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Up To Date

Meat Industry Turmoil | Quarantining Alone | Craft Brewery Survival | Newest Kauffman Scholar

Four glasses of craft-brewed beers on a wooden tray.
iStockphoto.com
The drop in business due to the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in layoffs at some small Kansas City craft brewers, and curbside service in an attempt to weather the shutdown.

Segment 1, beginning at 4:10: The problems coronavirus has created for the producers, processors and workers of America's meat industry

Slaughterhouses are being ordered by the president to continue operating even though thousands of workers have tested positive for COVID-19. Reduced demand has forced some hog producers to take drastic measures.

Segment 2, beginning 26:00: Being the sole occupant of your home doesn't mean being alone or lonely.

While some may be wondering how long they can quarantine with others — 24/7 under the same roof — those who live alone are now devoid of having friends and family in their usual social spaces. We hear advice for getting through the pandemic shutdown while flying solo.

Segment 3, beginning at 43:05: Can Kansas City craft breweries hang on?

The current shutdown has made it tough for breweries to keep their heads above water. So what are they doing to keep their businesses going until they can open to the public once again?

Segment 4, beginning at 52:20: Kansas City high school junior starts his day with a life-changing announcement

A Grandview High School student and athlete had no clue what awaited him outside his apartment on the first day of May.

We want to hear what’s helping you get through these tough times.

Whether it’s a random act of kindness or a personal ritual, let us know. Leave a voicemail at 816-398-8207 ‬with your brief story, name, and where you live. You can also email a voice memo to KCUR producer Mackenzie Martin at mackenzie@kcur.org.

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.
Michelle is a reporter covering race, identity and culture and is an assistant talk show producer.
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 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.
As senior producer of Up To Date, I want our listeners to hear familiar and new voices that shine light on the issues and challenges facing the myriad communities KCUR serves, and to expose our audiences to the wonderful and the creative in the Kansas City area. Just as important to me is an obligation to mentor the next generation of producers to ensure that the important conversations continue. Reach me at alexanderdk@kcur.org.