Up To Date

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. The Freedom Plane National Tour is bringing the artifacts that shaped America’s government to 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.

It might be chilly here in Kansas City, but down in Arizona, the Kansas City Royals are already playing Spring Training games in preparation for the 2026 season. MLB.com Royals beat reporter Anne Rogers joined KCUR's Up To Date to discuss the biggest storylines she is following so far.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.” She joined KCUR’s Up To Date ahead of her visit.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.