Up To Date

Kansas this week invalidated the IDs of transgender Kansans who changed the gender marker on their driver's licenses or birth certificates. The ACLU is suing to stop the law, which also restricts bathroom use, saying it violates the constitutional rights of residents.

Leaders in Lawrence, Kansas, are excited to welcome the Algerian men's national team to the city for the World Cup. The University of Kansas' Rock Chalk Park will serve as base camp for Team Algeria, and estimates suggest it could draw as many as 15,000 people to the area.

The Kansas City Current are coming off a historic season that included a record-setting offense and a Supporters' Shield — but an early playoff exit last season left some unfinished business. Here's what fans should watch before the new season begins in March.

Dozens of U.S. House and Senate members boycotted President Trump's State of the Union address Tuesday. But both Cleaver and Rep. Sharice Davids, Democrats who represent the Kansas City metro, attended.

After the Mexican military killed cartel leader El Mencho, chaos in Puerto Vallarta upended travel plans for Kansas City Star columnist Vahe Gregorian and his wife. Though shaken up by the resulting violence, the couple says they have not felt in immediate danger as they work to find a way back home.

Davids has represented Kansas' 3rd District in Congress, which includes all of Johnson County and part of Wyandotte County, since 2019. But with Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall up for reelection this year, she's openly considering a run.

CUNY constitutional law professor Gloria J. Browne-Marshall, a Kansas City native, will return to her hometown next month for a Rainy Day Books event about her new book “A Protest History of the United States.”

Missourians bet more than half a billion dollars in the first month of legal sports wagering, but just over $500,000 came back to the state as tax revenue.

"Injustice Town" by Rick Tulsky tells the story of Lamonte McIntyre, who was wrongly convicted of a double homicide in 1994. McIntyre was exonerated in 2017.

Violent crime is down in Kansas City, and leaders point to the success of SAVE KC, a focused deterrence program that helps support people at-risk or associated with violence change the trajectory of their life.

An ordinance set to go before the Kansas City Council would ban small and individual bottles of alcohol and malt beverages to help lower crime in targeted areas of the city. The owner of one convenience store says limiting sales only hurts his business and customers.

Employees at the Costco store on Linwood Boulevard in Kansas City have spoken openly about the wholesale store's future plans to change into a Costco Business Center, though the company itself has neither confirmed nor denied this information. KCUR's Up To Date spoke with several shoppers to get their reactions.

While artificial intelligence can automate some tasks, users should be cautious when looking to chatbots for social connection or mental health advice, a Kansas City University psychology professor says.

The Kansas City Curling Club says more than 600 people have signed up to learn the sport since the Winter Olympics kicked off in Italy two weeks ago. The club's membership has also doubled in size since 2022.

The Kansas City event series “Where To Find Us” invites friends to pitch friends for love — and platonic matches too — in front of a live audience. The co-founders share how the event has evolved since 2024 and why creating intentional queer spaces matters.

KCUR's Up To Date featured three Trump supporters in an interview last week, which included statements that could not be verified. The response was swift — and overwhelmingly negative.

A group of Kansas City musicians has been tasked to review a city-wide music strategy and draft recommendations for how to implement it. One of the goals is to enhance Kansas City's music economy — and that includes possibly standardizing much musicians get paid for live performances.

Looking for the perfect place in Kansas City to eat out with that special someone? The local scene's best offerings include fine-dining restaurants, cozy bistros, a dive bar and more.

Watkins was a founder of the political organization Freedom, Inc. and one of the Kansas City Council's first two Black members. He was a vocal opponent of Highway 71 — although parts of the parkway were eventually named after him. An event at the Kansas City Public Library on Sunday, Feb. 15, will remember his full life and legacy.

Three Kansas Citians who voted for Donald Trump in 2024 spoke with KCUR's Up To Date about the first year of his second term. Although Trump's approval numbers have declined overall, in part due to multiple controversies around ICE, supporters say his handling of the southern border and deportations has been “great.”

In "Footeprint," out today, Lindsay Metcalf resurrects the history of Eunice Newton Foote, a 19th-century scientist who discovered carbon dioxide's heat-trapping properties while fighting for women's place in science.

Since Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe signed into law a new congressional map that splits Kansas City into three districts, with the goal of ousting Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II from office, a handful of lawsuits and hundreds of thousands of petition signatures have been submitted in opposition. Two of those cases will be heard in court this week.

Grammy award-winning opera singer Joyce DiDonato brings her latest album tour home to Kansas City. “Emily – No Prisoner Be,” explores the work of one of America's greatest poets, Emily Dickinson.

Grammy award-winning opera singer Joyce DiDonato brings her latest album tour home to Kansas City. “Emily – No Prisoner Be,” explores the work of one of America's greatest poets, Emily Dickinson.

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas joined KCUR's Up To Date to talk about his concerns regarding a possible ICE facility in Kansas City, his new role as the president of the Democratic Mayors Association, and Argentina choosing Kansas City as its home base for the 2026 World Cup.

As the World Cup nears, some Kansas City-area residents are preparing their homes to be a short-term rental. With more than half a million people expected to travel in and out of the Kansas City region, cities are relying on property owners to help house the influx of tourists.

Joe Mount and Tina McDonald are two leaders in the Bowen Tower Tenant Union, a union of renters in Raytown. After a months-long rent strike, they reached an agreement with their California-based landlord that includes lower rent and utility rates, plus commitments to fix longstanding maintenance issues.

Taxpayers will see several changes this filing season, including new exemptions, expanded deductions, and incentives that could influence where people choose to invest.

NPR media correspondent David Folkenflik joined KCUR's Up To Date to discuss the state of American journalism ahead of his visit to Kansas City.

As a state audit continues, the Hickman Mills School District is approving cuts and restructuring to improve its financial sustainability by the end of the 2027 school year.

Now based at the Minnesota Star Tribune, Allison Kite describes the demands of covering immigration enforcement activity while being encouraged by her community's response.

Following a rocky end to last year's legislative session, Democrats are looking to slow things down, while Republicans push to pass Gov. Mike Kehoe's state income tax cuts. Political reporter Jason Hancock spoke with KCUR's Up To Date about the slow start and early dysfunction in the Missouri General Assembly.

After winning four straight games, and more than $70,000, in April 2025, Kansas City resident Bryce Wargin appeared in the annual “Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions” last week.

Dr. Westley Youngren, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, is researching ways to treat nightmares caused by trauma or PTSD.

From fine-dining institutions to neighborhood favorites, we take a stroll down memory lane of since-closed Kansas City restaurants. These spots shaped generations of diners — and their closures have something to say about the city's evolving food culture.

Michael Ashcraft started his acting career at Hallmark and worked his way to on-screen productions. Most recently he played George Martz, a county prosecutor, in the film "Dead Man's Wire," which premiered Jan. 16, 2026.

Sharon Liese, an Overland Park filmmaker, said the documentary “Seized” is a “microcosm of what's going on in the country and world.” Zooming in on the 2023 Kansas newspaper raid, the documentary will premiere this month at the Sundance Film Festival.

KCUR was told that it must vacate its longtime home in Kansas City by the end of January. Without a permanent space set up yet, Up To Date will produce new shows from UMKC's Digital Collaboration Studio starting next week. During our last episode at 4825 Troost Ave, KCUR staffers discuss their memories from the building.

Interim Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota told KCUR's Up To Date that his top priorities have been property taxes and the battle to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. While the Chiefs announced that they're building a new stadium and headquarters in Kansas, LeVota isn't convinced it's a done deal.

Dozens of restaurants open in Kansas City every year. But which stand out in the region's growing food scene? Here are the metro's best new restaurants and bars for diners of all tastes.

Kansas City officials confirmed Thursday that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is seeking to build a detention facility in the metro. A south Kansas City location is one of a few potential sites, but city council members passed an ordinance aimed at blocking the center from opening.

The Kansas City Chiefs secured a STAR bond deal to move their stadium and training facility to Kansas, but the Royals missed the state's deadline to get their own incentives. While one Kansas legislative leader says he's moving on, Gov. Laura Kelly told KCUR's Up To Date that she is still open to discussions.