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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Competitive primaries are driving the onslaught of negative political ads — particularly among Missouri Republicans. University of Missouri-Kansas City political scientist Dr. Beth Vonnahme analyzes the rhetoric this campaign season. -
Donald Trump has endorsed three of the Republicans running for Missouri governor in this Tuesday's primary. The candidates have some policy differences, but the race is more about personality. Plus: How Iowa's new abortion ban could affect care in Kansas. -
Kansas City might fancy itself a meat and potatoes sort of town, but who doesn’t crave something fresh on a sweltering summer day? Here’s where to cool down over lunch with some of the metro’s most mouthwatering caprese, wedge, and — yes! — potato salads. -
Brie Morgan Bauer, an Overland Park mother of three, had to get her limbs amputated after contracting streptococcal toxic shock syndrome while giving birth prematurely. She hopes that sharing her story will inspire people to "advocate for yourself, no matter what." -
Mona Cliff, a Lawrence-based multidisciplinary visual artist, practices beadwork and fabric applique to create vibrant landscapes and mosaics that have ties to her Native culture. Her work is currently on display in Washington, D.C. as part of the exhibit "New Worlds: Women to Watch 2024." -
Just two weeks away from the start of their 2024 preseason schedule, the Kansas City Chiefs' training camp in St. Joseph, Missouri, is well underway. -
Republicans Andrew Bailey and Will Scharf are both running to be Missouri’s next attorney general, but another name is also a consideration: Donald Trump, who has yet to endorse a favorite. Plus: The lieutenant governor's office doesn't normally draw much attention in Missouri, so why has the race gotten so crowded?
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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. -
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. -
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."
