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!

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 Johnson sits down with KCTV5 investigative reporter Samantha Boring to discuss exactly how this works, why it's legal, and whther there's anything you can do about it.

FULL STORY: https://www.kctv5.com/2025/11/19/kansas-missouri-dmvs-sell-personal-data-private-companies-through-decades-old-federal-law/

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/

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 College and a notable role in the Civil War and later. Join KCTV5 anchor Sharon Chen for a full virtual tour!

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!

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/

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!

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.

KCTV%+ anchor Janae' Hancock sits down with KCTV5 anchor Sharon Chen to discuss some of the big changes coming to KC-area restaurants.

FULL STORY: https://www.kctv5.com/2025/10/21/how-kansas-city-restaurants-are-preparing-whats-changing-serve-world-cup-fans/