Elizabeth Ruiz
Producer, Up To DateWhen you listen to Up To Date, I want you to understand decisions being made in the city, feel inspired by community members, and empathize with people who've had different experiences. As an Up To Date producer, I connect you to the news through conversations with community members and elected officials.
Contact me at elizabeth@kcur.org or on Twitter at @er_bentley_ruiz.
-
Once Children’s Mercy hospital becomes out of network for her family, Christy Moreno may have to seek specialty treatment in Mexico or Canada. She says the cancellation of the family’s insurance has put her child in a life-or-death situation. -
The Golden Scoop in Overland Park, which hires people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, is closing the doors on its flagship store and going mobile with an ice cream truck. CEO Amber Schreiber said employees will learn new skills and meet more community members. -
Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway is expecting additional challenges to the state's congressional districts and the outcome of the Nov. 3 election. However, she said her office will defend the use of the 2022 map, which is "the law now in Missouri" following rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court. -
The president and CEO of Kansas City University fears the Education Department's new borrowing cap on federal loans for professional degrees will prevent qualified students from attending medical school. -
People who don’t typically vote in midterm elections were the target audience during the Wednesday night debate between Republican U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall and Democrat Adam Hamilton. The outcome of the race could help flip the balance of power in the Senate. -
Democrat Chris Mann is running this November to unseat incumbent Republican Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach. Mann said he’s focused on serving the people of Kansas and protecting customers, and argues that Kobach has prioritized his own political aims. Mann lost the same race against Kobach in 2022 by 1.6 points. -
Kansas City jazz legend Bobby Watson wants to ensure the city’s jazz history and traditions don’t fade with age. The saxophonists and composer’s latest album, “Continuum” is a testimonial about passing knowledge to younger artists. -
Some kids with mobility challenges are missing out on playing with peers and siblings. Thanks to a partnership between Variety KC and The Barstow School’s robotics team, seven Kansas City toddlers received modified ride-on cars to give them more independence and a new chance to play with others. -
Now out on streaming, “Your Attention Please” shows footage of Missouri U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley confronting Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg about how social media is hurting teenagers. The film explores how tech companies keep users addicted, and how young people are seeking to redefine human connection. -
Pressure to perform and social media are contributing factors to a rise in suicide rates among children between the ages of 8-12 years old. A Kansas City psychologist said that some young kids lack the understanding of the finality of their decision and can be more impulsive, heightening the risk.
