Up To Date

Follow Up To Date
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

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


    • Nov 15, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 23m AVG DURATION
    • 1,331 EPISODES


    More podcasts from KCUR Studios

    Search for episodes from Up To Date with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Up To Date

    Food recs: Kansas City's best Indian and South Asian restaurants

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2025 30:52


    South Asian cuisine can vary drastically by region — from Bengali curry to Pakistani biryani and everything in between — but you can find options from all over the subcontinent right here in Kansas City. Here's where to find the metro's best butter chicken, tikka masala, samosas and more.

    Kansas City is hosting nation's largest ADHD conference as support comes under threat

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2025 15:51


    Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) chose Kansas City to host this year's conference, covering topics from everyday life with ADHD to how the Trump administration is threatening school accommodations and research funding.

    Missouri Rep. Graves welcomes government reopening: 'There are no winners in a shutdown'

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2025 20:21


    During the record-setting 43-day government shutdown, Missouri Republican Rep. Sam Graves said he got a lot of calls from air traffic controllers — who had to work without pay, despite already being overworked and understaffed. But another shutdown could just be a few months away.

    Despite a budget shortfall, Missouri's governor seeks to eliminate the state income tax

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2025 27:05


    Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe's desire to eliminate the state income tax is an ambitious goal given the projected $1 billion shortfall in general revenue next fiscal year. He joined KCUR's Up To Date to discuss how the plan could take shape.

    Kansas City Rep. Emanuel Cleaver says he'll vote ‘no' on ending shutdown

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2025 19:07


    The U.S. House will vote Wednesday to reopen the government. U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II, who represents Kansas City, opposes the plan because it fails to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies that would make insurance more affordable for residents.

    A Kansas City Vietnam veteran says he's thankful he finally shared his story

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2025 21:18


    Mexican Americans were disproportionately killed and injured during the Vietnam War. Historian Dr. Gene Chávez has said the contributions and stories of those service members are often overlooked, but his recent project with the Library of Congress will help preserve those stories.

    MOCSA wants to make Kansas City safer for the World Cup through bystander intervention trainings

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2025 13:13


    The goal for MOCSA, or the Metropolitan Organization Countering Sexual Assault, is for everyone in Kansas City to enjoy the World Cup — in the safest way possible. The group offers training sessions on sexual assault prevention and building bystander invention in public places.

    Kansas City is getting dozens of new data centers. What will that mean for our communities?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2025


    Tech companies have been building more data centers around Kansas City, spurred by the increased need for artificial intelligence. But residents are worried about the environmental impact, higher utility bills, and the long-term consequences for communities.

    Kansas City air traffic controllers are overworked, without pay, as flights get cut

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2025 15:21


    Most air traffic controllers in the Kansas City area were already working 60-hour weeks before the government shutdown. Now, they're working the same hours without pay. They assure travelers that the skies are safe, but it's adding stress to an already intense job.

    Kansas and Missouri voters have redistricting questions. KCUR held a town hall to help answer them

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2025 45:28


    KCUR, Generation Listen and the Kansas City Public Library recently convened a community forum to explore the complex issue of redistricting in Missouri and Kansas. Up to Date host Steve Kraske moderated a panel and took questions from the audience, as experts and reporters addressed the practicality, constitutionality and legality of the plans.

    Kansas City nonprofits step up to help families hurt by record-breaking shutdown

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2025 23:58


    Tens of thousands of Kansas City residents are faced with the consequences of the longest government shutdown in American history. People who rely on food benefits remain without the funding that helps put food on the table, while the area's many federal workers are furloughed or continue to work without pay.

    What happened on Election Day around Kansas City? Let's break down the results

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2025 13:58


    Voters around the Kansas City area went to the polls Tuesday to vote on issues critical to their local communities. The metro area saw city council upsets, a win for the four-day school week, and a history-making new mayor, among other results.

    Our investigation into Kansas City, Kansas Police Department's officer misconduct list

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2025 18:34


    KCUR and WIRED recently published an investigation about a major breach of the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department, which revealed a list of alleged officer misconduct including dishonesty, sexual harassment, excessive force, and false arrest.

    De Soto is enjoying a business boost from Panasonic — and transforming in larger ways too

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2025 24:20


    Even as electric vehicle sales decrease, the mayor of De Soto, Kansas, says the investment already made in the Panasonic battery plant has already benefited local residents and is helping the town as a whole grow. The plant opened earlier this year and is employing about 1,500 people.

    Jackson County prosecutor works to charge domestic violence cases before they get deadly

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2025 31:47


    After Kansas City saw a rise in homicides connected to domestic violence, Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson is collaborating with local municipalities to be proactive in charging before a situation escalates. Johnson also spoke with KCUR's Up To Date with her initiatives to reduce violent crime and efforts on property crimes.

    Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center opening new pediatric wing in downtown Kansas City

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2025 15:40


    The Kansas City community health clinic will throw a ribbon cutting on November 7 to open its new pediatric wing. The space will focus on preventative care for mothers and children, and reflects the priorities of its namesake, Samuel Rodgers.

    Monarchs delayed in the Midwest may not make Dias de los Muertos celebrations

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2025 15:22


    Monarch butterflies usually flutter into Kansas City in swarms and visit for a couple of days before continuing south to Mexico. But with prolonged summer heat and heavy winds, the monarchs' migration trickled through over weeks.

    Kansas City, Kansas mayoral candidates discuss the biggest issues facing their community

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2025 30:35


    Christal Watson and Rose Mulvany Henry are the two names on next week's ballot vying to replace Tyrone Garner as the next mayor and CEO of the Unified Government. They joined KCUR's Up To Date to lay out their respective visions for the future of their community.

    Rainy Day Books celebrates 50 years as Kansas City's independent bookseller

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2025 12:46


    Fairway's independent bookstore Rainy Day Books has been going strong for 50 years, thanks to the large community it's built. To celebrate, Rainy Day's founder will share highlights and stories of the big name authors who have helped propel the small Kansas shop to the national stage.

    Prairie Village political turmoil has caused ‘chaos and confusion,' outgoing council members say

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2025 16:31


    Prairie Village will see turnover on the city council after November's election. Four of the six incumbents whose terms are up are not running again. Chi Nguyen, who represents Ward 3, and Greg Shelton, who represents Ward 5, joined KCUR's Up To Date to reflect on their terms and the recent controversies that have shaped the city.

    Country Club Plaza's new vision: taller buildings and more walkable roads

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2025 28:46


    The Plaza's new owner, Gillon Property Group, recently submitted plans to Kansas City outlining its vision for the future of the district. The group wants to make the area more friendly to pedestrians and increase the allowable height of buildings, in a process that will take several years.

    Kansas City's Folly Theater says break-in caused up to $750,000 in damage

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2025 16:27


    Folly Theater staff have spent the week cleaning up after a break in left the 125-year-old venue badly damaged. After canceling last weekend's show, the Folly plans to reopen November 1.

    Kansas City car enthusiasts created a safer, legal space to show off their stunt driving

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2025 20:47


    Illegal car sideshows have frustrated Kansas City residents and the police for years. Even some stunt drivers say the events have grown unsafe due to a rise in drama and gun violence at the events. Now they have an alternative that doesn't require blocking local roadways.

    Kansas City's streetcar extension opens big opportunities for stores and restaurants along the route

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2025 23:45


    The Main Street extension of the Kansas City streetcar line is finally open for riders after years of disruptive construction. The owners of Crows Coffee and Ragazza say they're trying to capitalize on the increased foot traffic.

    Can Missouri's Congress members find a compromise to end the shutdown? It looks unlikely

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2025 35:12


    As frustration grows around the weekslong government shutdown, Kansas City-area U.S. Reps. Mark Alford and Emanuel Cleaver II can't see eye-to-eye on a solution that will benefit their constituents. The two Congress members joined KCUR's Up To Date to debate what's causing the gridlock in Washington.

    Kansas City is restoring the Blue River. The environment and residents will benefit

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2025 19:18


    An ARPA grant from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources allowed the city to invest $5 million to restore the Blue River. Once a favorite for outdoor recreation in Kansas City, the river has become polluted as a result of urbanization.

    Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas says layoffs are not on the table despite projected budget deficit

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2025 45:13


    Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas joined KCUR's Up To Date to discuss the city's projected $100 million budget deficit in 2027, the streetcar extension on Main Street opening later this week and where things stand on new stadiums for the Royals and Chiefs.

    Residents in Kansas City's Valentine neighborhood ask for historic district protections

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2025 30:12


    Kansas City Life Insurance Company demolished nearly two dozen buildings at the north end of the Valentine neighborhood last year, and has more planned. In July, the Valentine Neighborhood Association applied for a portion of the neighborhood to be designated a historic district, and the Kansas City Council could vote as early as this week on the proposal.

    Kansas City is becoming a hub for research to cure Type 1 diabetes

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2025 20:48


    Diabetes is on the rise worldwide. At the University of Kansas Medical Center, a growing roster of diabetes researchers are working towards a cure for type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease that keeps the body from producing insulin.

    Kansas City's Psychedelic Society is ready to change minds about psilocybin

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2025 20:07


    Psychedelic drugs like psilocybin are getting more attention from doctors and lawmakers, including in Missouri and Kansas, as a potential treatment for mental health conditions. Dr. Christine Ziemer, a professor at Missouri Western State University, discusses the landscape around Kansas City.

    Kansas Citians with ties to Gaza and Israel feel 'relieved' but skeptical about ceasefire

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2025 26:09


    It has been over a week since Israel and Hamas came to a ceasefire agreement. How are leaders in the Jewish and Palestinian communities here in Kansas City reacting to this moment?

    A Kansas City church wants to keep guns off the street by turning them into garden tools

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2025 12:16


    A gun that finds its way into the wrong hands can have deadly consequences. That's why some people surrender their unwanted guns to Central Presbyterian Church to be repurposed into gardening tools and other art.

    Jackson County's interim executive Phil LeVota wants to restore ‘integrity and trust'

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2025 26:02


    LeVota was sworn in as interim Jackson County executive Thursday. He replaces Frank White, Jr., who was recalled by voters in September. LeVota says his first priority is property tax relief, and he's sworn not to run for a full term next year.

    Pioneering Kansas City reporter says investigative journalism is in 'better shape' than many realize

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2025 22:41


    Investigative reporter and Kansas City native James Steele has worked in journalism for over six decades. He believes that the state of investigative journalism — led today by local and regional nonprofit outlets — is in better shape than most people might think.

    How one Kansas City humanitarian group is reacting to the Gaza ceasefire

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2025 18:33


    With the ceasefire in Gaza continuing to hold, humanitarian organizations are working to get aid to Palestinians. Kansas City-based Heart to Heart International hopes to provide help as soon as possible, after Israel's blockade prevented them from bringing supplies.

    Kansas City Current's record-breaking season isn't over yet. This is how they got here

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2025 11:43


    After clinching their spot in the National Women's Soccer League playoffs early, Kansas City Current fans can relax as the team spoils the playoff possibilities of other contenders. The team hasn't lost a match in 17 straight games.

    Missouri is launching a new program to make child care more affordable for parents

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2025 17:03


    With the cost of child care rising higher than some mortgages, Missouri is providing $2.5 million to Child Care Works, a program aiming to balance the cost between parents, businesses and the state.

    This reporter survived kidnapping and death threats. He says 'democracy is under attack'

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2025 18:34


    Trust in the news and protections for journalists is declining globally. Gustavo Gorriti, an investigative reporter from Peru who has faced death threats and been kidnapped, spoke with KCUR's Up To Date about journalists' role in protecting democracy.

    Federal workers and farmers around Kansas City struggle as government shutdown drags on

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2025 30:33


    As the government shutdown continues, the lack of any federal funding is having a profound impact on people around the country and here in Kansas City. KCUR's Up To Date examined the government shutdown from three different perspectives.

    Kansas City's own Larry Lunsford chosen as future president of Rotary International

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2025 19:02


    Larry Lunsford of Kansas City will serve a one year term as president of Rotary International, starting in 2027. He told KCUR's Up To Date that his "heart is full of joy at the opportunity to serve in this meaningful way."

    A Kansas professor is getting students to lead the climate change conversation

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2025 14:58


    Dr. Imogen Herrick, assistant professor of STEM Education at the University of Kansas, is changing the way climate change is discussed in K-12 classrooms. Her Community Science Data Talks shift the focus from global issues and intangible statistics to local impacts and student emotions.

    Do faith communities have a responsibility to address gun violence? 'All people are valuable'

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2025 15:37


    Popular author and faith leader John Pavlovitz will be in Kansas City next Monday to be the keynote speaker for a Grandparents for Gun Safety forum.

    Claim Up To Date

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel