Up To Date

What Kansas City cares about. Up To Date brings people together for daily conversations about what’s happening in our region and how it affects our lives. Featuring interviews with artists, lawmakers, experts and everyday residents, plus original reporting from the KCUR newsroom, Up To Date keeps our city connected. Email the show at uptodate@kcur.org

Kansas City advocates say Afghan refugees ‘deserve respect’ as Trump halts asylum claims

The Trump administration plans to re-examine the cases of all refugees and humanitarian evacuees admitted during the Biden administration, after the shooting of two National Guard members. Advocates in Kansas City say they trust the past vetting, and criticized the “planned destruction” of the country’s refugee programs.

12-09
19:47

Missouri anti-redistricting group will submit 300,000 signatures to force vote on new map

People Not Politicians, the citizen-led campaign seeking to overturn Missouri’s newly passed congressional map, must submit signatures to the Secretary of State this week. If accepted, the gerrymandered map will be blocked from taking effect before the 2026 election.

12-08
14:35

KC Soundcheck: Tim Whitmer

Kansas City jazz pianist Tim Whitmer is out with a new record for the second year in a row — and this time, he is hoping his music spreads holiday cheer. The album "Happy Holidays" features Whitmer's takes on timeless classics like "Jingle Bell Rock" and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town."

12-07
19:31

Kansas City jazz musicians visit China to hold a music masterclass

A jazz quartet from Kansas City recently held three performances and a masterclass in China, as part of a symposium organized by the Edgar Snow Memorial Foundation.

12-06
27:04

The Kansas City Chiefs are ‘shooting themselves in the foot’ this season. But it’s not over yet

Kansas City Chiefs fans can expect a tough matchup on Sunday as the team takes on the best ranked defense — the Houston Texans. While this season the Chiefs can’t seem to get out of their own way, some believe they can still make it to the post-season.

12-05
15:38

Kansas City’s economy needs momentum. What can be done to boost it?

The Kansas City region’s economy is lagging behind the nation overall. Experts say that’s driven by flat employment numbers and slower-than-average growth from many of the region’s most prominent industries.

12-04
16:28

Kansas City researchers could shape the future of medicine by training their own AI

The Stowers Institute in Kansas City, which focuses on disease and treatment methods, added its first artificial intelligence fellow as a part of its AI initiative. This group of researchers is training AI to analyze research data and find the patterns and regulations that make cells function.

12-03
20:17

Former New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu on bipartisanship and Trump administration policies

Republican former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu will be in Kansas City next Monday for an American Public Square event. He joined Up To Date ahead of his visit to discuss his time in office, working across the aisle and the first year of the second Trump administration.

12-03
17:17

Kansas City leaders remain frustrated by youth crime, but cases are actually down in 2025

Kansas City’s mayor and chief of police are calling for a review of the juvenile justice system. But court officials in Jackson County say youth referrals are down so far this year, proving that the diversion programs are working.

12-03
20:42

Kansas City has ties to Sarah Rector, first Black child millionaire depicted in ‘Sarah’s Oil’

As an 11-year-old, Sarah Rector became the richest Black child in America, but danger in Oklahoma led to her family moving to Kansas City. Rector’s story, long forgotten from the history books, is now the subject of the 2025 film “Sarah’s Oil.”

12-02
18:56

Young adults say they’re lonely, but also more connected than ever. How is that possible?

Many young adults experience social connection and disconnection simultaneously, according to new research led by University of Kansas professor Jeffrey Hall. He says higher instability in young adulthood is causing the ambivalence.

12-01
17:34

Book recs: Kansas City readers and bookstore owners share their 2025 favorites

Looking for a powerful memoir, a cozy bedtime story, a creepy collection — or all of the above for a potential holiday gift? KCUR's Up To Date invited a librarian, professor and bookstore owner to offer the favorites titles they read in the last year.

11-28
44:17

Jyoti Mukharji teaches Kansas City home cooks to make Indian food. Her first cookbook is here

Jyoti Mukharji has been teaching Indian cooking classes out of her Prairie Village home for more than 15 years. She and her son Auyon compiled nearly 100 of her best recipes in a new cookbook, “Heartland Masala: An Indian Cookbook from an American Kitchen.”

11-27
13:45

These 2 Kansas Citians were awarded for creating a ripple of good in the community

One person's drive to make a difference can create a positive ripple effect throughout the community. This year, The Pinnacle Prize recognized the progress and dedication of two Kansas Citians with a passion for helping people find safety and healing.

11-26
24:05

Kansas City author’s book inspired new Netflix series ‘Death by Lightning’

“Death by Lightning,” starring Michael Shannon and Matthew Macfadyen as President James Garfield and his assassin Charles Guiteau, is based on Kansas City author Candice Millard’s New York Times bestselling book “Destiny of the Republic.”

11-25
18:08

Fewer passengers are expected to pass through the Kansas City airport this Thanksgiving

People flying out of Kansas City International Airport don’t need to worry about any lingering effects of the government shutdown. An airport spokesperson said flights are back on track and they’re expecting fewer travelers this year.

11-25
16:16

A Kansas City health center uses AI during appointments. Could it affect your checkup?

Medical providers started using Ambient Assist by NextGen Healthcare this year at Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center. The tool, which transcribes and summarizes an appointment’s conversation, lets providers see more patients and be more present without being overwhelmed with post-appointment paperwork.

11-24
20:33

More Kansas City families need food assistance. Here's how Harvesters is meeting the moment

Ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, KCUR's Up To Date broadcasted from Harvesters Community Food Network in Kansas City to hear how the organization is managing a time of extremely high demand.

11-22
43:21

New renderings of Country Club Plaza make locals worried about vision — and cost to taxpayers

After borrowing $1.4 billion to redevelop the Country Club Plaza, the Gillion Property Group is now seeking millions in tax breaks from a Kansas City agency. Residents are also concerned about new construction renderings showing 200-foot apartment buildings and a major change to the neighborhood’s style.

11-21
26:20

A popular podcast featuring adoptees challenges our familiar narratives about adoption

In their podcast "Adoption: The Making of Me," Louise Browne and Kansas City's Sarah Reinhardt share untold stories about the unique adversities faced by many adoptees.

11-20
21:01

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