In this episode of "Cover Story with Stephanie Shonekan," Jordan Embrack, a vocalist and graduate of the University of Maryland, joins Stephanie to discuss "Home," Dorothy's finale song in the 1975 Broadway musical The Wiz.
"Home" was first performed by Stephanie Mills, and Diana Ross sang it for the film adaptation of The Wiz that premiered in 1978. Jordan and Stephanie discuss the song's national impact and the personal meaning it holds for Jordan as she begins her career as a singer and entertainer.
"Home" was first performed by Stephanie Mills, and Diana Ross sang it for the film adaptation of The Wiz that premiered in 1978. Jordan and Stephanie discuss the song's national impact and the personal meaning it holds for Jordan as she begins her career as a singer and entertainer.
Bailey Stover
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KBIA
Kellen Sapp is a young transgender woman who grew up in Columbia. She spoke about the existence — and resilience of the queer community in the Midwest.
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MISSOURI NEWS
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Tomorrow is Christmas - a time for togetherness and joy. But as KBIA’s Rebecca Smith reports, last weekend one community organization chose a unique way to celebrate the holiday with a different kind of Christmas punch. -
While most animal bite incidents are reported during the summer months, officials say the risk also increases during colder seasons and holidays, when people spend more time inside with family, guests and pets -
Parks across the state will participate in the “First Day Hikes” program. -
A major tax incentives package approved Monday by Kansas lawmakers will help the Chiefs build a new $3 billion domed stadium. -
While the university’s total faculty grew 10% from 2013-2023, the proportion of Black professors on campus rose by less than one percent. -
Changes to the “cold weather rule” in effect this winter.
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Jeffrey R. Holland led the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, a key governing body. He was next in line to become the church's president. -
A powerful winter storm is impacting parts of the U.S. with major snowfall, ice, and below zero wind chills. The conditions are disrupting holiday travel and could last through next week. -
Bob Kafka was an organizer with ADAPT (American Disabled for Attendant Programs Today), a group which advocates for policy change to support people with disabilities.
MORE FROM KBIA and the Missouri News Network
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Colleen Finney didn't start out on the pageant circuit; in fact, just the opposite, telling us that she hated the idea growing up and would rather play football with the boys. Cut to now, after years of playing volleyball both in college and professionally, she's the reigning Miss Boone County! Hear her story on today's show. December 26, 2025 -
Merry Christmas, everyone! We hope you enjoy these two performances - "Christmas Cookies" and "Hard Candy Christmas" - courtesy of local musicians Audra Sergel and Meredith Shaw. December 25, 2025 -
Self-described "nerdy" girl Erica Martin joins us to talk about her web design company, Pixel Jam Digital. She recently organized the "Small Business, Big Heart" campaign, challenging local small businesses to raise money for The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri. Her company matched up to $5,000, contributing to a total of over $14,400 raised! December 24, 2025 -
What is Sleep in Heavenly Peace? Build manager and today's guest, Andy Upham, alongside Sherri Helm, tells us, "we build beds for kids three to 17 that don't have beds, and it's pretty much that simple." It's "...amazing how Columbia's come together to take on this entire - what we're going to call - an epidemic of bedlessness." If you'd like to help, they're taking part in this year's CoMo Gives. December 23, 2025 -
The "Library-To-Go" locker system - already popular in smaller mid-Missouri communities - is Daniel Boone Regional Library's way of modernizing services and increasing accessibility, and now it's Columbia's turn! On today's show, DBRL development manager Joe Facteau says the cost to make it happen is $43K, and it won't happen without your support. December 22, 2025 -
The bomb squad will now only involve the Columbia Police Department and the MU Police Department.
A stocking stuffer for the beer enthusiast in your life.
Redeem your beer book at 20 establishments across Mid-MO and support KBIA
Redeem your beer book at 20 establishments across Mid-MO and support KBIA
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In this episode, hosts Eric Fey and Brianna Lennon speak with Tom Rogers, who was the Australian Electoral Commissioner from 2014 to 2024.
They spoke about the structure of Australian elections, how the country counts its ballots, and the importance of democracy sausages.
They spoke about the structure of Australian elections, how the country counts its ballots, and the importance of democracy sausages.
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