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Segment 1: Previewing the next session of the Missouri General Assembly Today's guests run down some of the issues that lawmakers could tackle during this upcoming legislative session. They also explored how this year's presidential election might influence how this myraid of issues plays out. Jaclyn Driscoll , Statehouse and politics reporter for St. Louis Public Radio Brian Hauswirth , news director for Missourinet Segment 2, beginning at 28:37: Hunting for ancient creatures in the plains of

Segment 1: Media bias and covering assassination in Iraq Our Media Critics discussed early coverage of a top Iranian commander's assasination, and how continuing coverage could influence public opinion. The critics also discussed how both journalists and news consumers can manage their own personal biases. Peggy Lowe , KCUR reporter and investigative producer with APM Reports Steve Wolgast , Knight Chair at the William Allen White School of Journalism at the University of Kansas Segment 2,

Segment 1: 2019 highlights from the religion beat From Paris and Christchurch to St. Louis, Missouri, storylines on religion and faith took us around the world over the last year. We reviewed those with the most impact, including the evangelical embrace of President Donald Trump's policies. Brian Ellison , KCUR contributor and executive director of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians Debra Mason , University of Missouri School of Journalism professor emerita and former publisher of Religion

Segment 1: Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas reviews the year that was, and discusses his 2020 to-do list. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas has only been in office for five months, and has been busy for the duration. He defended his record on curbing tax incentives, standing up for tenant's rights, and pushing to make bus service free in Kansas City. Lucas also answered questions on the city's soaring crime rate. Quinton Lucas , mayor of Kansas City ,Missouri Segment 2, beginning at 24:38: Kansas

Segment 1: Missouri does not enforce a 2008 federal law on mental health parity. When President George W. Bush signed the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addictions Equity Act in 2008, it established that health insurers must cover mental health the same as other medical conditions. Missouri remains one of only two states to not enforce that law with a state statute. Missouri Rep. Greg Razer , D-Kansas City Dr. Bob Batterson , chief of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry,

Segment 1: A new KC Pet Project facility is set to open next month in Swope Park. Kansas City's current animal control shelter was never intended to house and care for animals — and it shows. But a new building specifically designed for the purpose will open its doors to humans and animals starting Jan. 1. Learn what the new digs will enable the KC Pet Project to do, that they weren't able to do before. Tori Fugate , chief communications officer, KC Pet Project Teresa Loar , Kansas City

Segment 1: Royals' new owner knows "Kansas City fans are incredibly engaged." Kansas City businessman John Sherman is in his third week as owner of the Kansas City Royals. He's been working on getting to know the staff and to "get a little flavor for the culture." Sherman spoke about what the revenue from a new TV contract will mean for the team and when it comes to construction of a stadium downtown said, "there's a lot of things to think about, relative to whether or not we can make that

As the old cliché goes, it’s not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game. Yet sometimes, as fans know, sports is about much more than just the game. Commentator Victor Wishna sheds a little light…in this year-end edition of “A Fan’s Notes.” My friends, we are living in dark times. I only mean that literally. As we count down to the winter solstice this week, each day is briefer than the last. Darkness arrives early and often. It’s no wonder, then, that ’tis the season when many

Segment 1: Some institutions of higher education use tracking software to assess prospective applicants. In an effort to streamline the recruiting process, a new practice has come into play. A number of universities are tracking the browsing activity of student prospects visiting their websites. This can include gathering financial information in order analyze those most likely to afford college. Noor Haddad of Collegewise says this can leave poor applicants at a disadvantage, "but they're also

Segment 1: Annual Kansas City event encourages musicians to eat better and focus on their health. Gerald Dunn started Musicians Appreciation Day 13 years ago. That's when the general manager of the Blue Room began noticing the problem in Kansas City's music scene of musicians calling in sick. Because a musician's salary can vary widely, many don't have enough to afford medical care and the lifestyle can foster poor eating habits. Dunn's free event offers health screenings and fresh produce to