politics

The debate in Abilene, Kansas, could be a precursor to other communities considering the move because members of the incoming Trump administration are advocating to get rid of fluoride in drinking water. Experts say dental health is at stake.

President Jimmy Carter died at the age of 100 earlier this week. Two Kansas Citians with ties to the 39th president reflect on his impact, during and after his time in office.

Budget debates, U.S. Senate standoffs, crowded primary fields and a red wave — Missouri Republicans kept things interesting in 2024. So what are we expecting in this new year, with a new slate of statewide leaders and a Donald Trump presidency?

State lawmakers want to cut property taxes after doing so last year. The governor worries about the cost of another cut.

Bills largely split by partisan divides seek to expand or modify charter school operation in Missouri

With a Republican-controlled legislature and a Democrat in the governor’s chair, 2024 was always going to be a contentious and complicated year in Topeka. That proved true on everything from taxes to Medicaid to health care for transgender youth. We'll discuss the year in Kansas politics, and look ahead to the 2025 session.

Despite hinting that it could happen, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson won't say for sure whether he will pardon or commute the sentence of Eric DeValkenaere, the former KCPD officer serving six years in prison for killing Cameron Lamb. Parson spoke to KCUR's Up To Date about his tenure before leaving office on Jan. 13.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick and New York Times columnist Bret Stephens will be in Kansas City for an American Public Square event on Dec. 9. They joined KCUR's Up To Date to discuss civility in politics, where Democrats went wrong in the 2024 election cycle, and other topics.

Republicans expanded their already sizable majorities in the Kansas Legislature in this week's elections, paving the way for changes on major issues like taxes and transgender rights. And in non-election news: A store recently opened in Missouri to not just sell and service typewriters, but also foster a community.

Kansas City resident Nathan Kline is the Green Party's candidate for the U.S. Senate race in Missouri. He is running on a platform focused heavily on campaign finance reform.

With early voting well underway and Election Day next Tuesday, KCUR's Up To Date breaks down what you need to know about some of the biggest races in Missouri and Kansas.

Mister Sleeves and Eighty-Eight are elusive creatures — and candidates. Their owners have been placing yard signs across town to promote the "Purr Party" campaign. "You've tried humans," the signs ask. "How'd that work out?"