Elizabeth Ruiz

Kansans hoping for a break on their property taxes will have to wait. The legislative session adjourned with Republicans unable to compromise on property tax reform. Sherman Smith, editor-in-chief of the Kansas Reflector, joined KCUR’s Up To Date to provide an overview of the session.

Karell Martinez, a cafe owner in Kansas City, Kansas, is collecting aid to send to his home country of Cuba. The country is near economic collapse following U.S. actions in Venezuela and a temporary oil embargo. Martinez said Cubans want the U.S. help to free the people from an oppressive regime.

Kansas City’s 1% earning tax has won renewal once again, garnering overwhelming support from voters in Tuesday’s municipal elections. Meanwhile, data center supporters lost big in Independence, Missouri. KCUR reporters join Up To Date to discuss the tax and other key issues on ballots across the metro.

President Trump instituted a new entry fee and travel restrictions that could hurt turnout for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. For Kansas City’s games, both players and tourists from Tunisia and Algeria will be charged up to $15,000 to enter the country.

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway told KCUR’s Up To Date that she believes Missouri voters don’t have the authority to block the newly drawn congressional map through a referendum. “I think we know for 2026 what the congressional districts are,” Hanaway said. Legal challenges are still underway.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is fast approaching, but that's just the beginning of Kansas City's hopes to become an international sports hub. Kathy Nelson, president and CEO of Visit KC and the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation, said the city is well-positioned to host the FIFA Women's World Cup and Men's Rugby World Cup in 2031.

As AI content increasingly spreads online, Erin Kennedy, the digital innovation manager at the Mid-Continent Public Library, says people should be critical of the content. While some content is created for fun, other content is used to deceive the viewer.

Tips were once reserved for hospitality services like bars and restaurants, but now more businesses are adding tip options — and the suggested amount has increased. University of Kansas associate professor Rob Waiser discusses the change tip culture and what businesses should consider before making the ask.

Sincere Davis, a Kansas City high school junior with an intellectual disability, used to doubt that she’d be able to achieve her passion. The Transition Academy offered her job training and connected her with a media internship, as she pursues her career goals of making documentaries.

Inflation and unemployment in America are low, but many people are still feeling the pain of a tough economy. At a forum at the National World War I Museum and Memorial, panelists discussed what’s leading to high prices, and how a “K-shaped” economy explains the disconnect.