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
KC Soundcheck: Kansas City musician Bobby Watson mentors a new generation of jazz artists
Kansas City jazz legend Bobby Watson wants to ensure the city’s jazz history and traditions don’t fade with age. The saxophonists and composer’s latest album, “Continuum” is a testimonial about passing knowledge to younger artists.
Casting an informed vote in Kansas or Missouri can be tricky. Here’s some tips
Election Day in Kansas and Missouri is on Nov. 3, and early voting has already begun. If you’re trying to figure out how to start the process of understanding your ballot, one Kansas political scientist says “Google’s your friend." (And so is KCUR!)
‘Keep your kids close.’ How Kansas City families can stay safe this Halloween
Ghosts, ghouls and… personal liability lawsuits? Halloween can turn overlooked hazards into serious injuries and complicated legal questions. Trip-and-falls, dangerous decorations, pedestrian crashes, defective costumes and even golf carts can create unforeseen disasters.
UMKC men’s soccer team, ranked among top in country, is Kansas City’s ‘best-kept secret’
One of the best sports teams in the country is flying under the radar in Kansas City. The Roos men’s soccer team at the University of Missouri-Kansas City has achieved its best national ranking in program history, and the season is far from over.
Kansas City, Kansas, mayor asks voters to pass 2 sales taxes: 'We have to invest in ourselves'
Christal Watson, mayor and CEO of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, is asking voters to pass two key sales tax items on the November ballot. One is a quarter-cent tax for healthcare services and addressing homelessness, and the other is a 3/8th-cent tax to fund parks, community centers and trails.
What's the deal with Missouri's abortion vote and redistricting? KCUR answers your election Qs
With Kansas and Missouri elections just three weeks away, KCUR’s series “What’s the deal, KC?” is answering common questions from voters about the candidates and issues on their ballot. We’ll explain how to find your Congressional district, where to learn about judges up for retention, and what an abortion ban amendment has to do with transgender healthcare. Text your questions to 816-601-4777.
Kansas City high school robotics teams modified battery cars for toddlers with disabilities
Some kids with mobility challenges are missing out on playing with peers and siblings. Thanks to a partnership between Variety KC and The Barstow School’s robotics team, seven Kansas City toddlers received modified ride-on cars to give them more independence and a new chance to play with others.
Food recs: Kansas City’s best restaurants for cheese and cheesy foods
As fall arrives and the days get cooler, nothing satisfies quite like a cheesy dish that warms the belly and comforts the soul. From gooey grilled cheese sandwiches to tangy, whipped goat cheese dips — even famous barbecue sides — there’s a cheesy dish for every taste in Kansas City.
Independence’s historic, long-vacant Englewood Theater will start renovations soon
Englewood Theater in Independence, Missouri, sat vacant for nearly 20 years before a nonprofit purchased the building in 2025. The group is in the initial stages of a large-scale revitalization project, slated to start in early 2027, that they hope will make the theater operational once again.
Former FDIC chair says U.S. is ‘slipping backwards’ on financial regulation under Trump
Sheila Bair, a Kansas native who served as the chair of the FDIC from 2006-2011, is in Kansas City this week to accept the Truman Medal for Economic Policy from the Truman Library Institute. Bair said she is worried about the weakening of banking reforms, and sees a lot of risky lending happening right now.
Kansas City development roundup: Apartment towers, stadiums and an entertainment district
The Kansas City Business Journal’s Thomas Friestad joined KCUR's Up To Date for a roundup on all things development around the metro.
Broadway hit ‘John Proctor is the Villain’ comes to Kansas City at the KC Rep
The play, which starred Sadie Sink of “Stranger Things” during its Broadway run, centers on a group of high schoolers as they navigate notions of gender and power during the #MeToo movement. As they study Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” in English class, the students consider how the play resonates in their own lives. The KC Rep’s production runs through Oct. 25.
Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley featured in new documentary about harms of social media
Now out on streaming, “Your Attention Please” shows footage of Missouri U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley confronting Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg about how social media is hurting teenagers. The film explores how tech companies keep users addicted, and how young people are seeking to redefine human connection.
More kids are dying by suicide. A Kansas City psychologist warns to ‘take it seriously’
Pressure to perform and social media are contributing factors to a rise in suicide rates among children between the ages of 8-12 years old. A Kansas City psychologist said that some young kids lack the understanding of the finality of their decision and can be more impulsive, heightening the risk.
Missouri Amendment 6 could make it harder for lawmakers to overturn voter-led ballot issues
If passed on Nov. 3, the amendment would enshrine the “Respect Missouri Voters” initiative into the state constitution. That would require an 80% threshold for lawmakers to overturn citizen-led measures, such as the paid sick leave law approved in 2024. Then voters would be given another say at the ballot box.
Kansas City turns to the private sector to help house people living on the streets. Could it work?
Kansas City and the business community are working together to reduce the number of chronically unhoused people by providing vouchers and connecting them with resources. The Housing Gateway Program has proven effective in other cities around the U.S, and advocates say Kansas City is “well positioned” to succeed.
Missouri Amendment 8 would require counties to elect sheriffs. Most already do
If passed on Nov. 3, Amendment 8 would make county sheriffs a constitutionally-required position, with a few exceptions in the St. Louis area. It would also limit the circumstances under which a sheriff can be removed from office.
Kansas City's pioneering Black queer nightclub Soakie’s honored with a historic marker downtown
A new historic marker pays tribute to the former site of Soakie’s, the Black queer bar that once operated out of the basement of an Italian sandwich shop. The nightclub regularly hosted drag performances, and served as a home to the local LGBTQ+ community.
Missouri Amendment 7 proposes a state investment fund with aim of ending taxes in a century
If passed on Nov. 3, the amendment would establish the “Show-Me Prosperity Fund,” a public endowment similar to a sovereign wealth fund. However, it would not allocate any money into that fund. Supporters hope that the investment could one day be used to replace state taxes entirely, but economists worry that it could put state services at risk.
Record-high gas prices are raising the cost of feeding Kansas City, from farms to food banks
Higher fuel costs touch every branch of the economy, but food distributors are especially vulnerable to price increases. A farmer and food bank leader discuss how more expensive gas is affecting their operations.
Hall of Fame Royals broadcaster Denny Matthews celebrates calling his 8,000th game
The Kansas City Royals celebrated Denny Matthews’ 8,000th game behind the mic during last week’s matchup against the Cleveland Guardians. An inductee into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Matthews has been "the voice of the Royals" since the team first began 57 years ago.
Lucky Rabbit Literature Festival brings award-winning children's book team to Kansas City
The Rabbit hOle museum in North Kansas City is hosting The Lucky Rabbit Literature Festival this weekend, bringing together seven of the most prominent authors and artists working in the children’s book industry. Matthew Burgess and Cátia Chien join Up To Date to discuss their award-winning children’s book, “Fireworks.”
Journalist Chuck Todd says Kansas could become the next big 'battleground' state
Journalist Chuck Todd will be in Kansas City this weekend to accept a leadership award from the Poynter Institute, a journalism nonprofit. He joined KCUR’s Up To Date to discuss the midterm elections, including the competitive U.S. Senate race in Kansas and Missouri's congressional redistricting "chaos."
Missouri Proposition A will let voters decide fate of redrawn congressional map. What to know
Missouri lawmakers redrew the state’s congressional lines in 2025, in an attempt to oust Kansas City Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II and add a Republican seat to the U.S. House. But after a successful petition campaign, the new map was blocked from taking effect for this election, and voters in November will decide whether to approve or reject it.
Your personal tick survival guide, from KCUR's Up From Dust
What should you do when you find a tick on yourself? Don't freak out — we have you covered. From the KCUR Studios and Harvest Public Media podcast Up From Dust, a team of scientists help answer that question, plus how to avoid it in the first place.
Food recs: Kansas City’s best African food
Kansas City is home to immigrants from more than 30 countries in Africa. As the world’s second-largest land mass, Africa doesn’t contain just one type of food, and you can find dishes from across the continent in the metro.
One woman shares how she fled domestic violence with the help of a Missouri nonprofit
Cases of domestic violence are rising in Missouri. Legal Aid of Western Missouri worked on more than 3,000 cases of domestic violence last year. One woman tells KCUR how she found a way out of a 17-year relationship that grew abusive.
Missouri could vote to ban abortion again in the midterms. What to know about Amendment 3
If passed, Amendment 3 would repeal the abortion rights amendment enshrined in the Missouri Constitution in 2024. It would also add a constitutional ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth in the state.
The Moth celebrates two years of StorySLAMs in Kansas City
The Moth first brought its monthly storytelling open-mic nights known as StorySLAMs to Kansas City in 2024. Two years later, the crowds don't seem to be slowing down.
Public radio host Jeremy Hobson is looking for common ground in a divided America
Jeremy Hobson, the host of the public radio program "The Middle" is in Kansas City this week to moderate an American Public Square panel called "Turning Down the Heat: Rebuilding Trust in an Age of Outrage."
Former Jackson County prosecutor says the job ‘really does start to hurt your psyche’
Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd died last week. In April, Zahnd said the job, which he held for nearly 24 years, brought him joy and also “considerable pain.” Up To Date spoke with two former prosecutors about the toll the job had on their mental health.
Who is looking at Kansas City Flock camera data?
A recent KCUR analysis reveals that data gathered by Kansas City-area Flock cameras has been searched hundreds of thousands of times by out-of-state police departments. Across the city, residents are concerned by how that data is being used.
Kansas constitutional amendment would 'clarify' voting requirements. What to know
A proposed amendment would change the Kansas Constitution to say only U.S. citizens can vote, rather than “every” U.S. citizen. Proponents say the rephrase is necessary to clarify the rules, while opponents say the change could make voting more confusing.
KCUR finally has a new home on the Country Club Plaza. How we made the move
KCUR general manager Sarah Morris and director of content and journalism Lisa Rodriguez joined Up To Date to discuss the station's move to a new building after being forced out of its long-time studios, and how KCUR is adjusting to life without federal funding.
Students at Kansas City's East High School get a unique education in urban agriculture
At East High School in Kansas City, students help care for row farms, flowering plants and herds of goats, chickens, turkeys and more. It’s the only program of its kind in a Missouri public school, with one in five students participating.
Kansas City is awash in art fairs right now. For local artists, this is ‘the best time of year’
Events like Lawrence Art in the Park, which will take place this weekend, and the Plaza Art Fair are central to the business of many Kansas and Missouri artists. They're not just a huge sales opportunity, they're also a chance for artist to talk with the public about their work.
The best movies and TV of 2026 so far, according to Kansas City film critics
Looking for your new "Obsession"? With so much TV, and so many films in theaters and on streaming platforms, it can be hard to know what’s most worth watching. Up To Date’s film experts shared their top titles so far this year.
Kansas' first U.S. Senate and governor debates got pretty raucous
The Kansas State Fair offered the first chance to see U.S. Senate candidates Roger Marshall and Adam Hamilton and gubernatorial candidates Ty Masterson and Cindy Holscher square off. The raucous crowd at times shouted down candidates as they spoke.
Candidates in Missouri's 5th District, a gerrymandering target, will now campaign under old map
The legal back-and-forth over Missouri's congressional maps is unprecedented in American politics. Current 5th District U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II and his Republican opponent, state Sen. Rick Brattin, share their thoughts on what transpired in the courts — and what it may mean for November.
America’s social contract is fraying. A Kansas professor says civic debate could help repair it
University of Kansas professor Chris Koliba argues that the American social contract is fraying. He joined KCUR’s Up To Date to discuss how we got to this point and what the country can do about it.
Overland Park runner will attempt to run 7 marathons on 7 continents — in 7 days
Early next year, Jeff Maher of Overland Park will run seven marathons on seven continents in seven days. He joined KCUR’s Up To Date to discuss how he is preparing for the races and why he decided to take on this challenge.
A mental health crisis in a Kansas jail shouldn’t have ended Charles Adair’s life
Charles Adair was in the midst of a mental health emergency when he turned himself into law enforcement for old traffic warrants. If sheriff’s deputies at the Wyandotte County, Kansas, jail had followed protocol for a mental health crisis, it might have prevented Adair’s death — which was ruled a homicide due to being restrained with a knee on his back.
Kansas City convenes Haiti Symposium amid humanitarian crises and deportations
The Caribbean country of Haiti is in the midst of a severe political and humanitarian crisis as it struggles to address widespread gang violence. Ahead of the 14th annual KC Haiti Symposium on Saturday, KCUR's Up To Date spoke with two journalists who cover Haiti and a Kansas City doctor who runs a surgicenter in the country.
Kansas City Renaissance Festival marks 50th season recreating 1500s England
The Kansas City Renaissance Festival began as a fundraiser for the Kansas City Art Institute in 1977, making this year its 50th season. The festival opened September 5 and will run every weekend through October 12, rain or shine.
Kansas City psychiatrist explores the science behind high emotional sensitivity
Dr. Sasha Hamdani's new book, "Too Sensitive," aims to provide a science-backed, empathetic framework for understanding why some people experience high emotional sensitivity. The Kansas City psychiatrist joined KCUR's Up To Date on Tuesday.
NYT: Kansas' Roger Marshall sued more than 700 of his patients before becoming a U.S. senator
More than 700 patients were sued by a doctor in western Kansas for medical debt. The doctor is now Republican U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, who for decades was a practicing obstetrician-gynecologist.
Kansas City Underground Film Festival champions the cinema underdogs
The festival returns for its sixth year of free movie programming, which will include films across a range of genres from experimental to animation.
Lawrence post-punk band Sweeping Promises embrace 'romanticizing' on new album
Sweeping Promises will embark on an American tour on Sep. 9 to share their third album, “You Say I Romanticize.” The Kansas-based duo has been gaining national attention, while also producing other local bands at their "artistic commune."
Country Club Plaza redevelopment could start with empty Nordstrom lot, a ‘detriment’ to the area
Gillon Property Group, which owns the Plaza, says the empty lot is a “physical and psychological” problem and will be one of the first major redevelopment targets now that Port KC approved a major incentive package. The space was meant to host a Nordstrom, but the project was scrapped in 2022 after multiple delays.
After Missouri congressional map ruling, Republicans will ask U.S. Supreme Court to intervene
In a stunning unanimous ruling, the Missouri Supreme Court blocked the state’s newly redrawn congressional maps from going into effect for the 2026 midterms, and ordered a referendum on the map to be placed on the November ballot. But Attorney General Catherine Hanaway says she will appeal the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Republican Alan Rohlfing says he can ‘restore public trust’ as Jackson County Executive
Rohlfing, a U.S. Army veteran, is running against Democrat Stacy Lake in November to become the next Jackson County executive. He says he would focus on providing “world class customer service” if elected.
Lawsuit says 11-year-old boy was attacked by students in a Kansas City, Kansas, school restroom
An 11-year-old boy was allegedly physically and sexually assaulted in April at Eisenhower Middle School in Kansas City, Kansas. In August, the district’s school board received notice of a pending $5 million lawsuit for failing to prevent the attack.
Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves on her tenure and the search for a new top cop
At the end of July, Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves announced that she is retiring from her role leading the department after four years. She joined KCUR’s Up To Date to look back at her time as the first woman to serve permanently as KCPD chief, and to discuss the department’s future.
Head Start leaders in Missouri and Kansas say looser federal rules could hurt services
The Trump administration has proposed eliminating a majority of its regulations for the federal early education program Head Start. The government says the changes would put rulemaking in the hands of the states and could result in higher enrollment, but local Head Start leaders worry about causing "inconsistency."
North Kansas City is planning for long-term growth. Leaders want your input.
Located just north of the Missouri River, North Kansas City has grown by more than 20% since 2020. Mayor Jesse Smith says it’s time to make updates while maintaining the community’s “small-town feel.”
Kansas City rapper Flare Tha Rebel gives hometown tough love on new album ‘Dear City’
On his new album “Dear City,” Jeff Shafer’s socially-conscious hip hop celebrates what makes Kansas City great, but also reflects on what changes are needed to make the city even better.
Port KC president champions public funding for Country Club Plaza redevelopment plan
The public agency voted to issue nearly $1.5 billion in bonds and tax breaks to Gillon Property Group early this week. Jon Stephens, the president and CEO of Port KC, says the deal is critical to the revitalization of the historic Plaza neighborhood.
Book recs: Kansas City writers and professors share the reads they can’t stop thinking about
As students across the Kansas City metro dust off their books and head back to school, our literary experts recommend titles perfect for reading deeply, just like you’re in English class yourself.
Mayor Quinton Lucas says Royals deal is a 'positive economically' — even if economists disagree
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas joined KCUR's Up To Date to discuss the city council's $600 million funding package for a new Royals ballpark, what he'd like to see in the city's next police chief, the future of the Country Club Plaza and more.
Democrat Stacy Lake wants to ‘clean up the mess’ as Jackson County executive
Lake, an attorney who won the Democratic primary for Jackson County executive, is running against Republican Alan Rohlfing in November. The county has struggled under a dysfunctional legislature, and the interim executive was recently indicted on federal bribery charges.
Johnson County will spend nearly $1.2 million to restore prairies and other habitats
Johnson County Parks and Recreation Department got money to restore a range of habitats in the region — including prairies, woodlands and wetlands — to strengthen natural prevention against flooding and pollution.
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 Council member Johnathan Duncan raises concerns about 'fast-tracked' Royals deal
The 6th district council member 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.
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