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KCUR and Classical KC just lost federal funding. Here's what to know and how to help.
Ending federal funding for public media will have an immediate and drastic effect on KCUR and Classical KC. Here are the latest updates, plus what you can do to help.
www.kcur.org
Congress has eliminated all federal funding for public media. And now Kansas City’s public broadcasters need YOU. https://loom.ly/pvwG3Dc
BREAKING: Port KC commissioners voted to terminate and refrain from any negotiations with Platform Ventures. The company owns a south Kansas City warehouse rumored to be part of a federal plan to convert such spaces into immigration detention facilities.
Kansas City agency cuts ties with company selling warehouse for ICE detention center
Port KC commissioners voted to terminate and refrain from any negotiations with Platform Ventures. The company owns a south Kansas City warehouse rumored to be part of a federal plan to convert such spaces into immigration detention facilities.
www.kcur.org
February 9, 2026 at 11:10 PM
BREAKING: Port KC commissioners voted to terminate and refrain from any negotiations with Platform Ventures. The company owns a south Kansas City warehouse rumored to be part of a federal plan to convert such spaces into immigration detention facilities.
Since Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe signed into law a new congressional map that splits Kansas City into three districts, a handful of lawsuits and hundreds of thousands of petition signatures have been submitted in opposition. Two of those cases will be heard in court this week.
Missouri's gerrymandered map goes on trial this week. Here’s where the many cases stand
Since Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe signed into law a new congressional map that splits Kansas City into three districts, with the goal of ousting Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II from office, a handful of lawsuits and hundreds of thousands of petition signatures have been submitted in opposition. Two of those cases will be heard in court this week.
www.kcur.org
February 9, 2026 at 11:01 PM
Since Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe signed into law a new congressional map that splits Kansas City into three districts, a handful of lawsuits and hundreds of thousands of petition signatures have been submitted in opposition. Two of those cases will be heard in court this week.
KCUR 89.3, Kansas City’s NPR affiliate, is looking for an experienced journalist and impactful leader to oversee the day-to-day news operation and reporting.
News Director - KCUR
KCUR 89.3, Kansas City’s NPR affiliate, hiring a News Director. We're looking for an experienced journalist and impactful leader to oversee the day-to-day news operation and reporting.
www.kcur.org
February 9, 2026 at 10:02 PM
KCUR 89.3, Kansas City’s NPR affiliate, is looking for an experienced journalist and impactful leader to oversee the day-to-day news operation and reporting.
More than a year after Missouri voters narrowly approved the legalization of sports betting, the books are now open across the state. Now a bill could legalize video lottery terminals.
Is Missouri's bet on sports betting paying off?
More than a year after Missouri voters narrowly approved the legalization of sports betting, the books are now open across the state. Missourians wagered more than $543 million in December, although the state made little tax revenue from that. Now a bill could legalize video lottery terminals.
www.kcur.org
February 9, 2026 at 5:30 PM
More than a year after Missouri voters narrowly approved the legalization of sports betting, the books are now open across the state. Now a bill could legalize video lottery terminals.
Missouri state Sen. Joe Nicola, a Republican from Grain Valley, says he's seen a decrease of teen employment in his district. He wants to create a separate minimum wage of $12.30 for people under 18.
A Jackson County Republican wants to lower Missouri's minimum wage for minors
Missouri state Sen. Joe Nicola, a Republican from Grain Valley, says he's seen a decrease of teen employment in his district. He wants to create a separate minimum wage of $12.30 for people under 18.
www.kcur.org
February 9, 2026 at 5:05 PM
Missouri state Sen. Joe Nicola, a Republican from Grain Valley, says he's seen a decrease of teen employment in his district. He wants to create a separate minimum wage of $12.30 for people under 18.
In 2014, the U.S. Department of Agriculture created a network of “climate hubs” to understand how climate change affects agriculture and forestry and help farmers adapt to more extreme and unpredictable weather. Now, the future of these hubs is uncertain.
As farmers face a changing climate, a USDA program designed to help is at risk
In 2014, the U.S. Department of Agriculture created a network of “climate hubs” to understand how climate change affects agriculture and forestry and help farmers adapt to more extreme and unpredictable weather. Now, the future of these hubs is uncertain.
www.kcur.org
February 9, 2026 at 4:30 PM
In 2014, the U.S. Department of Agriculture created a network of “climate hubs” to understand how climate change affects agriculture and forestry and help farmers adapt to more extreme and unpredictable weather. Now, the future of these hubs is uncertain.
Years after federal judges rejected the Trump administration's attempt to bar some immigrants from being included in census counts, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway wants to bring the issue to the U.S. Supreme Court. (@stlpublicradio.bsky.social)
Why Missouri's attorney general wants to exclude some immigrants from the U.S. Census
Several years after federal judges rejected the Trump administration's attempt to bar some immigrants from being included in census counts, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway wants to bring the issue to the U.S. Supreme Court.
www.kcur.org
February 9, 2026 at 4:04 PM
Years after federal judges rejected the Trump administration's attempt to bar some immigrants from being included in census counts, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway wants to bring the issue to the U.S. Supreme Court. (@stlpublicradio.bsky.social)
Platform Ventures, owned by Ryan and Terry Anderson, pitched a warehouse development as a job creator for Kansas City. Port KC says the company went behind its back to strike a deal with ICE, which would undermine job growth in the area. (@thebeacon.bsky.social)
Platform Ventures got Port KC tax incentives to build a warehouse. Now they’re selling it to ICE
Platform Ventures, owned by Ryan and Terry Anderson, pitched a warehouse development as a job creator for south Kansas City. Port KC says the company went behind its back to strike a deal with ICE, which would undermine job growth in the area.
www.kcur.org
February 9, 2026 at 3:30 PM
Platform Ventures, owned by Ryan and Terry Anderson, pitched a warehouse development as a job creator for Kansas City. Port KC says the company went behind its back to strike a deal with ICE, which would undermine job growth in the area. (@thebeacon.bsky.social)
Last month, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revised and reduced the c recommended vaccines for children. That change won’t impact access to vaccinations, but Kansas City health officials believe it will heighten the burden on parents and providers.
Federal childhood vaccine guidelines changed. What will that mean for Kansas City families?
Last month, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revised and reduced the childhood immunization schedule, paring down the recommended vaccines. That change won’t impact access to vaccinations, but Kansas City health officials believe it will heighten the burden on parents and providers.
www.kcur.org
February 9, 2026 at 3:05 PM
Last month, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revised and reduced the c recommended vaccines for children. That change won’t impact access to vaccinations, but Kansas City health officials believe it will heighten the burden on parents and providers.
Mayor Quinton Lucas said on KCUR’s Up to Date last week that the demolition was delayed due to “bureaucracy” while developers and the city awaited final permit approvals from the state and federal governments.
Kansas City's historic Parade Park is being demolished, after multiple house fires and delays
The project will build new housing on what was once one of the oldest Black-owned housing cooperatives in the country.
www.kcur.org
February 9, 2026 at 2:30 PM
Mayor Quinton Lucas said on KCUR’s Up to Date last week that the demolition was delayed due to “bureaucracy” while developers and the city awaited final permit approvals from the state and federal governments.
This school year, a CSD Credit Union branch officially opened inside the high school, making it the second student-run credit union in Missouri. Winnetonka students and staff can make deposits, open accounts and even apply for loans without leaving campus.
These Kansas City students run a credit union from inside their high school. Yes, with real money
Instead of getting financial advice from social media, students at Winnetonka High School take charge of a real-life credit union. They learn how to manage money, open accounts and make transactions without leaving campus.
www.kcur.org
February 9, 2026 at 2:00 AM
This school year, a CSD Credit Union branch officially opened inside the high school, making it the second student-run credit union in Missouri. Winnetonka students and staff can make deposits, open accounts and even apply for loans without leaving campus.
Is your snack of choice on Super Bowl Sunday chips and guac? You’re not the only one. Even in the Barbecue Capital of the World, Tex-Mex still reigns supreme at Super Bowl parties.
Here’s how Tex-Mex became the staple cuisine of Super Bowl Sunday
Shopping for chips and guac for this weekend? You’re not the only one. Even in the Barbecue Capital of the World, Tex-Mex still reigns supreme at Super Bowl parties.
www.kcur.org
February 9, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Is your snack of choice on Super Bowl Sunday chips and guac? You’re not the only one. Even in the Barbecue Capital of the World, Tex-Mex still reigns supreme at Super Bowl parties.
In their Super Bowl appearance half a century ago, the Kansas City Chiefs achieved an upset in more ways than one. Not only did they defeat the favored Minnesota Vikings, the game marked the first big break in law enforcement’s longstanding efforts to bring down the Kansas City mob.
How the Chiefs’ 1970 Super Bowl game helped bring down the Kansas City mob
The Kansas City Chiefs' appearance in the 1970 Super Bowl also marked the first big break in law enforcement’s longstanding efforts to bring down the Kansas City mafia.
www.kcur.org
February 8, 2026 at 10:01 PM
In their Super Bowl appearance half a century ago, the Kansas City Chiefs achieved an upset in more ways than one. Not only did they defeat the favored Minnesota Vikings, the game marked the first big break in law enforcement’s longstanding efforts to bring down the Kansas City mob.
Beyond burnt ends, Kansas City also has a scene for Korean barbecue (K-BBQ) and Japanese barbecue (J-BBQ) full of flavorful sauces, marinated meats and enormous portions. Here's a guide to local restaurants and how to cook at home.
Some of Kansas City's best barbecue is found at these Korean and Japanese restaurants
Beyond burnt ends, Kansas City also has a scene for Korean barbecue (K-BBQ) and Japanese barbecue (J-BBQ) full of flavorful sauces, marinated meats and enormous portions. Here's a guide to local restaurants and how to cook at home.
www.kcur.org
February 8, 2026 at 8:00 PM
Beyond burnt ends, Kansas City also has a scene for Korean barbecue (K-BBQ) and Japanese barbecue (J-BBQ) full of flavorful sauces, marinated meats and enormous portions. Here's a guide to local restaurants and how to cook at home.
City staff told KCUR they’ve received more than 200 applications for short-term rental permits since December, when Kansas City opened a new major events short-term rental permit designation.
Kansas City could get hundreds more Airbnbs for the World Cup under new events permit
Kansas City is seeing an influx of short-term rental applications from residents interested in hosting their property during the FIFA World Cup. The city opened up special permitting in December that allows people to host short-term rentals from May 3 to July 31.
www.kcur.org
February 8, 2026 at 6:01 PM
City staff told KCUR they’ve received more than 200 applications for short-term rental permits since December, when Kansas City opened a new major events short-term rental permit designation.
Although Kansas City's six World Cup matches will be hosted at Arrowhead Stadium, local leaders believe Columbia, Missouri, will also benefit as visitors travel before and after games — as long as businesses are prepared. (@kbianews.bsky.social)
Will the World Cup in Kansas City bring business 'spillover' to nearby cities? Columbia plans on it
Although Kansas City's six World Cup matches will be hosted at Arrowhead Stadium, local leaders believe Columbia, Missouri, will also benefit as visitors travel before and after games — as long as businesses are prepared.
www.kcur.org
February 8, 2026 at 5:01 PM
Although Kansas City's six World Cup matches will be hosted at Arrowhead Stadium, local leaders believe Columbia, Missouri, will also benefit as visitors travel before and after games — as long as businesses are prepared. (@kbianews.bsky.social)
Vine Street Brewing is welcoming a restaurant partner, the founder of Urban, into its space, combining chicken and beer into a new concept: Vine Street Chicken Co. Kansas City. (@startlandnews.com)
Kansas City brewery adds chicken restaurant as it looks to be the 'neighborhood hub' of 18th & Vine
Vine Street Brewing is welcoming a restaurant partner, the founder of Urban, into its space, combining chicken and beer into a new concept: Vine Street Chicken Co. Kansas City.
www.kcur.org
February 8, 2026 at 4:02 PM
Vine Street Brewing is welcoming a restaurant partner, the founder of Urban, into its space, combining chicken and beer into a new concept: Vine Street Chicken Co. Kansas City. (@startlandnews.com)
An increasing number of Kansas City families have jobs but still need shelter or assistance, due to the gap between the wages they earn and the cost of housing. It’s a formula for rising homelessness. (@thebeacon.bsky.social)
Kansas City's working unhoused: For more people, 'getting a job’ isn’t enough to afford housing
An increasing number of Kansas City families have jobs but still need shelter or assistance, due to the gap between the wages they earn and the cost of housing. It’s a formula for rising homelessness.
www.kcur.org
February 8, 2026 at 3:30 PM
An increasing number of Kansas City families have jobs but still need shelter or assistance, due to the gap between the wages they earn and the cost of housing. It’s a formula for rising homelessness. (@thebeacon.bsky.social)
The number of Missourians waiting in jail for services from the state’s mental health department continues to rise, with a backlog of more than 500 people with stalled cases. (@missouriindependent.com)
Hundreds of Missouri inmates need court-ordered mental health services. The waitlist is growing
Missouri Mental Health Director Valerie Huhn told state lawmakers that the department and courts need options to get defendants treatment in their communities.
www.kcur.org
February 8, 2026 at 3:02 PM
The number of Missourians waiting in jail for services from the state’s mental health department continues to rise, with a backlog of more than 500 people with stalled cases. (@missouriindependent.com)
The decision marks Olathe’s first formal action connected to the Chiefs’ broader relocation plan announced in December, which includes a new $3 billion domed stadium in Wyandotte County. (@johnsoncountypost.bsky.social)
Olathe approves local tax dollars for Chiefs relocation deal: 'There’s really nothing to lose here'
Olathe council members voted unanimously to commit some sales and hotel guest taxes revenues as part of the Chiefs deal that will bring a new training facility and HQ to the city. Many residents at a public hearing spoke against the plan over a lack of transparency.
www.kcur.org
February 8, 2026 at 2:00 AM
The decision marks Olathe’s first formal action connected to the Chiefs’ broader relocation plan announced in December, which includes a new $3 billion domed stadium in Wyandotte County. (@johnsoncountypost.bsky.social)
Officials announced Tuesday that regular traffic will resume Feb. 21 on U.S. Highway 69. Project Engineer Craig Cogan with HNTB said the new express lanes are designed to reduce the disproportionate number of crashes and injuries that occur on one of the region's busiest highways.
U.S. Highway 69 express lanes in Johnson County open soon. Less congestion, easier commutes
Orange cones and jack hammers have slowed drivers on U.S. Highway 69 for years. Officials announced Tuesday that express toll lanes running north and south will be open on Feb. 21. The new lanes are designed to reduce traffic and accidents.
www.kcur.org
February 8, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Officials announced Tuesday that regular traffic will resume Feb. 21 on U.S. Highway 69. Project Engineer Craig Cogan with HNTB said the new express lanes are designed to reduce the disproportionate number of crashes and injuries that occur on one of the region's busiest highways.
Want to help reduce Kansas City's skyglow and the night sky easier to see? One way to help is to look up at the constellation Orion in February or March and report what you see on a smartphone to Globe At Night, a citizen science project that celebrates its 20th anniversary this month.
Help scientists document Midwest light pollution by looking at Orion
More people participating in the citizen science project Globe At Night could help fill gaps in what astronomers know about the extent of skyglow.
www.kcur.org
February 7, 2026 at 10:00 PM
Want to help reduce Kansas City's skyglow and the night sky easier to see? One way to help is to look up at the constellation Orion in February or March and report what you see on a smartphone to Globe At Night, a citizen science project that celebrates its 20th anniversary this month.
The first escape rooms, stemming from popular video game escape scenarios like Myst, opened in Japan in the early 2000s. The concept came to Kansas City in 2015, when both Breakout KC and Escape Room KC opened their initial locations — and a lot more followed in their path.
Kansas City's best escape rooms will test your skills and teamwork. Here's a guide
More than a decade after escape rooms first arrived in Kansas City, your options for life-size puzzle solving have never been greater — or more challenging. Check out this guide to escape rooms to try around the region, and some tips for better solving.
www.kcur.org
February 7, 2026 at 8:01 PM
The first escape rooms, stemming from popular video game escape scenarios like Myst, opened in Japan in the early 2000s. The concept came to Kansas City in 2015, when both Breakout KC and Escape Room KC opened their initial locations — and a lot more followed in their path.
Argentina, who won the last FIFA men’s World Cup in 2022, will make Kansas City its national team’s home base for this summer’s global soccer tournament. The team will train and live in Kansas City for the duration of the monthlong event.
Welcome, Lionel Messi: Kansas City will be Argentina’s World Cup home base this summer
The reigning World Cup champions, led by soccer superstar Lionel Messi, will train at Sporting Kansas City's practice facility for the duration of the tournament.
www.kcur.org
February 7, 2026 at 6:02 PM
Argentina, who won the last FIFA men’s World Cup in 2022, will make Kansas City its national team’s home base for this summer’s global soccer tournament. The team will train and live in Kansas City for the duration of the monthlong event.
Opera superstar and Prairie Village native Joyce DiDonato is returning to Kansas City for a one-night performance at the Folly Theater. The singer’s latest album, “Emily – No Prisoner Be,” is based on the work of poet Emily Dickinson.
KC Soundcheck: Joyce DiDonato
Grammy award-winning opera singer Joyce DiDonato brings her latest album tour home to Kansas City. “Emily – No Prisoner Be,” explores the work of one of America’s greatest poets, Emily Dickinson.
www.kcur.org
February 7, 2026 at 5:02 PM
Opera superstar and Prairie Village native Joyce DiDonato is returning to Kansas City for a one-night performance at the Folly Theater. The singer’s latest album, “Emily – No Prisoner Be,” is based on the work of poet Emily Dickinson.