Local News — The Kansas City Beacon

Featured Story

Kansas City’s Northland divided over proposal to redraw City Council districts

Residents who support the change say it would result in better political representation for the working class residents living south of Barry Road.

by Celisa Calacal and Emily Wolf

Latest News

While some parents push for book bans, educators and other community members promote diversity

by Maria Benevento

The ABCs of tax incentives in KC: TIFs, PIEA, LCRA and more

by Celisa Calacal

How economic development happens in Kansas City

by Celisa Calacal

Charter school enrollment surpasses KCPS for the first time

by Maria Benevento

Local Government

Kansas City declared a climate emergency. Now what?

Some changes, like a switch to electric municipal vehicles, are already underway in KC. Others will take a more concerted effort.

by Emily Wolf November 23, 2021November 23, 2021

Taking KC Back needed 13,700 signatures per council member to start a recall. They collected fewer than 4,000 for each.

The PAC has 10 days to gather supplemental signatures and try to meet the signature threshold.

by Emily Wolf November 19, 2021November 19, 2021

Ever wanted to sit on a Kansas City board or commission? Here’s how the appointment process works

Kansas City has nearly 100 boards and commissions — and seats are set to open up in the new year.

by Emily Wolf November 16, 2021November 16, 2021

Education

Featured Story

No ACT score? Many KC-area colleges will admit you, and financial aid options are improving

Many colleges in the Kansas City area do not require an ACT or SAT score for admissions, and some have recently added scholarship opportunities for students without standardized test scores.

by Maria Benevento November 18, 2021November 17, 2021

Latest News

Nationwide, schools call police on Black students more often. Here’s what we can learn from KC schools.

by Maria Benevento November 12, 2021November 12, 2021

The Beacon Newsletter

Public service journalism delivered every Tuesday and Thursday, straight to your inbox.

Economics

Kansas City is developing a winter plan for unhoused people. Will it be enough?

The city’s plans include more collaboration with service providers and funding the creation of more transitional housing.

by Celisa Calacal November 22, 2021November 19, 2021

Kansas City Land Bank chair departs amid oversight failures

Attorney Julie Anderson, whose term expired in 2020, will be replaced by LaDonna Gooden.

by Emily Wolf and Celisa Calacal November 3, 2021November 4, 2021

In Overland Park mayor’s race, tax breaks for developers take center stage

Former business executive Mike Czinege has criticized tax incentives. Opponent Curt Skoog says incentives can improve Overland Park.

by Celisa Calacal October 30, 2021November 13, 2021

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The Kansas City Beacon is the metro’s first nonprofit, community-supported digital news organization in the public interest. We’re changing the face of journalism with an innovative model for reliable, truthful news here in the Midwest. And we’re partnering with you – the readers – to make it happen.

This is your newsroom.

As debate over sheltered workshops heats up, Missouri doubles down on paying people with disabilities less

Missouri adopts a new law to authorize subminimum wages for disabled employees as a failsafe solution to challenges against a controversial federal law.

by Madison Hopkins November 24, 2021November 22, 2021

Health Care

Nearly half of abortions in Kansas are for Missouri residents. A constitutional amendment could change that.

After restrictions on abortion left Missouri with one in-state abortion clinic in St. Louis, residents turned to neighboring states for abortion services.

by Josh Merchant November 17, 2021November 17, 2021

Civic Engagement

Kansas City is redrawing its City Council districts. Here’s what that means for you.

City Council redistricting maps must be approved by Dec. 31, and could impact political representation at the local level for years to come.

by Celisa Calacal November 13, 2021November 13, 2021

Local Government

As Missouri redistricting gets underway, community-drawn maps are adding to the conversation

‘Communities of interest’ are now being used as a redistricting factor in 24 states, and are intended to help protect groups with a specific interest from being separated.

by Emily Wolf November 10, 2021November 10, 2021

Health Care

Helping refugees transcend trauma in northeast Kansas City

After arriving in Kansas City, refugees and Afghan evacuees face anxiety and trauma. Here’s how northeast KC helps them build resilience.

by Josh Merchant November 6, 2021November 5, 2021

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The Kansas City Beacon

Featured Story

Kansas City’s Northland divided over proposal to redraw City Council districts

Latest News

While some parents push for book bans, educators and other community members promote diversity

The ABCs of tax incentives in KC: TIFs, PIEA, LCRA and more

How economic development happens in Kansas City

Charter school enrollment surpasses KCPS for the first time

Help us shine a light in Kansas City

Local Government

Kansas City declared a climate emergency. Now what?

Taking KC Back needed 13,700 signatures per council member to start a recall. They collected fewer than 4,000 for each.

Ever wanted to sit on a Kansas City board or commission? Here’s how the appointment process works

Education

Featured Story

No ACT score? Many KC-area colleges will admit you, and financial aid options are improving

Latest News

Nationwide, schools call police on Black students more often. Here’s what we can learn from KC schools.

The Beacon Newsletter

Public service journalism delivered every Tuesday and Thursday, straight to your inbox.

Economics

Kansas City is developing a winter plan for unhoused people. Will it be enough?

Kansas City Land Bank chair departs amid oversight failures

In Overland Park mayor’s race, tax breaks for developers take center stage

About Us

More Stories

As debate over sheltered workshops heats up, Missouri doubles down on paying people with disabilities less

Nearly half of abortions in Kansas are for Missouri residents. A constitutional amendment could change that.

Kansas City is redrawing its City Council districts. Here’s what that means for you.

As Missouri redistricting gets underway, community-drawn maps are adding to the conversation

Helping refugees transcend trauma in northeast Kansas City

A free email newsletter breaking down the issues that affect Kansans and Missourians the most.

Featured Story

Latest News

Local Government

Education

Featured Story

Latest News

The Beacon Newsletter

Public service journalism delivered every Tuesday and Thursday, straight to your inbox.

Economics

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