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
How the University of Kansas is working to increase Indigenous representation in news media
Two new grants received by the University of Kansas — worth $50,000 and $7,500 — will help train the next generation of Indigenous journalists.
Kansas City Council member Crispin Rea defends Royals deal as a 'transformational moment'
After the Kansas City Council approved $600 million in funding for a new Crown Center ballpark on Thursday, Councilmember Crispin Rea called the deal a major accomplishment for the city. It will hold the Royals to $55 million over 30 years for community improvements, but some community groups say that's not enough — and want a public vote.
90.9 The Bridge celebrates 25 years of fostering music discovery in Kansas City
The public radio music station first went on air 25 years ago Wednesday. The Kansas City broadcaster has become a champion for local artists and music discovery, and serves as the home for Current matches on the radio.
What does Kansas City want in a new police chief? Here’s what community leaders say
With Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves retiring after four years, leaders around the metro say the next top cop will need to build on progress in addressing violent crime and repairing police-community relationships. They also want the Board of Police Commissioners to open the hiring process more to the public.
Casual Animal Brewing brings out packed crowds to listen to educational lectures over a beer
“Think And Drink” talks are hosted by experts who have covered everything from the Red Scare to the history of Santa Claus. The series is a collaboration between the popular Crossroads brewery and several other local partners, including Linda Hall Library and UMKC.
Kansas has few opinion writers left. Is the state losing the ability to tell its own story?
In “Opinionated: Kansas Journalists Who Proved Why Commentary Matters Then and Now,” Clay Wirestone, opinion editor of the Kansas Reflector, tells the stories of the writers who came before him, and contemplates the importance of the form today.
Could a Kansas Democrat finally win a U.S. Senate seat after 9 decades of Republicans?
The GOP has dominated U.S. Senate elections in Kansas since the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt. But Washburn University political scientist Bob Beatty says Democrat Adam Hamilton could make this November’s election against incumbent Republican Sen. Roger Marshall unusually competitive.
Kansas City Councilmember Johnathan Duncan raises concerns about fast-tracked Royals deal
The 6th district councilmember told KCUR's Up To Date on Thursday that his constituents want the city to negotiate a stadium deal that is more beneficial to residents. He said they also want more transparency from Kansas City's leaders.
Food recs: Kansas City's best dive bars and neighborhood joints
Strawberry Hill in Kansas City, Kansas, has perhaps the most concentrated collection of dive bars in the metro. But no matter what neighborhood you’re in, Kansas City has a place for drinkers and diners looking for a low-key hang with decent food and cheap drinks.
Kansas City area superintendents see fewer staff vacancies as a new school year begins
Independence's superintendent said the district still needs to hire two elementary teachers, while Kansas City Public Schools has around 13 vacancies in "core content areas." Improving literacy and math comprehension remain top priorities.
Kansas City lost nearly 8,000 jobs due to immigration enforcement. But communities remain resilient
Some immigrants in Kansas City are changing their work hours and shifting other parts of their daily routine to avoid encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. A new study found last year’s surge of immigration enforcement resulted in nearly 8,000 jobs lost in Kansas City.
What to know about Interim Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota's federal indictment
Jackson County government has developed a reputation for pervasive corruption. The most recent blow was the federal indictment of Interim Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota, who is accused of trying to bribe a rival candidate.
Kansas City landmarks help tell 'Ted Lasso' origin story in new season premiere
The episode was filmed in Kansas City last summer, and the production team worked directly with the city’s film office to select locations and recruit a primarily local crew.
Lawrence band The Roseline hopes their new album will make people feel less alone
The ninth studio album of the Lawrence, Kansas, band The Roseline, was a piecemeal project a year in the making. The band’s founder, Colin Haliburton, hopes people will relate to the lyrics that touch on personal experiences.
Medicaid changes are coming. Kansas City health organizations fear patients aren’t prepared
Some patients will soon have to meet new criteria to be eligible for Medicaid under the president’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Some experts fear the new requirements could result in millions of people losing coverage and higher costs for healthcare providers.
Kansas banned phones in schools. Some Shawnee Mission parents want their district go further
A group of parents in the Shawnee Mission School District are happy about a new Kansas law banning cellphone use during the school day, but they want even more done about access to digital media. Now the district is restricting the use of school-issued iPads during recess and at home.
This Kansas City artist offers handwritten letters to encourage people to slow down and connect
Multidisciplinary artist Kasim Hardaway reflects on the first year of “Take What You Need,” an interactive public art installation that pops up around Kansas City and invites people to pause and reflect on their lives.
Missouri anti-redistricting group sues to force November vote on Republican-drawn map
Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins refused to certify a ballot initiative aimed at undoing the new congressional maps drawn by Republican legislators. Those maps carved up Kansas City in an effort to oust Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II, and this rejection sets up another legal battle ahead of November’s high-stakes midterms.
Missouri and Kansas voters reject Republican priorities, but don’t expect a November ‘blue wave’
While voters in Missouri and Kansas overwhelmingly shot down ballot measures championed by Republicans, they also largely chose conservative, Trump-backed candidates to run against Democrats in November’s general election.
Seeing more ‘Stop the Chop’ signs around Kansas City? Campaign to rename Chiefs goes even bigger
Capitalizing on the World Cup, the Kansas City Indian Center put out even more billboards this year calling on the Kansas City Chiefs to change their name and stop stereotypical practices like the “tomahawk chop.” Activists argue that the move to a new stadium is the perfect opportunity to address the longstanding complaints.
A Kansas City neighborhood leader is building new, affordable homes in Ivanhoe
Chris Harris is building houses for rent near Harris Park, where he owns a nonprofit that teaches kids how to play golf and other outdoor sports. The developments will target families making between $34,000 to $70,000 a year.
Missouri and Kansas primary elections are a referendum on trust in government
Political scientists in Kansas and Missouri say Tuesday’s primary elections — particularly the constitutional amendments on the ballot — will gauge public opinion about whose voices should be heard in government and how much trust citizens have in their elected officials.
Kansas Supreme Court amendment: Voters will decide whether to directly elect justices
If approved by Kansas voters in the Aug. 4 election, the constitutional amendment would abolish the current merit-based nominating process for Supreme Court justices that has been in place since 1958. While supporters argue the change would rid the system of elitism, opponents say it will allow money to influence court decisions.
Kansas City has new speed limits and age restrictions for e-bikes and scooters
The city passed legislation that limits speeds for electronic mobility devices and creates an age limit for some higher speed vehicles. Advocates helped create the ordinance, but worry about some changes the city council made to the rules.
Missouri Amendment 5 would end the income tax and allow more sales taxes. What to know
If approved by Missouri voters on Aug. 4, 2026, Amendment 5 would require the Missouri General Assembly to phase out the income tax based on revenue growth. The amendment also authorizes lawmakers to expand sales and use taxes to replace the lost income tax revenue.
Medicare expands availability for GLP-1 weight loss drugs. A KU doctor explains what to know
A University of Kansas Medical Center doctor said interest in GLP-1 medication, like Ozempic, has grown since Medicare expanded covered treatments. As of July 1, the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program will allow doctors to prescribe the drugs for weight management.
Interim Jackson County Executive says Manny Abarca's removal was consequence of 'dysfunction'
Interim Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota said the vote to replace Manny Abarca IV as legislative chair was not related to allegations he made about bribery. On KCUR’s Up To Date, LeVota discussed how Jackson County residents will be reimbursed for inflated property tax payments.
Linda Hall Library rebrands as a place for all Kansas Citians to pursue scientific curiosity
The Linda Hall: Science Library and Arboretum was established in 1946 on the estate of Herbert and Linda Hall, who bequeathed $6 million to establish a free public library for Kansas City. As the institution celebrates its 80th anniversary, it’s aiming to re-establish itself as a place for all Kansas Citians, researchers or not, to engage with science.
A KU professor shaped Osage representation in new 'Little House on the Prairie' adaptation
Robert Warrior, a citizen of the Osage Nation, said serving as a consultant on the new series helped improve how Native Americans are portrayed as compared to the original "Little House on the Prairie" books.
To organizers, hosting the World Cup set the Kansas City region up ‘to go do big things’
Kansas City hosted six matches over the course of the tournament, which was largely considered a success. Pam Kramer, CEO of KC2026, says Kansas City grew its reputation during the tournament.
Cyberattacks are targeting Midwest businesses more than elsewhere in the U.S. Why?
The middle of the U.S. is seeing a higher volume of cyberattacks than other regions. Artificial intelligence is exacerbating the problem. A cybersecurity expert shares why the Midwest is a prime target and how people should protect sensitive information.
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.
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