Up To Date

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Up to Date focuses on pressing issues, both local and national, including politics, economics, planning and design, history and entertainment - topics that have an impact on the lives of the Greater Kansas City region.

KCUR Studios


    • Mar 31, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 23m AVG DURATION
    • 1,463 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Up To Date

    KC Tenants gets new leadership after 7 years of fighting for renters — and reshaping Kansas City

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2026 19:33


    Longtime KC Tenants organizer Jenay Manley is taking the reins of the tenant rights advocacy organization from founder Tara Raghuveer, who is now focused on tenant issues on the national level. Raghuveer said Kansas City has been at the "vanguard" of this recent movement.

    Kansas City Royals mark another Opening Day at Kauffman Stadium with no new ballpark plan

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2026 44:35


    The Kansas City Royals play their first series at Kauffman Stadium of the year this week against the Minnesota Twins. Broadcasting from the ballpark ahead of Monday's game, KCUR's Up To Date was joined by Royals owner John Sherman to talk about the search for a new stadium, plus the team's head groundskeeper Trevor Vance and more guests.

    Kansas City, Kansas, developer is turning vacant lots into affordable homes

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2026 13:10


    Fran Sutton is reshaping Wyandotte County's housing landscape by turning vacant lots — purchased from the land bank — into affordable homes that cater to a variety of needs.

    Kansas City native Bridget Howard makes history on the Royals broadcast team

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2026 12:50


    This season, Kansas City Royals fans will see a new face on the team's television broadcasts: Bridget Howard. The Kansas City native will be the first woman to be a regular part of Royals broadcasts. She joined KCUR's Up To Date to talk about her new role and what to look for in the 2026 season.

    Kansas City wants to replace concrete with green spaces that can soak up stormwater

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2026 13:40


    Kansas City is exploring ways to manage stormwater naturally, using parks, gardens, and special pavement to soak up rains. The effort could reshape neighborhoods, improve water quality, and create more green space across the city.

    One Kansas City high school shows the 'enduring legacy of racism' in urban education

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2026 24:53


    Central High School in Kansas City went from an all-white student population to all-Black after Brown v. Board. UMKC professor Dr. Bradley Poos tells the story in his new book, "Urban Education: Kansas City's Central High School and the Enduring Legacy of Racism."

    After this World Cup, Kansas City aims to host the 2031 Women's World Cup — and more

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2026 25:21


    The 2026 FIFA World Cup is fast approaching, but that's just the beginning of Kansas City's hopes to become an international sports hub. Kathy Nelson, president and CEO of Visit KC and the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation, said the city is well-positioned to host the FIFA Women's World Cup and Men's Rugby World Cup in 2031.

    Author visiting Kansas City explores 'A Short History of Bad Ideas About Women' in new book

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2026 26:32


    Sarah Ruden uncovers how literature about women has been used to justify control over their bodies, starting with ancient poetry through modern debates. She'll be speaking about her new book "Reproductive Wrongs" at the Kansas City Public Library this week.

    University of Kansas Cancer Center offering new treatment so patients 'can enjoy your life'

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2026 19:51


    The University of Kansas Cancer Center is making available a one-time CAR T-cell therapy that could free blood cancer patients from the injection cycles of chemotherapy and radiation.

    Kansas City, Kansas, mayor believes Chiefs stadium will bring development to Wyandotte County

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2026 25:33


    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.

    Mid-Continent Public Library is teaching people how to not be duped by AI videos and images

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2026 13:00


    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.

    Kansas City voters will decide whether to renew earnings tax in April. What is it?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2026 11:22


    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.

    'The World in Kansas City' exhibit explores global connections that long predate the World Cup

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2026 16:35


    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.

    Tipping has gotten out of hand. A University of Kansas professor suggests how to fix it

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2026 16:50


    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 says tourism could help ease property tax concerns

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2026 30:10


    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.

    ICE now has deals with dozens of Missouri and Kansas police agencies

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2026 12:00


    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.

    Food recs: Kansas City's best spicy foods

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2026 46:32


    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.

    This Kansas City teen got an internship and career confidence from The Transition Academy

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2026 14:08


    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.

    Kansas Citians feel financially strained despite strong economic numbers. Here's why

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2026 18:47


    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.

    Kansas City's Rock Island Bridge redevelopment is finally opening over the Kansas River

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2026 21:10


    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.

    Is gambling hurting the integrity of sports? Here's what Missouri and Kansas experts say

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2026 23:43


    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?

    Missouri has thousands of fungi species. These citizen scientists are helping to catalog them

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2026 23:40


    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.

    Missouri Republicans want to eliminate the income tax. Here's what their plan entails

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2026 17:20


    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.

    Kansas City federal judge says he's been target of threats after ruling against Trump administration

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 12:50


    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.

    'Oldest Kansas City' book offers a guide to some of the city's historic treasures

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2026 18:04


    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.

    A journalist who has covered the last nine World Cups on the history of the biggest event in sports

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2026 25:02


    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.

    ‘Freedom Plane' makes first tour stop in Kansas City to show off America's founding documents

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2026 17:00


    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.

    Hundreds of Kansas farms closed last year, and Trump's tariffs likely played a big role

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2026 20:34


    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.

    What's next for the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art? Renovations now, a redesigned campus next

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2026 25:35


    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.

    Iranians in Kansas City worry for family, but ‘optimistic' that war will lead to democracy

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2026 13:50


    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.

    Missouri Congressman Mark Alford: 'It was right to strike (Iran) once again'

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2026 19:27


    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.

    Kansas City small businesses have 100 days to get World Cup ready: ‘This is our tryout'

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2026 17:43


    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.

    ACLU sues to block Kansas anti-transgender bathroom and ID law: ‘Cruel and horrifying'

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2026 21:20


    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.

    Lawrence leaders explain how Algeria's World Cup team fell in love with their base camp site

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2026 24:08


    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.

    Are the Kansas City Current rebuilding this season, or ready for a championship run?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2026 11:24


    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.

    Why Kansas City Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II didn't boycott Trump's State of the Union

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2026 19:37


    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.

    Kansas City columnist temporarily stuck in Mexico after cartel leader's death sparks violence

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2026 14:45


    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.

    Will Sharice Davids run to represent Kansas in the U.S. Senate? She's not ruling it out

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2026 11:47


    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.

    Kansas City Royals are back in Spring Training. What are their playoff chances this season?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2026 16:33


    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.

    Protest is central to the United States. A Kansas City author explores 500 years of resistance

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2026 26:06


    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.”

    Missouri has embraced sports betting. So why isn't the state raking in tax revenue?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2026 14:30


    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.

    Kansas City, Kansas, police corruption detailed in new book by Pulitzer Prize winner

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2026 30:20


    "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.

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