Up To Date
Up To Date is a daily talk show from KCUR Studios that covers what's happening in the Kansas City region. The program features interviews with artists, lawmakers, experts, and local residents, along with original reporting from the KCUR newsroom. It aims to keep the community connected through conversations about local issues and events.
Episodes
Kansas City folk artist Kirstie Lynn is done ‘singing to an empty bar’ with new record
With a soaring voice that evokes folk legends Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez and more, Kansas City singer-songwriter Kirstie Lynn has a new EP that reflects on “blazing up, blazing out (and) blazing through” as a DIY musician. “Blazing Prairie Star” is out July 24.
Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home in Kansas City being updated to ‘make it livable for the future’
The Sondern-Adler House was the famous architect’s first design for Kansas City. Since it was built in 1940, it has had six owners, including prominent arts philanthropist Richard J. Stern.
ReStart opens midtown apartment complex for Kansas City families experiencing homelessness
ReStart Inc., a nonprofit homelessness services provider, converted a vacant midtown Kansas City hotel into short-term furnished apartments for families experiencing homelessness. The Family Lodge is a 45-unit complex with on-site social services to support families in their transition to permanent housing.
Young people can save money without stressing. 2 Kansas City authors have tips for starting early
Preparing for retirement doesn’t have to be challenging. The co-authors of the book “The Simple Road Toward Financial Freedom: A Guide To Helping Young Adults Build Wealth” are presenting at TEDxKC on Friday about how to create a savings system early in life.
Missouri Amendment 4 would make it harder for voters to change constitution. What to know
If approved by Missouri voters on Aug. 4, 2026, Amendment 4 would raise the threshold to change the state constitution through the citizen-led initiative petition process. However, amendments sent to the ballot by the Missouri General Assembly would only require a simple majority to pass.
A UMKC-led project just won funding to build a national supply chain for 'critical materials'
The National Science Foundation awarded the Critical Materials Crossroads Engine, based at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, up to $160 million in funding to rebuild the country's supply chain for things like medical devices and batteries. UMKC says the initiative could create around 10,000 jobs by 2036.
University of Kansas professor explores how men are taught to communicate with violence
Men learn violence as a means of communication at an early age, according to University of Kansas associate professor Meggie Mapes. So how do we get men to change their behavior? Mapes will speak at TEDxKC on Friday about her research into male prison inmates with a history of partner violence.
Was hosting the World Cup worth it for Kansas City? Small business owners weigh in
Kansas City hosted six matches during the monthlong tournament, which cost nearly $200 million in public funds for this region’s part alone. Did local businesses actually benefit in the end? Or will the event’s impact only be felt years down the road?
Kansas governor candidate Charlotte O'Hara wants education reform and to end tax incentives
Charlotte O’Hara is running in the Republican primary for Kansas governor on Aug. 4. Her platform is focused on eliminating property taxes, dramatically reforming education, and ending the use of large tax incentives for major corporations and sports teams like the Chiefs.
Most Republican candidates running to represent Missouri’s new 5th District don’t live there
All but one of the six candidates running in the primary to unseat U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II live outside the newly-redrawn 5th District. Members of Congress only have to live in the state they represent, but residing outside their district can be a political liability.
Midwest Innocence Project, which helped free Kansas and Missouri's wrongfully convicted, may close
The work of the Midwest Innocence Project has resulted in 18 people freed or exonerated from prison, including several in Missouri and Kansas. But the nonprofit that provides pro bono legal work is in jeopardy due to a loss in federal grants and other financial strains.
Missouri Amendment 2 would make Jackson County elect its assessor. Here’s what to know
If approved by voters on Aug. 4, Amendment 2 would change the Missouri Constitution to require that Jackson County elect its assessor. County residents already voted to make the role an elected position, rather than one appointed by the county executive, after years of outrage over property tax valuations.
Mayor Quinton Lucas believes Kansas City 'knocked it out of the park' as World Cup host
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.
The Whiffs ring in 10 years of rock ‘n’ roll in Kansas City
It’s become something of a tradition for the band to play at Hillsiders on the Fourth of July. A decade in, they’ve embraced their international fans and close community at home.
Food recs: Kansas City’s best french fries, tater tots and more
French fries are quintessentially American, and nearly ubiquitous at Kansas City restaurants. Here’s where you can find the best straight-cut, waffle, and curly fries, plus tater tots, poutine and more.
MARC director David Warm, who helped Kansas City transform for nearly 4 decades, is retiring
Since 1990, Warm has led the Mid-America Regional Council through developments in the city’s transportation and emergency services. Warm said his role was to "help the town find a way forward and to be effective in the goals that it sets for itself."
Disco Burger is opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant in Kansas City’s Brookside neighborhood
The popular food kiosk at Varsity Club in the River Market will expand to a second location. The new restaurant will include a takeout window and dine-in section with an expanded menu.
Rep. Mark Alford on bipartisan housing act: ‘Mr. President, please sign this bill’
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.
This Kansas town is a center for conservative Catholic sect excommunicated from the church
The Society of St. Pius X — a faction of conservative, traditionalist Catholics who reject major reforms adopted in the 1960s — boasts The Immaculata in St. Mary’s, Kansas, as one of its largest churches worldwide. The SSPX caused a schism in the Catholic Church earlier this month when it ordained new bishops against the orders of Pope Leo.
Exonerated Missouri man says the wrongfully imprisoned need more than money to start a new life
Darryl Burton was exonerated, but found even more hurdles outside of prison trying to find housing and a job. Burton is the co-founder of Miracle of Innocence, a Missouri nonprofit that provides legal aid and reentry services, which is holding its ninth annual fundraiser in September.
Are Republicans in Missouri and Kansas at risk of losing their supermajorities this year?
New analysis from Ballotpedia suggests that Republicans in Missouri and Kansas could see the 2026 midterm elections break their state legislative supermajorities.
New album by Kansas City folk musician Warren Burns swaps ‘vicious’ rock for introspection
On “Burn Again,” his second solo record as Warren Burns, Kansas City folk artist Danny Fischer works through difficult life experiences and comes out better on the other side.
New book reframes Lewis and Clark's expedition by highlighting their supporting cast
Author Craig Fehrman will be at the Kansas City Public Library later this month for a conversation about his new book "This Vast Enterprise: A New History of Lewis & Clark."
Kansas U.S. Senate candidate Sandy Spidel Neumann is focused on optimization
One thing Sandy Spidel Neumann learned during her 40-year career in financial services is that you can’t throw money at a problem. The Kansas Democrat said she’ll use her business background to make data-informed decisions. Spidel Neumann is one of 11 candidates on the Aug. 4 primary ballot for the U.S. Senate.
The World Cup brought tons of visitors to Kansas City. Why aren’t all businesses benefiting?
While some Kansas City businesses have reported sales slowed significantly during the tournament, others — like barbecue restaurants and local merch shops — have seen extreme demand from visitors. World Cup traffic has been highly dependent on what businesses sell and where they’re located.
Kansas U.S. Senate candidate Erik Murray wants ‘solutions not chaos’ on healthcare and the economy
Developer Erik Murray, a U.S. Senate candidate from Kansas City, Kansas, hasn’t run for office before but touted his experience with federal policies around affordable housing tax credits and opportunity zones. He criticized Sen. Roger Marshall for simply “smiling and nodding” as President Trump grows the deficit.
Kansas City musician Jamogi celebrates 2000s pop and R&B on new album ‘J’Day’
Released this month, “J’Day” is Kansas City-based musician Jamogi Bridges’s first full-length album. Inspired by early-2000s pop and R&B, Bridges says he wants his songs to bring joy to listeners.
Algeria fans don't want a 'Disgrace of Kansas City,' ahead of high-stakes Austria match
Nearly four and a half decades after the infamous "Disgrace of Gijón" effectively eliminated Algeria from the 1982 World Cup, the Algerian and Austrian national teams are set to meet again on the final day of the World Cup group stage in Kansas City.
Kansas Rep. Sharice Davids on Trump's refusal to sign housing bill: 'This is nonsense'
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.
A Kansas City master sommelier recommends wines for the World Cup
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.
Kansas and Missouri weather forecasters have less NWS data to predict tornadoes and storms
If they heed the warnings, people in Kansas City have taken shelter more than usual this season — the 1,438 severe weather warnings issued so far is the most on record. But staffing cuts to the National Weather Service have resulted in less warning time for some storm systems.
‘Side Quest Dad’ goes viral showing off Kansas City (and its weather) to World Cup watchers
With the World Cup underway in Kansas City, Oliver Wright — who makes videos on TikTok as @SideQuestDad — has become a local celebrity talking about soccer and living in the Midwest as a Brit. In particular, he’s been teaching visitors how to beat the oppressive summer heat.
De Soto mayor welcomes data center growth, but some residents want the city to slow down
De Soto Mayor Rick Walker says revenue from a planned $3 billion data center campus is an opportunity to grow the city. But one resident is concerned that leaders are moving too fast and not weighing the negative impacts on the community and environment.
A Kansas City stadium announcer is the voice of World Cup matches in Monterrey, Mexico
John Dale, the longtime public address announcer for Sporting Kansas City, the Kansas City Mavericks and countless local sporting events, is now bringing his voice to World Cup matches at the stadium in Monterrey, Mexico.
State sen. Patrick Schmidt said experience sets him apart in U.S. Senate primary for Kansas
First-term Kansas state Sen. Patrick Schmidt said the issues facing residents are greater than what can be addressed at the state level. Calling himself the “door-knockingest candidate in the race,” Schmidt is competing in the crowded Democratic primary for U.S. Senate.
Democrat Christy Davis says USDA leadership role prepared her to challenge Kansas Sen. Marshall
Eleven candidates are running as Democrats in the August 4 primary for U.S. Senate in Kansas. Christy Davis, a candidate from Cottonwood Falls, said that number shows Sen. Roger Marshall’s failure to represent Kansans. Davis is touting her experience as the only candidate who served in a federal leadership role.
Missouri governor hopes to shrink state budget as he prioritizes ending income tax
A new report from Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick says Missouri is facing a budget cliff. Gov. Mike Kehoe says he thinks the state’s budget needs to shrink as a result, and suggests some nonprofits or local municipalities could fund some programs instead.
Missouri auditor says state has a 'spending problem' as it approaches budget cliff
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.
Inside the stadium at Kansas City’s first World Cup match: ‘An electric atmosphere’
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.
How Brookside Soccer became a Kansas City youth sports institution
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.
NPR CEO Katherine Maher on public media's future without federal funding
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.
Food recs: Kansas City's best restaurants in the Crossroads Arts District
The Crossroads Arts District is the metro’s biggest hub for creativity, and its restaurant scene is just the same, with innovative dishes available on seemingly every corner. Here’s where to find the best eats this neighborhood has to offer.
Kansas' Democratic governor candidates on tax reform, data centers and marijuana legalization
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.
Kansas hasn’t elected a Democrat to U.S. Senate since 1932. Could faith help Rev. Adam Hamilton?
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.
Is an imprisoned Blue Springs man innocent in his wife's death? A law program took a closer look
For more than 35 years, Cliff Middleton has been fighting to free his father from a Missouri prison for a crime they say he didn’t commit. In 1991, Ken Middleton was convicted of murdering his wife in their Blue Springs home, but the Georgetown University Law Center program “Making an Exoneree” reinvestigated and noted glaring discrepancies with his case.
Newly renovated Overland Park Farmers Market reopens after 18 months of construction
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.
Kansas City’s streetcar could extend north of the Missouri River. Here’s what to know
The streetcar’s 3.5-mile Main Street extension opened in October 2025, and another extension to CPKC Stadium opened last month. A team is now studying extending the north-south line farther, to North Kansas City. The Kansas City Streetcar Authority will host two open houses this month for residents to learn more.
Lawrence's 780 Songwriters Circle opens up the creative process behind making music
For Kelly Hunt, writing music starts with a visual process. She's part of the 780 Songwriters Circle, a quarterly event in Lawrence that brings together artists to explore the creative process. The next event is June 10 at the Lawrence Public Library.
Pride Month book recs from a Kansas City author, librarian and avid reader
Looking for a chaotic murder mystery or a meditative summer beach read with LGBTQ+ characters? Three Kansas City book experts share a range of selections in honor of Pride Month.
Kansas City could bring back conversion therapy ban, weeks after repealing ordinance
An ordinance proposed by Mayor Quinton Lucas and 6th District City Council member Johnathan Duncan would restrict practitioners from receiving payment for practices that increase the risk of suicide and depression. It’s intended to avoid challenges stemming from a U.S. Supreme Court ruling and a lawsuit from the Missouri Attorney General.
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly says preserving the state’s water resources is ‘imperative’
Kansas’ Ogallala Aquifer has been losing water for decades. And while dedicating funding to a strategic water plan was a priority of Kelly’s during the 2026 legislative session, no measure passed. But she’s optimistic the state will continue to make progress after she leaves office in January.
Kansas Rep. Sharice Davids says Iran war is hiking living costs for Americans
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.
Rapid population growth is reshaping Parkville and North Kansas City — and raising costs
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.
Who’s running to replace Laura Kelly as Kansas governor? The field is officially set
The deadline to file as a candidate for governor of Kansas was Monday, June 1. A last-minute filing shook up the Democratic field, while there's a clear frontrunner among the seven Republicans in the running.
Steve Kraske meets one of his ‘idols’ — ‘Taxi’ star Marilu Henner, who's in Kansas City to perform
Henner, best known for her role in the 1970s sitcom “Taxi”, has a highly superior autobiographical memory, which allows her to remember vast portions of her life in vivid detail. She’s in Kansas City to star in “Cactus Flower” at the New Theatre & Restaurant, and will perform her “Memory Girl” cabaret June 8.
‘At long last,’ Overland Park musician Kevin Morby headlines the Uptown Theater
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.
This Kansas City University med school grad is working to become a doctor in outer space
Jason-Flor Sisante has always been enamored by outer space. Now, as a member of the United States Navy's aerospace medicine program, he hopes to take his talents as a medical professional into the cosmos.
Missouri’s August election has 2 major ballot questions that could change the state for decades
Voters will see two controversial questions on Missouri’s statewide ballot in August, when turnout is expected to be lower. Amendment 4 would make it much harder for citizens to change the constitution, while Amendment 5 seeks to expand sales taxes.
Cynicism about the media makes people more likely to fall for misinformation, KU professor finds
Research from the University of Kansas found that cynicism toward news outlets can make people more likely to believe misinformation. In contrast, a healthy level of skepticism toward media institutions can help people determine when information is trustworthy.
New Kauffman study finds entrepreneurship is bouncing back — but that's not all good news
The pandemic changed how many Americans think about work. Now, a new 30-year entrepreneurship study from the Kansas City-based Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation suggests those shifts may still be reshaping the economy.
Kansas City’s new wastewater facility gives sewage a second life — as an energy source
Kansas City’s Blue River Biosolids Facility is using an innovative wastewater treatment process to convert sewage into energy and fertilizer while cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
Remembering KSHB anchor Cynthia Newsome: ‘Everyone was so special to her’
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.
A Kansas City native built a free scam detection tool after his mom was targeted
Digital fraud is costing Americans billions. After Patrick Coughlin’s mother was the target of an urgent and emotional fake kidnapping scam, the cybersecurity expert with his brother built a free website to help others identify the red flags of fraud.
Missouri attorney general sues crypto ATM company over alleged fraud and excessive fees
People are being fleeced out of millions of dollars through cryptocurrency scams. Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has filed a suit against one crypto ATM company that she says is knowingly enabling scams on their kiosks.
Why Kansas City Council member Crispin Rea is running for mayor: 'People want to feel safe'
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."
MLS announcer Nate Bukaty on Kansas City's soccer history and 'underdog' bid for the World Cup
Nate Bukaty, who calls games for Major League Soccer on Apple TV and previously served as a television announcer for Sporting KC, is out with a new book titled "Perfect Pitch: How Kansas City Became the Heart of American Soccer and Landed the World Cup." He'll speak at a Rainy Day Books event with co-author Rustin Dodd on May 28.
Kansas City bus riders will be hit with severe service cuts after World Cup
Nearly 10% of Kansas City bus riders will lose access to key routes starting Sept. 6, as KCATA cuts seven weekday lines and two weekend routes. Officials say funding challenges have pushed the system into a “death spiral” of declining service.
KCUR event 'KC for the W' will celebrate women game-changers in sports and the media
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.
Michael Schur and Joe Posnanski explore what it means to be a sports fan in new book
Television writer and director Michael Schur and sportswriter Joe Posnanski will be in Kansas City on May 21 for a Rainy Day Books event promoting their new book, "Big Fan: Two Friends, 81,589 miles, and the Wild, Wonderful Sports We Love."
Kansas City law professor says the U.S.’s patchwork abortion landscape isn’t working
The U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022 to let states decide how to manage abortion access. But Yvette Lindgren, a professor of law at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, says state bans aren’t resulting in fewer abortions.
Prolific presidential historian H.W. Brands turns his focus to George Washington
Historian H.W. Brands has written more than 30 books about American history, highlighting prominent figures ranging from the era of the Revolutionary War to the presidency of Ronald Reagan. He’ll be in Kansas City for an event on Thursday to discuss his new book on George Washington.
Memories fade, so one Kansas City, Kansas, native is helping others document their life stories
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’s Heart Forest is being restored in time to welcome World Cup visitors
After 30 years of growth, Foundation for Regeneration is restoring the symbolic Heart Forest near Kansas City International Airport, adding an outline, trails and areas for guests to sit and reflect.
For Kansas City trumpeter Alber, making music is a beautiful ‘curse’
Alberto Racanati grew up in Italy but moved to Kansas City more than 10 years ago to study trumpet at the UMKC Conservatory. Now, he makes genre-blending music solo as Alber and with his band I Maledetti. They'll perform at Manor Fest this May.
Food recs: Kansas City’s best steaks and steakhouses
Cattle don’t roam the West Bottoms anymore, but Kansas City is still full of both old-school and modern restaurants serving up hearty steaks. Here’s where to find the best filet, wagyu, Kansas City strip and more.
Kauffman Foundation leader who shaped Kansas City civic programs is retiring after 28 years
Gloria Jackson-Leathers launched the Kansas City Civic Engagement Initiative, which provided after-school programs and funded many museums, helped created the Maker Faire at Union Station and led the development of the KC STEM Alliance.
Lawrence, Kansas, uncertain how many World Cup visitors will show up after all
Lawrence will serve as the base camp for Team Algeria during next month’s World Cup. With the Trump administration restricting travel for Algerians, and reports that Kansas City hotel bookings lag far behind tourism projections, organizers are planning for a variety of outcomes.
Kansas City Manager Mario Vasquez feels ‘pretty good’ about World Cup readiness
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 City artist made her Parade of Hearts sculpture into a little free library: ‘A labor of love’
The hollow heart-shaped design for this year’s Parade of Hearts was the perfect template for an art piece doubling as a community space. Artist Abby Gust Hutter created the sculpture “Read it Forward,” which she turned into a little free library outside of Rainy Day Books in Fairway.
Mission Gateway sits empty 20 years later. What is the Mission mayor's plan for it?
The Mission Gateway site at the intersection of Shawnee Mission Parkway and Johnson Drive has sat largely vacant for two decades. While it's unclear how long it might take for the private property get redeveloped, Mission Mayor Sollie Flora says the city's government is "making it a focus."
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