Up To Date

Recent controversy surrounding the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity has put Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach in the nation's limelight. Today, we get an update on the 4-month-old committee. Then, in the aftermath of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, we get a masterclass from meteorologist Reed Timmer on the science behind severe weather and the adrenaline rush he gets from chasing extreme storms. Reed Timmer speaks about extreme storm chasing at the Linda Hall Library at 7 p

If you've ever worked with someone who had trouble following through, or dealt with a kid who's constantly pushing your buttons, you'll want to hear this conversation. Best-selling author and Kansas City native Gretchen Rubin says peoples' reactions to expectation influence their behavior in a big way. In a new book , Rubin describes "the four tendencies" — upholder, obliger, questioner and rebel — and says understanding which group you (and the people around you) fit into could reduce stress

For centuries, refugees from all over the world have taken to the seas to escape violence and persecution in their homelands. Today, the author of a children's book published this year recounts just a few of their stories. Then, we speak to the director and producer of a new film about Gertrude Bell , who's been called the most powerful woman in the British Empire during World War I. Mary Beth Leatherdale discusses her book ' Stormy Seas: Stories of Young Boat Refugees ' at the Kansas City

Overland Park writer Jen Mann was inspired to create her People I Want to Punch in the Throat blog by, well, all the people she wants to punch in the throat. Today, we speak with the New York Times best-selling author about the latest installment in her snarky series, and about the people she's worked with who almost — almost! — forced her to fisticuffs. Jen Mann is kicking off the 'Working With People I Want to Punch in the Throat' book tour at SoT at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 12. Visit the

Modern dance just wouldn't be the same without Kansas City-raised David Parsons . Today, we meet the star choreographer behind works commissioned and performed by troupes in New York, Paris and just about any other city with a ballet scene. Then, we explore the economic relationship between small towns and big businesses. Learn how rural communities are able to encourage, attract and, more importantly, keep hold of new jobs. The Parsons Dance company performs as part of the Harriman-Jewell

Missouri Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal and Rep. Warren Love made news last month doing something that seems antithetical to their positions in government; hoping in Facebook posts for political violence. Today, the Ethics Professor parse whether these separate transgressions are worthy of the same response. They also discuss where the onus lies when it comes to funding disaster relief efforts, especially in areas of the country that are prone to repeated destruction.

The consequences of a death sentence most obviously affect the accused, but everyone involved in the case must deal with the decision's terminal implications. Today, we hear how a 1994 death sentence in Mississippi is affecting one juror's life decades later. Then, we explore how America's legacy of lynching still influences race relations in Missouri, Kansas and throughout the country. Screenland Armour Theatre will screen ' Lindy Lou, Juror Number 2 ' at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 6. No

Despite a drop in murder rates at the national level, homicides in Kansas City are on the rise. Today, we delve into the story behind the brutal murder of Pretty Pennington, the subject of the latest installment of KCUR's " The Argument ." Then, Kansas City Mayor Sly James and Kansas City Public Schools Superintendent Mark Bedell share their thoughts on the practice of forced suspensions in schools and on the need to look at what is behind students' behaviors and teachers' reactions to them. Get

After a long list of box office flops, this summer's blockbusters aren't looking so hot. But don't trade your cinephilia for cynicism yet, because there are still plenty of lesser-known flicks worth watching. Today, Up To Date 's film critics review the latest indie, foreign, and documentary movies now showing, including I Do Until I Don't , Menashe , Columbus , The Vault , Patti Cake$ , The Trip to Spain , The Only Living Boy in New York , Brigsby Bear , Good Time , Harold and Lillian: A

Lynn Novick has been making documentaries for more than two decades, most of them in collaboration with Ken Burns. Their latest project, The Vietnam War , is the subject of her conversation today with host Steve Kraske. Then, NPR music critic Ann Powers, author of Good Booty: Love and Sex, Black and White, Body and Soul in American Music , explains how American pop music lets us express ourselves on topics like sex and race. KCPT presents 'The Vietman War: An Evening with Ken Burns & Lynn