© 2025 Kansas City Public Radio
NPR in Kansas City
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Up To Date

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.
Big Stock
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 help you embrace what makes Kansas City fun and vibrant, whether it’s a championship sports franchise or a little-known wonder. I work with reporters to ensure KCUR stories on art, culture, and race fully reflect our diverse home so readers and listeners can take full advantage of what the metro has to offer. Email me at luke@kcur.org.
As senior podcast producer for KCUR Studios and a host of A People’s History of Kansas City, I interview everyday people and dig through old newspaper articles to unearth stories of the visionaries and renegades who created this region. I focus on bringing the past to life, so we can all better understand the city we live in today. Email me at mackenzie@kcur.org.
When you listen to Up To Date, I want you to understand decisions being made in the city, feel inspired by community members, and empathize with people who've had different experiences. As an Up To Date producer, I connect you to the news through conversations with community members and elected officials. Contact me at elizabeth@kcur.org or on Twitter at @er_bentley_ruiz.