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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
The former Kansas City Star building is now a data center. And it’s one of the first of its kind to receive a clean energy loan. Kansas City-based Patmos is undergoing a $1 billion retrofit of the 400,000-square-foot structure, which will also include office, event and conference space.
A Kansas City data center is one of the first in the nation to get a clean energy loan
A data center in the Crossroads is using the clean energy loan for its chilling equipment. Supporters hope that the loans will encourage the projects to be more environmentally friendly. Critics want the city to do more to regulate the developments.
www.kcur.org
January 18, 2026 at 6:01 PM
The former Kansas City Star building is now a data center. And it’s one of the first of its kind to receive a clean energy loan. Kansas City-based Patmos is undergoing a $1 billion retrofit of the 400,000-square-foot structure, which will also include office, event and conference space.
A plan to add Medicaid work requirements to the state Constitution was debated by a Missouri House committee this week, with Republican lawmakers hoping to put the issue before voters later this year. (from Missouri Independent)
Missouri Republicans hope to put Medicaid work requirements in the state constitution
The proposed ballot measure, if approved by a majority of Missouri voters, would make it more difficult for the state to reverse federal restrictions on Medicaid eligibility. The upcoming changes could cause 130,000 Missourians to become uninsured in the next decade.
www.kcur.org
January 18, 2026 at 4:45 PM
A plan to add Medicaid work requirements to the state Constitution was debated by a Missouri House committee this week, with Republican lawmakers hoping to put the issue before voters later this year. (from Missouri Independent)
Sixty years after its founding, all that remains of Niños de México, an orphanage with deep ties to Missouri, is a statement on its homepage acknowledging an aim "to find truth and clarity surrounding allegations of abuse and other misconduct." (from St. Louis Public Radio)
An orphanage with Missouri ties shut down after abuse allegations. Critics demand 'repentance'
A Mexican orphanage relied on donor churches in Missouri and other states. After nearly 60 years, Niños de México announced it would close immediately — a response that former volunteers call incredibly cowardly.
www.kcur.org
January 18, 2026 at 3:30 PM
Sixty years after its founding, all that remains of Niños de México, an orphanage with deep ties to Missouri, is a statement on its homepage acknowledging an aim "to find truth and clarity surrounding allegations of abuse and other misconduct." (from St. Louis Public Radio)
Federal agents with the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement toured a large warehouse in south Kansas City Thursday, as part of a federal plan to renovate industrial buildings to hold immigrants detained by ICE.
Hours after ICE toured a Kansas City warehouse, council blocks federal detention center permits
On Thursday morning, officials from the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement toured a warehouse in south Kansas City with aims to hold detainees there. By the afternoon, city lawmakers put in place a measure to stop such detention centers from being approved.
www.kcur.org
January 18, 2026 at 2:00 AM
Federal agents with the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement toured a large warehouse in south Kansas City Thursday, as part of a federal plan to renovate industrial buildings to hold immigrants detained by ICE.
The Kansas City Star has collaborated with the Kansas City Public Library to launch an online database of its pre-digital era photo archives. Anyone can search through the archives at KCStarPhotos.org.
Kansas City Public Library and Kansas City Star launch huge database of newspaper photographs
The Kansas City Library and Kansas City Star have collaborated to release The Star's historical photo archives, which features hundreds of thousands of photos spanning much of the 20th century.
www.kcur.org
January 18, 2026 at 12:00 AM
The Kansas City Star has collaborated with the Kansas City Public Library to launch an online database of its pre-digital era photo archives. Anyone can search through the archives at KCStarPhotos.org.
One year ago, A People's History of Kansas City uncovered the story of Julia Braden, a Kansas City saleswoman who became one of the first popcorn vendors to talk her way inside a movie theater lobby — and built a concession empire in the middle of the Great Depression.
Why do we eat popcorn at the movies? A tough Kansas City widow helped open the door
Popcorn and movie theaters are inseparable today. But a century ago, cinemas actually banned the beloved treat for being cheap and messy. A Kansas City saleswoman named Julia Braden became one of the first popcorn vendors to talk her way inside the lobby — and built a concession empire in the middle of the Great Depression.
www.kcur.org
January 17, 2026 at 10:00 PM
One year ago, A People's History of Kansas City uncovered the story of Julia Braden, a Kansas City saleswoman who became one of the first popcorn vendors to talk her way inside a movie theater lobby — and built a concession empire in the middle of the Great Depression.
Artist-run spaces, galleries and Kansas City's biggest museums all have electrifying collections of local works to start the new year. But don't wait around to catch them — many of these exhibitions are slated to close soon.
7 must-see Kansas City art exhibits to kick off your 2026
Artist-run spaces, galleries and Kansas City's biggest museums all have electrifying collections of local works to start the new year. But don't wait around to catch them — many of these exhibitions are slated to close soon.
www.kcur.org
January 17, 2026 at 8:00 PM
Artist-run spaces, galleries and Kansas City's biggest museums all have electrifying collections of local works to start the new year. But don't wait around to catch them — many of these exhibitions are slated to close soon.
Missouri officials want to find the poacher responsible for shooting an elk in Peck Ranch Conservation Area, and they're offering $15,000 for information leading to a conviction. (@kbianews.bsky.social)
Missouri seeking leads about elk poaching in southern conservation area
Missouri officials want to find the poacher responsible for shooting an elk in Peck Ranch Conservation Area, and they're offering $15,000 for information leading to a conviction.
www.kcur.org
January 17, 2026 at 6:01 PM
Missouri officials want to find the poacher responsible for shooting an elk in Peck Ranch Conservation Area, and they're offering $15,000 for information leading to a conviction. (@kbianews.bsky.social)
The region welcomed at least 50 new restaurants in 2025, and said goodbye to more than 60 others. The new spots include a star-studded steakhouse, intimate dining experiences, cafes, ice cream parlors, pop ups and more. But in such a vast food scene, which new spots stand out?
Food recs: Kansas City's best new restaurants
Dozens of restaurants open in Kansas City every year. But which stand out in the region’s growing food scene? Here are the metro’s best new restaurants and bars for diners of all tastes.
www.kcur.org
January 17, 2026 at 5:11 PM
The region welcomed at least 50 new restaurants in 2025, and said goodbye to more than 60 others. The new spots include a star-studded steakhouse, intimate dining experiences, cafes, ice cream parlors, pop ups and more. But in such a vast food scene, which new spots stand out?
Looking for a 21st-century response to the life-or-death riddles doled out by the Sphinx, Gollum or Odin? More than a decade after escape rooms first arrived in Kansas City, the options for life-size puzzle solving have never been more challenging.
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
January 17, 2026 at 4:11 PM
Looking for a 21st-century response to the life-or-death riddles doled out by the Sphinx, Gollum or Odin? More than a decade after escape rooms first arrived in Kansas City, the options for life-size puzzle solving have never been more challenging.
The STAR bond package shaping up for the Chiefs’ project is different and much larger in size, scope and total projected dollar amount than the typical STAR bond deal. Here’s a look at what those districts look like.
(from Johnson County Post)
(from Johnson County Post)
How does the Chiefs stadium STAR bond deal compare to 3 others already in Johnson County?
The sheer size, scope and total projected dollar amount of the Chiefs' stadium project — which includes a new stadium in Wyandotte County and a new headquarters in Johnson County — dwarfs existing incentive districts in Overland Park and Olathe.
www.kcur.org
January 17, 2026 at 3:11 PM
The STAR bond package shaping up for the Chiefs’ project is different and much larger in size, scope and total projected dollar amount than the typical STAR bond deal. Here’s a look at what those districts look like.
(from Johnson County Post)
(from Johnson County Post)
Los automovilistas de Kansas City siguen acudiendo a la oficina de licencias situada entre las avenidas Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd. y la Troost, solo para encontrarse que está cerrada. La oficina de licencias más cercana se encuentra al otro lado del río, en North Kansas City.
Sin previo aviso, la única oficina del Departamento de Vehículos Motorizados en Kansas City cerró
Los automovilistas de Kansas City siguen acudiendo a la oficina de licencias situada entre las avenidas Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd. y la Troost, solo para encontrarse que está cerrada. La oficina de licencias más cercana se encuentra al otro lado del río, en North Kansas City.
www.kcur.org
January 16, 2026 at 9:02 PM
Los automovilistas de Kansas City siguen acudiendo a la oficina de licencias situada entre las avenidas Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd. y la Troost, solo para encontrarse que está cerrada. La oficina de licencias más cercana se encuentra al otro lado del río, en North Kansas City.
The Kansas Supreme Court is considering who can represent the state in court, after Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and Republican Attorney General Kris Kobach have clashed over taking legal action on behalf of the state.
Who can represent Kansas in court? Governor and attorney general clash at Supreme Court
The Democratic Kansas governor and Republican attorney general don’t always agree about suing or joining existing lawsuits. Now the Kansas Supreme Court could decide.
www.kcur.org
January 16, 2026 at 8:02 PM
The Kansas Supreme Court is considering who can represent the state in court, after Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and Republican Attorney General Kris Kobach have clashed over taking legal action on behalf of the state.
The Kansas City Royals missed a big deadline to tell Kansas their proposal for STAR bond funding, and top lawmakers say they're no longer interested in talks with the team. The doors may also be closing in Clay County, while Missouri's public financing offer is under threat.
The Royals may be running out of options for a new stadium
The Kansas City Royals missed a big deadline to tell Kansas their proposal for STAR bond funding, and top lawmakers say they're no longer interested in talks with the team. The doors may also be closing in Clay County, while Missouri's public financing offer is under threat.
www.kcur.org
January 16, 2026 at 5:30 PM
The Kansas City Royals missed a big deadline to tell Kansas their proposal for STAR bond funding, and top lawmakers say they're no longer interested in talks with the team. The doors may also be closing in Clay County, while Missouri's public financing offer is under threat.
The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration canceled $2 billion in grants for mental health and addiction treatment, and then reversed itself almost immediately. (@thebeacon.bsky.social)
Kansas City providers see federal mental health grants canceled one day and restored the next
The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration canceled $2 billion in grants for mental health and addiction treatment, and then reversed itself almost immediately. It's just constant whiplash, said the president of First Call KC.
www.kcur.org
January 16, 2026 at 5:05 PM
The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration canceled $2 billion in grants for mental health and addiction treatment, and then reversed itself almost immediately. (@thebeacon.bsky.social)
Riverview mayor Michael Cornell Jr. was arrested Thursday during a traffic stop. He's charged with assaulting four people over the course of 10 years, and is being held on a $1 million cash bond. (@stlpublicradio.bsky.social)
A Missouri mayor was arrested for multiple sex crimes, including assault of a minor
Riverview mayor Michael Cornell Jr. was arrested Thursday during a traffic stop. He's charged with assaulting four people over the course of 10 years, and is being held on a $1 million cash bond.
www.kcur.org
January 16, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Riverview mayor Michael Cornell Jr. was arrested Thursday during a traffic stop. He's charged with assaulting four people over the course of 10 years, and is being held on a $1 million cash bond. (@stlpublicradio.bsky.social)
Kansas City officials confirmed Thursday that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is seeking to build a detention facility in the metro. A south Kansas City location is one of a few potential sites, but city council members passed an ordinance aimed at blocking the center from opening.
ICE wants to build a Kansas City detention center that could hold 10,000 people
Kansas City officials confirmed Thursday that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is seeking to build a detention facility in the metro. A south Kansas City location is one of a few potential sites, but city council members passed an ordinance aimed at blocking the center from opening.
www.kcur.org
January 16, 2026 at 4:04 PM
Kansas City officials confirmed Thursday that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is seeking to build a detention facility in the metro. A south Kansas City location is one of a few potential sites, but city council members passed an ordinance aimed at blocking the center from opening.
The Band That Fell to Earth marks each anniversary of the performer’s death — and the band’s own founding — with two weekends of shows. The concert series at recordBar has become an annual tradition for fans of the glam rock pop star.
Kansas City's annual David Bowie tribute marks 10 years since his death
The Band That Fell to Earth marks each anniversary of the performer’s death — and the band’s own founding — with two weekends of shows. The concert series at recordBar has become an annual tradition for fans of the glam rock pop star.
www.kcur.org
January 16, 2026 at 3:30 PM
The Band That Fell to Earth marks each anniversary of the performer’s death — and the band’s own founding — with two weekends of shows. The concert series at recordBar has become an annual tradition for fans of the glam rock pop star.
The zoning change is the first regulation on where data centers can be built in the city. Advocates see it as the first step in limiting the AI data center boom.
Kansas City just changed its zoning to make data centers harder to build
The zoning change is the first regulation on where data centers can be built in the city. Advocates see it as the first step in limiting the AI data center boom.
www.kcur.org
January 16, 2026 at 3:04 PM
The zoning change is the first regulation on where data centers can be built in the city. Advocates see it as the first step in limiting the AI data center boom.
On Thursday morning, officials from the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement toured a warehouse in south Kansas City with aims to hold detainees there. By the afternoon, city lawmakers banned such detention centers from being approved.
Hours after ICE toured Kansas City warehouse, council blocks federal detention center permits
On Thursday morning, officials from the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement toured a warehouse in south Kansas City with aims to hold detainees there. By the afternoon, city lawmakers put in place a measure to stop such detention centers from being approved.
www.kcur.org
January 15, 2026 at 11:02 PM
On Thursday morning, officials from the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement toured a warehouse in south Kansas City with aims to hold detainees there. By the afternoon, city lawmakers banned such detention centers from being approved.
The Kansas City Chiefs secured a STAR bond deal to move their stadium and training facility to Kansas, but the Royals missed the state’s deadline to get their own incentives. While one Kansas legislative leader says he's moving on, Gov. Laura Kelly said that she is still open to discussions.
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly says a Royals stadium deal isn’t off the table — if the team steps up
The Kansas City Chiefs secured a STAR bond deal to move their stadium and training facility to Kansas, but the Royals missed the state’s deadline to get their own incentives. While one Kansas legislative leader says he's moving on, Gov. Laura Kelly told KCUR’s Up To Date that she is still open to discussions.
www.kcur.org
January 15, 2026 at 10:30 PM
The Kansas City Chiefs secured a STAR bond deal to move their stadium and training facility to Kansas, but the Royals missed the state’s deadline to get their own incentives. While one Kansas legislative leader says he's moving on, Gov. Laura Kelly said that she is still open to discussions.
Reposted by KCUR (Kansas City's best news source)
Pretty much everyone I know has been asking me about @kcur.org's move off the UMKC campus. Here's what we know so far: www.kcur.org/inside-kcur/...
Where are KCUR and Classical KC moving? Your relocation FAQs, answered
KCUR and Classical KC were given just over a month to vacate our longtime offices. Here's what we know so far about the move, and what we don't.
www.kcur.org
January 15, 2026 at 7:46 PM
Pretty much everyone I know has been asking me about @kcur.org's move off the UMKC campus. Here's what we know so far: www.kcur.org/inside-kcur/...
The relationship between Senate Republicans and Democrats soured in 2025 after the Republican majority cut off debate and passed several initiatives that Democrats opposed, including redistricting and an abortion ban ballot measure. (@stlpublicradio.bsky.social)
Missouri Senate Democrats filibuster governor's appointments in first disruption this session
The relationship between Senate Republicans and Democrats soured in 2025 after the Republican majority cut off debate and passed several initiatives that Democrats opposed, including redistricting and an abortion ban ballot measure.
www.kcur.org
January 15, 2026 at 10:02 PM
The relationship between Senate Republicans and Democrats soured in 2025 after the Republican majority cut off debate and passed several initiatives that Democrats opposed, including redistricting and an abortion ban ballot measure. (@stlpublicradio.bsky.social)
KCUR and Classical KC were given just over a month to vacate our longtime offices. Here's what we know so far about the move, and what we don't.
Where are KCUR and Classical KC moving? Your relocation FAQs, answered
KCUR and Classical KC were given just over a month to vacate our longtime offices. Here's what we know so far about the move, and what we don't.
www.kcur.org
January 15, 2026 at 7:30 PM
KCUR and Classical KC were given just over a month to vacate our longtime offices. Here's what we know so far about the move, and what we don't.
Kansas City company Patmos is retrofitting a 400,000-square-foot building in the Crossroads with help from a clean energy loan, which will be used to reduce the amount of electricity it consumes by optimizing the company's HVAC system.
Kansas City data center among first to nab clean energy loan
A data center in the Crossroads is one of the first in the country to get a loan for clean energy. Plus: Scientists across the central U.S. say they have experienced a year of change and uncertainty under the second Trump administration.
www.kcur.org
January 15, 2026 at 5:04 PM
Kansas City company Patmos is retrofitting a 400,000-square-foot building in the Crossroads with help from a clean energy loan, which will be used to reduce the amount of electricity it consumes by optimizing the company's HVAC system.