Kansas Reflector Podcast

Democratic Kansas mayor running for governor to challenge presumptive Republican frontrunner

When Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog unexpectedly filed to run for governor hours before the filing deadline, he surprised the Kansas political world, prompting current Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly to call his campaign "foolhardy." In conversation with Kansas Reflector's editor-in-chief, Sherman Smith, Skoog criticizes Republican frontrunner Ty Masterson, advocates for Medicaid expansion and property tax relief and details his path to public service. New episodes of the Kansas Reflector Podcast drop on Mondays. Kansas Reflector staff interview elected officials, politicians, researchers, experts and everyday Kansans who are in the thick of state politics and current events. Get the latest news from Kansas Reflector by signing up for our free newsletters at kansasreflector.com/subscribe. This episode was hosted by Sherman Smith and produced by Anna Kaminski.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly didn't want to run for a second term. She did it anyway.

With roughly six months left as governor, Laura Kelly reflects on how she entered the governor's office and speaks on how she hopes to leave it in an interview with senior reporter Tim Carpenter. She highlights what she views as major accomplishments, recounts how she beat tough gubernatorial opponents (twice), and articulates why she wanted to change to economic and social perception of Kansas. New episodes of the Kansas Reflector Podcast drop on Mondays. Kansas Reflector staff interview elected officials, politicians, researchers, experts and everyday Kansans who are in the thick of state politics and current events. Get the latest news from Kansas Reflector by signing up for our free newsletters at kansasreflector.com/subscribe. This episode was hosted by Tim Carpenter and produced by Anna Kaminski.

'Proud progressive' takes on Ron Estes with grassroots campaign

Cole Epley is one of four Democrats challenging U.S. Rep. Ron Estes in August, but Epley has differentiated himself from his fellow Democratic candidates by leaning into Democratic socialism and unapologetically progressive ideals. Kansas Reflector's editor-in-chief Sherman Smith speaks with Epley about his political origins, his approach to fundraising outside the bounds of the traditional party and his views on key issues such as immigration and abortion. New episodes of the Kansas Reflector Podcast drop on Mondays. Kansas Reflector staff interview elected officials, politicians, researchers, experts and everyday Kansans who are in the thick of Kansas politics and current events. Get the latest news from Kansas Reflector by signing up for our free newsletters at kansasreflector.com/subscribe.

Galena residents seek environmental testing at southeast Kansas landfill

Residents in Galena, Kansas, are worried that noxious smells and a smoldering fire at the town's landfill are polluting the air and affecting their health. They are pushing for more testing to ensure the environment in their southeast Kansas town is safe.

Kansas surgeon tailors U.S. Senate bid to future generations

Kevin Latz is one of 11 Kansas Democrats running to replace U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, and he said he is differentiating himself from the rest with his experience as a surgeon, physician and father. He said scientists are underrepresented in Congress, and his work making difficult decisions, operating under pressure and treating everyone as a patient mirrors that of a lawmaker's. His policy priorities span generations, but he is particularly passionate about gun safety policy and ensuring kids are protected from social media. New episodes of the Kansas Reflector Podcast drop on Mondays. Kansas Reflector staff interview elected officials, politicians, researchers, experts and everyday Kansans who are in the thick of Kansas politics and current events. Get the latest news from Kansas Reflector by signing up for our free newsletters at kansasreflector.com/subscribe.