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Segment 1: Last year may have marked the beginning of a cultural shift for how people approach faith and politics . The passing of Rev. Billy Graham, the Pennsylvania priest sexual abuse scandal and the mass shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh are examples of the top religion stories of the past year. Two members of the Religion Newswriters Association explained why these and others made the association's list. Brian Ellison , ordained Presbyterian minister, executive director

Segment 1: Dr. Charles Foust believes award-winning schools will be a boon for Kansas City, Kansas residents and businesses. There were some doubters when Dr. Charles Foust came to Kansas City, Kansas this summer as the new superintendent of the city's schools. After several months in the district Dr. Foust believes there is a better understanding between himself and the community and that as superintendent, "I'm actually living my dream right now." He shared his goals for students, teachers and

Segment 1: Women have made strides as candidates, but are still looking to break through as campaign managers and advisors. Some have called 2018 another "Year of the Woman" in politics — but not everyone. A record number of women were elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, but many had to fight to be taken seriously as candidates. Today we discussed the accomplishments and future goals for women in politics. Kelly Dittmar , assistant professor of political science at Rutgers University

Segment 1: A new report shows mid-sized cities are better positioned to see faster growth. Kansas City, Missouri, isn't as big or as dense as New York or Los Angeles, which may be a good thing, according to economist Jordan Rappaport . Having the amenities of a major city without some of the difficulties (long commutes, expensive real estate) makes metropolises like Kansas City a great location for businesses and residents. Rappaport explained what the city's growth rate says about it's capacity

Segment 1: The state senator says she felt increasingly at odds with Republican Party stances on LGBTQ issues and supporting President Trump. Kansas Sen. Barbara Bollier made national headlines last week when she switched her party affiliation from Republican to Democrat, but some of her colleagues in the statehouse were a little less surprised. Today, Johnson County's newest Democratic state senator discussed her move, and the political implications it could have when the legislative session

Segment 1: In states with no restrictions, prisoners can spend weeks, months or decades separated from the general population. The punitive practice in the United States of placing prison inmates in solitary confinement is being challenged as a moral and civil rights issue. The punishment where convicts are isolated with minimum human contact has been viewed by those fighting to end it as cruel, inhuman and unnecessary. ACLU senior campaign strategist Taylor Pendergrass talked about the human

Segment 1: Over the last year, homicides in Kansas City's Historic Northeast neighborhoods have gone from 11 to zero. Police, county authorities, neighborhood associations and other community groups have stepped up to a complex crime problem in Kansas City's Historic Northeast with a multi-layered solution. Today, we heard about their efforts, credited with bringing the rates of homicide, aggravated assault and robbery down. Maj. Greg Volker, Kansas City Police Department East Patrol Division

Segment 1: Initiative to improve neighborhoods east of Troost Avenue calls for $13 million but fails to identify a source for the needed funds. Ambitious in its scope, an ordinance approved by the Kansas City Council looks to remediate blight, help with home improvement and economic development, and combat gentrification in the eastern parts of the city. We heard what implementing the plan could mean for residents, and where the money could be found to make it happen. Scott Taylor , Kansas City

Segment 1: Kansas City mayoral candidates attended a debate to address the concerns of future voters. Last week, a class of students at Kansas City's East High School organized a mayoral debate to help bring ciuty leaders' attention to issues like community violence, policing, and economic development, all of which loom large for residents living east of Troost and Prospect Avenues. Today, some of those students shared what they learned from the candidates, and why they were motivated to host

Segment 1: For middle-class or poverty-level residents, finding quality housing in Kansas City, Missouri, can be a challenge. Increasing demand combined with diminished funding has brought the issue of affordable housing in Kansas City, Missouri, to the fore. Because of 18,000 off-market, vacant units that are neither for sale nor for rent, there is a surplus of housing, and repairing or repurposing existing housing could provide homes for folks looking to live in the city. As Councilman Quinton