KCTV5+

KCTV5+

The KCTV5 team is dedicated to bringing long-form, impactful stories and documentaries to our viewers, readers, and listeners. The KCTV5+ podcast will include all of these specially produced stories for you to listen to whenever you want, wherever you are.

Episodes

December 24, 2025 30 mins

Millions of twinkling lights, world class holiday shows and festive family fun – Branson, Missouri is your ultimate holiday destination in the heartland. For over six decades, Branson has been the heart of live entertainment in the Ozarks.

KCTV5 anchor Sharon Chen takes a virtual trip to Branson, Missouri, for this week's Destination Heartland.

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It is known as the Gateway to West and it’s home to the College World Series, but many call Omaha, Nebraska one of the Midwest’s best kept secrets.

Today, it is where Midwestern warmth meets unexpected adventure of the Old Market, taste farm-fresh flavors at local cafes, and watch the Missouri River shimmer ben...

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December 12, 2025 32 mins

Step into history where a national tradition began!  Columbia is the birthplace of homecoming, and it’s also home to the Mizzou Tigers.

But it is so much more than just a college town.

KCTV5's Sharon Chen takes us on a virtual trip to Columbia, Missouri!

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KCTV Investigative Reporter Samantha Boring joins KCTV5+ to discuss her reporting on the $15K price tag on the stalled Mission Gateway site.

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After more than 40 years in the show and 24 of them as Scrooge, Gary Neal Johnson is hanging up his top hat.

Johnson has performed an estimated 1,100 times as Ebenezer Scrooge in Kansas City Repertory Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Carol,” making him a cornerstone of the city’s h...

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November 25, 2025 32 mins

It’s earned the reputation as one of the Midwest’s most beloved cities.  It’s home to fine culinary, artistic treasures, budding live music scene and that friendly Midwestern attitude. 

In this edition of Destination Heartland, we explore Lincoln, Nebraska!

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Every time you get a driver’s license or register a vehicle, you give the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles your personal information. But did you know that your personal data is being sold? It’s an unavoidable task with an unexpected exposure. In Kansas and Missouri, the state can sell the data you give to the Department of Motor Vehicles. It goes to private companies.

KCTV5+ anchor Taylor...

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Fentanyl deaths are rising across the region, but a KCTV5 investigation found in most cases no one is ever charged, creating a growing gap between the headlines and the families left behind.

KCTV5+ anchor Taylor Johnson sat down with KCTV5 anchor Zac Summers to talk about this concerning trend and why investigators say these cases are incredibly hard to prosecute.

FULL STORY: https://www.kctv5.com/2025/11/10/pr...

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November 11, 2025 29 mins

Just 16 miles from Downtown Kansas City, Liberty, Missouri is a vibrant suburb with historic charm, unique shops, museums and delicious restaurants.

Liberty is famous for its history, including its connection to the Underground Railroad, the historic Liberty Jail where Joseph Smith was imprisoned and the Jesse James Bank Museum. The city also has a vibrant historic downtown area, the founding of William Jewell ...

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November 4, 2025 29 mins

Hutchinson was founded in 1871 by railroad investor C.C. Hutchinson near the Arkansas River. Its early growth was driven by agriculture and its role as a railroad hub, but it later became known as the “Salt City” after large underground salt deposits were discovered in 1887.

Today, its economy is diversified a...

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A Kansas City bar claims to be haunted, but in an age of viral ghost videos, determining what’s real presents a challenge. The Phoenix Jazz Bar, one of the oldest and most popular establishments in Kansas City, has become the subject of paranormal investigation.

KCTV5+ anchors Janae' Hancock and Taylor Johnson sit down with KCTV5 anchor Sharon ...

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We all know the term “man’s best friend”, have you ever wondered where it came from?  The term originated not to far from Kansas City in Warrensburg, Missouri. KCTV5 anchor Sharon Chen will have the story behind the phrase and so much more in this week's episode of Destination Heartland!

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Kansas City restaurants are buzzing in anticipation of the influx of worldwide visitors that will descend upon the city next summer. The 48-team FIFA World Cup tournament is anticipated to bring a major business boom, and the restaurant scene is already transforming in preparation for the event.

KCTV5+ anchor Janae' Hancock sits down with KCTV5 anchor Sharon Chen to disc...

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October 21, 2025 31 mins

When you think of wine country, Tuscany, Italy, or Napa Valley in California may come to mind. However, Hermann, tucked away in the Missouri River Valley, is the state’s own wine country. Join KCTV5 anchor Sharon Chen for a closer look at Hermann’s Old-World charm that attracts visitors in search of the quiet pleasures of an earlier era.

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October 14, 2025 32 mins

On this week's Destination Heartland, we take you to the home of the Kansas Jayhawks! Rock Chalk! And while the University of Kansas is the gem of the city, Lawrence and Douglas County both have so much more to offer visitors! From pre-Civil War to presidential candidates, this area has a deep history to explore. So join KCTV5 anchor Sharon Chen for our next destination in this se...

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It’s known as the Wickedest Little City of the West. In this week’s Destination Heartland, KCTV5 anchor Sharon Chen takes you to the Wild West! Dodge City is about 5 hours southwest of Kansas City, but it’s a must-explore town!

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September 30, 2025 31 mins

Located two and a half hours south of the Kansas City Metro on historic Route 66 is Joplin, Missouri. Joplin was incorporated in 1873, growing from a mining camp to the world’s leading lead and zinc producer. The town’s property as a transportation hub made Joplin a prominent stop along the famous Route 66, which still holds today. Join KCTV5 anchor Sharon Chen as this...

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September 23, 2025 32 mins

Located in the south-central part of Kansas, Wichita is the largest city in Kansas, known as the “Air Capital of the World” for its aviation history. It also offers a blend of modern amenities and Old West heritage. Join KCTV5 anchor Sharon Chen for this week's Destination Heartland!

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It was once a town known for the healing powers of its mineral waters. Today, Excelsior Springs is known for its scenic beauty both inside the city and outside. It’s our virtual trip for this week’s Destination Heartland!

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On this episode of Destination Heartland, we’re focusing on its “Wild West” history and the home of President Dwight “Ike” Eisenhower. KCTV5 anchor Sharon Chen gives you a double dip with features on both Council Grove and Abilene, Kansas!

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