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Sen. Roy Blunt | COVID-19 In Kansas Prisons | Early Medical Graduation | 1918 Flu Lessons | Grandpa Willie's Birthday

Close living quarters puts correctional facilities at high-risk of spread of the novel coronavirus.
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Close living quarters puts correctional facilities at high-risk of spread of the novel coronavirus.

Segment 1: U.S. Senator Roy Blunt on reopening the economy

COVID-19 has sent the U.S. economy into a downward spiral, leaving many questioning when and how to reopen the economy. Senator Roy Blunt said the logistics of reopening will take place state by state.

Segment 2, beginning at 13:24: The precautionary steps Kansas prisons are taking to avoid a coronavirus spread

Prisoners destroyed property at a Lansing, Kansas correctional facility, demanding better protection from the coronavirus. Hear what steps the state's Department of Corrections is taking to limit the risk to inmates and staff throughout the prison system.

Segment 3, beginning at 27:23: Medical students volunteer to serve in rural Kansas during pandemic

Special permits and early graduation are allowing fourth-year students at the University of Kansas School of Medicine to assist health care workers battling COVID-19. One early graduate explained why he signed up to help.

Segment 4, beginning at 33:57: How Kansas City can heed the warnings from a nearly century old flu pandemic.

The parallels between the 1918 Spanish Flu and today's coronavirus pandemics are explained.

Segment 5, beginning at 48:48: One granddaughter's request filled her 94-year-old grandfather's mailbox

Unable to be with her grandfather to celebrate his birthday, one Lawrence photographer turned to social media to make his day special. The response not only filled the mailbox of 94-year-old "Grandpa Willie," he also received a birthday serenade from the local fire department.

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.
As culture editor, I oversee KCUR’s coverage of race, culture, the arts, food and sports. I work with reporters to make sure our stories reflect the fullest view of the place we call home, so listeners and readers feel primed to explore the places, projects and people who make up a vibrant Kansas City. Email me at luke@kcur.org.
Mackenzie Martin is a senior podcast producer at KCUR Studios and host of the podcast, A People's History of Kansas City. Contact her at mackenzie@kcur.org.
As a producer for Up To Date, my goal is to inform our audience by curating interesting and important conversations with reliable sources and individuals directly affected by a topic or issue. I strive for our program to be a place that hosts impactful conversations, providing our audience with greater knowledge, intrigue, compassion and entertainment. Contact me at elizabeth@kcur.org or on Twitter at @er_bentley_ruiz.