Local News — The Kansas City Beacon

Featured Story

Here’s how Kansas City spent $32 million in CARES Act money

A Beacon analysis of Kansas City CARES Act funds funneled from Jackson, Platte and Clay counties shows the city spent the most money on payroll, public health expenses and economic support for nonprofits, businesses and other outside entities.

by Madison Hopkins

Latest News

Five things to know about KCPS getting full accreditation

by Maria Benevento

Dry ground and unmet promises: Parkville’s wetlands project is dead in the water

by Emily Wolf

COVID Help Desk: Your questions answered

by Madison Hopkins

Does remote learning cancel snow days? Not in Missouri and Kansas.

by Maria Benevento

Local Government

Hey, where’s that snowplow? Kansas City adopts a new method for guiding them

More than 100 trucks will be outfitted with an electronic tablet, which will track their progress using location data.

by Emily Wolf December 29, 2021January 5, 2022

‘I still haven’t been allowed to live’: Ex-KCKFD firefighter left in financial limbo after discrimination verdict

Eight months ago, a jury awarded a former Kansas City, Kansas, Fire Department firefighter $2.4 million. He hasn’t seen a cent.

by Emily Wolf December 21, 2021January 4, 2022

KCMO councilmember provides free transportation to City Hall Thursday for opponents to proposed Northland redistricting

At the heart of the debate over whether to keep the vertical divide between the 1st and 2nd Council Districts is the definition of an “Involved Northlander,” and who that leaves out.

by Emily Wolf December 15, 2021January 4, 2022

Education

Featured Story

Federal student loan repayments got pushed back — again. Here are 5 ways to make the most of the extra 90 days.

A pandemic-related loan freeze was extended. You can use the extra time to get ready.

by Maria Benevento January 4, 2022January 14, 2022

Latest News

Know your rights: How to make sure a child with disabilities can access education

by Maria Benevento December 22, 2021January 14, 2022

The Beacon Newsletter

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

Health Care

COVID in 2021: A look back at data visualizations showing Kansas City trends in year two of the pandemic

We updated some of our most telling graphics of the year to see what’s changed, what hasn’t and what data we’ll be watching in the future.

by Madison Hopkins December 28, 2021January 12, 2022

KCMO COVID-19 metrics are trending up. These indicators might signal future Kansas City mask mandates.

COVID-19 in KCMO is as bad as it was the last time a mask mandate was enacted. Here’s how the city’s current metrics stack up.

by Madison Hopkins December 14, 2021January 12, 2022

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, 2021January 4, 2022

About Us

Kansas Citians deserve a trusted source for unbiased, independent local news. And we’re here to provide it.

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.

How an ordinance over bike lanes became a flashpoint for conversations about Kansas City infrastructure

The ordinance ignited fierce debate between residents who support bikes and residents who think the 3rd District is overlooked and left behind.

by Celisa Calacal December 30, 2021January 4, 2022

Local Government

The goal for new Kansas City neighborhoods director: less enforcement, more engagement

The standalone neighborhoods department split from the city’s housing department earlier this year.

by Celisa Calacal December 27, 2021December 21, 2021

Education

‘You know what your child needs’: 4 tips on advocating during special education meetings

Education meetings can get emotional, but there is support available to help you communicate well with your school and express your concerns.

by Maria Benevento December 22, 2021December 21, 2021

Civic Engagement

Here are five free ways to explore Kansas City over winter break

From interactive museum tours and library visits to snowy hikes in Parkville, plan to get out there (safely!) and take full advantage of the new year.

by Emily Standlee December 21, 2021December 20, 2021

Education

K-12 education topics dominate 2022 Missouri legislative agenda

More than 120 bills have been filed by Missouri legislators covering a wide range of topics, from teaching about race and bias to parental rights.

by Maria Benevento December 20, 2021December 17, 2021

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The Kansas City Beacon

Featured Story

Here’s how Kansas City spent $32 million in CARES Act money

Latest News

Five things to know about KCPS getting full accreditation

Dry ground and unmet promises: Parkville’s wetlands project is dead in the water

COVID Help Desk: Your questions answered

Does remote learning cancel snow days? Not in Missouri and Kansas.

Help us shine a light in Kansas City

Local Government

Hey, where’s that snowplow? Kansas City adopts a new method for guiding them

‘I still haven’t been allowed to live’: Ex-KCKFD firefighter left in financial limbo after discrimination verdict

KCMO councilmember provides free transportation to City Hall Thursday for opponents to proposed Northland redistricting

Education

Featured Story

Federal student loan repayments got pushed back — again. Here are 5 ways to make the most of the extra 90 days.

Latest News

Know your rights: How to make sure a child with disabilities can access education

The Beacon Newsletter

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

Health Care

COVID in 2021: A look back at data visualizations showing Kansas City trends in year two of the pandemic

KCMO COVID-19 metrics are trending up. These indicators might signal future Kansas City mask mandates.

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

About Us

More Stories

How an ordinance over bike lanes became a flashpoint for conversations about Kansas City infrastructure

The goal for new Kansas City neighborhoods director: less enforcement, more engagement

‘You know what your child needs’: 4 tips on advocating during special education meetings

Here are five free ways to explore Kansas City over winter break

K-12 education topics dominate 2022 Missouri legislative agenda

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.

Health Care

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