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Featured Story
‘A project like this is generational’: New KCI terminal prioritizes long-term accessibility
The Kansas City Aviation Department is taking big steps to ensure accessibility — including building an airplane simulation room.
Latest News
The Kansas City Beacon listens to diverse perspectives and investigates systemic issues — and potential solutions — through original, fact-based reporting. As a nonprofit newsroom, we rely on donations. You can help keep our journalism free for all readers by becoming a monthly member.
Economics
Featured Story
With moratoriums expiring, Kansas Citians face challenges paying off utility debt
A hot summer also means higher utility bills for residents who are already struggling to stay afloat.
The Beacon Newsletter
Public service journalism delivered every Tuesday and Thursday, straight to your inbox.
Local Government
How to file a complaint against KCPD
The process with the Office of Community Complaints can be tricky, so The Kansas City Beacon breaks down what you need to know.
When your abuser is the law: Sexual and domestic violence persistent in Kansas law enforcement
A Beacon analysis shows that 34.5% of all law enforcement decertifications in Kansas were due to domestic or sexual violence, higher than any other reason.
How to request public records in Kansas and Missouri
A guide to filing requests with government agencies, which records are open by law and what to expect.
Education
How to attend, watch or comment at your local school board meeting
Whether you want to contact a board member, speak publicly at a meeting or just keep an eye on changes in your district, we’ve compiled what you need to know in several KC-area districts.
KCK schools use federal relief funds to help students catch up after remote learning
Most of the Kansas City, Kansas, district’s allocation is earmarked for instruction, but it also addresses air quality, contact tracing and mental health.
What you need to know about charter schools in Kansas City
Charter schools are a sometimes controversial part of Kansas City public education. Here’s how they work and why they’re different from traditional district schools.
Civic Engagement
These neighborhoods haven’t given input on Kansas City’s future — that’s a problem
A combination of the pandemic and internet accessibility has impacted who is able to participate in Kansas City's comprehensive plan update.
Kansas City is updating its comprehensive plan — here’s what that means for you
Once adopted, the plan will set the stage for Kansas City's development over the next 20 years.
When COVID shut down Kansas City, libraries sprang to action
From hotspot loans to virtual storytime, here’s how public libraries met people’s digital needs in the past year.
Health Care
Why this KC tech camp draws kids with visual impairments from all over the country
Alphapointe, a Kansas City, Missouri-based organization, holds annual summer technology camps for students with visual impairments. The campers work with specialized programs and can keep the laptops they use.
Teletherapy got us through the pandemic. Is it here to stay?
When the pandemic began in 2020, health care providers pivoted to virtual appointments. Now that restrictions are easing, mental health providers in Kansas City — and members of Congress — are pushing for teletherapy to remain an option.
How KC’s transit service for people with mobility issues was changed by pandemic
KCATA made several changes to its paratransit program, including shifting to over-the-phone interactions and limiting vehicle capacity. Some changes were successful; others led to difficulties for those who rely on the service.
More Stories
For Black Kansas Citians seeking therapy, having a Black counselor makes a difference
Black Kansas Citians say therapy feels safer when their counselor is Black. But there’s a lack of Black therapists in the area and across the country.
‘I’m gonna lose it all’: Tenants left in the dark as KC’s rental assistance program closes to new applicants
Tenants who already applied for assistance are still waiting for help, and local nonprofits face challenges in processing applications quickly.
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