Editor’s note: This story has been updated to clarify that Centurion Johnson is a co-owner of Journey Embraced. Cleveland Chatmon has had his fair share of experience with white counselors. When he had therapy with a white female counselor, he felt out of place sharing his issues with her. “Not having the comfortability with her […]
For Black Kansas Citians seeking therapy, having a Black counselor makes a difference
Posted inLocal Government
How should the city spend its federal COVID recovery dollars? Wichitans weigh in
Prior to the pandemic, Faith Martin saw affordable housing largely discussed in the context of homelessness or the limited availability of Section 8 vouchers. Recently, though, she’s seen the issue balloon. Her friends who are long-term tenants had to move after a rent increase. As an advisory board member for her City Council district, she […]
Posted inDIY Democracy, Education
How to attend, watch or comment at your local school board meeting
Here’s how to attend, watch or submit comments to a school board meeting in several large Kansas City-area districts.
Posted inEconomics
With moratoriums expiring, Kansas Citians face challenges paying off utility debt
While a federal eviction moratorium has been in place since last year, moratoriums on utility shutoffs were implemented at the local level by utility companies.
Posted inWatchdog
3,000 people are on Wichita’s Gang List. Some listed don’t know they’re on it.
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 inEducation
KCK schools use federal relief funds to help students catch up after remote learning
On July 14, the Kansas State Board of Education approved the district’s plan to spend more than $29.3 million of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds.
Posted inDIY Democracy, Local Government
How to file a complaint against KCPD
Officers can be held accountable for actions that fall into six categories: bias-based policing, discourtesy, excessive use of force, harassment, improper conduct and improper procedure.
Posted inEconomics
This is where you can still apply for rent and utility assistance in the Kansas City metro
Kansas City was approved for a second round of funding for emergency rental assistance. The application portal will reopen Sept. 1.
Posted inEconomics
‘I’m gonna lose it all’: Tenants left in the dark as KC’s rental assistance program closes to new applicants
Four months since launching, the program is no longer accepting new applications. The city has already received enough applications to use up all of its $14.8 million funding pool.
Posted inLocal Government
When your abuser is the law: Sexual and domestic violence persistent in Kansas law enforcement
Content warning: This story contains references to and descriptions of domestic and sexual violence. The Beacon has included a resource box with contact information for local support organizations. Audio-Reader · TheBeacon 7-20-21: When Your Abuser Is The Law Every year, dozens of law enforcement officers in Kansas lose their certifications. The reasons vary and include […]