Brian Ellison
Host/ContributorAs a host and contributor at KCUR, I seek to create a more informed citizenry and richer community. I want to enlighten and inspire our audience by delivering the information they need with accuracy and urgency, clarifying what’s complicated and teasing out the complexities of what seems simple. I work to craft conversations that reveal realities in our midst and model civil discourse in a divided world. Follow me on Twitter @ptsbrian or email me at brian@kcur.org.
Having studied for careers in both journalism and the ministry, I've served as a Presbyterian minister in Kansas City since 1999 and part-time in KCUR's newsroom and talk show studios since 2008. I'm the substitute host of KCUR's Up to Date, an occasional newscaster, and anchor election night coverage. From 2015 to 2019, I hosted the award-winning KCUR political podcast Statehouse Blend Missouri. I've been part of teams recognized awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the Religion News Association. My reporting has included appearances on NPR's Here and Now and national election coverage and KCPT's Kansas City Week in Review. I continue to preach, teach and organize as executive director of a national non-profit organization. My partner Troy and I live in Kansas City with our dog daughter Willoughby, who is lovable, if a bit much.
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There are 21 Republicans seeking to succeed Missouri's Sen. Roy Blunt, but much of the focus in the Republican primary is revolving around former Gov. Eric Greitens. Plus, Kansas will be the first state in the country to vote on whether to protect abortion rights after Roe v. Wade, but the stakes are also high for people living in neighboring Missouri. -
Kansas' Aug. 2 primary is shaping up to be a national event, even beyond the high-profile constitutional amendment on abortion rights. Several Republican primaries will test how much sway former President Trump still has in the Sunflower State.
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The 'emotional value' auction hosted by the Charlotte Street Foundation, is a new form of sale that does not involve money.
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A one-time dramatic reading of Will Brumley's play "The Clinic" will take place on July 18 during KC Fringe Fest.
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Primary elections in Kansas and Missouri are just weeks away. In Missouri, a crowd of candidates — both Democrats and Republicans — are vying for the chance to succeed retiring U.S. Senator Roy Blunt. Who voters select in the primaries could determine the balance of power in Washington.
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One African-American chef from Kansas City is creating a new community around food in the 18th and Vine District. Also, we hear about a Kansas City jazz singer who made waves across the nation 75 years ago for her specific type of blues.
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Research shows that the food served to incarcerated people often does not meet basic standards of nutrition and quality. That reality can result in serious health complications, eating disorders or worse.
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JuneteenthKC celebrated more than 18 young women for the first annual Becoming Miss JuneteenthKC Pageant program.
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FIFA selects Kansas City and Arrowhead Stadium from among 22 finalists to host World Cup games in 2026.
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After 20 years with the community food bank and nine years as president and CEO, Valerie Nicholson-Watson is retiring from Harvesters Community Food Network.
