Up To Date

Some patients will soon have to meet new criteria to be eligible for Medicaid under the president’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Some experts fear the new requirements could result in millions of people losing coverage and higher costs for healthcare providers.

A group of parents in the Shawnee Mission School District are happy about a new Kansas law banning cellphone use during the school day, but they want even more done about access to digital media. Now the district is restricting the use of school-issued iPads during recess and at home.

Multidisciplinary artist Kasim Hardaway reflects on the first year of “Take What You Need,” an interactive public art installation that pops up around Kansas City and invites people to pause and reflect on their lives.

Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins refused to certify a ballot initiative aimed at undoing the new congressional maps drawn by Republican legislators. Those maps carved up Kansas City in an effort to oust Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II, and this rejection sets up another legal battle ahead of November’s high-stakes midterms.

While voters in Missouri and Kansas overwhelmingly shot down ballot measures championed by Republicans, they also largely chose conservative, Trump-backed candidates to run against Democrats in November’s general election.

Capitalizing on the World Cup, the Kansas City Indian Center put out even more billboards this year calling on the Kansas City Chiefs to change their name and stop stereotypical practices like the “tomahawk chop.” Activists argue that the move to a new stadium is the perfect opportunity to address the longstanding complaints.

Chris Harris is building houses for rent near Harris Park, where he owns a nonprofit that teaches kids how to play golf and other outdoor sports. The developments will target families making between $34,000 to $70,000 a year.

Political scientists in Kansas and Missouri say Tuesday’s primary elections — particularly the constitutional amendments on the ballot — will gauge public opinion about whose voices should be heard in government and how much trust citizens have in their elected officials.

If approved by Kansas voters in the Aug. 4 election, the constitutional amendment would abolish the current merit-based nominating process for Supreme Court justices that has been in place since 1958. While supporters argue the change would rid the system of elitism, opponents say it will allow money to influence court decisions.

The city passed legislation that limits speeds for electronic mobility devices and creates an age limit for some higher speed vehicles. Advocates helped create the ordinance, but worry about some changes the city council made to the rules.

If approved by Missouri voters on Aug. 4, 2026, Amendment 5 would require the Missouri General Assembly to phase out the income tax based on revenue growth. The amendment also authorizes lawmakers to expand sales and use taxes to replace the lost income tax revenue.

A University of Kansas Medical Center doctor said interest in GLP-1 medication, like Ozempic, has grown since Medicare expanded covered treatments. As of July 1, the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program will allow doctors to prescribe the drugs for weight management.

Interim Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota said the vote to replace Manny Abarca IV as legislative chair was not related to allegations he made about bribery. On KCUR’s Up To Date, LeVota discussed how Jackson County residents will be reimbursed for inflated property tax payments.

The Linda Hall: Science Library and Arboretum was established in 1946 on the estate of Herbert and Linda Hall, who bequeathed $6 million to establish a free public library for Kansas City. As the institution celebrates its 80th anniversary, it’s aiming to re-establish itself as a place for all Kansas Citians, researchers or not, to engage with science.

Robert Warrior, a citizen of the Osage Nation, said serving as a consultant on the new series helped improve how Native Americans are portrayed as compared to the original "Little House on the Prairie" books.

Kansas City hosted six matches over the course of the tournament, which was largely considered a success. Pam Kramer, CEO of KC2026, says Kansas City grew its reputation during the tournament.

The middle of the U.S. is seeing a higher volume of cyberattacks than other regions. Artificial intelligence is exacerbating the problem. A cybersecurity expert shares why the Midwest is a prime target and how people should protect sensitive information.

With a soaring voice that evokes folk legends Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez and more, Kansas City singer-songwriter Kirstie Lynn has a new EP that reflects on “blazing up, blazing out (and) blazing through” as a DIY musician. “Blazing Prairie Star” is out July 24.

The Sondern-Adler House was the famous architect’s first design for Kansas City. Since it was built in 1940, it has had six owners, including prominent arts philanthropist Richard J. Stern.

ReStart Inc., a nonprofit homelessness services provider, converted a vacant midtown Kansas City hotel into short-term furnished apartments for families experiencing homelessness. The Family Lodge is a 45-unit complex with on-site social services to support families in their transition to permanent housing.

Preparing for retirement doesn’t have to be challenging. The co-authors of the book “The Simple Road Toward Financial Freedom: A Guide To Helping Young Adults Build Wealth” are presenting at TEDxKC on Friday about how to create a savings system early in life.

If approved by Missouri voters on Aug. 4, 2026, Amendment 4 would raise the threshold to change the state constitution through the citizen-led initiative petition process. However, amendments sent to the ballot by the Missouri General Assembly would only require a simple majority to pass.

The National Science Foundation awarded the Critical Materials Crossroads Engine, based at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, up to $160 million in funding to rebuild the country's supply chain for things like medical devices and batteries. UMKC says the initiative could create around 10,000 jobs by 2036.

Men learn violence as a means of communication at an early age, according to University of Kansas associate professor Meggie Mapes. So how do we get men to change their behavior? Mapes will speak at TEDxKC on Friday about her research into male prison inmates with a history of partner violence.

Kansas City hosted six matches during the monthlong tournament, which cost nearly $200 million in public funds for this region’s part alone. Did local businesses actually benefit in the end? Or will the event’s impact only be felt years down the road?