Intersection on KBIA

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Each week, we start with an issue that affects people like you in mid-Missouri. Then we line up a group of panelists who can speak intelligently about that topic, and bring them into the studio for a live discussion every Monday at 2 p.m.

When could marijuana laws change in Missouri? (March 10)

Debate over Marijuana legalization or decriminalization had gone on for many years, but with recent changes in many states across the country, in many places the debate has moved from theoretical to logistical. Legalization of marijuana for recreational use in Colorado and Washington state has gone into effect, and many are watching to see how it plays out. For proponents, opponents, and legislators, the process could serve as a litmus test for similar laws in other states.

Here in Missouri, measures in the legislature have already been introduced this year that would affect the state’s policies on marijuana. Today on Intersection, we’ll talk about some of those measures, and some of the political and practical factors at play.

Panelists:

Democratic State Representative Chris Kelly represents Columbia and much of Boone County in the House.

Chairman of the Boone County Libertarian Party John Schultz.

Director of State Policy at the Marijuana Policy Project Karen O'Keefe (joining by Skype)

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A preview of the 2014 True/False Film Festival (Feb. 24)

The True False Film Fest is back in Columbia for it’s 11th year. The documentary festival draws thousands of people each year, and brings in most of the year’s best films. This year, one of the films is based in Missouri, and made by mid-Missouri natives. Rich Hill documents a year in the life of three teenagers from the town Rich Hill in West Central Missouri.

Today on the show we’ll talk about that film, about what it’s like to produce a film in Missouri, and about the festival as a whole.

TIFs and downtown development in Columbia (Feb. 17)

At a meeting tonight, members of Columbia’s City Council are expected to vote on a resolution offering preliminary support for a downtown TIF district. The idea, which would fund downtown infrastructure improvements, would freeze sales and property taxes for up to 23 years – money from any additional future revenue increases would then be diverted to a special fund for those improvements.

Local leaders and the community are divided over the idea. Today on Intersection, we’ll talk to the city manager about downtown development in Columbia. In the second half of the show, we’ll ask the city manager your questions, which we gathered throughout the week.

MU football player Michael Sam comes out; Why Missouri has a shortage of mental health professionals (Feb. 10)

On Sunday, MU football player Michael Sam publicly came out as gay in interviews with several media outlets. There has of course been a lot of reaction to the news, with many praising the defensive lineman’s decision and others questioning whether it’ll affect his prospects of being drafted into the NFL. Sam would be the first openly gay player in the NFL if he is drafted. Before his announcement, he was projected to be taken in the third or fourth round.

This week on Intersection, we’re breaking format just slightly to talk about this developing story. In the first part of the show, w'e'll talk about the significance of Michael Sam's announcement. Later in the show, we’ll talk about the implications of Missouri’s shortage of mental health professionals.

Exploring Columbia's civil rights history (Feb. 3)

Later this week, MU will host a panel discussion exploring the civil rights history of the university. The talk, which takes place this Thursday night at the Missouri Theater, is just one of a number of events scheduled across town to honor Black History Month.

Locally, much has improved since the days of Jim Crow, but some believe that more can be done to make Columbia a more inclusive community.

This week on Intersection, we’ll take a look back at some of the civil rights gains at MU and the town at large, and talk about the lessons that can be learned from them.

State of the State 2014 (Jan. 21)

On Jan. 21, Governor Jay Nixon delivered his State of the State address, where he renewed his call to expand Medicaid in the state to low-income adults. Nixon also pledged an increase of $490 million to education at all levels, including $278 to K-12 education.

In this special broadcast of Intersection, live from the Missouri State Capitol, we review Nixon's proposals with a panel of lawmakers and journalists.

State lawmakers preview 2014 legislative session (Jan. 13)

Missouri lawmakers returned to the Capitol last week to kick off the 2014 legislative session. While it is still early in the year, a number of lawmakers have hinted at what’s to come. In his opening remarks, House Speaker Tim Jones highlighted medical malpractice reform, so-called “right to work” legislation, and income tax cuts as part of his agenda. Meanwhile, Gov. Nixon closed out last year with a call to expand Medicaid coverage for low-income residents. Other issues that failed in last year’s session, such as highway funding, ethics reform, and bond financing for construction and repair of public facilities, could make a return this year.

This week on Intersection, we talk to several state lawmakers and preview the 2014 legislative session.

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