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Crisis in Kansas prisons

Long hours, dangerous conditions and low pay are causing staffing shortages at Kansas prisons, which have led to inmates being locked in their cells for long stretches. Plus, Mayor Quinton Lucas discusses Kansas City's plan to keep the unhoused population safe over the winter.

For years, staffing problems at Kansas prisons have prompted calls for decisive action. But pay remains low, while conditions have gotten worse. Blaise Mesa of the Kansas News Service reports that workers are dealing with long hours, including mandatory overtime, while inmates are locked down to keep facilities operational.

Kansas City has finally put together a plan for its unhoused population this winter. Mayor Quinton Lucas joined Steve Kraske on Up To Date to talk about the city's efforts to better house and support residents during bad weather.

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Kansas City Today is hosted by Nomin Ujiyediin. This episode was produced by Rachel Bain and edited by Gabe Rosenberg & Lisa Rodriguez

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