Up To Date

In his latest book, “On the Hippie Trail: Istanbul to Kathmandu and the Making of a Travel Writer,” Steves writes about his own transformational travels and what can be gained from getting out of your comfort zone. He’ll be speaking at the Unity Temple on the Plaza on April 23.

The UMKC Conservatory and KCUR's sister station Classical KC have deepened their partnership through adding "The UMKC Conservatory Hour" to the station's local content offerings.

Kansans hoping for a break on their property taxes will have to wait. The legislative session adjourned with Republicans unable to compromise on property tax reform. Sherman Smith, editor-in-chief of the Kansas Reflector, joined KCUR’s Up To Date to provide an overview of the session. 

KC Soundcheck The Royal Chief

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas joined KCUR’s Up To Date live from Rochester Brewing and Roasting Company to discuss the city’s plan for a Royals downtown ballpark, the World Cup and much more.

Starting in Seattle, Washington, Dr. Friedrike Benning biked over 2,000 miles before her first day as a fellow at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research. Along the way, she discovered how her work as a researcher reflected her journey as a cyclist. 

Karell Martinez, a Kansas City, Kansas cafe owner, is collecting aid to send to his native country of Cuba. The country is near economic collapse following U.S. actions in Venezuela and a temporary oil embargo on Cuba. Martinez said Cubans want the U.S. help to free the people from the oppressive regime.  

Kevin King, a former union leader, was elected as mayor of Independence on Tuesday over a city council member who supported an AI data center deal. King has never held political office before, and says he wants residents to be engaged and feel heard in city government.

Nick Goellner and Leslie Newsam Goellner opened their Japanese-style pub in July 2025, with an aim of introducing Midwest diners to new aspects of Japanese cuisine. Anjin is up for “Best New Restaurant” at the “Oscars of the food world” this June. 

The annual "buyback" program spearheaded by the Missouri Invasive Plant Council offers residents a free native tree in exchange for removing invasive Callery pear. It's part of a larger effort to encourage more sustainable, pollinator-friendly landscaping choices and educate people about what's in their backyards.

Kansas City’s 1% earning tax has won renewal once again, garnering overwhelming support from voters in Tuesday’s municipal elections. Meanwhile, data center supporters lost big in Independence, Missouri. KCUR reporters join Up To Date to discuss the tax and other key issues on ballots across the metro. 

A new study from the University of Missouri-Kansas City reveals that people are actually speaking fewer words each day — and the loss is even greater among people under 25 years old. But engaging in small, everyday conversations can help strengthen connections and improve communication skills over time.

At the vacant lot at 49th and Main, the Kansas City Symphony plans to build a venue that will seat 4,600 people. The symphony's president and CEO Danny Beckley joined KCUR's Up To Date to explain why the symphony is pursuing this venue now.

New signage is bringing long-forgotten history to light at a Johnson County creek, and reframes a name that residents have debated for years. Instead of changing name of Negro Creek, local leaders chose to tell its story publicly.

Residents hope the Westside and Crossroads neighborhoods will be safer and more walkable once the road diet is complete. But some businesses are still struggling in the meantime, and others say there still won’t be enough parking in the area.

Rick Atkinson — a renowned historian and former Kansas City Times reporter — is coming to Kansas City later this month for an event with the Harry S Truman Presidential Library and Museum at Unity Temple on the Plaza. He joined Up To Date to discuss the history of the Revolutionary War.

President Trump instituted a new entry fee and travel restrictions that could hurt turnout for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. For Kansas City’s games, both players and tourists from Tunisia and Algeria will be charged up to $15,000 to enter the country.

A sweeping historical epic, an eerily relevant political dystopia and an adult fantasy book from a beloved children’s author are just a few of the recommendations from KCUR’s book experts this spring.

Kansas City fans can now register for tickets to the FIFA Fan Festival at the National WWI Museum and Memorial, which will host viewings and entertainment during the World Cup. The majority will be general admission and free, but capacity is limited.

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway told KCUR’s Up To Date that she believes Missouri voters don’t have the authority to block the newly drawn congressional map through a referendum. “I think we know for 2026 what the congressional districts are,” Hanaway said. Legal challenges are still underway. 

Longtime KC Tenants organizer Jenay Manley is taking the reins of the tenant rights advocacy organization from founder Tara Raghuveer, who is now focused on tenant issues on the national level. Raghuveer said Kansas City has been at the "vanguard" of this recent movement.

The Kansas City Royals play their first series at Kauffman Stadium of the year this week against the Minnesota Twins. From the ballpark on Opening Day, KCUR's Up To Date was joined by Royals owner John Sherman, the team's head groundskeeper Trevor Vance and more.

Fran Sutton is reshaping Wyandotte County’s housing landscape by turning vacant lots into affordable homes that cater to a variety of needs.

This season, Royals fans will see a new face on the team's television broadcasts: Bridget Howard. The Kansas City native joined KCUR's Up To Date on Friday to talk about her new role on the Royals broadcast team and look ahead to the team's 2026 season.

Kansas City is exploring ways to manage stormwater naturally, using parks, gardens, and special pavement to soak up rains. The effort could reshape neighborhoods, improve water quality, and create more green space across the city.