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Political & Elections Update | Kansas City's Federal Surge | Chiefs Name Change?

By Steve Kraske,
Danie Alexander, Grace Cole, Luke X. Martin
Published July 17, 2020 at 4:31 PM CDT
Chiefs fans at KC Live! in downtown Kansas City go crazy over Patrick Mahomes' touchdown in the first quarter of the Super Bowl.
Julie Denesha
/
KCUR 89.3
Kansas City Chiefs fans are split over whether to change some long-standing team traditions, including the wearing of Native American-inspired headdresses at games, and the so-called "tomahawk chop."

How national political trends could affect Kansas and Missouri election campaigns, details from the U.S. attorney's office on plans for an influx of federal agents in Kansas City, and perspectives on if the Chiefs should consider a name change after the Washington NFL team moved to change theirs.

Segment 1, beginning at 4:31: The 2020 general election is approaching quickly.

Some polls have former Vice President Joe Biden beating President Donald Trump by double digits, but the national race could still have an effect on down-ballot races in Kansas and Missouri.

Segment 2, beginning at 16:12: To combat the rising crime rate in Kansas City, President Trump is sending federal agents to initiate 'Operation LeGend.'

4-year-old LeGend Taliaferro was shot and killed last month while he was sleeping. It's just one of the many unsolved homicides this year in Kansas City. Mayor Lucas wrote a letter to the governor of Missouri expressing his concern over the trend, which resulted in the announcement that more than 200 federal agents will be coming to the city to help.

Segment 3, beginning at 34:30: Do offensive team traditions warrant a change at the Chiefs organization?

Many are looking for the Kansas City Chiefs to change their name. Some just want to see certain traditions done away with. Though the team name derives from a former mayor's sobriquet, some Native Americans say it perpetuates a problematic culture and rituals among the team and its fans.

Tags
Up To Date politicsElectionscrimeKansas City ChiefsTalk ShowfootballNFLKansas City StarNative Americanssportslaw enforcementKansas City Missouri (KCMO)Kansas Elections 2020
Steve Kraske
When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.
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Danie Alexander
As senior producer of Up To Date, I want our listeners to hear familiar and new voices that shine light on the issues and challenges facing the myriad communities KCUR serves, and to expose our audiences to the wonderful and the creative in the Kansas City area. Just as important to me is an obligation to mentor the next generation of producers to ensure that the important conversations continue. Reach me at alexanderdk@kcur.org.
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Grace Cole
Grace Cole is an intern for KCUR's Up To Date.
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Luke X. Martin
As culture editor, I oversee KCUR’s coverage of race, culture, the arts, food and sports. I work with reporters to make sure our stories reflect the fullest view of the place we call home, so listeners and readers feel primed to explore the places, projects and people who make up a vibrant Kansas City. Email me at luke@kcur.org.
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