Keeping track of information about your child’s special education plan in writing can help you understand and advocate for their needs.
‘You know what your child needs’: 4 tips on advocating during special education meetings
Posted inLocal Government
‘I still haven’t been allowed to live’: Ex-KCKFD firefighter left in financial limbo after discrimination verdict
In April, ex-KCK firefighter Jyan Harris won a racial discrimination lawsuit in federal court against his old employer, the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas. A federal jury awarded him $2.4 million in damages, money that Harris needs to support his family. Eight months later, Harris hasn’t seen a cent. “In some […]
Posted inCivic Engagement
Here are five free ways to explore Kansas City over winter break
The Plaza lights twinkled on for the 92nd time this year, marking the start of the holiday season in Kansas City. But fun in the cold season doesn’t have to end when the lights go dark on Jan. 9. Winter is a great time for exploration, both indoors and out. We’ve compiled a list of […]
Posted inEducation
K-12 education topics dominate 2022 Missouri legislative agenda
As of Thursday, a subject index of prefiled 2022 bills in the Missouri House shows “elementary and secondary education” is the most popular topic, with 84 bills filed.
Posted inEducation
Wichita teens want a bigger voice in meeting their mental health needs
Editor’s note: We updated this story on Dec. 20 to show that Truc Dao and Andrew Le are director and vice director of Students Empowerment, respectively, and members of ICTeens in Mind. One of the things Truc Dao has relearned in 20 months of high school during the pandemic is how to catch her breath. […]
Posted inEconomics, Local Government
What renters need to know about Kansas City’s new right-to-counsel law
Beginning in June, all tenants threatened with eviction will be guaranteed access to a lawyer if they want one, thanks to an ordinance the City Council approved last week.
Posted inLocal Government
What eliminating the food tax could mean for Wichitans
In early November, Gov. Laura Kelly announced a major initiative: “Axe the Food Tax.” The plan would eliminate the state sales tax on groceries. Efforts to squash or reduce this 6.5% tax on food items have been ongoing since at least 2015. But with the opposing parties both signaling their support for removing the tax, […]
Posted inCivic Engagement, Local Government
KCMO councilmember provides free transportation to City Hall Thursday for opponents to proposed Northland redistricting
Northland residents upset about the proposed redistricting map have been offered a free ride to a meeting of the Kansas City Council on Thursday. Kevin O’Neill, a council member for the 1st District, announced he would provide a bus to pick up people at the offices of Northland Neighborhoods Inc. and deliver them to City […]
Posted inLocal Government
Why has Wichita removed 189 bus stops in 2021?
When Cindy Coss picked Dodge Literacy Magnet Elementary for her son, a huge draw was the bus stop three blocks away from the school. “‘It was like, ‘Yay,’” Coss said, when they learned of the bus stop at Maple and Bebe streets. Coss can’t drive due to epilepsy. She relies on the city bus system […]
Posted inHealth
KCMO COVID-19 metrics are trending up. These indicators might signal future Kansas City mask mandates.
In general, many of the local COVID-19 metrics are as bad today as they were when the last mask mandate was enacted and are significantly worse off than when it expired last month.