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.
Most Recent Episode
More Episodes
Behind the Story: Why so many fentanyl deaths are going uncharged
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/pregnant-with-twins-dead-21-why-her-fentanyl-death-others-go-uncharged/
Destination Heartland: Hutchinson, Kansas
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 and includes industries like aerospace and tourism. KCTV5 anchor Sharon Chen shows you how to visit the state-of-the-art museums, spend the day at the waterpark, catch a show, go shopping, dine at fine restaurants and more!
Behind the Story: Historic Kansas City jazz bar claims to be haunted
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 Chen about what she found while putting this story together!
FULL STORY: https://www.kctv5.com/2025/10/28/historic-kansas-city-jazz-bar-claims-be-haunted-i-know-theyre-there/
Behind the Story: How KC restaurants are preparing to serve World Cup fans
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 discuss some of the big changes coming to KC-area restaurants.
Destination Heartland: Joplin, Missouri
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 week’s Destination Heartland takes us to this popular traveler’s hub.
Destination Heartland: Excelsior Springs, Missouri
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!
Destination Heartland: Council Grove & Abilene, Kansas
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!
Behind the Story: Inside a Cold War-era missile silo up for sale in Kansas
A decommissioned missile silo once used to launch nuclear warheads could be yours, but it’s going to cost you. Hidden beneath the rolling hills of central Kansas is a property steeped in mystery and rich in Cold War history. Once designed to fend off a nuclear attack, the former Atlas F missile silo is now for sale.
KCTV5+ streaming anchors Janae' Hancock and Taylor Johnson interview KCTV5 anchor Zac Summers, who put this story together.
FULL STORY: https://www.kctv5.com/2025/09/01/cold-war-relic-sale-inside-kansas-missile-silo/
Behind the Story: Kansas City educators alarmed by falling literacy rates
Think about how many times you read a day, from just a text message to street signs to your latest summer book. Reading is how we learn, part of how we communicate and how we grow our brains. But, this lifelong skill is lacking in Kansas City schools, and it’s not sitting well with educators.
KCTV5+ anchor Janae' Hancock sits down with KCTV anchor Sharon Chen to discuss the depth of this crisis and what's being done to help change this alarming trend.
FULL STORY: https://www.kctv5.com/2025/08/18/absolutely-crisis-kansas-city-educators-alarmed-by-falling-literacy-rates/
Behind the Story: Gardner adding more than $1.7M in new security measures
The Gardner-Edgerton School District says its primary focus as kids head back to school is student safety. KCTV5 investigative reporter Samantha Boring took a closer look at the upgrades the school has installed as well as how other districts are trying to find the money to do the same.
KCTV5+ streaming anchor Taylor Johnson sits down with Samantha to talk about how she put this story together.
FULL STORY: https://www.kctv5.com/2025/08/11/gardner-edgerton-school-district-adding-more-than-17m-new-security-measures/
