Up To Date
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Up to Date focuses on pressing issues, both local and national, including politics, economics, planning and design, history and entertainment - topics that have an impact on the lives of the Greater Kansas City region.
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9 hours ago
Pulse nightclub shooting survivor will share his story in Kansas City in October
Brandon Wolf is a survivor of the 2016 shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orland, and wrote the memoir, "A Place For Us." He'll speak as a part of the Grandparents for Gun Safety's 10th Annual Community Forum on October 9.
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12 hours ago
Johnson County is creating more courts to divert people to treatment, not jail
Johnson County is adding two specialty courts that will focus on treating underlying conditions that may have contributed to criminal behavior, with the hope of reducing recidivism.
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2 days ago
Why workers in Kansas City and around the country are going on strike: 'We want our fair share'
Between auto workers, Hollywood, and baristas, it seems like workers are walking out on the job more often this year. Experts say wealth inequalities, inflation and a cultural shift in expectations from jobs are contributing to a more active labor movement.
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2 days ago
NPR’s Mara Liasson says American democracy is undergoing a huge 'stress test'
NPR national political correspondent Mara Liasson told KCUR’s Up To Date that politics have changed a lot since she first started reporting over three decades ago. Liasson was in Kansas City to speak at United WE’s 2023 We Work For Change event.
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2 days ago
Medicaid expansion is a 'moral imperative' for Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly says her top priority for the 2024 legislative session is passing Medicaid expansion. But the Democratic governor is up against Republican super-majorities in the House and Senate. Kelly spoke on KCUR's Up To Date about how she plans to make it happen.
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2 days ago
A new movie musical brings the story of a Kansas City woman's clothing empire to the big screen
"Nelly Don — The Musical Movie" was written, produced and directed by Terence O'Malley, a local lawyer and the great-great nephew of the real Nell Donnelly Reed. The film opens at several area movie theaters Friday.
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3 days ago
Missouri House Speaker accused of potentially 'unlawful' conduct
Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher has been accused of threatening to terminate the employment of a staffer who resisted his plan to give a private company a large contract. He denies the allegations.
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4 days ago
How LGBTQ Methodists in Kansas are navigating the church’s divide
In June of this year, 96 Kansas congregations left the United Methodist Church over mainly LGBTQ issues.
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5 days ago
Politicians are getting older. How is that affecting our politics?
According to a recent AP-NORC poll, 77% of American adults believe President Joe Biden is too old for a second term. And as public figures like Mitch McConnell and Diane Feinstein publicly experience health problems, some are calling for the next generation of politicians to be much younger.
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Sep 21, 2023
Kansas City's Westside is changing fast, and residents are worried they're being pushed out
Residents of the Westside neighborhood say that gentrification — like the upcoming Pennway Point entertainment district — is forcing the Latino community out of the neighborhood with rapidly-rising property taxes.
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Sep 21, 2023
KC 360 aims to reduce gun violence in Kansas City by taking a page from Omaha's book
Kansas City is dangerously close to setting a new record high for homicides. Modeled after an Omaha program that drastically reduced gun deaths, the Kansas City nonprofit KC Common Good is taking aim at addressing the root causes of violent crime.
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Sep 20, 2023
Kansas City is experiencing a new wave of antisemitism. What can be done about it?
Gavriela Geller, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Bureau and the American Jewish Committee, says that more education is needed to combat antisemitism in Kansas City communities.
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Sep 20, 2023
988 will now offer a lifeline through American Sign Language, too
A year after the creation of 988, the suicide and crisis lifeline will now be accessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. Those who speak American Sign Language will soon have life saving intervention a phone call away.
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Sep 19, 2023
What should Kansas City's economic development strategy look like?
Kansas City last updated its economic development strategy in 2014, during a very different time for the metro. Some council members say the city should revise the plan to better include affordable housing, sustainable efforts and transit.
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Sep 19, 2023
Kansas City now has access to new and stronger COVID vaccines
Residents can book appointments to get updated COVID booster shots at local CVS and Walgreens pharmacies. However, the city's health department says it could be weeks before vaccines are delivered to its clinics.
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Sep 18, 2023
Our homes might not be ready for more frequent heat waves. Here's why
Climate data suggests heat waves might be getting more frequent. Inconsistent building codes and the cost of implementing climate resilient practices mean that many homes aren't prepared to keep us cool in hazardous heat.
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Sep 18, 2023
Why this Kansas City counseling center is bringing faith and spirituality into therapy
Prairie Sky Counseling Center, a Kansas City mental health clinic, offers therapy that encourages people to incorporate their religious and spiritual values — which can have an effect on people's wellbeing.
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Sep 15, 2023
How a former NBA player from Kansas City overcame illiteracy and earned his master's degree
Kansas City native and former Seattle SuperSonics basketball player Dean Tolson made it to college without learning to read. Now, he holds an advanced degree, and is advocating for education with a new memoir, "Power Forward."
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Sep 14, 2023
Kansas folk artist M.T. Liggett is more than his eccentric 'character' in a new documentary
"It Started With A Horse," which is scheduled to screen at the Kansas City Underground Film Festival, provides an intimate look into the eccentric and unapologetic folk artist M.T. Liggett, whose sculptures can be seen outside Mullinville, Kansas.
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Sep 14, 2023
Kansas police seize millions in cash and property without convicting anyone of a crime
Over the course of a three-and-a-half year period, Kansas police have taken more than $25 million in property and cash believed to be part of a crime — even if the victims are never charged. But critics say that civil asset forfeiture is being used unnecessarily and without proper oversight.
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Sep 14, 2023
Jackson County legislators demand accountability over property tax assessments
This week, Jackson County assessment director Gail McCann Beatty fielded questions from the legislature about this year’s problematic property assessments, which saw the value of properties increase by an average of 30%.
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Sep 13, 2023
Book recs: Relax your mind and travel back in time with these suggested reads
Books have the ability to take you to another time. This month on Up To Date, author Steve Paul, and BLK + BRWN bookstore owner Cori Smith share the literature that brought them to the 1930s Harlem jazz scene, the 1980s war on drugs, through the twists and turns of the life of a mad genius and more.
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Sep 12, 2023
Middle school can be scary for kids. A new book helps parents navigate these 'turbulent times'
Lost between the years of playground kid and independent high schooler are the transitional years of middle school. Author Phyllis Fagell shares resources to help parents and adolescents communicate and cope through the years when kids are impressionable and trying to fit in.
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Sep 12, 2023
KCATA leader Frank White III wants to make Kansas City’s public transit ‘world class’
As Kansas City gears up for the 2026 World Cup, some residents are concerned that the metro’s public transit system can’t keep up with a rapidly growing city. KCATA CEO Frank White III speaks about how the transportation authority is preparing.
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Sep 12, 2023
Ken Burns’ new series tells us how bison were brought back from the brink of extinction
The documentarian's latest project titled “The American Buffalo” is a two-part, four-hour series that follows the story of this iconic symbol of the West across more than 10,000 years of history.
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Sep 10, 2023
Kansas City is rich in cultural assets, says National Endowment for the Humanities chair
Chair Shelly Lowe, the first Native American and only second woman to head the National Endowment for the Humanities, toured Kansas City’s museums and libraries this week.
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Sep 9, 2023
A new Missouri law giving dispatchers 'first responder' status could help drive recruitment
Missouri joined a handful of states labeling emergency dispatchers as "first responders." Along with the new label comes advanced access to mental health resources and the formal naming of PTSD as an occupational hazard for the profession.
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Sep 8, 2023
New Evergy programs mean Kansas will finally start working on its energy efficiency
The Kansas Corporation Commission approved a set of energy efficiency programs for Evergy customers last week. The state currently ranks 49th nationwide for its energy efficiency policies and programs, according to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy.
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Sep 8, 2023
Amid housing fight, Prairie Village residents confused by judge's contradictory rulings
PV United, a group opposed to proposals to increase affordable housing in Prairie Village, circulated three petitions that would change the city's government and zoning rules. A judge this week gave an oral ruling on which petitions could appear on the ballot in November, but later contradicted that decision in her written ruling.
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Sep 8, 2023
Kansas City has thousands of open child abuse and neglect cases and too few investigators
As of August, Kansas City had 3,636 open investigations into child abuse and neglect. Across the state, there are more than 10,000 cases that have been open more than 45 days after being reported. Missouri officials acknowledge the problem and that fixing it isn't easy.
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Sep 8, 2023
The Vatican is reconsidering its role in 'the modern world,' and women will get to vote
For the first time, Women and laypeople will be represented as delegates at the Synod of Bishops, where they will help Pope Francis in deciding the direction of the Catholic Church.
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Sep 7, 2023
Kansas City climate leaders say there is 'terrific energy' to reach net-zero emissions by 2050
A climate action plan for the Kansas City region set a goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. This Saturday, local leaders and community members will gather for a climate summit to celebrate what's already been achieved and identify goals for the future.
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Sep 7, 2023
Kansas City's Black-focused media outlets are teaming up to better serve their communities
Kansas City's longest-operating Black newspaper, The Call, is partnering with other Black-focused media organizations like the Kansas City Defender and Cascade Media Group to diversify voices and increase digital engagement.
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Sep 6, 2023
At the Kansas City Underground Film Festival, independent and inventive movies take center stage
The Kansas City Underground Film Festival kicks off this week, offering an opportunity for movies produced locally and around the world to be screened in front of a Kansas City audience. "[We] really love independent, low-budget movies, especially ones that really highlight ingenuity and inventiveness," said co-founder Willy Evans.
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Sep 5, 2023
Gov. Mike Parson criticizes Kansas City's new gun rules: 'You can't supersede state law'
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson spoke to KCUR's Up To Date about the case of Kansas City Police officer Eric DeValkenaere, the expansion of I-70, the 2024 gubernatorial race, and Kansas City's new gun ordinances.
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Sep 2, 2023
Food recs: The best BBQ in Kansas City
Up To Date’s food panelists and barbecue enthusiasts from around Kansas City recommend their favorite places to get ribs, brisket, pork, chicken and sides in the metro.
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Sep 1, 2023
KC Soundcheck: Keelon Vann and Love, Mae C.
Keelon Vann plays guitar and brings a unique sound to the Kansas City music scene. Love, Mae C. has performed all across the metro, and her music was featured on the second season of the Peacock sitcom “Bel Air.”
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Aug 31, 2023
What does Kansas City really think about a new Royals stadium? 'Give us a winning team first'
Royals leaders have released renderings of their much anticipated new stadium, although they have yet to announce the final location for the $2 billion project. Kansas City-area residents aren't all convinced they should be the ones to pay for a move, especially because the team is on the verge of the franchise's worst season in history.
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Aug 31, 2023
City Manager Brian Platt says Kansas City has 'got to act now' with sustainability initiatives
Kansas City Manager Brian Platt has an ambitious goal to make the city a nationwide leader in sustainability, including an effort to build the largest municipally-owned solar farm in the country. "We've got too much to lose at this point with health and quality of life issues that we're seeing around here," Platt said.
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Aug 30, 2023
Getting to a doctor's appointment from rural Missouri can be hard. This nonprofit offers free rides
New Growth Transit connects Missouri's rural residents who can't get to their medical and health care appointments with a network of volunteer drivers.
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Aug 29, 2023
Kansas City advocates don't want cases of missing Black women to overshadow their humanity
A third of missing women in the U.S. are Black. In Jackson County, the death of Jaynie Crosdale, who was reported missing in January and found in the Missouri River in June, renews concerns about how cases of missing Black women are handled by Kansas City Police and other local law enforcement.
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Aug 29, 2023
Joe Posnanski explains 'Why We Love Baseball' through its greatest moments
Baseball has remained in the American psyche for almost 150 years, but why has it persisted? Joe Posnanski answers that question in his new book, "Why We Love Baseball: A History in 50 Moments."
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Aug 29, 2023
During a high-risk pregnancy, this Kansas City mother found support in a prenatal care group
Maternal mortality rates in the U.S. are increasing, and Black mothers are at an even greater risk. EleVATE, a group prenatal care program at University Health in Kansas City, aims to improve the positive outcomes of at-risk individuals.
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Aug 28, 2023
As the school year starts, Kansas City superintendents say they're still short-staffed
A new school year brings new challenges to Kansas City-area districts. Ongoing problems, like staffing shortages and school safety, continue to weigh on administration while heat waves make learning hazardous.
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Aug 26, 2023
'We have got to not settle arguments with gunfire,' says Kansas City's police chief
Since she was appointed head of the Kansas City Police Department eight months ago, Chief Stacey Graves said, reducing violent crime continues to be the top priority.
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Aug 25, 2023
A KU scholar’s new book chronicles the impact of hip-hop on musical theater
University of Kansas professor Nicole Hodges Persley's new book illuminates hip-hop’s historical and contemporary significance to musical theater — even beyond "Hamilton."
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Aug 25, 2023
A Kansas City rabbi publishes a new book on embracing 'everyday spirituality'
Rabbi Michael Zedek outlines his reasoning for embracing the here and now and valuing the gift of life in his new book, "Taking Miracles Seriously: A Journey To Everyday Spirituality."
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Aug 24, 2023
One-third of 3rd graders around Kansas City struggle to read. What should be done about it?
Multiple factors are contributing to lower rates of reading proficiency for students in Missouri and nationwide, including lingering disruptions from the pandemic. Educators and advocates say that a solution to the literacy "crisis" needs to come from the whole community.
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Aug 23, 2023
Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II says improving Kansas City's public transit is key to solving housing
U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II isn't optimistic that Kansas City would expand the streetcar to the airport, because of the high cost and land acquisition it would require. But he has a more feasible solution to get residents to KCI while addressing the city's affordable housing concerns.
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Aug 23, 2023
A Kansas City event will honor the local Black women who fought for suffrage
Women gained the right to vote in 1920. But Black women didn't get the full right until 1965, even though they'd been involved in the fight since the 1800s. That's the topic of an event in Kansas City this Sunday honoring local Black suffragists.
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Aug 22, 2023
This Kansas City nonprofit is serving free barbecue to Maui wildfire survivors
Since deploying to Maui, Hawaii, Kansas City-based Operation BBQ Relief has served more than 20,500 free, hot meals to relief workers, first responders and survivors impacted by the island's deadly wildfires.
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Aug 22, 2023
Heading to college? Here's what a psychologist recommends for Kansas City students and parents
College students are gearing up to head back to campus for another school year, but for first-years, the transition to a university setting and dorm living can be a hard one.
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Aug 21, 2023
Prairie Village torn on zoning law changes that could increase affordable housing
Prairie Village is as divided as ever as city leaders explore options for affordable housing in the Johnson County suburb. But some residents are pushing back against the plans — and even attempting to overhaul City Council.
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Aug 21, 2023
Lawrence may become first city in Kansas to protect Black residents from hair discrimination
The Lawrence City Commission will take a final vote on Aug. 22 to pass the CROWN Act, which stands for "Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair." The ordinance would protect Black people from race-related hair discrimination in the workplace.
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Aug 19, 2023
What’s it like to publish a newspaper in rural Kansas these days?
Following the police raid of the Marion County Record, the editors of two small-town Kansas newspapers, the Iola Register and the Marysville Advocate, joined Up To Date to discuss what it takes to keep local publications going in a culture increasingly hostile toward the media.
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Aug 18, 2023
Marion County Police chief left KCPD under investigation and facing a demotion
An investigation by the Kansas City Star found that Marion County Police Chief Gideon Cody, who was behind the highly-criticized raid on the local newspaper, left his previous job at the Kansas City Police Department under scrutiny. Cody faced a demotion and was being investigated for his sexist treatment of a fellow officer.
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Aug 18, 2023
To be a drag queen in Kansas City is to be fierce, fearless and 'part of something bigger'
Politicians in Missouri and Kansas have concentrated attacks on a variety of LGBTQ+ issues this year, including restrictions on drag performances. But queens in Kansas City are still determined to spread joy, love and acceptance.
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Aug 17, 2023
Advocates say new data show Kansas is still failing its kids in foster care
An independent review of the state’s child welfare system published Monday shows the number of foster kids sleeping in offices last year increased by 54% compared to 2021.
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Aug 17, 2023
Marion County Record has their computers back, but lawyer says it's 'far from the end of the story'
The Marion County attorney withdrew the search warrant that police used to justify a raid on the Marion County Record last Friday, and all seized items were returned. But, the newspaper's lawyer says the fight isn't over.
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Aug 17, 2023
Go fish! Kansas City Zoo's brand new aquarium will house over 200 aquatic species
Kansas City is nearly 1000 miles away from an ocean but the Sobela Ocean Aquarium, a new addition to the city's zoo, will allow visitors to view more than 8000 aquatic animals and learn about conservation efforts. The aquarium opens to the public in September.
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Aug 17, 2023
University Health doctors are excited about a revolutionary new postpartum medication
Postpartum depression affects approximately one-in-seven women and one-in-10 men. This fall, a newly approved medication could change how patients experiencing perinatal or postpartum mood and anxiety disorder are treated.
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Aug 16, 2023
Climate change is making rare diseases in the U.S. more common, Kansas City doctors say
July 2023 marked the hottest month on record. As climate conditions worsen and extreme weather events spread across the globe, so do uncommon diseases. Health experts warn of the health consequences of not addressing climate change.
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Aug 16, 2023
1 year later, Sharice Davids says Inflation Reduction Act remains a good investment
Today marks a big political milestone for the Biden administration: the one-year anniversary of the president's signing of the Inflation Reduction Act.
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Aug 16, 2023
Kansas City's annual tribute to jazz icon Charlie Parker is marking its 10th anniversary
Spotlight: Charlie Parker 2023 welcomes jazz fans from all over the world to celebrate the iconic saxophonist with a series of concerts, educational opportunities and jam sessions.
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Aug 15, 2023
Kansas City chef wants to expand food access by teaching students how to cook
Chef Shanita McAfee-Bryant started The Prospect KC in 2019 to address systemic inequitality on Kansas City’s east side through food. Now, the nonprofit is launching a culinary training program that will teach valuable skills in the kitchen.
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Aug 15, 2023
Marion County Record lawyer speaks out on recent police raid: 'It's not a crime to be a reporter'
Police seized computers, cell phones and documents during raids on the offices of the Marion County Record and the home of its publisher on Friday. Now, the lawyer for the newspaper is speaking out.
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Aug 15, 2023
Missouri and Ohio Republicans make similar pushes against abortion rights initiatives
As pro-choice advocates push for more reproductive rights, Republicans in Missouri and Ohio are undertaking attempts to thwart those efforts.
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Aug 14, 2023
COVID cases rose this summer. Here's what doctors say about the risk in Kansas City
COVID has been having a "summer surge." Dr. Marvia Jones, director of the Kansas City Health Department, says that the increase in new cases could be linked to a new variant and more travel.
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Aug 14, 2023
Police raided a small-town Kansas newspaper and its publisher's home. Here's what we know
Police raided the offices of the Marion County Record and the home of its publisher in an unprecedented and potentially illegal move that is being called a violation of First Amendment rights.
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Aug 14, 2023
Hollywood writer's strike has Kansas City filmmakers and writers worried about their careers
It's been over 100 days since the writers' strike in Hollywood started over an ongoing labor dispute between the Writers Guild of America, and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.
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Aug 14, 2023
KC Soundcheck: SleazyWorld Skyy and Shay Lyriq
This year marks hip-hop's 50th anniversary, and rappers SleazyWorld Skyy and Shay Lyriq are the latest Kansas City artists making their mark on the national scene.
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Aug 11, 2023
Individuals working their way out of homelessness beautify Independence streets
Independence, Missouri, is beautifying the city through the work of individuals facing housing instability. Independence T.O.G.E.T.H.E.R., a supported employment program, offers an array of support, including an hourly wage, housing fund and meals, for individuals willing to work along Independence roadways.
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Aug 10, 2023
These Kansas City creatives believe art can help combat gun violence
Artists have long used their work to advocate for a better world, and these Kansas City creatives think that solutions to one of today’s biggest issues — gun violence — can be found through art.
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Aug 10, 2023
Americans are as divided as ever. What does that mean for our democracy and the media?
Ahead of a members-only speaking event held by American Public Square in Kansas City, Washington political journalist Margaret Talev discussed the state of American democracy, startling data on political divisions and how journalists should approach these issues.
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Aug 9, 2023
Evergy is switching Missouri customers to time-based electricity rates
Evergy says Missouri customers need to choose from four new time-based payment plans by this October or will automatically be defaulted into one. Under the default plan, power used from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in summer months will cost four times more than other hours.
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Aug 9, 2023
Microplastics are in Kansas lakes. Here's how they compare globally
A new global study, published in Nature, found microplastics in every lake sampled — no matter how remote. A researcher from the University of Kansas talks about how local bodies of water stack up.
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Aug 8, 2023
A wine tasting with Kansas City Master Sommelier Doug Frost
Kansas City's Doug Frost is one of only four people in the world to hold the title of both master sommelier and master of wine. Frost joined Up To Date armed with hand-selected wines which he brought to pair with a four-course meal at Earl's Premier.
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Aug 7, 2023
The nation's top archivist wants to make federal records in Kansas City and beyond more accessible
Seven hundred seventy million of the National Archives' 13.5 billion pages of records are currently stored around the Kansas City metro. Dr. Colleen Shogan, recently named Archivist of the United States, wants to make them more accessible, both online and in-person.
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Aug 7, 2023
University of Kansas program teaches computer skills to women who have been incarcerated
Extended time behind bars can make it difficult to keep up in the fast-paced digital age. A University of Kansas program received a $1.6 million grant to teach women who have been imprisoned computer skills to prepare them for the workforce and to help reduce recidivism.
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Aug 5, 2023
Food recs: The best food and drinks in Kansas City’s Midtown neighborhoods
Midtown is home to many of Kansas City’s best-known restaurants and bars, but it has its fair share of hidden treasures to offer, including cool coffee shops, neighborhood dives and family businesses.
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Aug 3, 2023
Meet the Outlaws, Kansas City's professional bull riding team: 'You have to really be all in'
Kansas City's professional bull riding team, the Outlaws, will test their skills and luck in front of their hometown crowd. The city is home to one of just eight teams in the Professional Bull Riders organization.
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Aug 3, 2023
A Kansas college football player has died from heat-related injuries. It isn't the first time
A MidAmerica Nazarene University football lineman died from what his family calls "heat-related injuries." He was just 19 years old. In just the past few years, several Kansas college football players have died from heat stroke following summer practices.
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Aug 3, 2023
Haw Contemporary celebrates 10 years in Kansas City with a huge art exhibition
The "Decade" exhibition at Haw Contemporary art gallery in the West Bottoms will feature new and old works from over 40 artists to commemorate its first decade in business.
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Aug 3, 2023
Despite old struggles, can new opportunities in Wyandotte County 'make this place thrive'?
Development in recent years has transformed the county's west side. And though the county still sees many challenges, especially to the east, community stakeholders are optimistic about paths to the future.
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Aug 1, 2023
Mayor Quinton Lucas enters his second term with a new plan to curb gun violence
Before Tuesday's inauguration for a second term as the mayor of Kansas City, Quinton Lucas held a community listening session for mothers who have been affected by gun violence. He also announced new proposed intervention efforts and restrictions on firearms for minors.
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Jul 31, 2023
This Kansas City couple bonds over racing the MR340 every year
Courtney and Phil Wasson are not professional boat racers, but for several years the duo has competed together in the MR340, the world’s longest non-stop river race. It begins in Kansas City and goes for 340 miles down the Missouri River.
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Jul 31, 2023
Even before being sworn in, new Kansas City Council members have been busy
Recently re-elected Mayor Quinton Lucas and the new Kansas City Council will be sworn in Tuesday morning — signaling the start of their four-year term. But for the six newcomers, including Johnathan Duncan and Crispin Rea, preparation began weeks ago.
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Jul 29, 2023
Kansas City trivia nights have become big business — and big competition
Trivia has gotten so popular in Kansas City, both the casual and competitive can find a place to play any night of the week.
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Jul 28, 2023
Beyond Barbenheimer: These are the movies that Kansas City film critics want you to watch
The box office double-punch of "Barbenheimer" isn't the only thing worth talking about in movie industry. Two Kansas City movie critics discuss what's worth watching at home and in theaters. Plus, when viewers might feel the effects of the Hollywood strikes.
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Jul 27, 2023
To stop Kansas City gun violence, these teens say 'kids just need something to lose'
Kansas City is poised to have its deadliest year since 2020. Three area high schoolers — Madison Peppers, Bryan Mayer and Mia Myers-Ray — think that education and opportunity are an important part of the solution to gun violence in our region.
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Jul 27, 2023
Why President Harry Truman never doubted the decision to drop atomic bombs in World War II
The blockbuster "Oppenheimer" has renewed interest in the history of U.S. efforts to create atomic weapons during World War II. President Harry S. Truman, a native of the Kansas City area, never doubted his decision to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945.
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Jul 26, 2023
The Rainbow Tour takes people on an exploration of Kansas City's rich LGBTQ history
Kansas City's history runs deeper than jazz and barbecue. Three years before the Stonewall Riots sparked the gay rights movement, LGBTQ leaders from across the country met in Kansas City to discuss community advocacy and activism. A newly launched self-guided tour highlights important points from the city's LGBTQ history.
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Jul 26, 2023
How Kansas City's marijuana sales tax will help fund homelessness solutions
In April, Kansas City voters approved a 3% tax on recreational marijuana revenue —1% of which will go towards finding solutions for houseless population. The city's homelessness prevention coordinator shared ideas of how the funding might be used.
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Jul 25, 2023
End of affirmative action is impacting Missouri universities in some surprising ways
The U.S. Supreme Court effectively ended affirmative action in higher education last month. While many colleges in Missouri aren’t making significant changes to their admissions and scholarship processes, some university officials say it will impact diversity in higher education.
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Jul 24, 2023
Can Missouri help create a more equitable weed industry?
The state's microbusiness license program is supposed to give Missourians from disadvantaged communities a chance to enter the recreational marijuana industry.
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Jul 24, 2023
Lawrence actor reminds that there's still hope after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder
Battling bipolar disorder, Jeremy Auman at times has struggled to remain hopeful. Auman is sharing his highs and lows on stage at Kansas City's 19th annual Fringe Festival, aiming to help others be more empathetic and understanding.
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Jul 24, 2023
Bob Dole would have turned 100 this year. What is his legacy in Kansas and beyond?
The late Bob Dole would have turned 100 years old on July 22. We looked back on his life and legacy as a U.S. Senator, Republican presidential nominee and native Kansan.
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Jul 21, 2023
The Kansas tax subsidy law that gave millions to Panasonic and Integra projects is ending
Since the beginning of last year, a Kansas tax subsidy law known as APEX has allowed the state to use incentives to lure big companies like Panasonic and Integra. But the law may not be extended any longer, putting big development deals in jeopardy.
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Jul 21, 2023
How a McDonald’s in Kansas City got pulled into the Black community’s fight for justice
A 1975 protest at a McDonald’s restaurant in Kansas City emerged from years of escalating tension — between Black community members and their city, and between McDonald’s and the neighborhoods it inhabited. But this particular location was also one of the first Black-owned fast-food franchises in the country, an accomplishment born from its own struggle for inclusion.
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Jul 20, 2023
Mission Gateway project loses its deal with the city after it failed to pay property taxes
The city of Mission said it decided to terminate its deal to bring a $270 million mixed-use development to the long-vacant Mission Gateway site, after the owner failed to pay almost half a million dollars in property taxes by deadline.
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