Elizabeth Ruiz
Producer, Up To DateAs a producer for Up To Date, my goal is to inform our audience by curating interesting and important conversations with reliable sources and individuals directly affected by a topic or issue. I strive for our program to be a place that hosts impactful conversations, providing our audience with greater knowledge, intrigue, compassion and entertainment. Contact me at elizabeth@kcur.org or on Twitter at @er_bentley_ruiz.
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Missouri Gov. Mike Parson laid out his budget proposal during his final State of the State address this week. KCUR's Up To Date asked the governor about his priorities this year and his thoughts on the Royals stadium funding debate.
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The highest grossing film of 2023, "Barbie," saw its lead actress and director snubbed during Oscar nominations this week. That frustrated fans and cast members, but not everyone is surprised. KCUR's panel of film experts discuss the Oscar noms and what lesser-known films and series they recommend you see.
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For the sixth year in a row, the Kansas City Chiefs will play in a conference title game — more than any team other than the Patriots. "We can't normalize this because it's not normal," says Matt McMullen, senior team reporter for the Kansas City Chiefs.
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Not everyone has the financial means or the interest to attend a traditional four-year college program. A Kansas City nonprofit is investing millions of dollars into adults making $45,000 or less each year — improving their financial stability and the city's workforce.
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Each winter for nearly four years, Monique Litchman and Jeffrey Dungan each navigated life in Kansas City without a place to call home. At times, refuge was a homeless shelter, but sometimes, they stayed outside in the dangerously cold elements.
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Twenty years ago, Bowling Green Rep. Chad Perkins thought the death penalty was a good idea. Now, he's the sponsor of a bill seeking to end the practice in Missouri, which was just one of five states to carry out executions last year.
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Since 2003, the Kauffman Scholars program invested $140 million to help Kansas City-area students in under-resourced areas pursue an education and a successful career.
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Leavenworth County's Council on Aging, which provides services and programs for older adults, recently established a bucket list for aging adults. People 50 years and older are saddling up for adventures that take them high above Kansas City, zipping through treetops and out on the open water.
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If you're looking for a good book to end the year with, Up To Date's panel of Kansas City book enthusiasts have read a combined total of more than 210 books this year. Check out their recommendations for your personal reading or for gifting to loved ones.
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The country is seeing a shortage of behavioral health care professionals at the same time that demand for mental health care is rising. This fall, Kansas City hosted the Behavioral Health and Leadership Summit to discuss the shortage and how to attract more people to the field.