Up To Date

Summer break is here, and for students that means sunshine, fresh air and months away from school. For youths looking to keep the heat from melting their minds, there's nothing like a good book. Today, our panel of librarians have reading recommendations that are sure to divert young eyes from the television, and keep young brains active and engaged. For preschool through 2nd grade The Quest for Z by Greg Pizzoli, kindergarten-grade 4 Grand Canyon by Jason Chin, grades 2-5 For 3rd through 6th

Five decades ago, social unrest gripped cities across the country, at one point even spilling into the streets of Kansas City. Today, we find out what the "long, hot summer" of 1967 can teach us about race relations and cultural diversity in present-day America. Then, host Steve Kraske brushes up on his Shakespearean script-reading skills with veteran acting coach and director Ian Wooldridge . Ian Wooldridge will share insight from his many years of experience directing the works of William

For centuries, research about women has been flawed. Today, we learn how gender and cultural bias has affected scientific study. Author and journalist Angela Saine says new research refutes the long-held view that women are inferior . Also, we explore the creative process behind the Kansas City performance art group Quixotic . Hear how their latest project combines acrobatics, modern ballet, and digital projections with the music of Radiohead in a new telling of an old folk tale. Quixotic will

Television has rapidly evolved since its humble, black-and-white beginnings. Today, we discuss how TV has forever changed the American culture . Then, actress and activist Morgan Fairchild joins us to discuss her advocacy work and insights on current events and politics. Morgan Fairchild will perform in 'The Dixie Swim Club' at the New Theatre Restaraunt, running from April 27 to July 2. For more information, visit NewTheatre.com .

Today, Kansas's newest poet laureate discusses how to find extraordinary meaning in the seemingly ordinary events of our lives. Then, we speak with political journalist and long-time confidant to Hillary Clinton, Sidney Blumenthal, whose new writing delves into the complex life of one of America's great presidents, Abraham Lincoln. Kansas Poet Laureate Kevin Rabas will perform a poetry reading at Aimee's Coffeehouse in Lawrence at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 17. For more information, visit the

Parents want to know their kids are on track when it comes to hitting key developmental milestones. At what age should your child be able to perform certain tasks — feeding themselves, walking, or talking, for instance — and when is it time to worry? We talk with pediatric experts about gauging your little one's progress, and how to keep an eye out for potentially critical delays.

The Missouri General Assembly’s first special session during Eric Greitens' governorship has come and gone, but the state's chief executive has signaled that more legislative overtime could be on the way. Today, we discuss that might mean for Missouri's part-time lawmakers. Then, we get a first-hand perspective on the harsh realities of mental illness, relationships and recovery.

From a sci-fi drama about survival in a post-apocalyptic world to a documentary about the life of celebrity chef Jeremiah Tower, there's almost too many options now showing in theaters. Fear not! Up To Date 's Film Critics are here to help curate the wild world of cinema. Today, they cover the latest indie, foreign and documentary movies including The Lovers , Chuck , The Survivalist , A Quiet Passion , Jeremiah Tower: The Last Magnificent , Norman , Gifted and The Zookeeper's Wife .

In America, the split between conservatives and liberals can be dramatic. Today, we find out how the concept of American exceptionalism can divide and separate us from ourselves and our Western counterparts. Then, Actors' Equity president Kate Shindle makes the economic argument to keep funding of the National Endowment for the Arts in the federal budget. She also talks about her role and the issues explored in the groundbreaking musical Fun Home. Kate Shindle will appear in ' Fun Home ' at the

Monday's bombing in Manchester, England, shows the global war on terrorism has been unsuccessful thus far in stopping extremist violence. Today, former Department of State advisor Steven Koltai suggests a new approach to stopping the bloodshed: encouraging entrepreneurship. Then, we continue the conversation surrounding a proposed redesign of KCI, and get Kansas City Mayor Sly James' thoughts on a new single-terminal proposal from architecture and engineering firm Burns & McDonnell. Steven