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Seg. 1: North KC Mayor Pro Tem | Seg. 2: Library Offerings | Seg. 3: Small Businesses Suffer

The Kansas City Public Library closed until further notice all 10 of its locations on March 15.
C.J. Janovy
/
KCUR 89.3 file photo
The Kansas City Public Library closed until further notice all 10 of its locations on March 15.

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.


Segment 2, beginning at 14:20: Physical public libraries are closed, but offerings online continue.

From online Friday family fun nights to virtual business classes, libary systems in the region are adapting to the new inability to open the doors and let the public in to their physical structures. Some of those practices could stick around after COVID-19 recedes.


Segment 3, beginning at 30:50: The coronavirus pandemic will have profound impacts on the regional small business community.

Like a lot of entities, businesses were caught off guard by the severity and speed of the coronavirus pandemic. Restaurants and bars are at least able to offer carry-out service, but a transition plan is a less obvious for small retailers, who have seen huge reductions in sales.


KCUR wants to hear stories of what’s helping you get through these tough times.

Have you experienced a random act of kindness? Do you have a personal ritual, book, song or movie that’s helping you through these days? Leave us a voicemail at 816-398-8207, and include your brief story, full name, and where you live‬. You can also email a brief voice memo to KCUR producer Mackenzie Martin at mackenzie@kcur.org.

Copyright 2021 KCUR 89.3. To see more, visit KCUR 89.3.

Steve Kraske is an associate teaching professor of journalism at UMKC, a political columnist for The Kansas City Star and has hosted "Up to Date" since 2002. He worked as the full-time political correspondent for The Star from 1994-2013 covering national, state and local campaigns. He also has covered the statehouses in Topeka and Jefferson City.
Luke X. Martin is an assistant producer for KCUR's Up To Date.