.
Kansas City Today is hosted by Nomin Ujiyediin. It is produced by Byron Love with Trevor Grandin and edited by Gabe Rosenberg and Lisa Rodriguez.
You can support Kansas City Today by becoming a KCUR member: kcur.org/donate
15 min
February 01, 2022 Freedom hasn't been easy for Kevin Strickland
For Kevin Strickland, who was released from prison late last year after serving 43 years for a crime he didn't commit, life on the outside hasn’t been easy. Now, in addition to adjusting to the mundane details of everyday life, he's working to educate others on defects in the criminal justice system.
12 min
February 01, 2022 Freedom hasn't been easy for Kevin Strickland
They spent a combined sixty-six years behind bars for crimes they didn’t commit. Kevin Strickland and Ricky Kidd — who became friends in prison — talk about the hurdles of reintegrating into society after decades on the inside. Both men also speak to KCUR's Steve Kraske about the flaws and failings of the criminal justice system.
Contact the show at [email protected]. Follow KCUR on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news.
Kansas City Today is hosted by Nomin Ujiyediin. It is produced by Byron Love with Trevor Grandin and edited by Gabe Rosenberg & Lisa Rodriguez.
You can support Kansas City Today by becoming a KCUR member: kcur.org/donate
12 min
January 31, 2022 ‘A great example of gerrymandering’
Kansas Republicans have pushed forward a congressional map that would divide Wyandotte County from Johnson County, threatening the state's sole Democrat in the U.S. House. A Kansas state senator from Wyandotte County says the plan would silence her racially diverse constituents.
14 min
January 31, 2022 ‘A great example of gerrymandering’
A Congressional redistricting map in Kansas was approved by the GOP-dominated legislature, with lawmakers knowing it could face the veto of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. Either way, the so called “Ad Astra” plan will likely end up challenged in court.
The map puts the liberal city of Lawrence in the same district as most of rural western Kansas, all the way to the Colorado border. And it divides up Wyandotte County, separating its voters from the urban and suburban Johnson County voters who make up most of the 3rd Congressional District.
Brian Ellison spoke with Senate Minority Whip Pat Pettey (D) from Wyandotte County about the map, as well as bills permitting prescriptions of off-label drugs for treating COVID-19 and the effort to eliminate the state sales tax on groceries.
Contact the show at [email protected]. Follow KCUR on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news.
Kansas City Today is hosted by Nomin Ujiyediin. It is produced by Byron Love with Trevor Grandin and edited by Gabe Rosenberg & Lisa Rodriguez.
You can support Kansas City Today by becoming a KCUR member: kcur.org/donate
14 min
January 28, 2022 Back on campus, masks optional
UMKC is one of the few public universities in Missouri without a mask mandate. But increasing COVID-19 infections have both staff and students concerned about their well-beings on campus. Plus, a Kansas City sculptor utilizes the honey locust thorn to create dazzling works of art.
15 min
January 28, 2022 Back on campus, masks optional
Students at the University of Missouri System returned to in-person classes last week without a mask mandate, after the Board of Curators shot down proposals to require them. But as COVID-19 numbers hit record highs across the state, some students and professors are worried about how safe it is on campus. KCUR’s Jodi Fortino reports on the start of the semester at UMKC.
Sculptor Susan White creates large works of art using thousands of thorns from the honey locust tree. She finds inspiration in the beauty of nature with a sharp point, and uses it to make a statement about the "fractious nature" of American democracy. KCUR’s Julie Denesha reports.
Contact the show at [email protected]. Follow KCUR on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news.
Kansas City Today is hosted by Nomin Ujiyediin. It is produced by Byron Love with Trevor Grandin and edited by Gabe Rosenberg and Lisa Rodriguez.
You can support Kansas City Today by becoming a KCUR member: kcur.org/donate
15 min
January 27, 2022 How Kansas might redraw congressional districts
How Kansas might redraw its congressional districts and what that could mean for minority communities in the Kansas City area is important for the state's future. And we have headlines from across the metro.
14 min
January 27, 2022 How Kansas might redraw congressional districts
Kansas lawmakers approved a bill changing the state’s congressional districts, which could make a big impact on who represents Kansas in the U.S. House of Representatives. Jim McLean of the Kansas News Service tells us the bill now goes to Gov. Laura Kelly, but it’s not clear whether she’ll approve it.
Contact the show at [email protected]. Follow KCUR on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news.
Kansas City Today is hosted by Nomin Ujiyediin. It is produced by Byron Love with Trevor Grandin and edited by Gabe Rosenberg & Lisa Rodriguez.
You can support Kansas City Today by becoming a KCUR member: kcur.org/donate
14 min
January 26, 2022 Even in the Midwest, health insurance ain't cheap
Many people move to Kansas or Missouri for a lower cost of living, but when it comes to health insurance, where you live seems to make little difference. Medical care and prescription drugs are already scarily expensive, and they're taking an even bigger part of people's paychecks.
11 min

About Kansas City Today

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Kansas City Today is a daily news podcast from KCUR Studios bringing you all things Kansas City, wrapped up in 15 minutes or less. Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, it’ll be waiting in your…