Name: Episode 143 - March 23, 2025 by KMBC 9's Heart of the Matter
Duration: 20 min 29 s
Description: 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.

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.

Episode 143 - March 23, 2025

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.’

Episode 144 - March 30, 2025

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. 

Episode 145 - April 6, 2025

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.

Episode 146 - April 27, 2025

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.

Episode 147 - "Conversations: Beyond the Courtoom" - May 4, 2025

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.

Episode 148 - May 25, 2025

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.

Episode 149 - June 8, 2025

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.

Episode 150 - July 6, 2025

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.

Episode 151 - July 13, 2025

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.

Episode 152 - July 20, 2025

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.

Episode 143 - March 23, 2025

KMBC 9's Heart of the Matter

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