Over the past seven years, Jackson County has seen three different county executives. After then-County Executive Mike Sanders resigned at the end of 2015 — and went to prison in 2018 for corruption — Fred Arbanas served for one week as interim executive until Frank White Jr. was appointed to the role in January 2016. Now, […]
Here’s why all eyes are on the Jackson County executive race on Nov. 8
Posted inElections, Kansas State Government
Changes to checks and balances: What these constitutional amendments could mean for Kansas
Kansans may have seen postcards in their mailbox, videos in their Facebook feed or commercials on television admonishing voters to support House Concurrent Resolution 5014, a proposed constitutional amendment listed on the November ballot as Constitutional Question 1. But while the ads are long on platitudes, they’re short on specifics, leaving many Kansas voters to […]
Posted inElections, State Government
What’s on your Missouri ballot for the Nov. 8 midterm election?
In-person absentee voting starts this week in Missouri, and Kansas City area voters can begin casting ballots in races like the U.S. House and Senate, as well as state legislative races and a handful of proposed amendments to the state’s constitution. The Beacon compiled a guide to what’s on your Missouri ballot for the Nov. 8 […]
Posted inCivic Engagement, Elections
Voting in the Kansas general election? Here’s what to expect when casting your ballot
The Kansas general election is on Nov. 8, but voters don’t have to wait that long to vote. Whether you vote on election day, by mail or early in person, The Beacon has created a guide to help you prepare. How do I check my voter registration information? When do I vote in the Kansas […]
Posted inCivic Engagement, Elections, Local Government
Sedgwick County District 5 represents SE Wichita, Derby and Mulvane. Where do commission candidates stand on key issues?
Jim Howell, a Republican, is the current county commissioner representing District 5. He is being challenged by John McIntosh, a Democrat. Where do they stand on key issues like marijuana, mental health and diversity.
Posted inElections, State Government
Who spent what: Missouri’s campaign finance reports, from U.S. Senate to the campaign for legal weed
Eric Schmitt spent nearly $20,000 at Mar-a-Lago while pursuing his bid to be Missouri’s next U.S. senator. Proponents for legal weed spent six figures on legal fees. And a GOP challenger for Emanuel Cleaver’s seat in the U.S. Congress raised a mere $33. Those are some of the nuggets included in new Missouri campaign finance […]
Posted inCivic Engagement, Elections, Local Government
Sedgwick County commissioner District 4 candidates give stances on fentanyl, mental health and marijuana
Lacey Cruse, a Democrat, is the current county commissioner representing District 4. She is being challenged by Ryan Baty, a Republican.
Posted inCivic Engagement
Black woman who escaped abductor’s basement affirms problem of missing Black women in Kansas City
On Oct. 7, a terrified 22-year-old Black woman escaped from a home in Excelsior Springs. She told police she had been locked up there for about a month, after being abducted from Prospect Avenue in Kansas City by a man who lives in the home. The man, Timothy M. Haslett Jr., 39, is in custody […]
Posted inEducation
When would schools close under KCPS proposal? Here’s what we know.
If the board approves the plan in its current form, new academic initiatives and planning for new and renovated school buildings would begin immediately. Here’s what the remainder of the decade could look like.
Posted inCivic Engagement, Elections, Local Government
Marijuana, mental health and diversity: Where do Sedgwick County commissioner District 1 candidates stand?
Pete Meitzner, a Republican, is the current county commissioner representing District 1. He is being challenged by Kelli Grant, a Democrat.