Halle Jackson
Up To Date producerIn an era defined by the unprecedented, one thing remains certain: Kansas Citians’ passion for their hometown. As an Up To Date producer, I construct daily conversations to keep our city connected. My work analyzes big challenges and celebrates achievements to help you see your town in a new way.
I graduated from the University of Missouri in May 2023 with dual degrees in journalism and sociology. Before coming to KCUR as an Up To Date intern, I was a reporter and producer at KBIA, mid-Missouri’s NPR station. I’m an avid rock climber and native of St. Louis.
Email me at hallejackson@kcur.org.
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A proposed amendment would change the Kansas Constitution to say only U.S. citizens can vote, rather than “every” U.S. citizen. Proponents say the rephrase is necessary to clarify the rules, while opponents say the change could make voting more confusing. -
At East High School in Kansas City, students help care for row farms, flowering plants and herds of goats, chickens, turkeys and more. It’s the only program of its kind in a Missouri public school, with one in five students participating. -
Events like Lawrence Art in the Park, which will take place this weekend, and the Plaza Art Fair are central to the business of many Kansas and Missouri artists. They're not just a huge sales opportunity, they're also a chance for artist to talk with the public about their work. -
Looking for your new "Obsession"? With so much TV, and so many films in theaters and on streaming platforms, it can be hard to know what’s most worth watching. Up To Date’s film experts shared their top titles so far this year. -
The legal back-and-forth over Missouri's congressional maps is unprecedented in American politics. Current 5th District U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II and his Republican opponent, state Sen. Rick Brattin, share their thoughts on what transpired in the courts — and what it may mean for November. -
The Kansas City Renaissance Festival began as a fundraiser for the Kansas City Art Institute in 1977, making this year its 50th season. The festival opened September 5 and will run every weekend through October 12, rain or shine. -
Gillon Property Group, which owns the Plaza, says the empty lot is a “physical and psychological” problem and will be one of the first major redevelopment targets now that Port KC approved a major incentive package. The space was meant to host a Nordstrom, but the project was scrapped in 2022 after multiple delays. -
Rohlfing, a U.S. Army veteran, is running against Democrat Stacy Lake in November to become the next Jackson County executive. He says he would focus on providing “world class customer service” if elected. -
The Trump administration has proposed eliminating a majority of its regulations for the federal early education program Head Start. The government says the changes would put rulemaking in the hands of the states and could result in higher enrollment, but local Head Start leaders worry about causing "inconsistency." -
Located just north of the Missouri River, North Kansas City has grown by more than 20% since 2020. Mayor Jesse Smith says it’s time to make updates while maintaining the community’s “small-town feel.”
