Up To Date

For the first time in five years, the nonprofit Historic KC has released its list of “Most Endangered Places” in Kansas City. The organization hopes it could lead to the restoration of buildings that demonstrate Kansas City’s architectural heritage.

 The Open Doors Foundation planned to open a hostel to house World Cup visitors, and use profits to help convert the location into a low-barrier homeless shelter. But a series of zoning citations and complaints from neighbors prevented either project from moving forwar

Election Day in Kansas and Missouri is on Nov. 3, and early voting has already begun. If you’re trying to figure out how to start the process of understanding your ballot, “Google’s your friend,” one Kansas political scientist says. (And so is KCUR!)

Kansas City jazz legend Bobby Watson wants to ensure the city’s jazz history and traditions don’t fade with age. The saxophonists and composer’s latest album, “Continuum” is a testimonial about passing knowledge to younger artists.

Ghosts, ghouls and… personal liability lawsuits? Halloween can turn overlooked hazards into serious injuries and complicated legal questions. Trip-and-falls, dangerous decorations, pedestrian crashes, defective costumes and even golf carts can create unforeseen disasters.

One of the best sports teams in the country is flying under the radar in Kansas City. The Roos men’s soccer team at the University of Missouri-Kansas City has achieved its best national ranking in program history, and the season is far from over.

Christal Watson

Some kids with mobility challenges are missing out on playing with peers and siblings. Thanks to a partnership between Variety KC and The Barstow School’s robotics team, seven Kansas City toddlers received modified ride-on cars to give them more independence and a new chance to play with others. 

UTD_10-12-2026 wtdkc roundup

As fall arrives and the days get cooler, nothing satisfies quite like a cheesy dish that warms the belly and comforts the soul. From gooey grilled cheese sandwiches to tangy, whipped goat cheese dips — even famous barbecue sides — there’s a cheesy dish for every taste in Kansas City.

Sheila Bair, who served as the chair of the FDIC from 2006 to 2011, will be in town this week to accept the Truman Medal for Economic Policy from the Truman Library Institute. The Kansas native joined KCUR’s Up To Date to discuss the state of our economy.

Englewood Theater sat vacant for nearly twenty years before non-profit Friends of Englewood Theater purchased the building in 2023. The group is in the initial stages of a large-scale renovation project that they hope will make the theater operational once again.

Kansas City metro development roundup: Stadiums, skyscrapers and entertainment districts

The play, which starred Sadie Sink of “Stranger Things” during its Broadway run, centers on a group of high schoolers as they navigate notions of gender and power during the #MeToo movement. As they study Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” in English class, the students consider how the play resonates in their own lives. The KC Rep’s production runs through Oct. 25.

Now out on streaming, “Your Attention Please” shows footage of Missouri U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley confronting Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg about how social media is hurting teenagers. The film explores how tech companies keep users addicted, and how young people are seeking to redefine human connection.

pre-teen suicide

If passed on Nov. 3, Amendment 8 would make county sheriffs a constitutionally-required position, with a few exceptions. It would also limit the circumstances under which a sheriff can be removed from office.

Kansas City and the business community are working together to reduce the number of chronically unhoused people by providing vouchers and connecting them with resources. The Housing Gateway Program has proven effective in other cities around the U.S, and advocates say Kansas City is “well positioned” to succeed.

 If passed on Nov. 3, the amendment would enshrine the so-called “Respect Missouri Voters” initiative into the state constitution. That would require an 80% threshold for lawmakers to overturn citizen-led measures, such as the paid sick leave law approved in 2024. Then voters would be given another say at the ballot box.

Soakie’s, the Black gay bar that once operated out of the basement of an Italian sandwich shop received a permanent historical marker.

Higher fuel costs touch every branch of the economy, but food distributors are especially vulnerable to price increases. A farmer and food bank leader joined KCUR’s Up to Date to discuss how more expensive gas is affecting their operations.

If passed on Nov. 3, the amendment would establish the “Show-Me Prosperity Fund,” a public endowment similar to a sovereign wealth fund. However, it would not allocate any money into that fund. Supporters hope that the investment could one day be used to replace state taxes entirely, but economists worry that it could put state services at risk.

The Kansas City Royals celebrated Denny Matthews’ 8,000th game behind the mic during last week’s matchup against the Cleveland Guardians. An inductee into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Matthews has been "the voice of the Royals" since the team first began 57 years ago.

Lucky Rabbit Literature Festival brings award winning team behind Fireworks to KC

Missouri lawmakers redrew the state’s congressional lines in 2025, in an attempt to oust Kansas City Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II and add a Republican seat to the U.S. House. But after a successful petition campaign, the new map was blocked from taking effect for this election, and voters in November will decide whether to approve or reject it.