In 2020, there was a push to recall Mayor Quinton Lucas, but it failed to garner enough signatures to be put on the ballot. Now, there’s an ongoing campaign to recall Councilman Eric Bunch, who represents the 4th District.
Yes, a recall election could happen in Kansas City. Here’s how it works.
Posted inWatchdog
Out of detention, into debt: How fines and fees bury young people in Kansas’ justice system
The moment a case is filed in juvenile court, the dollars owed rack up. There’s a $34 docket fee. Sedgwick County can tack on a law library fee up to $14. Kansas does appoint an attorney for free, but for any following casework the attorney can charge a “reasonable fee,” a number not specified in state law. NyKia Watkins said […]
Posted inDIY Democracy, Local Government
Showing up and speaking out: How to participate in KC’s government process
Want to participate in Kansas City, Missouri’s legislative process, but not sure where to start? The Kansas City Beacon has created this guide to watching, attending and testifying at city government meetings. Where to find government meeting times and locations Past and upcoming meeting dates are published on the city clerk’s calendar. Users can sort […]
Posted inEconomics
Scared of banks? This program helps Kansas Citians open low-cost accounts
A 2019 survey by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation found that nearly 6% of people in the Kansas City metro area do not have a bank account, limiting their ability to get loans and save for the future. A nationwide effort coming to Kansas City aims to change that. It’s called Bank On, and its […]
Posted inEducation
What to know about mask mandates and schools
Many major districts — such as those in Kansas City, Missouri; Kansas City, Kansas; Olathe; Shawnee Mission; Blue Valley; North Kansas City; and Lee’s Summit — are requiring masks, but a few area districts have made them optional.
Posted inEducation
How does Wichita Public Schools spend an average $15,000 per student?
Jennifer Owen helps nonverbal students find their voices. The speech pathologist for Wichita Public Schools specializes in augmentative and alternative communications, helping students with trouble speaking, reading or communicating their thoughts to do just that. She does her work with tools, often expensive ones, like tablets that help students with word and image icons. She’s […]
Posted inLocal Government
KCPD ignores requests for progress report on five-year-old audit
Update: The Kansas City Beacon received confirmation that the audit was discussed by the Board of Police Commissioners and then-chief Darryl Forté, who decided to take no action at the time. An ARTS report conveying that fact was never filed with the city auditor. The Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department should monitor how often employees […]
Posted inWatchdog
Wichita joins a long list of cities where gang data has been challenged
Update: A federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a gang list maintained by the Wichita Police Department will continue, though a judge dismissed three of its seven counts. The lawsuit, filed by Progeny, Kansas Appleseed and the ACLU in April 2021 on behalf of four Black men in Wichita, alleges that the gang list targets […]
Posted inLocal Government
Jazz in jeopardy: City-owned dangerous buildings at 18th and Vine sit in limbo
Roofs are missing. Cracks and small holes riddle the windows. Debris clutters the exposed interiors. One glass panel facing 18th Street has a painted sign: Paseo Bootery, Shoes and Repairing.
Posted inEconomics
‘Out of sight, out of mind’: Absentee owners allow properties to become dangerous buildings in Kansas City
A majority of these absentee-owned dangerous buildings are concentrated in neighborhoods east of Troost Avenue, a historic economic and racial dividing line in Kansas City.