Up To Date

As the first woman to represent Kansas in the U.S. Senate, Nancy Kassebaum Baker is a political legend. Today she shares her thoughts on the current state of the Republican Party, locally and nationally. Also, tracing one's lineage is popular, but it remains challenging for descendants of slaves. A genealogist explains the common challenges that can arise, and offers professional advice to ease the journey. Sherri Camp will lead the workshop 'Finding Your Slave Ancestors,' which takes place at

From biblical birthrights to the Belmont Stakes, people have always been obsessed with finishing first. Racing is the most fundamental form of sporting competition and, for better and for worse, a part of human nature. Commentator Victor Wishna elaborates in “A Fan’s Notes.” You may not even know about it, but there is an earth-moving event happening right downtown. More than 3,000 tons of dirt is being hauled in to the Sprint Center, dumped on the floor, and bulldozed into a twisting track of

Has a piece of art ever left you scratching your head? Today, we find out what goes through the mind of postmodern master David Salle when he's perusing a painting or sculpture. Here's a hint: He's focused more on his feelings about the art, than about what the art is trying to accomplish. David Salle will give a Cockefair Chair lecture about his collection of essays, ' How to See: Looking, Talking and Thinking About Art ,' at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 22, in Pierson Auditorium on the

The Sunflower State's budget is a mess and lawmakers in Topeka are struggling to solve the state's fiscal woes . Today, a former budget director evaluates the precarious situation. Also, we speak with novelist Ellen Hopkins, who experienced the kidnapping of one daughter and the drug addiction of another. She tells us how these tragedies show up in her novels for young adults, and about her activism for high-risk youth. This week's Statehouse Blend Kansas features state Sen. Barbara Bollier ( R

How are the first few weeks of the Trump administration affecting Kansas City? On this international edition of Up To Date , host Steve Kraske is joined by the BBC's Shaimaa Khalil to hear what callers are thinking about President Trump's executive orders concerning an immigration ban and repeal of the Affordable Care Act. Submit your experience of health to the BBC's ' The Response ' by using the voice recorder on your smartphone to tell your story in two minutes. Email your recording to

Kansas City's microloan program has surpassed the $3-million mark. The funding focuses on business start-ups and expansion as explained by the lender involved and an entrepreneur who has benefited from one. Then, two of the top 45 international bull riders are Missouri-natives. Hear about their climb to the professional world and the techniques they use during those dangerous 8 seconds atop a bucking beast. The PBR KC Invitational takes place at the Sprint Center on February 11th and 12th. For

The president's lambasting of certain outlets as " fake news " has strained relations between the executive branch and the Fourth Estate . Today, the Media Critics discuss whether or not the journalism playbook should be rewritten to cover an unprecedented administration. Then, Brian McTavish presents the latest Weekend To-Do List .

When Donald Trump declared his presidential candidacy, few guessed he stood a real chance. The now-president's longtime friend and former adviser Roger Stone thought otherwise . Today, he shares his insight. Then, we learn about the evolution of Kris Kobach's voter Crosscheck program and the story of how one Kansan got caught up in it.

First, we explore how vocational and technical education programs can help bridge the gap between job-seekers and middle-skilled jobs. Then, architect John Ruble explains the challenges urban planners face when designing everything from city buildings to U.S. embassies. Finally, running a successful food truck is about more than serving sliders from a van. We hear about the construction and operation of Kansas City's full-service kitchens-on-wheels.

Valentine's Day is next week, and it can be either the greatest or the worst holiday of the year. Today, we get some perspective on the nature of romantic love , and try to reconcile two different ways of thinking about it. Then, Sue Klebold recollects the morning her son, Dylan, and Eric Harris opened fire at Columbine High School. She speaks of the aftermath of the shooting, and her advocacy for mental health and suicide prevention.