KNAU eNews: Cactus Bags, Musicians During Coronavirus and more

Many of you recently received our mailer – sent out in advance of KNAU’s Spring Pledge Drive – which was schedule to begin next Monday, March 23^rd. Thank you to everyone who responded with financial support – it’s critical – during this time when public media journalism and community engagement is more vital than ever.

Because there is nothing more important than the health and safety of our employees and the communities we serve, we have made the difficult decision to postpone our Spring Drive so that we may focus the full effort of our staff on covering the coronavirus pandemic, bringing critical, daily public health news to our listeners. Public radio is and has always been a lifeline to the world and the importance of that mission cannot be overstated during this time.

Thank you for your support and be well.

Shelly Watkins,

KNAU General Manager

In response to the coronavirus pandemic Arizona Public Service has announced it will not shut off power to homes that are overdue on their electric bill. Learn more at KNAU.org.

When times are tough, many people head to their local pub for some company, conversation and favorite drink, whether it be water or whiskey. But that’s not an option right now in most of Arizona – and the nation – as bars and restaurants are closed to the public during the Covid-19 pandemic. Learn more at KNAU.org.

Fans of the prickly pear cactus might be familiar with recipes for cactus jelly, cactus candy, and fried cactus pads or nopalitos. But how about a recipe for a biodegradable plastic bag? Learn more at KNAU.org.

With a societal shift away from buying albums, touring has been one of the main ways for musicians to support themselves. But now, as the coronavirus precautions shut down public spaces, clubs and concert halls are empty, the tour buses are parked and artists are trying to figure out how they’ll get by in an era of social distancing. Learn more at NPR’s special series blog, The Coronavirus Crisis.