Up To Date

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.

Small business owners make up many of the millions of people who are facing higher premiums for health care, after Congress allowed COVID-era enhanced subsidies for the Affordable Care Act to lapse. Because of the higher prices, two Kansas City-area business owners say they've had to adjust their business strategies.

Streaming platforms like Spotify are now pushing users to music generated by artificial intelligence. Kansas City musicians question the necessity of these platforms altogether, while pushing for more regulations and urging consumers to support their music by buying it directly.

Officials in Clay County, Missouri, and in the Kansas legislature have expressed that they are no longer interested in talks with the Royals on a new stadium deal. Is the team starting to run out of options — and will downtown Kansas City win out by default?

The Kansas City Library and Kansas City Star have collaborated to release The Star's historical photo archives, which features hundreds of thousands of photos spanning much of the 20th century.

In the new book “Stories From the Phog: Forty Years of Kansas Basketball,” Lawrence native and author Chelan David examines the history, traditions, failures and successes of the Jayhawks through the perspective of fans, coaching staff and players.

Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson joined KCUR's Up To Date for our series “5 Questions.” She discusses what she's watching, listening to and reading outside of work — and how she feels about Kansas City right now.

The Switzerland native has experience coaching in Europe and the United States, and played defensive midfielder for his country in the World Cup. After a season where Sporting KC finished dead-last in their conference, Wicky spoke about his vision for the team in an interview with KCUR's Up To Date.

Missouri U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II joined Up To Date to discuss an ICE agent's killing of an observer in Minneapolis, the Trump administration's intervention in Venezuela, and a critical vote in Congress on Affordable Care Act subsidies.

Abortion rights advocates are headed to trial next week to argue that Missouri's regulations on reproductive health care violate the state's constitution. The passage of Amendment 3 in 2024 protects the right to abortion care, but existing regulations and legal challenges have made access limited.

A new book explores the cultural impact of Branson, Missouri, a tourist town that inspires devotion and disdain in equal measure. Long known for wholesome, family-friendly entertainment, the Midwestern destination has become a stage that showcases today's cultural and political divides.

UMKC researcher Dr. Cuthbert Simpkins is developing treatments for treating sepsis and blood loss. Once it becomes commercially available, it could decrease the need for blood transfusions.

With the new Kansas legislative session starting on January 12, lawmakers could tackle bills pertaining to budget cuts, taxes, school reform and more before election campaigns start in the summer.

Kansas lawmakers are offering billions in tax incentives to build a new domed stadium and convince the Chiefs to leave Missouri. University of Kansas associate professor Zachary Mohr joined KCUR's Up To Date to discuss how STAR bonds work, and what risks and benefits come with using them.

What will Missouri lawmakers focus on in the 2026 legislation session? Pre-filed bills show that lawmakers are looking to phase out the income tax, reduce some property taxes, and invest in the state's roads and schools — although the budget surplus is quickly disappearing due to previous tax cuts.

Every year during the holiday season, Kansas City's own Doug Frost joins Up To Date to discuss the state of the alcohol industry, recommend delicious options for the holidays and taste several wines.

Gary Neal Johnson is retiring from his nearly 25-year run as Ebenezer Scrooge in the Kansas City Repertory Theatre's production of “A Christmas Carol.” He Joined KCUR's Up To Date for an installment of our series “5 Questions,” and to discuss hanging up his hat after acting in the play for 40 years.

Kansas legislators leading the deal to move the Kansas City Chiefs see its approval as a major opportunity for the team and the new stadium's location in Wyandotte County. On the Missouri side, businesses fear this will ensure the continued decline of the area around Arrowhead Stadium.

The Chiefs could be on the verge of announcing a move to Kansas. Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas joined Up To Date to discuss where things stand ahead of a planned "special announcement" by Kansas lawmakers on Monday afternoon.

Slow Rise's sourdough doughnuts nearly always sell out at the Lawrence and Overland Park farmers markets. Owner Jessica Dunkel says she hopes to open her Overland Park brick-and-mortar location within a month.

Kansas City is using a $5 million grant to study how to reconnect communities torn apart by Highway 71. Commuters, residents, and urban planners continue to debate between multiple possibilities that could transform nearby neighborhoods and traffic in the area.

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.