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The audit into the city’s communications department was in response to an open letter from local media demanding more transparency. The department was consolidated and controlled by former City Manager Brian Platt, who was fired in March.

Kansas City hoped the downtown space would be one of the primary "focal points" during World Cup festivities next June, but the project won't be ready in time. Kansas City Manager Mario Vasquez joined KCUR's Up To Date to discuss how preparations are going, the new bus contract between the city and the KCATA, and more.

Mayor Quinton Lucas says that Kansas City "doesn't necessarily have legal responsibility to inspect and guarantee" the safety of buildings after initial permits are approved. But he now wonders if the city can do more to prevent events like the deadly collapse of the Family Dollar on Broadway Boulevard last month.

The union also won other benefits such as enshrined paid vacation time.

Illegal dumping has been a problem in Kansas City for decades. Now, a year after the city instituted tougher penalties on offenders, Council member Crispin Rea says things are moving in the right direction.

Kansas City Council set the money aside to encourage small businesses, artists, and makers to move into the city's highly visible, but vacant, storefronts before the 2026 World Cup. “When visitors from all over the world visit next year, we need to be open for business,” one member said.

The Kansas City Council has found its next city manager. Get to know Mario Vasquez, the first Latino to permanently hold one of most powerful positions in the city. Plus: Stay up to date with the latest political headlines from around the region.

Kansas City Council voted last week to make Mario Vasquez, a longtime city employee, as the new city manager. Vasquez joined KCUR's Up To Date to discuss his new role and his vision for Kansas City.

Mario Vasquez is the first Latino person to permanently hold the role. The city manager is one of the most powerful positions in Kansas City, and Vasquez will have to balance large projects with regaining the public’s trust.

Kansas City officials will soon decide who will become the next city manager. That person will handle everything from the annual budget to road resurfacing and will be responsible for repairing the community’s trust in the city after Brian Platt was fired.

Kimiko Gilmore has filled in as Kansas City's acting city manager since Brian Platt was fired last month. She's now a finalist for the permanent job, and says the city needs to be "building confidence with the community."

Voters will head to the polls Tuesday to decide whether to approve a $474 million bond for Kansas City Public Schools. On KCUR's Up To Date, Mayor Quinton Lucas reinforced his support for the bond, discussed the recent firing of City Manager Brian Platt and more.