People gathered by the hundreds in cities across the U.S. on Saturday as part of a nationwide day of protest to coincide with a military parade in Washington celebrating 250 years of the United States Army. Kansas City and other cities in the area saw thousands take to the streets.
Celisa Calacal
As KCUR’s Missouri politics and government reporter, it’s my job to show how government touches every aspect of our lives. I break down political jargon so people can easily understand policies and how it affects them. My work is people-forward and centered on civic engagement and democracy. I hold political leaders and public officials accountable for the decisions they make and their impact on our communities. Follow me on Twitter @celisa_mia or email me at celisa@kcur.org.
Posted inElections
Kansas City is voting on a sales tax to fund a new jail. Here’s what to know about Question 1
Kansas City’s public safety sales tax has been used to support the police department and emergency and medical services. Mayor Quinton Lucas and other officials want voters to renew it so the city can use the money to build a new jail and rehabilitation center.
Posted inKansas City
Kansas City is backing a low-barrier shelter — after objections stalled a similar plan
The Kansas City Council on Thursday unanimously approved funding for a low-barrier, year-round overnight homeless shelter in the northeast — the first of its kind in the city — after shelving a similar plan earlier this year. A low-barrier shelter accepts any person regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, condition or religious affiliation. Officials […]
Posted inElections
Missouri votes yes on Amendment 4, forcing Kansas City to increase police spending
Missouri voters once again approved a ballot measure that requires Kansas City to increase its minimum police funding – but by a much narrower margin than in 2022. Amendment 4 passed with 51% of the statewide vote, compared to 63% of voters supported the measure. The measure requires Kansas City to spend at least 25% of its […]
Posted inState Government
Missouri Amendment 4: What to know about the Kansas City Police funding ballot question
When you look at your Aug. 6 Missouri ballot and see the same question about funding for the Kansas City Police Department as two years ago, that’s not a mistake. In April, the Missouri Supreme Court ordered the state to run the vote again. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas’s lawsuit challenging the police funding question prompted the court to throw out […]
Posted inLocal Government
Voters consider renewing a sales tax for KC East Side projects despite slow progress
If you walk down the hall of KD Academy, watch your step. A tyke might bolt from a room to hug the shins of the man who has come to pick him up. Such a scene unfolded recently as Myron McCant led an afternoon tour of the early learning center he owns and operates with […]