Zach Perez
Audience Engagement StrategistNews is only useful when it addresses your questions and concerns. As KCUR's audience engagement strategist, I speak directly with diverse communities in our region to help our newsroom understand what matters to them. I ensure your interests and lives are properly represented by our coverage.
What should KCUR be talking about? Who should we be talking to? Let me know. You can email me at zjperez@kcur.org or message me on Twitter at zach_pepez.
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With Kansas and Missouri elections just three weeks away, KCUR’s series “What’s the deal, KC?” is answering common questions from voters about the candidates and issues on their ballot. We’ll explain how to find your Congressional district, where to learn about judges up for retention, and what an abortion ban amendment has to do with transgender healthcare. Text your questions to 816-601-4777. -
Do you feel ready to vote this November? What races, candidates, amendments or other items are you most interested in? What information do you need to better understand your ballot? Text KCUR at 816-601-4777 to join the chat. -
Greeted by a mariachi band at the entrance, thousands of Mexico fans streamed into the grounds of the National WWI Museum and Memorial for the first day of Kansas City's FIFA Fan Festival. Even a quick downpour couldn't dampen spirits as Mexico beat South Africa in the World Cup's opening match. -
Kansas City recently lost a beloved face in local news. Cynthia Newsome, a long-serving anchor and reporter for KSHB 41, passed away on Tuesday following a yearslong battle with cancer. One journalist she mentored, KSHB reporter Rae Daniel, spoke with KCUR’s Up To Date about Newsome’s impact on our city. -
Digital fraud is costing Americans billions. After Patrick Coughlin’s mother was the target of an urgent and emotional fake kidnapping scam, the cybersecurity expert with his brother built a free website to help others identify the red flags of fraud. -
The 2026 Kansas City Farmer’s Market Passport is your guide to 23 different markets across the metro, including what languages the farmers speak and how to care for fresh produce. Plus, residents can win prizes the more they visit. -
Roan belted out “Casual,” “Good Luck, Babe!” and other favorites for a sold-out crowd of 30,000 on the lawn of the National WWI Museum and Memorial. -
Former Democratic National Committee Vice Chair David Hogg is visiting Kansas City to speak at an American Public Square event. He spoke with KCUR’s Up To Date about the issues he sees in the modern Democratic party — and why he believes younger leadership and a focus on grassroots organizing can help the party in future elections. -
This Saturday, 10 contestants will take the stage at Old Shawnee Days and compete for a spot in the final round of the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. The qualifier has already drawn more eyes to this year’s festival, and organizers are expecting to see a jump in attendance. -
Recent reports of immigrants being picked up by ICE after appearing at Kansas City immigration court have caused a surge in attendance of concerned advocates and attorneys. These advocates say the arrests are an intimidation tactic, as the Trump administration tries to speed up deportations.
