Up To Date

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

New analysis from Ballotpedia suggests that Republicans in Missouri and Kansas could see the 2026 midterm elections break their state legislative supermajorities.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.