Up To Date

For a lot of journalists, 2017 was all about keeping up. A faster and faster news cycle demands more speed and more accuracy, and media consumers have never been more skeptical. Today, the Media Critics discuss how journalists have covered the big stories of the last year, and why mistrust is so common among audiences.

Before reaching for a bottle of red or white from California, Italy or France, you might think again about shopping a little more close-to-home. Today, Master Sommelier Doug Frost returns to give us the low-down on the award-winning local vino that deserves your attention, and which bottles are garnering attention from winemakers around the country. We discuss (and sample!) a Washington state red wine blend called Pilots Share from Camaraderie Cellars , and several other from Missouri and Kansas

Given the importance of the American presidency, it's no surprise photos of the commander-in-chief tend to become iconic. Today, veteran White House correspondent Kenneth T. Walsh explains what makes the White House photographer role so influential, and why he thinks Pres. Trump is missing an opportunity with his chief image-maker. Then, we hear from two leaders in the Missouri Statehouse, Democrat Rep. Gail McCann Beatty and Republican Sen. Gary Romine , concerned about recent personnel changes

Well, another year is drawing to a close, which means it's time to get the Up To Date Film Critics' picks for the best movies of the year. They also review what's currently showing on area screens, just in time for the holiday break. The titles include comedy, drama and a sci-fi romance: The Shape of Water, Kaleidoscope, Wonder Wheel, Disaster Artist, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, ​ and Lady Bird . Best Films of 2017: Cynthia Haines: Dunkirk Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Here we are, 10 days ‘til Christmas, halfway through Hanukkah, and maybe you’re still looking for that perfect gift for your favorite sports fan. Don’t worry. 'A Fan’s Notes' commentator Victor Wishna is back to tell you what you he really, really wants. Well, ‘tis the season, as they say. The most wonderful time of the year, when so many of us look forward to getting what we say we’ve wanted, and I’m not just talking about the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl — go ‘Cats! Last year at

For Pres. Donald Trump, the one-year mark of occupying the Oval Office is in sight. As he enters year two, the country remains politically tense and ideologically divided. Today, Neil Newhouse, one of the country's top Republican pollsters, looks at what attracted voters to candidate Trump and whether they continue to stand with him. Newhouse also offers his thoughts on the efforts of Kansas Rep. Kevin Yoder and Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill to retain their seats in 2018.

A great song makes us feel happy, sad, or any of the emotions in between, and it endures. Today, Wall Street Journal contributor, author and music historian Marc Myers shares the stories behind some of the last century's most iconic tunes . Learn the elements of successful hit songs by Tammy Wynette, the Allman Brothers, Steely Dan and others.

Mark Phariss and Vic Holmes, a gay couple living in Texas, strove to keep a low profile and their sexual orientation private. However, as the movement for marriage equality expanded, they finally agreed to be plaintiffs in the lawsuit that would overturn their state's ban on same-sex marriage. Author David Collins recounts their journey in Accidental Activists . Also, as Congress works to reconcile two Republican tax reform bills, we ask a tax lawyer and a CPA what some of the proposed changes

Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Sly James is a pretty colorful character, but did you know he wears a magical bow tie that lets him travel through time? Today, the authors of a new children's book tell how they chose the mayor and his neckwear to recount Kansas City's history. Then, a look at The Impossible Presidency . The role of chief executive has changed so much from the founding fathers' vision, one historian says it has become "too big for its own good." Aja James and Audrey Masoner will

When you think of holiday beverages, you probably imagine eggnog and spiced cider before you think of beer. Today, we hear from brewers and brew-enthusiasts from Bier Station , KC Bier Co. , and Crane Brewing who think that's a shame. Find out what seasonal concoctions they're cooking up, how they critique a beer and when "pastry stouts" take flavoring too far.