KMBC 9's "Heart of the Matter": Recent Episodes
Cody Holyoke
Moderated by KMBC 9's Cody Holyoke. 'Heart of the Matter' digs deeper into the biggest stories of the week in Kansas and Missouri, with in-depth interviews and analysis, context and perspective.
‘Commitment 2026’ coverage. Our roundtable analyzes the winners from primaries in Kansas and Missouri. Voters overwhelmingly defeat several proposed changes at the polls. The fight over gerrymandering in Missouri heads to court once again.
‘Commitment 2026’ coverage. Congressional races are heating up in Kansas and Missouri—just days before the primaries. A packed field of candidates runs for Jackson County Executive. We walk you through ballot issues with major implications in both our states.
‘Commitment 2026’ coverage. KMBC 9’s Cody Holyoke and Eric Graves speak to Republican candidates running for Kansas Governor. Our roundtable analyzes the race—made up of a crowded field of candidates.
‘Commitment 2026’ coverage. We interview the three Democratic candidates running for Kansas Governor: State Senators Ethan Corson and Cindy Holscher, and Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog.
Special ‘Commitment 2026’ coverage of key issues on primary ballots in both our states. We explore the impact of an amendment that would greatly affect the power of voters. Another promises a phaseout of income tax in Missouri—but at what cost? Conservatives push to bring politics back to the Kansas Supreme Court.
Public health officials work to keep people safe during the World Cup. A court ruling changes abortion access in Missouri. Missouri’s governor freezes hundreds of millions of dollars in spending—just weeks before asking to voters to phase out the state’s income tax.
The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup comes to Kansas City. Law enforcement agencies band together to prevent human trafficking during the tournament—and beyond. Dutch fans prepare for a special soccer tradition, Kansas City-style.
Kansas City ushers in the crowds for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup. KMBC 9’s Cody Holyoke speaks with Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas days before the matches come to Arrowhead Stadium. A world-class museum works to coexist with the FIFA Fan Festival. Our First Alert Traffic team shows you how to navigate the Metro during the tournament.
episode. KMBC 9's Cody Holyoke sits down with Pam Kramer, CEO of KC2026—Kansas City’s organizing committee for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup. They discuss several topics surrounding the region’s time in the international spotlight.
A Supreme Court decision sparks a new redistricting push across the country—while the battle in Missouri continues. Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota goes one-on-one to discuss property taxes, the Royals’ stadium deal, and why he’s not running for office. Local brewers use a fundraiser to pay tribute to a fallen friend.
Missouri lawmakers tackle taxes and spending in the waning days of the legislative session. A community college works to provide life-changing opportunities for students in need. A KMBC 9 investigation uncovers an issue affecting several hundred people in Missouri.
Survivors of childhood sexual abuse are in a race against time in Missouri. Tax reform makes headlines in both Kansas and Missouri. Experts share advice on how best to regulate screen time for kids during the summer.
The Kansas City Royals announce plans for a new home, but a lot needs to happen before it’s a done deal. KMBC 9’s Cody Holyoke speaks with city and state leaders involved in the process as our roundtable analyzes the announcement. A nonprofit celebrates 25 years of helping the wrongfully convicted.
Commitment 2026 coverage ahead of municipal elections in Missouri. Kansas City leaders urge voters to approve renewal of a longstanding earnings tax. Our roundtable of journalists discusses the biggest bond issues and races on the ballot.
Kansas lawmakers have a lot to consider in the last week of the legislative session. Domestic violence shelters fight for funding in Missouri. We check in on the Kansas City Royals ahead of the start of the 2026 season.
Kansas and Missouri start to feel the effects of the Iran War. Missouri lawmakers work to tackle major tax reform before their spring break. Organizers prepare for Kansas City’s St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Political pushes affecting trans people pick up steam in Kansas and Missouri. Preparations are in full swing, 100 days out from Kansas City’s first World Cup match. Kansas City is the first stop on a nationwide tour celebrating our nation's 250th birthday.
Leaders in Leavenworth consider a plan for a private prison to open an ICE detention center. Battles over redistricting cause confusion in Missouri ahead of a key filing deadline. A major toll road project opens for drivers in Johnson County, Kansas.
Survivors of child sex abuse continue their push for justice. A battle for control targets school sports. A heart disease survivor shares her story for the first time.
Several groups take Missouri to court over redistricting. Kansas Republicans flex their muscle in Topeka. A Kansas City institution welcomes crowds for free this month.
episode. KMBC 9's Cody Holyoke sits down with Christal Watson, Mayor and CEO of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas. They discuss several issues affecting your tax dollars, your safety, and the future of the county.
A surge in immigration enforcement—and rising tension—prompts local pushback around Kansas City. Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway discusses state challenges involving abortion rights and redistricting. A new documentary—following high-profile raids in Kansas--premieres at Sundance.
The border battle between Kansas and Missouri intensifies in the wake of a major move from the Kansas City Chiefs. KMBC 9’s Cody Holyoke sits down with both Speakers of the House in Kansas and Missouri to discuss what’s next—and what to expect during their respective legislative sessions.
“Year in Review” edition. We take a look at the major news, sports, and political stories that defined 2025 for viewers in Kansas and Missouri.
Local health care advocates work to address major uncertainty surrounding the Affordable Care Act. The push to put redistricting to a vote in Missouri enters its final week. The head of the Missouri Gaming Commission discusses the rollout of sports betting, now live in the Show-Me State.
For a fifth year, Heart of the Matter devotes an entire episode to highlighting the ‘helpers’ in our area. We introduce you to three nonprofit groups doing good in our community, working to aid people in need.
Schools rally to help children and families in the wake of the government shutdown. A major change packed into the bill to restart the government spells trouble for the hemp industry. A Kansas-City nonprofit works to feed families for the holidays and beyond.
Voters make major decisions on Election Day—some prompting swift action in Jackson County. Workers at a Kansas City food kitchen scramble to feed neighbors in need amid the government shutdown. After an historic season, the KC Current prepares for the playoffs.
Commitment 2025 coverage. We sit down with the two candidates running for mayor in Wyandotte County. Dual roundtables run through some of the biggest issues and races in Kansas and Missouri.
Cody talks priorities with new Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota. Redistricting efforts gain steam and meet pushback in Kansas and Missouri. Already taxed, local food banks work to help hundreds of thousands of people about to lose SNAP benefits.
The selection process begins for an interim Jackson County Executive. New technology used for public safety prompts privacy concerns. A special team-up fights bullying in the KC Metro.
Voters make history in a landslide recall vote. Local doctors battle misinformation on acetaminophen and autism. We get a progress report on a local effort to help kids improve their reading skills.
Fueled by taxpayer frustration, a recall election will soon decide the future of Jackson County Executive Frank White. White joins us for an in-depth conversation on the issues before Election Day. Our roundtable dispels ballot confusion and analyzes the race.
Public pushback grows against redistricting in Missouri. Kansas Republicans consider a similar plan. An effort in Missouri works to prevent veteran suicide.
Missouri Republicans force a Presidential-led redistricting effort--and a vote on major changes to direct democracy. We get a progress report on Missouri’s sports betting rollout from the head of the state’s Gaming Commission.
Missouri’s next Attorney General discusses her priorities ahead of taking office. Redistricting efforts reach a fever pitch in Missouri. Doctors release new blood pressure guidelines meant to save lives.
New gaps created by maternal care service shutdowns and grocery store closures prompt important conversations. Missouri lawmakers tour the state in the name of property tax reform—and educators are watching closely.
A White House-led redistricting effort makes waves in Missouri. A judge sets a date for the recall election of Jackson County Executive Frank White. Lee’s Summit prepares to open a multimillion dollar downtown transformation.
Voters in Kansas and Missouri prepare for primary elections. Doctors help families adjust to “back to school” schedules. Incentives attract TV and film productions to Kansas City.
Local schools scramble to adjust as the US Department of Education withholds billions of dollars in funding. Congress slashes funding for public media, greatly affecting broadcasters and journalists in Kansas and Missouri. The Kansas City Chiefs prepare for the 2025 season.
Panasonic makes history in Kansas. Criticism grows over cuts and rollbacks to policies and programs in Missouri. Local nonprofit groups work to celebrate people with disabilities.
Health systems and patients prepare for the impact of Medicaid cuts. The devastation of deadly flooding in Texas prompts an important conversation. The ‘stadium saga’ involving the Chiefs and Royals enters a new chapter.
Kansas lawmakers consider giving the Chiefs and Royals more time to decide on stadium plans. Local ‘988’ call centers prepare for a major change affecting millions of high-risk Americans. A Kansas City-based nonprofit needs help providing for kids in foster care.
Missouri’s special legislative session is in full swing, with a stadium deal hanging in the balance. Kansas City, Missouri’s new city manager discusses his priorities. Organizers in Kansas City share what’s happening behind the scenes--a year from the start of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup.
Missouri lawmakers are on the clock to strike a stadium deal with the Chiefs and Royals. Republicans push back against key issues approved by Missouri voters. Health experts sound the alarm on a disturbing trend affecting young people.
A special "Heart of the Matter: Conversations" episode. KMBC 9's Cody Holyoke sits down with Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson, discussing her dual approach to combatting crime, her main priorities of her new administration, and how she hopes to improve relationships within the community.
A battle over immigration spreads to college campuses. Mayor Quinton Lucas discusses several issues affecting Kansas City. A KMBC 9 News investigation prompts changes in prisons.
Commitment 2025 coverage. Education and public safety take the spotlight in municipal elections across Missouri. Our team analyzes the key races and issues up for a vote.
Child sex abuse survivors fight for new protections in Missouri. A local nonprofit turns an act of hate into a mission of kindness. The Kansas City Royals start the 2025 season with their eyes on ‘fall ball.’
Growing concerns over proposed government cuts prompt tough conversations about Medicaid. Business leaders and conservative lawmakers in Missouri fight workers’ rights measures passed at the polls. A local nonprofit works to help families avoid an impossible choice.
A deadly measles outbreak prompts an important conversation with local health experts. Missouri lawmakers approve a plan to let the state control another local police department. Organizers prepare for Kansas City’s Saint Patrick’s Day parade.
An emerging trade war leads to uncertainty and concern in Kansas and Missouri. A plan to shake up school systems meets pushback from educators. The KC Current prepare for their season opener.
Missouri leaders meet with Jackson County legislators in an effort to keep the Chiefs and Royals in the Show-Me State. Meanwhile, an enticing deal is still on the table in Kansas. Severe weather preparedness takes center stage.
Sweeping cuts to the federal government bring major changes and challenges to Kansas and Missouri. State lawmakers mirror new policies coming from Washington.
Local families start to feel the effects of President Trump’s sweeping executive orders on immigration. We explore what’s next for them—and how state lawmakers are paving the way for enforcement efforts. The Kansas City Chiefs fight for a spot in a third consecutive Super Bowl.
A new administration gets to work in Missouri—authorizing changes to immigration policies. A plan for the future of Kansas may meet pushback. Doctors warn about a confluence of winter viruses burdening hospitals right now.
Kansas leaders prepare for a stronger Republican supermajority ahead of the legislative session. A familiar name jumps in the race for Kansas governor. Local restaurants work to bounce back from business losses brought on by a blizzard.
Missouri’s legislative session is about to start, and Kansas City will soon be represented in a big way. Republicans and pro-choice advocates are poised to fight over abortion rights. Our roundtable’s watching what a Mike Kehoe administration will look like.
“Year in Review” edition. We take a look at the major news, sports, and political stories that defined 2024 for the Kansas City area.
For a fourth year, Heart of the Matter devotes an episode to highlighting the ‘helpers’ in our area. We introduce you to three groups doing good in our community, working to aid people in need.
Commitment 2024 coverage. Our roundtable analyzes election results, walking viewers through the biggest races and issues on the ballot. Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab joins us for an election debrief.
‘Heart of the Matter’ devotes an entire hour to preparing voters for the polls. KMBC 9’s Cody Holyoke sits down with candidates for several key races in Kansas and Missouri. Our team helps voters cut through misinformation and false claims on several ballot issues and amendments up for a vote on November 5th.
Commitment 2024 coverage. Our team takes a close look at major issues and amendments on the ballot in Missouri. We sort fact from fiction on claims surrounding health care, reproductive rights, the economy, and how Missourians vote.
Commitment 2024 coverage. KMBC 9’s Cody Holyoke asks tough questions of the two top candidates for Missouri governor: Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe and House Minority Leader Crystal Quade. Our roundtable profiles the race.
Commitment 2024 coverage. KMBC 9’s Cody Holyoke profiles the top two polling candidates in Missouri’s U.S. Senate race: incumbent Republican Senator Josh Hawley and Democratic challenger Lucas Kunce. Our roundtable analyzes the state of the race.
Commitment 2024 coverage. KMBC 9’s Cody Holyoke profiles key US House races in Kansas and Missouri. He sits down with the two top candidates in the race for Kansas’s 3rd Congressional District. Our roundtable analyzes other races of note.
Commitment 2024 coverage. KMBC 9’s Cody Holyoke speaks with the three candidates running for Missouri Attorney General: Elad Gross, Andrew Bailey, and Ryan Munro. Our roundtable analyzes the race.
Voters in Jackson County, Missouri will make history in November, electing the first Black woman to ever become County Prosecutor. KMBC 9’s Cody Holyoke presses candidates Melesa Johnson and Tracey Chappell on the issues ahead of Election Day.
Campaigns for and against key ballot issues are heating up in Missouri. A local cider mill keeps prices firm on the heels of major financial news affecting millions of Americans. A Kansas City nonprofit works to set students up for success--one book at a time.
Local health departments scramble to save lives. A failed stadium sales tax proposal sparks new conversation about the future of Kansas City’s sports teams. The Chiefs prepare for their season opener.
A major court ruling keeps reproductive rights on Missouri ballots, but will this be the end of legal battles? Voter registration picks up ahead of key deadlines in Kansas and Missouri.
Petition drives land several items onto Missouri ballots. There’s new movement in a years-long fight over a Missouri election law. A pilot program works to improve literacy among Kansas City’s youngest students.
A state ruling prompts financial anxiety at local school districts. Administrators work to shore up a bus driver shortage. A new school opens to the public in Mission, Kansas.
KMBC 9’s Cody Holyoke analyzes primary election results in Kansas and Missouri with his roundtable of journalists. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas responds to a statewide vote affecting funding at KCPD.
“Commitment 2024.” KMBC 9’s Cody Holyoke interviews the three top Republican candidates in the race for Missouri governor: Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, and State Senator Bill Eigel.
"Commitment 2024." KMBC 9’s Cody Holyoke begins two weeks of coverage of the Missouri Governor’s race ahead of the primaries. He sits down with Democrats Crystal Quade and Mike Hamra, discussing the issues that matter to you.
Cody Holyoke sits down with the two Republicans running for attorney general in Missouri. Current A.G. Andrew Bailey wants a full term. He’s battling Trump attorney and former federal prosecutor Will Scharf. We analyze the race and get to the heart of issues important to Missourians.
‘Commitment 2024’ coverage includes a close look at the US Senate race in Missouri ahead of the August primaries. Our roundtable of journalists walks us through key Congressional races in Kansas. Hearst political analyst Marc Sandalow previews the Republican National Convention.
Campaigns kick into high gear ahead of the August primary elections. Local health leaders work to curb maternal mortality. Extreme heat prompts action to protect people in need.
Kansas makes a strong push for the Chiefs and Royals. Lawmakers reach a deal on tax relief before a special session in Topeka. City Market prepares for a Pride celebration.
We get to the heart of a matter affecting families struggling to feed their kids. Postal service workers sound the alarm on a public safety issue. Missouri celebrates the economic impact of a booming craft beer industry.
Missouri lawmakers fail to pass a bill changing the power of your vote. A local prosecutor discusses the ins and outs of recent cyberattacks. Researchers need your help with a first-of-its-kind cancer study.
A special "Heart of the Matter: Conversations" episode. KMBC 9's Cody Holyoke sits down with Negro Leagues Museum president Bob Kendrick to discuss the impact of the Negro Leagues, its growing popularity, and plans to teach future generations important lessons from American history.
Kansas and Missouri take different approaches when trying to attract the Chiefs and Royals. The Kansas Legislature ends its session. Local volunteers bring hot meals to storm survivors from the Plans to the Midwest.
Missouri tosses out a controversial landfill plan during a tumultuous session. Kansas lawmakers go back and forth on taxes. A botched financial aid rollout threatens the future of prospective college students. The US prepares for a rare double emergence of cicada broods.
Voters overwhelmingly shoot down a sales tax renewal for the Royals and Chiefs. A local nonprofit works to make a difference in our community—10 years after an act of hate shook the Kansas City metro. NASA prepares for a total solar eclipse.
A special episode devoted to the stadium sales tax issue in Jackson County. On the eve of the election, Cody Holyoke speaks to the two key players in the debate: Kansas City Royals Chairman and CEO John Sherman, and Jackson County Executive Frank White. Our roundtable offers context and perspective on an issue affecting billions of your tax dollars.
Our fourth “Heart of the Matter: Conversations” episode focuses on the gun violence crisis in Kansas City. We speak with leaders, parents, and advocates about ways to save lives in the KC Metro.
Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab discusses major changes on the heels of statewide presidential primaries. Johnson County Republicans draw ire from both sides of the aisle. Therapists offer advice for people and families still dealing with trauma in the wake of the Parade Day shooting.
Kansas City prepares to open the first stadium in the world purpose-built for a women’s professional sports team. Organizers of Kansas City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade adjust their plans in the wake of February’s Parade Day Shooting. Doctors sound the alarm about a highly contagious measles outbreak ahead of spring break.
Trauma doctors take us behind the scenes of the life-saving response during the Parade Day shooting. Missouri Republicans move to make changes to the power of the popular vote. Kansas lawmaker battle over taxes and other key issues in the back half of the legislative session.
Our 100th episode is dedicated to the aftermath of the Parade Day Shooting in Kansas City. Mayor Quinton Lucas discusses what’s being done to curb gun violence. Lawmakers wage an uphill battle over gun reform. A new hotline works to stop youth violence before it starts.
Landlords threaten to pull out of Kansas City after the passage of an income discrimination ban. A new identification program begins amid a nationwide immigration debate. We talk to the people behind a month-long promotion at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
Several questions remain ahead of an important vote on the future of two major Kansas City sports teams. The Chiefs have a big test ahead of them as they fight for another trip to the Super Bowl. Republican infighting leads to gridlock—and major moves—in the Missouri Senate.
Workers at homeless shelters reflect on serving our community in record cold conditions. Local blood banks scramble during a nationwide shortage. Missouri Republicans reignite debate over transgender rights.
Missouri Republicans make headlines in a ballot battle taking shape nationwide. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly wields bipartisanship as she works to pass major legislation in 2024. Restaurants rally to attract customers in a down economy.
Missouri lawmakers start their 2024 session. Will they get anything substantial done? Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins sits down to discuss priorities in Topeka. We take a trip to KCI to discuss the new terminal with Melissa Cooper, Kansas City’s new director of aviation.
“Year in Review” edition. We take a look at the major news, sports, and political stories that defined 2023 for the Kansas City area.
Election battles take shape in Missouri. Kansas makes a “quick-change” over a license plate fiasco. A local group works to help our Jewish friends and neighbors ahead of Hanukkah. The Salvation Army watches a growing need for help from families in our area.
Our third annual "Helpers" episode, devoted to people and groups doing good in our community.
A small group of voters makes big decisions affecting the future of the KC Metro. New reporting reveals more about what went on before police raided a small-town Kansas newspaper. As the war between Israel and Hamas continues, a local nonprofit works to aid survivors.
Local autoworkers work to get back on their feet after an historic strike. We preview important races and issues you’ll see at the polls Tuesday. A KMBC 9 investigation explores a rare—but very real—threat on the roads.
The war between Israel and Hamas sends shockwaves through the metro, prompting a difficult and heartfelt conversation about the local impact of the fighting. Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson discusses post-pandemic progress and challenges. Missouri’s Speaker of the House battles travel trouble—and the ire of taxpayers.
Staffing issues prompt pharmacy walkouts and problems for customers—and that’s just part of the problem. Vacant fires pose a “major issue” for Kansas City firefighters. A local nonprofit group partners with KMBC 9 Cares for Kids to provide Thanksgiving meals for families in need.
We get to the heart of a state audit of skyrocketing property assessments with Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick. A small-town police chief’s departure reignites a big discussion on the First Amendment. Breast Cancer Awareness Month highlights medical breakthroughs and a need for research.
Missouri prepares for another chapter in the recreational marijuana rollout. KCPD’s funding fight is now in front of Missouri’s highest court. Taylor Swift and Beyoncé’s big KC shows prompts a conversation about the city’s growing push to bring big events to the Metro.
A looming deadline prompts a discussion about federal student loan debt. Voting rights groups work to clear registration hurdles ahead of a busy election season. A major development project promises to change the face of Kansas City.
“The Power Episode.” One of the nation’s largest unions goes on strike, affecting thousands of local auto workers. A mandate switching customers to new utility rates leads to confusion. A court battle slows a petition push for abortion rights in Missouri.
A local nonprofit works to curb overdose deaths by keeping people on the path to recovery. Doctors express concern over respiratory illnesses ahead of fall. Hispanic Heritage Month provides an important conversation about culture and education.
A new report shows a dire situation getting worse for Missouri mothers. We get a sneak peek of a multimillion-dollar aquarium before it opens to the public. “Cody & Gold” from 610 Sports Radio join us to discuss the difficult roster decisions facing the Kansas City Chiefs.
We speak with the head of a Kansas City area-based nonprofit on the ground in Maui feeding wildfire survivors. A police raid on a newspaper thrusts a small Kansas town into the international spotlight. The president of the Kansas City Current discusses the impact Kansas City’s having on soccer.
A special “back to school” episode. Families adjust to bussing and schedule changes brought on by local school districts. Political issues enter the classroom in both Kansas and Missouri. A local nonprofit works to provide quality education for kids in poverty.
Staffing shortages prompt changes at local schools ahead of the new academic year. New leaders work to address major issues in Kansas City, Missouri. Larry Moore joins us to look back on KMBC-TV’s 70th anniversary.
A back-and-forth over local transit prompts a conversation. The Missouri Supreme Court rules against the Attorney General in a petition effort to reverse an abortion ban. We get a progress report on local efforts surrounding the ‘988’ Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Major health care changes could mean thousands of Missouri and Kansas lose Medicaid coverage. A local group works to help foster kids in need. A new documentary exposes a painful time in our nation’s history.
Many parts of Kansas and Missouri are at or approaching the worst levels of drought. We explore how we got here, where things stand, and what to expect as we push into summer. Farmers show us the damage and impact firsthand. Leaders in Kansas scramble to solve a water crisis made worse by the drought.
Homeowners scramble to fight skyrocketing property taxes on short notice. Several controversial laws take effect in Kansas. Missouri’s first Black-owned brewery opens for business.
Our third “Heart of the Matter: Conversations” episode. KMBC 9's Cody Holyoke moderates a panel discussion on attracting international tourism, students and business in Kansas City.
Commitment 2023. We discuss major issues with both candidates running for mayor in Kansas City, Missouri: incumbent Quinton Lucas and longtime challenger Clay Chastain.
Local nonprofit groups work to lessen the damage of “food deserts.” Kansas City, Missouri’s city council race enters its final stretch. A special tour highlights the area’s rich LGBTQ+ heritage.
We get to the heart of Kansas City Missouri’s 911 hold time problem with a trip to KCPD’s call center. Kansas Senator Roger Marshall discusses the fight against fentanyl. The National WWI Museum & Memorial prepares for an overhaul after some well-deserved time in the spotlight.
Kansas City, Kansas Police Chief Karl Oakman joins us for an important conversation about continued gun violence in our community. Kansas Speaker of the House Dan Hawkins weighs in on his party’s agenda over the 2023 legislative session. Local beaches work to curb a lifeguard shortage before summer hits.
Major announcements take shape as Kansas City prepares to host World Cup competitions. A new memorial honors a baseball legend. A local mom works to help families navigate screen time during the summer.
The end of a national public health emergency marks a new chapter in the fight against COVID-19. Missouri Republicans deliver on a marquee campaign promise as they close out the 2023 session. A small bird causes a big political controversy in Kansas.
Local moms band together to spark a serious conversation on gun violence. Missouri lawmakers have a lot to consider during the final week of the Legislative session. KMBC 9 Investigates gets results as roadside trash keeps piling up in Kansas City.
Our special episode looks at the 2023 NFL Draft in Kansas City, exploring the highlights, history and future of major sporting events in our area.
Reproductive rights take center stage as court rulings threaten the future of medication abortions. We discuss logistics, planning and first impressions with the woman who helped bring the 2023 NFL Draft to Kansas City. After changing direction, Missouri lawmakers give the green light to a major infrastructure project.
Access expands to a life-saving, overdose-reversing drug. Kansas lawmakers work through the night to pass bills affecting transgender kids. We head to Union Station, head of the 2023 NFL Draft.
We bring voters up to speed on key races and issues in Missouri’s municipal elections. We explore the building push for open enrollment—and the impact it could have on education. We’ll take the team temperature of the Kansas City Royals as the 2023 season gets started.
Kansas families struggling to put food on the table now face a major challenge. Missouri Republicans push to limit transgender rights. Actor Henry Winkler speaks about his love for Patrick Mahomes and “Chiefs Kingdom.”
Our second “Heart of the Matter: Conversations” episode. An in-depth, exclusive interview with Chief Stacey Graves, the new head of the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department. From crime to community relationships to local control, Chief Graves discusses her plans for the department—-and our city.
We get to the heart of a controversial landfill project turning heads in South Kansas City. We explore the impact of a key Oklahoma vote on marijuana in Kansas. We take the temperature of the travel industry ahead of Spring Break 2023.
We speak one-on-one with US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, discussing challenges and opportunities facing our area. We explore a project that could change the face of downtown Kansas City. Our roundtable watches a push to limit government transparency.
We explore the impact of Kansas City International Airport’s new terminal ahead of its grand opening. Kansas Republicans propose a rollback of food sales tax relief. A Medicaid rule could spell trouble for thousands of Missourians. A hospital system plans to implement artificial intelligence at the doctor’s office.
Missouri lawmakers discuss several attempts to make the ‘initiative petition’ process more difficult. We explain how that could affect the power of your vote. We take a tour of the new KCI terminal before it opens, and we head to Independence, discussing Presidents’ Day at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum.
It’s Super Bowl Sunday! We check in with our crews in Glendale, Arizona ahead of the Chiefs matchup against the Eagles. We go to a Missouri marijuana dispensary, where recreational sales are surging. We discuss the departure of the head of KHP—and ‘Don’t Say Gay’ legislation in Missouri.
Doctors sound the alarm on dropping vaccination rates among kids—not related to COVID-19. Kansas Representative Sharice Davids discusses FAA issues and new investigations on Capitol Hill. Our roundtable analyzes Missouri Governor Mike Parson’s ‘State of the State’ address.
Restaurant owners battle a rough economy as KC Restaurant Week begins. Kansas politicians set their sights on big issues in 2023. We push the ball forward on a two-year-long KMBC 9 investigation into misconduct allegations at the top of the Kansas Highway Patrol.
We explore the ins and outs of a new Missouri law targeting homelessness, discussing enforcement and threats to funding with Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas. Our roundtable brings us up to speed on legislative movement in Kansas and Missouri. We get a progress report on Kansas City’s preparations for the 2023 NFL Draft.
The new year starts with many changes in politics! We discuss how the shape of the new Congress will affect local issues. We preview Missouri’s new legislative session, and we sit down with state regulators working to roll out Missouri’s recreational marijuana program.
Our December tradition continues with a profile of ‘helpers’ in our area. We introduce you to three groups doing good in our community, working to aid people in need.
An execution by the State of Missouri prompts an important discussion on capital punishment. We discuss the bills Kansas and Missouri lawmakers are already proposing before the start of new legislative sessions. We speak with the woman in charge of bringing the World Cup to Kansas City, ahead of her factfinding trip to Qatar.
Hospitals are packed—thanks to an early surge of the flu, paired with RSV infections. We speak to a doctor working to keep kids and families safe. We discuss funding issues in Missouri with the new ‘988’ system, and we check on animal shelters—filled to the brim with pets this holiday season.
The need for food this Thanksgiving is compounded by inflation and higher prices. We go to a regional food bank, dealing with the struggle firsthand. After a lackluster turnout for their candidates at the polls, Republicans regroup and look forward to new legislative sessions at home—and in Washington. We give a sneak preview of the 93rd Evergy Plaza Lighting Ceremony—ahead of its broadcast on KMBC 9.
Post-election coverage. We walk viewers through the impact of the choices they made Election Day, highlighting key races and issues decided at the polls. Kansas City, Missouri Mayor Quinton Lucas discusses what’s next in the battle surrounding funding at KCPD—on the heels of a statewide vote affecting local tax dollars.v
Our last broadcast before Election Day! We speak with Missouri U.S. Senate candidate Trudy Busch Valentine, profile Republican challenger Eric Schmitt, and walk you through many of the other important races and issues on the ballot in Kansas and Missouri.
‘Commitment 2022.’ We speak with the top two candidates in the race for Kansas Governor: the incumbent, Democrat Laura Kelly, and her Republican challenger, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt. The candidates discuss everything from the economy to abortion rights—and how to get through legislative gridlock in Topeka. Our roundtable analyzes the race.
Our ‘Commitment 2022’ coverage continues with a deep dive into one of the most contested US House races in the country. We speak with the top two candidates running for Kansas 3rd Congressional District: incumbent Rep. Sharice Davids and challenger Amanda Adkins. Our round table provides insight and perspective on the race ahead of Election Day.
‘Commitment 2022’ coverage explores how a statewide amendment on the November ballot punctuates the fight over police funding in Kansas City. We check in on several key races in Kansas. The Washington Post’s Hannah Knowles joins us to discuss the impact of election denial—and why it still matters in 2022.
Our ‘Commitment 2022’ coverage kicks into high gear with analysis of the final gubernatorial debate in Kansas. We discuss the push to legalize recreational marijuana in Missouri. We check in with a political organization celebrating 60 years of helping KC’s Black community.
Voting rights groups work to educate and register voters ahead of the November election—while suing the State of Missouri. Learning from the pandemic, a local company adopts a four-day workweek. The president of the Kansas City Current discusses her team’s successes ahead of the playoffs.
We investigate the harm “swatting” and constant threats are causing for our kids. Our roundtable discusses the Department of Justice investigation into KCPD, while keeping tabs on key political headlines. We explore the push to add a statue of Missourian and former President Harry S. Truman to a prestigious collection—ahead of its unveiling at the US Capitol.
Unsettling student test scores prompt a discussion on learning loss. Our roundtable of journalists weighs in on two major races heating up in Kansas. A local doctor deals with crime and gang violence during a humanitarian crisis.
We check in with health experts to discuss new coronavirus vaccine booster shots in Kansas and Missouri, ahead of an expected fall surge. We explore the growing plight of workers in our two states—as inflation adds more pressure. We preview the Kansas City Chiefs’ 2022 season with sports broadcasters watching the team closely.
As the school year begins, we discuss the growing shortage of educators and support staff with the head of the nation’s largest teachers’ union. Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft stops by to discuss several issues making headlines. We preview Missouri’s special session on taxes and explore the after-effects of gridlock in Jefferson City earlier in the year.
We explore the ins and outs of a new election law taking effect in Missouri. Our roundtable of journalist tackles a number of political headlines—including the departure of Missouri U.S. Senate candidate John Wood. We sit down with the head of the Kansas Lottery days before sports betting launches in the Sunflower State.
In our first “Heart of the Matter: Conversations” episode, we sit down for an exclusive, in-depth interview with Quinton Lucas, mayor of Kansas City, Missouri. We discuss violent crime, state control of policing, and development--ahead of major events coming to town. We also ask, ‘What’s the biggest story Kansas City’s NOT talking about right now?’
This week’s episode is filled with “Commitment 2022” post-election analysis. Voters overwhelmingly strike down a plan to curtail abortion rights. Missouri’s U.S. Senate race solidifies. Other races of note could help shape the balance of power in Washington.
It’s Primary Week! We’re in full ‘Commitment 2022’ mode. We sit down with Democratic U.S. Senate Candidate Trudy Busch Valentine and profile the campaign of Republican Eric Schmitt--as both candidates work to represent Missouri. We bring you up to speed on other key races and issues ahead of the August 2nd primaries. We also discuss the importance of unaffiliated voters this year.
Our ‘Commitment 2022’ coverage continues with a look at candidates in Missouri’s U.S. Senate race. We speak with Democrat Spencer Toder and profile former Missouri Governor Eric Greitens. We discuss new reporting on motivations of the ‘Value Them Both’ campaign with the journalist who broke the story.
Special ‘Commitment 2022’ coverage. We take a deep dive into the Missouri race for US Senate, speaking with Republican Rep. Vicky Hartzler and Democratic candidate Lucas Kunce. Our roundtable discusses the importance of undecided voters, and the impact presidents--both current and former--may have on the primaries.
Our entire episode is devoted to reproductive rights in both our states. Kansas is the first state in the country in which voters have the chance to respond to the US Supreme Court's reversal of Roe v. Wade. We sort through misinformation and discuss the issue with a supporter an opponent of the ‘Value Them Both’ amendment on the ballot in August. We tackle the confusion and ambiguity over Missouri’s “trigger ban” on abortion, and we explore the political side of the issue with our roundtable of journalists.
We explore the implications, fallout and strategy of a controversial campaign ad released by a candidate for US Senate in Missouri. We work to answer parents’ questions about the newly approved coronavirus vaccines, and we convene a special panel to discuss Pride Month—along with the successes and challenges within the LGBTQ+ community.
As human trafficking hits close to home, we explore the issue, cutting through the myths with an investigator working every day to protect our kids. We have an important discussion on the meaning of Juneteenth, and how people new to the story behind the celebration can respectfully take part. We’ll also get a progress report on the race for Kansas governor, as political ads heat up.
Survivors of recent mass shootings plead with Congress to make moves on gun safety. We explore the laws on the books in Kansas and Missouri--and how our lawmakers and political candidates are handling the issue. We also discuss Kansas City’s bid to host matches in the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, ahead of a major decision next week.
This week, we dedicate an episode to kids—and parents—ahead of summer break. We speak with administrators working to slow an academic backslide with a new calendar. We walk through the technological ‘do’s and don’ts’ of summer screen time. We’ll sort through fact and fiction on coronavirus vaccine booster shots for kids, and we pay tribute to the victims of the horrific school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.
This week, we dispel misinformation and discuss the need to bring families closure with the head of Kansas City Crimestoppers and KMBC 9’s Martin Augustine. We ‘talk trash,’ taking viewer concerns on roadside garbage to Kansas City, Missouri’s mayor. We also watch the money—as ad spending builds in a crowded race for U.S. Senate in Missouri.
News of a potential Supreme Court reversal of Roe v. Wade sends shockwaves across the country. Caroline Kitchener of The Washington Post joins us to discuss what this means for abortion in Kansas and Missouri. We also consider the political ramifications of the news, and we discuss new coronavirus vaccine developments with Children’s Mercy Hospital’s top infectious disease doctor.
Fentanyl is becoming a major problem in the Metro, responsible for several overdoses and deaths. We explore what’s being done to fight this crisis. We walk you through the blitz of bills lawmakers tackled (or tried to tackle) in Topeka, and we take you to the former home of the Kansas City Monarchs to discuss the site’s impact on sports and society.
The murder of a 14-year-old boy at school prompts an important conversation about youth violence. We discuss the back and forth between Kansas lawmakers and Governor Laura Kelly, and we take a trip to the movies to explore a major push to bring TV and film productions to the KC Metro.
This week, we have a meaningful conversation about wrongful convictions with Darryl Burton and Lamonte McIntyre of ‘Miracle of Innocence.’ We discuss new moves in Missouri’s US Senate race—along with proposed changes to Medicaid in Missouri and ‘sanctuary cities’ in Kansas. We also learn more about what makes ‘Fountain Day’ in Kansas City, Missouri so special.
This week, we speak with The Washington Post’s Caroline Kitchener about the rapid push by state legislatures to curb abortion rights. We visit a nonprofit working to help the formerly incarcerated succeed with life after prison, and we preview the Kansas City Royals’ 2022 season.
This week, we’re tracking the progress of sports betting bills in Kansas and Missouri—as a bit of a ‘border battle’ on the issue starts to take shape. We discuss a trial about to start surrounding Congressional redistricting in Kansas, while keeping an eye on the rollback of Missouri’s pandemic response. We also preview many of the pressing issues Missouri voters will tackle in the upcoming election.
This week, we discuss the fallout from new allegations against former Missouri Governor Eric Greitens. We check in with a father and son from Missouri fresh off their mission trip to the Ukrainian border, and we speak to a child sex abuse survivor at the heart of a KMBC 9 News investigation.
This week, we explore the issue of ‘ghost guns,’ get a progress report on the pandemic two years after it started, and discuss a new program designed to fund project ideas from the public in Kansas City, Missouri.
This week, we discuss a push for a no-fly list for the unruliest of passengers, showcase a local food bank’s fight against inflation, and preview the return of a longstanding Kansas City tradition.
This week, we highlight the emotional and economic toll the crisis in Ukraine is having on people in the Metro. We also keep tabs on lawmakers in Kansas and Missouri with our roundtable of journalists.
This week, we discuss learning loss among students, as districts battle the pandemic and severe weather this month. We speak with members of a group working to help sexual assault survivors in our area, and we bring you up to speed on Missouri’s US Senate race.
This week, we explore the ins and outs of a new measure designed to provide protections for undocumented immigrants in our area. We’ll discuss a KMBC 9 investigation into staggering amounts of overtime give out for construction work at a local police department, and we ask, “What will Major League Baseball look like this season?”
This week, we explore why child vaccination numbers are so low in our area. We’ll talk to Kansas City, Missouri’s new health director about public health issues facing our communities. We also discuss developments on redistricting in both Kansas and Missouri.
In this week’s episode, we discuss inequity in health care affecting the Metro’s Black community—and share encouraging pandemic news. We get a “Chiefs Debrief” after a crushing AFC Championship loss, and we’ll discuss a shakeup within the Republican party in Jefferson City, Missouri.
In this week’s episode, we discuss the ongoing legal fight against mask mandates from Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt. This time, he’s suing school districts. Administrators weigh in on the problems they’re now facing. We also discuss the issue of homelessness in the KC Metro—and get an update on redistricting in Kansas and Missouri from our roundtable of journalists.
In this week’s episode, we sit down with the head of one of Kansas’ largest teachers’ unions to talk about the struggles—and legal limitations—educators are facing in this wave of Omicron infections. We also get a progress report on Missouri’s hospital system and analyze Governor Mike Parson’s investment plans announced during his ‘State of the State’ address.
In this week’s episode, we look at the strain the current pandemic surge is having on hospitals, schools and restaurants. We also preview Kansas’ 2022 legislative session and Governor Laura Kelly’s plans for Kansans this year, discussing major issues—and potential roadblocks—with politicians and journalists.
In this week’s episode, we highlight the struggles school districts are facing because of both COVID-19 and public pressure on health and safety policies. We also preview Missouri’s 2022 legislative session, discussing key issues with lawmakers and journalists.
In this week's episode, we look ahead to big issues facing Kansas and Missouri in 2022, including COVID-19, KCPD's budget battle, and what to expect in the political world in the new year.
In this week's episode, we look back on the year that was, showcasing strides and struggles with the coronavirus, politics, and notable news and sports stories in 2021.
In this week's episode, we sit down with the “helpers,” people and groups at the heart of our community working to make lives better year round—not just around the holidays.
In this week's episode, we chat with an expert about supply chain struggles causing issues in Kansas and Missouri. We’ll also visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum to discuss Buck O’Neil’s induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame—and we’ll look back on the Pearl Harbor attack with a man whose life changed forever because of it.
In this week's episode, we discuss the growing threat of the Omicron coronavirus variant, vaccine mandates with Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, and the ongoing fight for freedom among the wrongfully convicted in Kansas and Missouri.