Central Standard

Segment 1: Two states, two governors, one pandemic The virus that has descended on the world and a lack of clear guidance from Washington has given residents of Missouri and Kansas an opportunity to see two governors — one Democratic, one Republican — respond differently to the crisis. Dave Helling , editorial writer and columnist at the Kansas City Star Burdett Loomis , political science professor emeritus at the University of Kansas Segment 2, beginning at 31:34: Child care for essential...

Segment 1: Hospitals in the capital city are within their capacity, but some residents bristle at stay-at-home orders. A large number of residents in Topeka are obeying requests to stay at home. Others, the city's mayor said, take offense at the government ordering them to do something they don't want to. She explains some of the hurdles her community is navigating. Michelle De La Isla , Mayor of Topeka, Kansas Segment 2, beginning at 16:50: Social isolation can inflame anxiety and...

Segment 1: How Missouri's 4th Congressional District is weathering the COVID-19 outbreak. Various congressional actions will result in massive amounts of money being divided among individuals, businesses and banks within a couple of weeks. One Missouri congresswoman discussed if another stimulus will be needed, and if health care professionals in her district have the personal protective equipment they need. U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler , R-Missouri Segment 2, beginning at 12:20: Can you enforce...

Segment 1: How Missouri's 4th Congressional District is weathering the COVID-19 outbreak. Various congressional actions will result in massive amounts of money being divided among individuals, businesses and banks within a couple of weeks. One Missouri congresswoman discussed if another stimulus will be needed, and if health care professionals in her district have the personal protective equipment they need. U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler , R-Missouri Segment 2, beginning at 12:20: Can you enforce...

Segment 1: What we know about COVID-19, and what we don't A lot is unknown about the novel coronavirus currently circulating the globe, giving rise to myths about how it spreads, how to keep it from spreading and how to reduce one's chances of getting infected. We asked an infectious disease specialist to clear up some common misconceptions. Dr. Mary Anne Jackson , professor and interim dean of the UMKC School of Medicine Segment 2, beginning at 16:05: Former President Harry Truman seems to...

Segment 1: Tips for talking to children about the ongoing crisis. Parents are under a lot of pressure these days as their kids ask questions about this new world they're living in. It's a lot of change all at once. But respect, honesty and understanding can go a long way when broaching the subject with young minds. Wes Crenshaw , family psychologist and author of " I Always Want to Be Where I'm Not: Succesful Living with ADD and ADHD " Segment 2, beginning at 23:25: Answers to common...

Segment 1: Public defenders are calling prisons during pandemic ticking time bombs In light of the ongoing COVID-19 scare, individual correctional facilities in Kansas and Missouri have decided to release certain prisoners, but public defenders and advocates say a statewide approach is needed to avoid a crisis behind bars. Tricia Rojo Bushnell , executive director of the Midwest Innocence Project Segment 2, beginning at 12:45: Working out while staying in Body weight training is not the same...

Segment 1: Health care workers continue to work in unsafe environments. A lack of protective gear and the silent nature of COVID-19 are just two new concerns piled on top of existing ones Kansas City health care providers deal with during the pandemic. Many are already coming to terms with the idea they will likely contract the virus. Dr. Allison Edwards , owner of Kansas City Direct Primary Care Heidi Lucas , state director of Missouri Nurses Association Segment 2, beginning at 35:45:...

Segment 1: "No one is immune" to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, said Mayor Carson Ross. The spread of the new coronavirus has already delayed local elections in Blue Springs, Missouri, but the full extent of the damage is yet to be known. It will undoubtedly include hits to public health, residents' wallets, tax revenue and more, says the suburb's mayor. Carson Ross , mayor of Blue Springs, Missouri Segment 2, beginning at 15:00: Decisive action now is required to protect the...

Segment 1: How the coronavirus pandemic is affecting the least fortunate among us. One advocate for people experiencing homelessness says that population is always in crisis. When you add a worldwide pandemic to the mix, the stakes are even higher for them and the organizations that work to provide them the resources to survive. Stephanie Boyer , CEO of reStart Precious Stargell Cushman , CEO of Community LINC Segment 2, beginning at 33:00: Many grocery store clerks, plumbers and laundromat...

Segment 1: North Kansas City responds to the coronavirus pandemic. An immediate concern for this Northland municipality is warm weather attracting still too many people to public parks. In the medium- and long-term, local businesses will be hit hard — a revenue loss that will undoubtedly make a dent in the small city's budget. Bryant Delong , North Kansas City mayor pro tem Segment 2, beginning at 14:20: Physical public libraries are closed, but offerings online continue. From online Friday...

Segment 1: Adapting Kansas counties, businesses, schools and employees to coronavirus Gov. Laura Kelly has signed a series of executive orders aimed at safeguarding the health of Kansans during the COVID-19 pandemic. We asked her about criticism that the measures went too far, and whether she’s considering a statewide stay-at-home order. Gov. Laura Kelly , D-Kansas Segment 2, beginning at 21:15: Officials in the Johnson County, Kansas, seat are working to connect residents to available...

Segment 1: Kansas City, Kansas, family stuck in Peru His wife and daughter have been in Lima, Peru, since January, and Brian Copeland felt like spending some vacation time hanging out with them there. He didn't expect he'd end up spending weeks on lockdown in a three-bedroom apartment with six other people. Brian Copeland , Kansas City, Kansas, resident Segment 2, beginning at 15:59: Kansas public schools, in the days of coronavirus Kansas' public schools were the first in the nation to...

Segment 1: Wife's Facebook post seen by hundreds meant one more hospital visit with her husband before he died Five days after he was diagnosed, Dennis Wilson became Johnson County's first death caused by COVID-19. His wife, Joanna Wilson, explained how after being sent home from the hospital where Dennis had been admitted, she took to Facebook to update friends and family on her husband's condition. She related how, despite hospital visitation restrictions at this time, she was able to...

Segment 1, beginning at 4:12: Current Washington debates revolve around who should get a bailout due to the COVID-19 crisis. Congress seems willing to shell out massive amounts of cash to make up for lost economic activity, but lawmakers can't yet agree on who should get checks and for how much. Kansas City's congressman said his proposals are aimed at the least-advantaged — those making less than $50,000 annually. He also gave updates on his own attempts to get back to Washington to vote,...

Segment 1: "I'm going to continue to work really hard, I'm just going to do it from home," said U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids. Despite deciding to self-quarantine after potential exposure to the novel coronavirus, Kansas' U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids said she's still working to ensure any stimulus package out of the Capitol prioritizes people who need it most. She also emphasized the importance of practicing social distancing, listening to public health officials and taking the coronavirus situation...

Segment 1: What Washington lawmakers are working on in response to the spread of COVID-19. The federal response to the spread of coronavirus had "a clunky start," said Missouri's senior U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt . Since then federal decision-makers have enabled state leaders, he said, and Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has enabled county and local leaders to get things done. U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt , R-Missouri Segment 2, beginning at 16:35: Mayor Lucas said drastic measures are needed in the fight against...

Answers to coronavirus questions, and resources available in the Kansas City area As part of special coverage of the novel coronavirus, KCUR opened the phone lines to answer your questions. From hospital preparedness to mental health to where to find social services, our panel of experts fielded questions from around the metro, including one senior who wanted to know if the drive-thru at the bank could put her at risk. Dr. Mary Anne Jackson , professor and interim dean at the UMKC School of...

Segment 1: How sports journalists are adapting to a lack of sporting events. The coronavirus has proven to be a huge disruption in the world of athletics. Aside from professional teams suspending seasons (to the dismay of thousands), sports journalists are also facing a major shift in how they find and report stories. Marleah Campbell , sports director for WIBW-TV Greg Echlin , sports contributor for KCUR Vahe Gregorian , sports columnist for the Kansas City Star Segment 2, beginning at...

Segment 1: What Washington lawmakers are working on in response to the spread of COVID-19. The federal response to the spread of coronavirus had "a clunky start," said Missouri's senior U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt . Since then federal decision-makers have enabled state leaders, he said, and Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has enabled county and local leaders to get things done. U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Missouri Segment 2, beginning at 16:15: Mayor Lucas said drastic measures are needed in the fight against...