Steve Kraske
Executive Producer and Host, Up to DateWhen I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.
I got a call out of the blue one day from then-news director Frank Morris who asked if he would be interested in hosting a show. I didn't think I had the time, but thought it over and decided to give it a shot. Now, more than 20 years later, I'm glad I did.
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In the new book “Stories From the Phog: Forty Years of Kansas Basketball,” Lawrence native and author Chelan David examines the history, traditions, failures and successes of the Jayhawks through the perspective of fans, coaching staff and players. -
Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson joined KCUR’s Up To Date for our series “5 Questions.” She discusses what she’s watching, listening to and reading outside of work — and how she feels about Kansas City right now. -
The Switzerland native has experience coaching in Europe and the United States, and played defensive midfielder for his country in the World Cup. After a season where Sporting KC finished dead-last in their conference, Wicky spoke about his vision for the team in an interview with KCUR's Up To Date. -
Missouri U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II joined Up To Date to discuss an ICE agent's killing of an observer in Minneapolis, the Trump administration's intervention in Venezuela, and a critical vote in Congress on Affordable Care Act subsidies. -
Abortion rights advocates are headed to trial next week to argue that Missouri’s regulations on reproductive health care violate the state’s constitution. The passage of Amendment 3 in 2024 protects the right to abortion care, but existing regulations and legal challenges have made access limited. -
A new book explores the cultural impact of Branson, Missouri, a tourist town that inspires devotion and disdain in equal measure. Long known for wholesome, family-friendly entertainment, the Midwestern destination has become a stage that showcases today’s cultural and political divides. -
UMKC researcher Dr. Cuthbert Simpkins is developing treatments for treating sepsis and blood loss. Once it becomes commercially available, it could decrease the need for blood transfusions. -
With the new Kansas legislative session starting on January 12, lawmakers could tackle bills pertaining to budget cuts, taxes, school reform and more before election campaigns start in the summer. -
Kansas lawmakers are offering billions in tax incentives to build a new domed stadium and convince the Chiefs to leave Missouri. University of Kansas associate professor Zachary Mohr joined KCUR's Up To Date to discuss how STAR bonds work, and what risks and benefits come with using them. -
What will Missouri lawmakers focus on in the 2026 legislation session? Pre-filed bills show that lawmakers are looking to phase out the income tax, reduce some property taxes, and invest in the state’s roads and schools — although the budget surplus is quickly disappearing due to previous tax cuts.
