Podcasts about kcur

This week's most important local sports story came out of training camp at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, where the team announced that quarterback Patrick Mahomes — just seven months removed from a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee — was fully cleared for the start of training camp.Although most of the eyes will be on Mahomes' recovery, there are several other subplots worth watching, such as the status of Rashee Rice, the development of Mansoor Delane and who wins out at the right tackle position.With Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson now in Los Angeles and Bryan Cook now in Cincinnati, how will the Chiefs manage their new-look secondary?On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3 FM), Star columnist Sam McDowell joins Pete Sweeney to discuss all this and more.SportsBeat KC is the sports podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR, hosted by Blair Kerkhoff. It's produced by Hannah Wise, Suzanne Hogan, and Gabriella Lacey, and edited by Jeff Rosen and Scott Chasen. 

Preparations for Chiefs season No. 67 begin Friday as training camp opens in St. Joseph. Quarterbacks, rookies and a few others will have Missouri Western to themselves for a few days before the full squad reports the following week.This camp will have a different feel than any in several years with the Chiefs coming off their worst season, a 6-11 record, in the Andy Reid era.How the Chiefs will remedy the problems that ended their 10-year playoff run — including three Super Bowl victories — begins later this week.On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3 FM), beat writer Pete Sweeney offers his ideas on the Chiefs and answers the most pressing questions entering the 2026 season.SportsBeat KC is the sports podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR, hosted by Blair Kerkhoff. It's produced by Hannah Wise, Suzanne Hogan, and Gabriella Lacey, and edited by Jeff Rosen and Scott Chasen.  

The FIFA World Cup and its games, Fan Fest, watch parties and celebrations have departed Kansas City. And all that remains is the cleanup.How did Kansas City do, and was it worth the cost? By many accounts the world's biggest sporting event played in the smallest U.S. World Cup market unfolded as planned, and the national reviews have been positive.On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3 FM), columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell offer their evaluation of Kansas City's month in the international spotlight, discussing the moments of triumph and mistakes along the way.How does Kansas City's performance affect our odds when future sporting events come up for bids?SportsBeat KC is the sports podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR, hosted by Blair Kerkhoff. It's produced by Hannah Wise, Suzanne Hogan, and Gabriella Lacey, and edited by Jeff Rosen and Scott Chasen.   

Lindsey Graham Replacement is ... Bad? KCUR Bombs and Daylight Saving Moves Forward | 7-14-26See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federal agents conducted an operation at LaFontanella Foods' facility in Kansas City, with outlets reporting that law enforcement detained up to eight people. The company manufactures food products, including Cascone's [cas-CONY] pasta sauce.A spokesperson for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed to IEN that “Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Kansas City conducted a federal criminal search warrant in Kansas City, Missouri July 9,” but declined to provide additional details. Jackson County Sheriff Darryl Forté wrote on Facebook that the operation “was not an immigration raid” and that federal authorities identified a person he described as an unregistered sex offender at the scene. According to Forté, a sheriff's office detective arrested the individual and transported tchem to the county's detention center.However, local media, an immigration support organization and a state representative described additional details about the operation.State Representative Wick Thomas said they visited the scene and witnessed masked agents in unmarked vehicles detain four people, while also receiving reports that six to seven people were taken into custody. The Kansas City Star reported that agents wearing HSI jackets escorted “at least six people” out of the facility. Meanwhile, NPR member station KCUR and the Advocates for Immigrant Rights and Reconciliation (AIRR) reported that federal authorities detained eight workers. According to Thomas' statement, family members attempted to show agents that individuals taken from the facility had work visas and were authorized to be in the country. AIRR said the site's manager claimed agents presented a warrant for the building, though the organization said it could not confirm the warrant's existence.LaFontanella Foods and AIRR have not confirmed to IEN the exact number of people detained or how many of those individuals worked at the facility. Thomas has also not responded to IEN's request for comment.AIRR's statement said the operation lasted from about 10 a.m. to noon. The Star reported that law enforcement escorted people from the facility at approximately 11 a.m. and that additional agents arrived around 11:45 a.m. wearing jackets labeled HSTF (Homeland Security Task Force), a partnership between HSI and the FBI. The publication also reported that agents appeared to remove computers and documents from the facility but declined to disclose what they seized. #Manufacturing, #FoodManufacturing, #ICE, #HSI, #KansasCity, #Missouri, #FederalInvestigation, #FactoryNews, #ManufacturingNews, #SupplyChain, #FoodIndustry, #Workforce, #BusinessNews, #IndustrialNews, #BreakingNews

After a 40-year career in financial services, Kansas U.S. Senate candidate Sandy Spidel Neumann is focused on optimization. She spoke on KCUR's Up To Date about how her business background has prepared her for Congress.

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas joined KCUR's Up To Date to look back on the city's performance as a World Cup host, and to discuss what went right and what went wrong during the tournament.

Missouri Rep. Mark Alford is running for reelection in the newly redrawn 4th congressional district. He joined KCUR's Up To Date to discuss the war in Iran, the bipartisan housing bill that President Trump has refused to sign, the Supreme Court's birthright citizenship ruling and more.

Kansas U.S. Senate candidate Erik Murray wants "solutions, not chaos" for healthcare and the economy. He spoke on KCUR's Up to Date about the challenges he thinks are most pressing for Kansans in the federal government.

Ouch. The U.S. team's exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup occurred in ugly fashion — and sooner than many had hoped.The U.S. team's Round of 16 loss to Belgium in Seattle on Monday, by a 4-1 score, means the American team failed to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3 FM), Star columnist Vahe Gregorian discusses the disappointment of the lopsided loss and what it means for the U.S. program going forward.Also, was the U.S. affected by FIFA's sudden reinstatement of forward Flo Balogun, who received a red card in the previous game but was allowed to play against Belgium after some maneuvering by President Trump?SportsBeat KC is the sports podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR, hosted by Blair Kerkhoff. It's produced by Hannah Wise, Suzanne Hogan, and Gabriella Lacey, and edited by Jeff Rosen and Scott Chasen.   

First-term Kansas state Sen. Patrick Schmidt said Kansans' needs are greater than what lawmakers can address at the state level. He spoke on KCUR's Up to Date about why his experience sets him apart from his Democratic opponents.

It's a crowded primary race for Democrats hoping to take on incumbent Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall. Democrat Christy Davis spoke on KCUR's Up to Date about why she's running and how her experience working for the USDA sets her apart.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is bringing out the best of Kansas City ... or is it the other away around?The massive global soccer tournament's group-stage games at Kansas City (Arrowhead) Stadium provided incredible drama, all the way down to the final goal. The Netherlands' “Oranje FanWalk” captivated the city and Arrowhead was painted in different hues for each match.Now, it's on to the knockout-round games. Kansas City plays host to two, a Round of 32 contest on Friday and a quarterfinal after that.On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR (89.3 FM), soccer correspondent Daniel Sperry shares his thoughts on what's happened here in the tournament thus far, and what could on the horizon.One thing we know for certain: Friday's next match in Kansas City pits Colombia vs. Ghana. It's the last Round of 32 match and should come with the same intensity as previous games here, with the added pressure of elimination for the loser.SportsBeat KC is the sports podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR, hosted by Blair Kerkhoff. It's produced by Hannah Wise, Suzanne Hogan, and Gabriella Lacey, and edited by Jeff Rosen and Scott Chasen.   

Only about 2% of aircraft pilots and flight engineers are Black. A group of men, inspired by the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, is trying to change that by highlighting careers in aviation. A KCUR reporter visited Red Tail Academy to learn about why that number is so low.

Doug Frost is one of only three people in the world to hold both the titles of master sommelier and master of wine. He joined KCUR's Up to Date to share a selection of wines with connections to teams staying or playing in Kansas City during the World Cup.

After Congress passed the "21st Century ROAD to Housing Act" this week, President Donald Trump said he wouldn't sign it into law unless lawmakers also passed an unrelated bill focused on voting restrictions. Johnson County Rep. Sharice Davids joined KCUR's Up To Date to share her reactions and to discuss what could come next.

Two games into the FIFA World Cup schedule in Kansas City, and we've seen some spectacular performances, starting with Lionel Messi's hat trick for Argentina in the opening game. The action has been top-rate.But how about Kansas City's overall performance as a host city? On SportsBeat KC, sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3 FM), columnist Vahe Gregorian and sportswriter Pete Grathoff discuss what's gone right and wrong over the first couple of weeks.Two more group stage games this week, starting with Netherlands vs. Tunisia on Thursday — with the Orange March fanwalk set for downtown that day — and two knockout games in July remain on Kansas City's schedule. Is the best yet to come?SportsBeat KC is the sports podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR, hosted by Blair Kerkhoff. It's produced by Hannah Wise, Suzanne Hogan, and Gabriella Lacey, and edited by Jeff Rosen and Scott Chasen.   

A new report from Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick paints a troubling picture of Missouri's financial future. He joined KCUR's Up To Date to discuss the budget cliff the state faces and how he wants his fellow elected officials to respond.

The Kansas City Star's Pete Grathoff waited more than an hour in traffic to witness the first World Cup match in Kansas City, where Argentina's Lionel Messi scored three goals against Algeria. Grathoff joined KCUR's Up To Date to share his recap.

The Chiefs have closed the book on OTAs and minicamp, but they're continuing to make news.Quarterback Patrick Mahomes signed a contract extension, former KC cornerback L'Jarius Sneed was re-acquired and the team traded away offensive lineman Wanya Morris — all before the Chiefs were finished with their summer workouts.KC Star Chiefs insider Pete Sweeney discusses all these developments and more on SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3 FM).Sweeney also shares which position groups could face the most competitive battles when training camp begins in St. Joseph next month, and what's in store for the Chiefs over the next few weeks.SportsBeat KC is the sports podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR, hosted by Blair Kerkhoff. It's produced by Hannah Wise, Suzanne Hogan, and Gabriella Lacey, and edited by Jeff Rosen and Scott Chasen.   

Youth soccer programs seem almost ubiquitous in modern America. But not that long ago, there weren't many options for young athletes who wanted to play the sport. Bill Finn, who co-founded Brookside Soccer Club with two other local dads in 1977, joined KCUR's Up To Date on Tuesday to talk about how it all got started.

Leawood pastor Rev. Adam Hamilton thinks he can bridge the divide in Washington and bring costs down for the people of Kansas. He spoke to KCUR's Up To Date about why he decided to run for Sen. Roger Marshall's U.S. Senate seat.

NPR CEO Katherine Maher joined KCUR's Up To Date to discuss recent buyouts and layoffs, and the opportunity for public media to evolve into a broader community resource in the coming years.

Two Kansas state senators and Overland Park's mayor are facing off in the Aug. 4 primary election for Kansas governor. They joined KCUR's Up To Date to discuss how they'd address issues affecting Kansans.

Going to a World Cup game, for many, requires hours of sitting in online queues, months of planning and thousands of dollars. Still, for KCUR health reporter Noah Taborda, the opportunity is too important to pass up. Plus: Amateur soccer players in Kansas City are hoping to host their own local pickup games with players from other countries.

The Rev. Adam Hamilton thinks that faith can play a role in turning the political tide towards Democrats during the midterm elections. The Leawood pastor spoke with KCUR's Up To Date about the issues important to him in his run for a Kansas U.S. Senate seat, and about bridging the divide in Washington.

North America was awarded the 2026 FIFA World Cup eight years ago. Four years later, Kansas City was named one of the event's 16 host cities.Now, it's here. The world's biggest sporting event begins Thursday with the first game in Kansas City on June 16. Are we ready?In this week's episode of SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3 FM), sports columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell share their thoughts.Ticket sales, hotel prices, safety and security have been the big topics leading up to the event. How is Kansas City responding? Also, how will Team USA fare in the global tournament?And if Argentina, looking to win its second straight World Cup and fourth overall, is the Chiefs among base-camp teams training in the region, what KC sports entities do England, Netherlands and Algeria resemble?SportsBeat KC is the sports podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR, hosted by Blair Kerkhoff. It's produced by Hannah Wise, Suzanne Hogan, and Gabriella Lacey, and edited by Jeff Rosen and Scott Chasen.   

The Overland Park Farmers Market reopened this past weekend after a major $34 million renovation. Overland Park parks and recreation director Bryan Toben joined KCUR's Up To Date to explain what went into the project and what the visitors can expect.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids says she's hearing from Kansas residents who are struggling to make ends meet. In an interview with KCUR's Up To Date, Davids said President Trump went to war in Iran "without a clear strategy," and it's adding to the high cost of living.

Parkville and North Kansas City are among the fastest-growing communities in the Kansas City metro, with populations increasing by more than 20% since the last Census. KCUR's Up To Date spoke with their mayors about what's fueling this surge and how it's impacting their cities.

The news is good and bad for the Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes is back on the practice field, taking part in some drills. That's a great sign as the two-time MVP continues to heal from torn knee ligaments.The not-so-good news: Wide receiver Rashee Rice is still serving his 30-day jail sentence for violating terms of his probation stemming from his 2024 arrest for his role in a Dallas car crash.On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3 FM), Chiefs beat writer Pete Sweeney and columnist Vahe Gregorian discuss these developments and more as the Chiefs' offseason prep-work continues.Also, we'll tell you what's on our radar in Kansas City sports this week, including the World Cup and college baseball.SportsBeat KC is the sports podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR, hosted by Blair Kerkhoff. It's produced by Hannah Wise, Suzanne Hogan, and Gabriella Lacey, and edited by Jeff Rosen and Scott Chasen.  

The critically acclaimed new album “Little Wide Open” is the work of Overland Park musician Kevin Morby. He's on tour, traveling across the country and overseas, but stopped to join KCUR's Up To Date for another episode of our KC Soundcheck series ahead of his performance at the Uptown Theater.

Of the 11 U.S. cities to host FIFA World Cup games, Kansas City is the most unlikely — but also among the most deserving. The story of how KC turned itself into one of the nation's premier soccer cities is the subject of the book: “Perfect Pitch: How Kansas City Became the Heart of American Soccer,” by Nate Bukaty and Rustin Dodd.On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3 FM), Bukaty describes the journey, from the early days of immigrants playing on local fields to the first professional teams through the triumphs of Sporting KC and the KC Current. The momentum continued not only with games in the World Cup, but four base camps in the Kansas City area.The world's largest sporting event is coming to the middle of America because, as Bukaty notes, Kansas City earned the bid.SportsBeat KC is the sports podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR, hosted by Blair Kerkhoff. It's produced by Hannah Wise, Suzanne Hogan, and Gabriella Lacey, and edited by Jeff Rosen and Scott Chasen.   

Kansas City recently lost a beloved face in local news. Cynthia Newsome, a long-serving anchor and reporter for KSHB 41, passed away on Tuesday following a yearslong battle with cancer. One journalist she mentored, KSHB reporter Rae Daniel, spoke with KCUR's Up To Date about Newsome's impact on our city.

Crispin Rea, Kansas City's 4th District at-large council member, recently announced he will be running for mayor in 2027. He joined KCUR's Up To Date to discuss his priorities, including improving public safety, increasing economic opportunities and "getting the basics right."

In less than a month, the first FIFA World Cup game will be played in Kansas City, and it won't take that long for fans of teams with base camps here to begin arriving.So, what can KC expect?On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3 FM), Ignaciao Bottaro, a journalist from Buenos Aires, shares his thoughts on Argentina's quest to defending its World Cup title that begins in Kansas City. Bottaro was in town recently, reporting for Telefe Noticias, and he tells us his impressions of Kansas City.After a break you'll hear from Daniel Oordt, the “Orange Suit Man,” of the Dutch fan base. Fans of the Netherlands all wear orange when cheering for their team. Oordt is the maxed out version, a life-long supporter of a national team that has brought him joy and heartbreak. He explains why.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)0:50  - Welcome to all things World Cup 05:54 -  An Argentinian's first impression of KC 19:04 -  Why KC might want to root for the Netherlands during the World Cup 27:39 - What else is on Blair's radarSportsBeat KC is the sports podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR, hosted by Blair Kerkhoff. It's produced by Hannah Wise, Suzanne Hogan, and Gabriella Lacey, and edited by Jeff Rosen and Scott Chasen.   

As soccer fever comes to Kansas City, KCUR is hosting an event called "KC for the W" at CPKC Stadium on May 18 to celebrate the women who lead the way in telling sports stories in our region and beyond. Kansas City native Becky Sullivan, a sports reporter for NPR, will feature on a speaking panel.

With the FIFA World Cup opening game less than a month away — and less than five weeks before the first match is played in Kansas City — some recent indicators question the event's expected size and scope.Hotel rooms remain available, as do tickets to most games, heightening fans' frustrations.On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3 FM), columnist Vahe Gregorian discusses the latest developments, and KC2026 president Pam Kramer responds to some of the reports as Kansas City prepares for its World Cup close-up.Fan Fest numbers are strong in Kansas City, Kramer says, and each of the six games is trending toward to sellout as anticipation builds for the world's biggest sporting event.SportsBeat KC is the sports podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR, hosted by Blair Kerkhoff. It's produced by Hannah Wise, Suzanne Hogan, and Gabriella Lacey, and edited by Jeff Rosen and Scott Chasen.   

Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell regrets not interviewing and documenting her mother's life. The former Kansas City Star journalist is helping others not make the same mistake. She talked with KCUR's Up To Date about preserving family histories and legacies.

Kansas City Manager Mario Vasquez will celebrate one year in office this week as city hall makes its final preparations for the 2026 World Cup. He joined KCUR's Up To Date to discuss next month's tournament and tourism concerns, along with his perspective on the Royals' plans to build a Crown Center ballpark.

Kansas Citians will be “shocked in a good way” by the FIFA World Cup when it arrives here in June, says Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt.He should know. He's been going to games of the world's most popular sporting event since 1974, when he was 9.Hunt sat down with SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3 FM) to discuss his World Cup experience and career in soccer. Hunt played in college at SMU and became one of the driving forces behind the formation of Major League Soccer, which was born after the last time the U.S. hosted the World Cup in 1994.The Hunt family made their wealth in the oil business, and Lamar Hunt founded the American Football League and the Dallas Texans, the forerunner to the Chiefs. But the Hunts also were pioneers in U.S. soccer, and Kansas City likely wouldn't be part of the World Cup without their influence.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)1:16 - Clak Hunt breaks down why KC will be shocked by World Cup tourism 12:30 - How this stadium soccer stadium saved Major League Soccer 14:22 - Why Kansas City won its World Cup host city bid 15:59 - What else is on Blair's radar? SportsBeat KC is the sports podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR, hosted by Blair Kerkhoff. It's produced by Hannah Wise, Suzanne Hogan, and Gabriella Lacey, and edited by Jeff Rosen and Scott Chasen.   

Along with his son, 82-year-old Olathe resident Dave McClung became the oldest man to hike to Mount Everest's base camp, trekking 42 miles over the course of eight days. “I always wanted to be famous, but I didn't know I'd be famous for being old," McClung told KCUR's Up To Date.

The deadline for the Missouri General Assembly to approve its budget is quickly approaching. KCUR's Brian Ellison joined Up To Date to break down the latest on the budget and other last-minute agenda items for the 2026 legislative session.

Parkinson's disease presents physical and mental challenges for people who are diagnosed, but it ends up being a family affair, with one doctor describing the condition as a public health epidemic. A Kansas City woman told KCUR's Up To Date about her experiences taking care of her father.

The draft class is complete. How did the Chiefs fare?The question ultimately cannot be answered for a few years, but the Chiefs made some bold moves, including turning the draft's first trade. Columnist Sam McDowell and Chiefs insider Pete Sweeney drill down on all the selections and evaluate the class on SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3 FM).From first-round pick Mansoor Delane to the final, surprising selection of quarterback Garrett Nussmeier — both from LSU — we break down where the Chiefs potentially succeeded and where roster work remains.Also, a final word on the WNBA preseason game played in Kansas City on Monday night, and what it may say about the city's chances of landing a team in the league.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)0:50  — Speculation season is over, here how some of our mockdrafts played out 3:08  — The statement the Chiefs made by taking 4 defensive players in a row14:14 - How the offensive picks from the draft could help the Chiefs struggles29:56 - What else is on Blair's radar? SportsBeat KC is the sports podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR, hosted by Blair Kerkhoff. It's produced by Monty Davis, Irvin Zhang, Suzanne Hogan, and Gabriella Lacey, and edited by Jeff Rosen and Scott Chasen.   

The first day of NFL Draft and with their two first round picks, the Chiefs concentrated on one side of the ball.Defense.They even engineered the draft's first trade to move up three spots to select cornerback Mansoor Delane of LSU.On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3 FM), Chiefs beat writer Pete Sweeney, covering the draft in Pittsburgh, breaks down the Chiefs' evening, which concluded with their selection of Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods at No. 29.We also identify the Chiefs' needs as the draft continues on Friday and Saturday.SportsBeat KC is the sports podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR, hosted by Blair Kerkhoff. It's produced by Monty Davis, Irvin Zhang, Suzanne Hogan, and Gabriella Lacey, and edited by Jeff Rosen and Scott Chasen.   

Interim Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota joined KCUR's Up To Date to discuss why he changed his mind about filing to run for a full term in office. He also discusses the task force he assembled to assess the future of the Truman Sports Complex site, and his approach to addressing property tax concerns.

More than three years after announcing the quest for a new home for the Royals, the team unveiled plans for a ballpark in downtown. They'll create an 85-acre stadium district in Kansas City's Crown Center and Washington Square Park.In this special edition of SportsBeat KC, the weekly sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3 FM), columnist Vahe Gregorian shares his thoughts on the Royals' forthcoming new digs.Kauffman Stadium, in its 54th season, has been a popular home for the Royals. Did principal owner John Sherman get it right with Crown Center?And now both of the Truman Sports Complex tenants have announced new homes. With the Chiefs moving out of Arrowhead to a site in Wyandotte County, how much will we miss the franchises' current status as next-door neighbors?Rundown (timestamps are approximate)0:54  — The downtown ballpark dream has come true. 10:15  — Why parking situation is on all our minds SportsBeat KC is the sports podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR, hosted by Blair Kerkhoff. It's produced by Monty Davis, Irvin Zhang, Suzanne Hogan, and Gabriella Lacey, and edited by Jeff Rosen and Scott Chasen.   

The NFL Draft is near.The Chiefs hold nine selections over the draft's three days, with two picks in the first round. It's the team's best draft position in years — thanks to a poor finish to last season.A successful draft would help the Chiefs avoid this kind of draft position in the future.“You don't want to be here, but we've gotten past that phase, and we're in it,” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said. “There's a good number of picks we've got here.”On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3 FM), Chiefs insider Pete Sweeney and columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian offer their final pre-draft thoughts, starting with what the Chiefs should do with their first-round picks.Edge rusher with their first selection? Wide receiver? Cornerback? A tackle for the offensive line? We agree on the positions of need, but not necessarily the players.It will be a fascinating draft for the Chiefs as they begin the quest to reestablish the dominance they've experienced throughout much of the Reid era.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)1:20  — Why we are excited about draft the 17:18  — Who the Chief's may take in the first round? 29:12  — The local talent you should keep an eye on during the draft31:42 - What else is on Blair's radar? SportsBeat KC is the sports podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR, hosted by Blair Kerkhoff. It's produced by Monty Davis, Irvin Zhang, Suzanne Hogan, and Gabriella Lacey, and edited by Jeff Rosen and Scott Chasen.   

Kansas City has detailed plans for a new Royals ballpark at Washington Square Park, offering to contribute $600 million to the stadium's $1.9 billion price tag.Is this the Royals' future? Well, a few questions remain.Star columnist Sam McDowell, who helped break the news of the stadium proposal, identified what obstacles may lie ahead on SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3 FM).Also, a talent drain is taking shape on the Kansas basketball program. Seven players have already entered the transfer portal, with just one announcing that he was staying. And no player from another program has announced he was joining the Jayhawks.KU beat writer Shreyas Laddha discusses why for the second straight year, KU seems to be playing catch-up in the portal.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)1:15 — Is the downtown ballpark actually happening? 7:00  — What would the nearby stadium district look like? 11:55 — KU's transfer portal madness26:22 - What else is on Blair's radar?