Kansas City Today

More than two years after returning to in-person instruction, Kansas City schools are still being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, school lunch debt in Kansas climbed to over $23 million and almost one-fourth of Missouri students are considered chronically absentee.

KCUR's Nomin Ujiyediin and Jodi Fortino discuss the biggest issues facing schools in the region.

A new law that goes into effect in January allows Kansas students to transfer to schools outside the district where they live, as long as there is space available. But open enrollment won’t be simple, and it doesn’t come with guarantees.

Suzanne Perez with the Kansas News Service shares how Kansas districts are preparing for the shift.

Contact the show at [email protected]. Follow KCUR on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news.

Kansas City Today is hosted by Nomin Ujiyediin. It is produced by Anna Schmidt and KCUR Studios, and edited by Gabe Rosenberg and Lisa Rodriguez.

You can support Kansas City Today by becoming a KCUR member: kcur.org/donate.

After the fall of Roe v. Wade in 2022, Kansas became a hub for people who can't access the procedure in their home state.

2023 saw a boost in interstate travel for abortions, inundating Kansas' clinics. As more people seek abortion access across state lines, Kansans are finding it increasingly difficult to receive abortion care locally.

KCUR's Nomin Ujiyediin spoke with the Kansas News Service's Rose Conlon about the top stories on abortion rights in Kansas.

Contact the show at [email protected]. Follow KCUR on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news.

Kansas City Today is hosted by Nomin Ujiyediin. It is produced by Trevor Grandin and KCUR Studios and edited by Gabe Rosenberg and Lisa Rodriguez.

You can support Kansas City Today by becoming a KCUR member: kcur.org/donate

Johnson County and its cities have been growing, and growing more diverse. Leaders have had to address complex issues like affordable housing and teaching of race and history, shaping decisive elections and setting the stage for more big decisions in 2024.

There were also unique issues facing the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, like whether it should continue to exist at all.

KCUR’s Brian Ellison spoke with Kyle Palmer, editor of the Shawnee Mission and Blue Valley Post, and Josh Merchant of the Kansas City Beacon about the year’s top stories on the Kansas side of the metro.

Contact the show at [email protected]. Follow KCUR on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news.

Kansas City Today is hosted by Nomin Ujiyediin. It is produced by Byron Love and KCUR Studios and edited by Gabe Rosenberg and Lisa Rodriguez.

You can support Kansas City Today by becoming a KCUR member: kcur.org/donate

Russell and Clara Stover created their heritage chocolate brand in 1923. A century later, the Kansas City-based company is still making memories. KCUR's Laura Ziegler uncovers the secret to its longevity.

During the Kansas City Streetcar's Holiday Jam, live music fills the Union Station- or River Market-bound cars with holiday cheer. KCUR's Julie Denesha took a ride to talk with the musicians who make the magic happen.

Contact the show at [email protected]. Follow KCUR on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news.

Kansas City Today is hosted by Nomin Ujiyediin. It is produced by Trevor Grandin and KCUR Studios, and edited by Gabe Rosenberg and Lisa Rodriguez.

You can support Kansas City Today by becoming a KCUR member: kcur.org/donate

Harpist and vocalist Calvin Arsenia is well known in Kansas City for his powerful musical performances on stages around the metro. Now, he's adding another title to his list of occupations: venue operator.

At the beginning of December, Arsenia took over Greenwood Social Hall in Kansas City's Westside neighborhood. He already has a series of events scheduled for the coming days and weeks. Arsenia spoke with Steve Kraske on KCUR's Up To Date about his plans.

Contact the show at [email protected]. Follow KCUR on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news.

Kansas City Today is hosted by Nomin Ujiyediin. It is produced by Anna Schmidt and KCUR Studios, and edited by Gabe Rosenberg and Lisa Rodriguez.

You can support Kansas City Today by becoming a KCUR member: kcur.org/donate

Two months into the Israel-Hamas war, concerns over Islamophobia and free speech have been playing out on college campuses. At UMKC, pro-Palestine activists say they’re contending with an unresponsive administration. KCUR’s George Russell reports.

America’s forests are one of the cheapest climate change solutions out there. Several estimates show that forests capture roughly 13% of the nation’s carbon emissions each year. But a recent Forest Service report says that climate change will lead to forests being net emitters of carbon over the next 50 years. Harvest Public Media contributor Rick Brewer reports some environmentalists say that conclusion will lead to more logging and harm climate security.

Contact the show at [email protected]. Follow KCUR on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news.

Kansas City Today is hosted by Nomin Ujiyediin. It is produced by Anna Schmidt and KCUR Studios and edited by Gabe Rosenberg and Lisa Rodriguez.

You can support Kansas City Today by becoming a KCUR member: kcur.org/donate

The efforts to remove books from school libraries started with parents in local school districts and ended up in state legislatures. After two years of controversy, one school librarian says her colleagues are leaving the profession because it has become too painful. Kate Grumke of St. Louis Public Radio has more.

As families gather over the holiday break, it’s a perfect time to sit down together with an old-fashioned board game. Suzanne Perez of the Kansas News Service spoke with the owner of a Wichita toy store about what’s new and worth playing in the world of games.

Contact the show at [email protected]. Follow KCUR on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news.

Kansas City Today is hosted by Nomin Ujiyediin. It is produced by Byron Love and KCUR Studios and edited by Gabe Rosenberg and Lisa Rodriguez.

You can support Kansas City Today by becoming a KCUR member: kcur.org/donate

Next month, Ty Masterson, a Republican from Andover, will begin his fourth session as president of the Kansas Senate, where he has often found himself to oppose many of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s priorities. Perhaps more than other Kansan, he’s stood in the way of legalizing marijuana in the state, for medical or any other purposes.

With the bill expected to be back for debate this year, Masterson spoke with Steve Kraske on Up To Date about his priorities for the new legislative session.

Contact the show at [email protected]. Follow KCUR on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news.

Kansas City Today is hosted by Nomin Ujiyediin. It is produced by Byron Love and KCUR Studios and edited by Gabe Rosenberg and Lisa Rodriguez.

You can support Kansas City Today by becoming a KCUR member: kcur.org/donate

Many in Kansas City are hoping that this season sees the Chiefs on top once again, making them the first team since 2004 to win back-to-back championships. KCUR's Greg Echlin highlights the little details they have to correct to make it happen.

Communities in western Kansas are turning to AI to attract economic growth and fight population loss. This includes identifying businesses, services and housing that residents need. KCUR's Calen Moore reports on the technology being used to fight years of downward trends in rural communities.

Contact the show at [email protected]. Follow KCUR on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news.

Kansas City Today is hosted by Nomin Ujiyediin. It is produced by Trevor Grandin and KCUR Studios, and edited by Gabe Rosenberg and Lisa Rodriguez.

You can support Kansas City Today by becoming a KCUR member: kcur.org/donate

Sara Siegele, owner of Fountain City Sweets in Olathe, is one of four bakers to compete in an episode of “Christmas Cookie Challenge” on the Food Network on Thursday, Dec. 21.

Siegel spoke with Steve Kraske with KCUR's Up To Date about the baking competition.

Contact the show at [email protected]. Follow KCUR on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news.

Kansas City Today is hosted by Nomin Ujiyediin. It is produced by Anna Schmidt and KCUR Studios, and edited by Gabe Rosenberg and Lisa Rodriguez.

You can support Kansas City Today by becoming a KCUR member: kcur.org/donate