Up To Date

Christal Watson, the mayor and CEO of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, joined Up To Date to discuss the Chiefs moving to her county, concerns from her constituents about property taxes and much more.

As AI content increasingly spreads online, Erin Kennedy, the digital innovation manager at the Mid-Continent Public Library, says people should be critical of the content. While some content is created for fun, other content is used to deceive the viewer.

The 1% earnings tax provides nearly half of Kansas City's overall budget. Voters will decide April 7 whether to extend it for another five years.

A new exhibit at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art highlights the global roots of artists with ties to Kansas City, and the worldwide connections that have shaped the city's artistic community and culture.

Tips were once reserved for hospitality services like bars and restaurants, but now more businesses are adding tip options — and the suggested amount has increased. University of Kansas associate professor Rob Waiser discusses the change tip culture and what businesses should consider before making the ask.

Johnson County Commission Chair Mike Kelly joined KCUR's Up To Date to discuss rising property taxes in his county, preparations for the 2026 World Cup, and the Chiefs' new headquarters and practice facility coming to Olathe.

More local law enforcement agencies are signing agreements with federal immigration agencies, bringing in new revenue for the departments, at the potential risk of community relationships. The agreements mean that even minor infractions like driving tickets have the potential to result in deportation.

Kansas City, Kansas, is known as the home of Da' Bomb Hot Sauce, from the web series “Hot Ones," but there are many places throughout the metro to get a good kick of spice in your meal. Here's where to get the best blazing meals in the Kansas City area.

Sincere Davis, a Kansas City high school junior with an intellectual disability, used to doubt that she'd be able to achieve her passion. The Transition Academy offered her job training and connected her with a media internship, as she pursues her career goals of making documentaries.

Inflation and unemployment in America are low, but many people are still feeling the pain of a tough economy. At a forum at the National World War I Museum and Memorial, panelists discussed what's leading to high prices, and how a “K-shaped” economy explains the disconnect.

After years of delays, a historic Kansas City railroad bridge is set to reopen as a unique entertainment destination in April. The redevelopment will allow pedestrian crossings between the West Bottoms and Kansas City, Kansas, as well as elevate space for restaurants, music and events.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court legalized sports betting in 2018, nearly 40 states have legalized the practice, including Kansas and Missouri. As professional sports teams partner with sportsbooks and gambling scandals continue to affect leagues, how much is the integrity of sports at risk?

Citizen scientists across Missouri are helping researchers document the state's vast fungal diversity. The findings from this MycoMap could lead to applications ranging from medicine to eco-friendly materials.

A resolution in the Missouri General Assembly, if approved, would create a process to eliminate the individual income tax as soon as 2032. It would allow for an expansion of some sales taxes to recoup funding lost as a result of lowering or eliminating this tax. Any resolution passed in the statehouse would have to be approved by voters.

U.S. District Judge Stephen Bough says his family was targeted after he ruled against the Trump administration in its attempt to deport five Missouri college students. Threats against federal judges have spiked since President Donald Trump took office.

In Katy Schamberger's book, "Oldest Kansas City," readers can learn about the history behind the city's oldest barbecue restaurants, oldest brick house, oldest neighborhood and so much more.

World Cup games will be underway here in Kansas City in just over three months. Author Simon Kuper joined Up To Date to discuss the history of the biggest sporting event in the world and how it became the spectacle it is today.

In celebration of America's 250th anniversary, Kansas Citians can view some of the nation's founding documents like Declaration of Independence and Treaty of Paris. Beginning Friday, the Freedom Plane National Tour will put the artifacts on display at the National World War I Museum and Memorial.

Kansas farmers have faced significant challenges due to the Trump administration's tariffs, which drove up equipment costs and caused crop prices to fall. The Kansas Farmer's Union says the tariffs contributed to the closure of hundreds of farms and added stress to an already unpredictable industry.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is moving closer to a major expansion, with renovations underway and plans to break ground on a new wing in 2028. Director and CEO Julian Zugazagoitia breaks down the construction timeline and discusses how the museum aims to become more transparent, accessible and community-centered ahead of its 100th anniversary.

Kansas Citians with ties to Iran say they haven't been able to hear much from their families since the Trump administration launched a war in the country, as the Internet has been cut off. But they're hopeful the war could result in democracy for the Iranian people after decades of authoritarian rule.

Mark Alford, a Republican congressman who represents Missouri's 4th District, believes that President Trump's decision to go to war with Iran was the right one. Meanwhile, many Democrats have argued that the war was unjustifiable and that Trump did not have the authority to take these actions without a declaration of war from Congress.

Just over three months before the World Cup descends on Kansas City this June, small businesses are preparing to make the most of 650,000 expected visitors. That means updating menus and websites to accommodate international travelers, and getting staff trained for the expected crowds.

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.

It might be too chilly for baseball here in Kansas City, but down in Arizona, the Kansas City Royals are already playing Spring Training games in preparation for the 2026 season. We'll talk about the team's biggest storylines after last year postseason miss.

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.