Up To Date

Whether you're looking for a sourdough loaf, a croissant, or a cake, the Kansas City region is full of bakeries worth exploring. Here's where to find the best from-scratch breads, pastries and more.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly is about to begin her final year in office. She joined KCUR's Up To Date to talk about her policy priorities heading into the 2026 legislative session in Topeka, as well as the prospects for Democrats in next year's midterm elections.

KBIA's The Next Harvest podcast tells the stories of farmers in the Midwest using regenerative agriculture practices and high-tech tools to make their farms sustainable -- including agrivoltaics, drones, precision agriculture, and cover crops.

Whether you're gathering with family during the holidays, or catching up on the best of the year before award season, Up To Date invited Kansas City film critics to share some great movies and television series worth catching.

The Kansas City Royals still haven't committed to a location for their new stadium, but the Aspiria campus at 119th and Nall in Overland Park is under consideration. Residents living in that neighborhood say they have concerns about local businesses, traffic and affordability.

The Kansas City Chiefs' loss on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers eliminated Kansas City from playoff contention for the first time in more than a decade — while Patrick Mahomes sustained a season-ending injury. Can the Chiefs turn it around next year, or is this the end of one of the most impressive runs in football history?

Last week, Deep Fission broke ground on a pilot program to bury small modular reactors underground in Parsons, Kansas. This project is the first of its kind in the United States, and comes as part of the Trump Administration's effort to advance the nation's nuclear power.

Women played a vital role in the Vietnam War. Many served as nurses, treating and caring for American soldiers, enemies and civilians. “To The Women Who Served,” a new documentary from KMBC in Kansas City, captures firsthand accounts of what the women experienced and the role history sometimes overlooks.

After Steven Allen discovered her singing in The Colony Steakhouse in Kansas City, Marilyn Maye would go on to appear on the “Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson 76 times and sell out Carnegie Hall. She will perform next at the “Holly Jolly Follyday” on December 21 at the Folly Theater.

An effort is underway by President Donald Trump and cities like Kansas City, Kansas, to clear unhoused people from living in public spaces. But one Overland Park mental health expert fears homelessness will be criminalized — not addressing the root issue and costing more than providing adequate access to care.

Soccer fans can now enter the latest draw for FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets, including the six matches in Kansas City. During the group stage of the tournament, reigning champion Argentina and three-time finalist Netherlands will each play a match at Arrowhead Stadium — and local residents originally from the nations are thrilled.

Nicolette Paige, Rick Cole and Xavier Fleming have held a steady presence in the Kansas City music scene for more than 15 years. As a trio, they blend reggae, neo-soul and a warm, organic sound into what Paige calls “soulful, feel-good music” wherever they play — even inside a moving streetcar.

The new owners of the Country Club Plaza plan to open the door to 200-foot apartment buildings as part of their redevelopment plans. That's sparked concerns from residents about the area losing its architectural identity. Members of the Plaza Westport Neighbor Association Board warn that the high-rises could wall off the neighborhood.

The Trump administration plans to re-examine the cases of all refugees and humanitarian evacuees admitted during the Biden administration, after the shooting of two National Guard members. Advocates in Kansas City say they trust the past vetting, and criticized the “planned destruction” of the country's refugee programs.

People Not Politicians, the citizen-led campaign seeking to overturn Missouri's newly passed congressional map, must submit signatures to the Secretary of State this week. If accepted, the gerrymandered map will be blocked from taking effect before the 2026 election.

Kansas City jazz pianist Tim Whitmer is out with a new record for the second year in a row — and this time, he is hoping his music spreads holiday cheer. The album "Happy Holidays" features Whitmer's takes on timeless classics like "Jingle Bell Rock" and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town."

A jazz quartet from Kansas City recently held three performances and a masterclass in China, as part of a symposium organized by the Edgar Snow Memorial Foundation.

Kansas City Chiefs fans can expect a tough matchup on Sunday as the team takes on the best ranked defense — the Houston Texans. While this season the Chiefs can't seem to get out of their own way, some believe they can still make it to the post-season.

The Kansas City region's economy is lagging behind the nation overall. Experts say that's driven by flat employment numbers and slower-than-average growth from many of the region's most prominent industries.

The Stowers Institute in Kansas City, which focuses on disease and treatment methods, added its first artificial intelligence fellow as a part of its AI initiative. This group of researchers is training AI to analyze research data and find the patterns and regulations that make cells function.

Republican former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu will be in Kansas City next Monday for an American Public Square event. He joined Up To Date ahead of his visit to discuss his time in office, working across the aisle and the first year of the second Trump administration.

Kansas City's mayor and chief of police are calling for a review of the juvenile justice system. But court officials in Jackson County say youth referrals are down so far this year, proving that the diversion programs are working.

As an 11-year-old, Sarah Rector became the richest Black child in America, but danger in Oklahoma led to her family moving to Kansas City. Rector's story, long forgotten from the history books, is now the subject of the 2025 film “Sarah's Oil.”

Many young adults experience social connection and disconnection simultaneously, according to new research led by University of Kansas professor Jeffrey Hall. He says higher instability in young adulthood is causing the ambivalence.

Looking for a powerful memoir, a cozy bedtime story, a creepy collection — or all of the above for a potential holiday gift? KCUR's Up To Date invited a librarian, professor and bookstore owner to offer the favorites titles they read in the last year.

Jyoti Mukharji has been teaching Indian cooking classes out of her Prairie Village home for more than 15 years. She and her son Auyon compiled nearly 100 of her best recipes in a new cookbook, “Heartland Masala: An Indian Cookbook from an American Kitchen.”

One person's drive to make a difference can create a positive ripple effect throughout the community. This year, The Pinnacle Prize recognized the progress and dedication of two Kansas Citians with a passion for helping people find safety and healing.

“Death by Lightning,” starring Michael Shannon and Matthew Macfadyen as President James Garfield and his assassin Charles Guiteau, is based on Kansas City author Candice Millard's New York Times bestselling book “Destiny of the Republic.”

People flying out of Kansas City International Airport don't need to worry about any lingering effects of the government shutdown. An airport spokesperson said flights are back on track and they're expecting fewer travelers this year.

Medical providers started using Ambient Assist by NextGen Healthcare this year at Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center. The tool, which transcribes and summarizes an appointment's conversation, lets providers see more patients and be more present without being overwhelmed with post-appointment paperwork.

Ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, KCUR's Up To Date broadcasted from Harvesters Community Food Network in Kansas City to hear how the organization is managing a time of extremely high demand.

After borrowing $1.4 billion to redevelop the Country Club Plaza, the Gillion Property Group is now seeking millions in tax breaks from a Kansas City agency. Residents are also concerned about new construction renderings showing 200-foot apartment buildings and a major change to the neighborhood's style.

In their podcast "Adoption: The Making of Me," Louise Browne and Kansas City's Sarah Reinhardt share untold stories about the unique adversities faced by many adoptees.

In his new book "The Team That History Forgot," sportswriter Rick Gosselin highlights the story of one of the most exciting professional football teams of the 1960s: the Len Dawson-led Kansas City Chiefs.

Kris Kobach, the Republican attorney general, says that several Kansas Bureau of Investigation agents have been trained to make arrests in collaboration with federal immigration authorities. He talked about the state's recent law enforcement initiatives, plus his clashes over legal authority with Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, in an interview with KCUR's Up To Date.

As the Kansas City metro faces rising food insecurity due to reduced SNAP benefits, ongoing economic strains, and heightened demand during the holiday season, NourishKC is making sure people can get the resources they need with dignity.

Visitors looking to see the Arabia Steamboat Museum's collection of pre-Civil War artifacts have until next November. After more than 30 years at the City Market, the museum is closing when its lease ends in 2026. But the owners say they're exploring options to relocate and even add to the historic collection.

South Asian cuisine can vary drastically by region — from Bengali curry to Pakistani biryani and everything in between — but you can find options from all over the subcontinent right here in Kansas City. Here's where to find the metro's best butter chicken, tikka masala, samosas and more.

Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) chose Kansas City to host this year's conference, covering topics from everyday life with ADHD to how the Trump administration is threatening school accommodations and research funding.

During the record-setting 43-day government shutdown, Missouri Republican Rep. Sam Graves said he got a lot of calls from air traffic controllers — who had to work without pay, despite already being overworked and understaffed. But another shutdown could just be a few months away.

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe's desire to eliminate the state income tax is an ambitious goal given the projected $1 billion shortfall in general revenue next fiscal year. He joined KCUR's Up To Date to discuss how the plan could take shape.

The U.S. House will vote Wednesday to reopen the government. U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II, who represents Kansas City, opposes the plan because it fails to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies that would make insurance more affordable for residents.