politics

Despite hinting that it could happen, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson won't say for sure whether he will pardon or commute the sentence of Eric DeValkenaere, the former KCPD officer serving six years in prison for killing Cameron Lamb. Parson spoke to KCUR's Up To Date about his tenure before leaving office on Jan. 13.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick and New York Times columnist Bret Stephens will be in Kansas City for an American Public Square event on Dec. 9. They joined KCUR's Up To Date to discuss civility in politics, where Democrats went wrong in the 2024 election cycle, and other topics.

Republicans expanded their already sizable majorities in the Kansas Legislature in this week's elections, paving the way for changes on major issues like taxes and transgender rights. And in non-election news: A store recently opened in Missouri to not just sell and service typewriters, but also foster a community.

Kansas City resident Nathan Kline is the Green Party's candidate for the U.S. Senate race in Missouri. He is running on a platform focused heavily on campaign finance reform.

With early voting well underway and Election Day next Tuesday, KCUR's Up To Date breaks down what you need to know about some of the biggest races in Missouri and Kansas.

Mister Sleeves and Eighty-Eight are elusive creatures — and candidates. Their owners have been placing yard signs across town to promote the "Purr Party" campaign. "You've tried humans," the signs ask. "How'd that work out?"

Los demócratas han gozado durante mucho tiempo del apoyo de las organizaciones sindicales, pero muchos de sus afiliados ya no sienten lealtad a ningún partido. El representante del estado de Missouri, el republicano Bill Allen, y su oponente, la demócrata Shirley Mata, miembro del UAW, esperan ganarse a los votantes insatisfechos.

Missouri's Republican Sen. Josh Hawley has repeatedly called out his Democratic opponent Lucas Kunce for not endorsing a presidential candidate. But Kunce says the Senate race is about Missouri, not presidential politics. He spoke with KCUR's Up To Date about his priorities in the 2024 election.

Democrats in Kansas hope that 2024 is the year they finally break the Republican supermajority in the Kansas Legislature, which has been able to override Gov. Laura Kelly's veto on several key issues.

Democrats have long enjoyed support from organized labor, but many union members don’t feel a party allegiance any more. Missouri state Rep. Bill Allen, a Republican, and his opponent, Democrat Shirley Mata, a UAW member, both hope to win over dissatisfied voters.

The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, is tackling political issues even as polarization burdens congregations across the country. Plus: Residents near the Lake of the Ozarks hope that approving a new casino could help bring in more tax revenue and fund some long-needed infrastructure projects.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Ohio Senator JD Vance discussed the war in the Middle East, the economy and reproductive rights Tuesday during the only vice presidential debate of the 2024 election cycle.