Kansas Reflector Podcast
Kansas Reflector Podcast
The Kansas Reflector Podcast, hosted by senior reporter Tim Carpenter, presents voices from the people and politics of Kansas.
Gun safety advocates push for changes in Kansas law
Shannon Little, the chapter co-lead for Kansas Moms Demand Action, and organization volunteer Ann Williamson outline their ideas for more gun safety measures. Keep reading: Kansas gun safety advocates urge stronger firearm laws, more safe storage measures Auto-generated transcript of this episode
‘Quindaro, the vision’: Kansas ACLU spokesman talks historic site as blueprint for future
During a Kansas Reflector podcast, Mark McCormick, deputy executive director of strategic initiatives at the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas, talks racism in the state as seen through the lens of his recent report on Quindaro, “Same Water Comin’ Round: Quindaro as a Vision for Kansas.” Keep reading: ‘Quindaro, the vision:’ Kansas ACLU report […]
Kansas Office of Broadband Development unveils access plan
Jade Piros de Carvalho, director of the Kansas Office of Broadband Development, discusses the state’s five-year action plan to expand internet services in rural areas. The ambitious $451 million initiative seeks to deliver high-speed connectivity to tens of thousands of Kansans left behind by an internet revolution intersecting commerce, education, health care and entertainment. […]
Abortion provider on reproductive rights and restrictions in Kansas
Emily Wales, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, says providing reproductive health care in the state has been complicated by the loss of federal abortion rights and decades-old state restrictions. Her organization has been flooded with an influx of out-of-state visitors seeking care denied to them in their own states. Keep reading: Kansas […]
Kansas school board races impacted by national groups
Judith Deedy, from Game On for Kansas Schools, and Lauren Tice Miller, a Shawnee Heights school board member, discuss this year’s election cycle for public school board races. The two say they are concerned about a wave of misinformation being promoted by outsider groups, such as Moms for Liberty. Keep reading: ‘A new type of […]
Eli Woody launches campaign to challenge U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner
Eli Woody, a former educator and political newcomer, is challenging Republican U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner for a shot at the 2nd District seat. Woody, a Democrat, discussed his campaign goals of focusing on education, reproduction rights and gun reform. Keep reading: Democrat Eli Woody tying 2nd District campaign to issues germane to Kansans — not […]
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly on forming a PAC for moderates
The Democratic governor talks about her Middle of the Road political action committee, the youth vote, economic development, new agency leadership, attacks on LGBTQ equality and Medicaid unwinding. Keep reading: Gov. Laura Kelly forms PAC to support moderate GOP, Democratic legislative candidates Auto-generated transcript of this podcast
Topeka’s 785 Magazine examines city’s secrecy and unsheltered crisis
Kerrice Mapes, owner and founder of 785 Magazine, talks about independent journalism, a worsening crisis with Topeka’s unsheltered population, and the mysterious unraveling of Stephen Wade’s reign as city manager. Keep reading: ‘A seat at the table’: Topeka business leaders ask for more input on unsheltered crisis Auto-generated transcript of this episode
The influence of national hate groups in Kansas laws
Rep. Susan Ruiz, a Shawnee Democrat, discusses model legislation, including anti-LGBTQ bills, passed by the Republican-dominated Legislature. Keep reading: Kansas lawmaker denounces influence of national far-right groups on state laws Auto-generated transcript of this episode
Marty Hillard is finding joy in Topeka
Marty Hillard — an advocate against police brutality, a musician, and director of community engagement at Kansas Children’s Discovery Center — is “resolute in finding joy, in as many experiences as possible for all of the years that I was sort of lost in my indignation.” Keep reading: Topeka musician navigates society through lyrics, activism […]
A Kansas lawyer’s dream of being a judge
Todd Thornburg, deputy chief counsel for the Kansas Department of Labor, has Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy. As a five-time finalist for a judicial seat in Shawnee County, he says he will never give up on his dream of becoming a judge. But as his peers continue to make him a finalist, the governor keeps picking […]
The case for making it easier to grow industrial hemp in Kansas
Kelly Rippel, cofounder of Kansans for Hemp and a member of the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s hemp advisory panel, says changes in state and federal policies could help build a more vibrant market for growing hemp in Kansas for industrial purposes. Keep reading: Kansas hemp advocates eager to widen cultivation of plant with wild variety […]