Up To Date

When President Harry Truman moved into the White House, he thought the creaks and groans meant it was haunted. It turns out it was just in imminent danger of collapse. Today, hear the story of how the executive mansion was completely gutted and restored . Then, what takes more than seven years and 900 international volunteers to complete? The executive director-to-be of The Hymn Society details the task of rewriting a hymnal and making sacred music for the modern world. Robert Klara will present

Matthew Dowd's career is an unusual one. He was a strategist for Republican President George W. Bush's re-election campaign, and, before that, a staffer for Missouri's Democratic Congressman Dick Gephardt. Now, he is taking an Independent tack to get past partisan gridlock. Today, we speak with the ABC News analyst about his life, his career, and the political situations in Austin, Springfield and Washington. Matthew Dowd will take part in American Public Square's second annual fundraiser,

For all the times that scientific research has improved our lives, there are other times when science got it horribly wrong. Today, Dr. Paul Offit describes the lessons we have learned , and should be learning, to separate good science from bad. Then, as the National Society of Black Engineers holds its annual convention in Bartle Hall, two Kansas City engineers share their thoughts on the opportunities and challenges facing African-Americans in the field. Finally, the Show-Me Institute's

The push for safe spaces and trigger warnings is leading many educators to more carefully curate their syllabi. The issue inspired creativity in a Kansas City playwright and the two local actors performing in his new project . Then, we discuss a fresh activist approach to better urban planning. Find out how Better Block KC inspires city improvement through examples people can experience first-hand. 'Trigger Happy' runs Wednesdays through Sundays from March 30 to April 16 at the Living Room

For Mayor Sly James, this has been a particularly busy time. On Tuesday evening, he gave his State of the City Address, which we discuss today, along with a bond proposal James says will trim, but not eliminate, a backlog of public works projects in Kansas City, Missouri. Also on the April 4 ballot is a one-eighth-cent sales tax increase to be used for development on the East Side. Gwendolyn Grant of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City tells us what it could mean for the area's residents.

Earthquakes in the Central U.S. have been steadily increasing due to oil production, gas extraction and disposal of wastewater. Seismologist Heather DeShon tells us if it is possible to mitigate the number of occurrences. Then, finding political common ground between parties. Mark Gerzon, president of the Mediators Foundation, explores cross-party cooperation in his most recent book, The Reunited States of America . Dr. Heather DeShon will be speaking about the increasing rate of earthquakes in

Kansas City takes the nickname 'Paris of the Plains' seriously, and not just because of our fountains. Today, we learn why Kansas City Fashion Week has designers, photographers, models, makeup artists, and stylists gathered in the Heartland. Then, the director of the Vatican Observatory looks at the intersection of religion and science. He'll also answer an "age-old" question for us: Should extraterrestrials be baptized? Brother Guy Consolmagno will present 'From Galileo to Laudato Si': Why

It's an exciting year for the Kansas City FilmFest. Today, we preview the high-profile guests coming to town, the inclusion of the Dog Film Festival , and the top Midwest films of the year, like Big Sonia . Then, Up To Date 's indie, foreign, and documentary film critics explore movies now showing in the metro area, including Wilson, The Last Word, Song to Song, The Lure, The Sense of an Ending, Kedi, Get Out and I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore. The Kansas City FilmFest runs from

Donald Trump took over the Oval Office two months ago, and his trade policies are having an effect. Today, we'll find out how his search for better deals is creating divisions in Dawson County , Nebraska. Then, learn how building techniques, borrowed from construction practices in hurricane zones , can help Tornado Alley homes stand up to spring's strong winds.

As a former county lawmaker, teacher, community planner, advocate and volunteer, Mamie Hughes has had a lasting impact on Kansas City. Today, we look at life of one of the metro's most dedicated activists. Then, we meet the enthusiastic conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra, and ask what it's been like leading "America's Orchestra" for more than 20 years. As part of the Harriman-Jewell Series , Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra will celebrate the music of George Gershwin at