Up To Date

 Michael Ashcraft started his acting career at Hallmark and worked his way to on-screen productions. Most recently he played George Martz, a county prosecutor, in the film Dead Man Wire , which premiered Jan 16.

Sharon Liese, an Overland Park filmmaker, said the documentary “Seized” is a “microcosm of what’s going on in the country and world.” Zooming in on the 2023 Kansas newspaper raid, the documentary will premiere this month at the Sundance Film Festival

KCUR is leaving its building at 4825 Troost Ave in Kansas City. In the meantime, Up To Date is set to continue producing new shows from UMKC's Digital Collaboration Studio on a temporary basis starting next week. During our last episode at 4825 Troost Ave, long-time KCUR staffers joined Up To Date to discuss their memories in the building.

Dr. Westley Youngren, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, is researching ways to treat nightmares caused by trauma or PTSD.

Interim Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota told KCUR's Up To Date that his top priorities have been property taxes and the battle to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. While the Chiefs announced that they're building a new stadium and headquarters in Kansas, LeVota isn’t convinced it’s a done deal.

Dozens of restaurants open in Kansas City every year. But which stand out in the region’s growing food scene? Here are the metro’s best new restaurants and bars for diners of all tastes.

The Kansas City Chiefs secured a STAR bond deal to move their stadium and training facility to Kansas, but the Royals missed the state’s deadline to get their own incentives. While one Kansas legislative leader says he's moving on, Gov. Laura Kelly told KCUR’s Up To Date that she is still open to discussions.

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Small business owners make up many of the millions of people who are facing higher premiums for health care, after Congress allowed COVID-era enhanced subsidies for the Affordable Care Act to lapse. Because of the higher prices, two Kansas City-area business owners say they’ve had to adjust their business strategies.

Streaming platforms like Spotify are now pushing users to music generated by artificial intelligence. Kansas City musicians question the necessity of these platforms altogether, while pushing for more regulations and urging consumers to support their music by buying it directly.

Officials in Clay County, Missouri and at the state level in Kansas have expressed that they are not interested in negotiating with the Royals anymore on a new stadium deal. Are the Royals starting to run out of options?

The Kansas City Library and Kansas City Star have collaborated to release The Star's historical photo archives, which features hundreds of thousands of photos spanning much of the 20th century. 

A Lawrence author gives an inside look at 40 years of KU basketball history

The Switzerland native has experience coaching in Europe and the United States, and played defensive midfielder for his country in the World Cup during his playing days.

Missouri Congressman Emanuel Cleaver joined Up To Date to discuss the ICE shooting in Minneapolis, the U.S. intervention in Venezuela and a critical vote in Congress on Affordable Care Act subsidies.

Emily Wales discusses upcoming trial on the constitutionality of Missouri's abortion laws

A new book explores the cultural impact of Branson, Missouri, a tourist town that inspires devotion and disdain in equal measure. Long known for wholesome, family-friendly entertainment, the Midwestern destination has become a stage that showcases today’s cultural and political divides.

Dr. Cuthbert Simpkins is developing treatments for treating sepsis and blood loss. Once it becomes commercially available, it could decrease the need for blood transfusions. 

With the new legislative session starting for Kansas on Jan 12, lawmakers could tackle bills pertaining to budget cuts, taxes, school reform and more before election campaigns start in the summer.

STAR bonds were used by the state of Kansas last month to convince the Chiefs to leave Missouri for the Sunflower State. University of Kansas associate professor Zachary Mohr joined Up To Date to discuss how STAR bonds work along with the risks and benefits of using them.

Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson joined KCUR’s Up To Date for our series “5 Questions.” She discusses what she’s watching, listening to and reading outside of work — and how she feels about Kansas City right now.

What will Missouri lawmakers focus on in the 2026 legislation session? Pre-filed bills show that lawmakers are looking to phase out the income tax, reduce some property taxes, and invest in the state’s roads and schools -- although the budget surplus is quickly disappearing.

From fine-dining institutions to neighborhood favorites, we take a stroll down memory lane of since-closed Kansas City restaurants. These spots shaped generations of diners — and their closures have something to say about the city’s evolving food culture.

Every year during the holiday season, Kansas City's own Doug Frost joins Up To Date to discuss the state of the alcohol industry, recommend delicious options for the holidays, and taste several wines.

Kansas legislators leading the deal to move the Kansas City Chiefs see its approval as a major opportunity for the team and the new stadium’s location in Wyandotte County. On the Missouri side, businesses fear this will ensure the continued decline of the area around Arrowhead Stadium.