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Rep. Sharice Davids | Johnson County Health Director | Disabled Student Barriers | Making Masks

Rep. Sharice Davids
Luke X. Martin
/
KCUR 89.3
Rep. Sharice Davids says "getting relief to our small business owners and to our hospitals . . . that's where we need to be."

Segment 1, beginning at 4:47: Who is to blame for Congress' failure to get more money to small businesses?

The congresswoman from the Kansas 3rd District blames a “partisan bickering match" and says she's disappointed in President Trump's lack of transparency when it comes to the allocation of resources. Davis is hopeful that the bill being passed soon is a step in the right direction.

Segment 2, beginning at 18:35: Johnson County's top health official wants more widespread testing.

The new director of the Johnson County Health Department has been there for less than a month, but feels strongly that continued COVID-19 testing is the key to not losing the gains they've already made.

Segment 3, beginning at 32:27: How learning from home uniquely impacts students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The COVID-19 crisis has forced all students to learn from home, but for students with disabilities, not having their individualized learning in class is having a greater impact. While some things are being done to help, caretakers and parents are still concerned.

  • Tec Chapman, executive vice president of Easterseals Midwest
  • Dr. Lara Wakefield, advocate for parents with special education children and co-founder of Smarter Steps

Segment 4, beginning at 49:41: The Whole Person is sewing masks for their own health care workers.

When this nonprofit was unable to find masks for its health care workers, it recruited its furloughed staff to sew masks. The result has been more than 900 masks in two weeks.

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.
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.
As KCUR’s arts reporter, I use words, sounds and images to take readers on a journey behind the scenes and into the creative process. I want to introduce listeners to the local creators who enrich our thriving arts communities. I hope to strengthen the Kansas City scene and encourage a deeper appreciation for the arts. Contact me at julie@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.