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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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This festival brings together local, national and international musicians for an afternoon in the Historic Northeast. It's also a graduation for young artists in the Art As Mentorship program, which is creating space for underrepresented musicians.
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The U.S. Supreme Court ruled last month that cities can punish people for sleeping in public areas, and while Kansas City does not have a “no camping” ordinance in place, some residents fear the decision could spark local backlash against homeless people.
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The former Missouri Secretary of State and co-host of the podcast Majority 54 says Harris' presumptive nomination for the presidential race is energizing Democrats to "do the work."
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Thousands of people took over the small town of Sedalia, Missouri, on this day in 1974 for the Ozark Music Festival, a party full of nudity, drugs and rock 'n' roll music. Half a century later, people still talk about the lore from that hot wild weekend. Plus: One very fluffy prison resident is changing the men around him in a Missouri correction facility.
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Missouri state Sen. Greg Razer isn't seeking another term, which leaves his Kansas City seat up for grabs. We’ll meet the two Democrats vying to represent the 7th District.
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Breast milk is like medicine for low birth weight and at-risk babies, but not all infants have access. A human milk donation drop off site at Wyandotte County's health department is raising awareness and supporting babies in need across the Midwest.
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Kansas City is home to scores of locally owned breweries, each with its own identity and approach to crafting one-of-a-kind beer. Here’s where to find some of the metro’s most crisp lagers, juiciest IPAs and richest imperial stouts.
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Pat Contreras and Patty Lewis are facing off in the 2024 Democratic primary for Missouri's 7th Senate District. The candidates joined KCUR's Up To Date for a debate and to discuss what issues are facing the district.
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The KC Fringe Festival, which labels itself as the largest celebration of arts and culture in the Kansas City metro, will begin its 17 days of festivities on Friday, July 12.
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Lucy Donnelly of the Kansas City Public Library, Cori Smith of the BLK+BRWN Bookstore and Mark Luce of the Barstow School join us to share their favorite books to get you out of the hot sun.