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.
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Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell regrets not interviewing and documenting her mother’s life. The former Kansas City Star journalist is helping others not make the same mistake. She talked with KCUR’s Up To Date about preserving family histories and legacies. -
Kansas City artist made her Parade of Hearts sculpture into a little free library: ‘A labor of love’The hollow heart-shaped design for this year’s Parade of Hearts was the perfect template for an art piece doubling as a community space. Artist Abby Gust Hutter created the sculpture “Read it Forward,” which she turned into a little free library outside of Rainy Day Books in Fairway. -
There are more than 20,000 foster care cases in Missouri and Kansas, but many were removed from homes due to a lack of resources rather than neglect or abuse. Cornerstones of Care CEO Merideth Rose said that separating children from their families should be the last resort — and shouldn't be the state's default. -
"Taller," the fifth studio album from the Platte City, Missouri, native, is loaded with songs celebrating motherhood and belonging, and features guest appearances from across Kansas City's music scene. “There's a lot of meaning on this album to me,” she said. -
Early in his career, while officiating youth soccer matches in Olathe, Kyle Atkins wanted to quit, but his dad didn’t let him walk away so easily. This summer, you’ll be able to see him on the pitch as an assistant referee during the 2026 FIFA World Cup — after he and his crew get motivated with music and dancing in the locker room. -
Parkinson’s disease presents physical and mental challenges for people who are diagnosed, but it ends up being a family affair, with one doctor describing the condition as a public health epidemic. A Kansas City woman told KCUR's Up To Date about her experiences taking care of her father. -
Relentless rainfall has flooded Kansas City neighborhoods east of I-435 near the 23rd Street exit, as meteorologists note a historically high amount of storms and warnings this year. Several businesses have had to close indefinitely, as they wait for the city to respond and drain the water. -
Kansas City Council still has a lot of questions and financial details to work out before the new Royals stadium is a done deal. A ballpark at Crown Center brings the team back into the heart of the city — but some community advocates are criticizing the team's continued lack of transparency. -
Many women struggling to get pregnant also experience depression and anxiety – often without support. After their own personal experiences, two local mental health providers founded The Village Fertility Co. to support the psychological and emotional wellbeing of women experiencing infertility. -
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.
