A yearslong conflict roiling Prairie Village comes to a head as voters cast ballots on whether to abandon the city’s form of government. But the question isn’t necessarily what it seems.
Josh Merchant
Josh Merchant is The Beacon's local government reporter in Kansas City. After graduating from Seattle University, Josh earned a master’s degree in investigative journalism from Columbia Journalism School with coursework in data journalism. Josh has contributed reporting to The Seattle Spectator, The South Seattle Emerald and THE CITY in New York. They're a former Beacon intern. At The Beacon, they reported on issues of traffic safety, with a focus on roadway design, as well as tax-incentivized development at a variety of Kansas City agencies. They have lived in Kansas City since 2021.
Posted inElections
Prairie Village council election hinges on $30M city hall project. Here’s why
Prairie Village is divided on whether to construct a new municipal complex. Nowhere is that conflict more apparent than in this year’s city council election.
Posted inElections
Meet 8 people who want to represent you on Wyandotte County’s Board of Commissioners
Four districts will appear on the Nov. 4 ballot for Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas. The candidates told The Beacon their plans to address public safety, development, deportations and more.
Posted inElections
Wyandotte County through the eyes of two candidates for mayor
This year’s candidates for mayor include a 30-year attorney and a nonprofit executive. They told The Beacon about the biggest issues facing Wyandotte County, including property taxes, public safety, staff culture and affordability.
Posted inLocal Government
‘Relief is coming’: New Jackson County executive outlines his plan for assessments and stadiums
Phil LeVota was appointed Jackson County executive after a nomination process that was criticized by some as “smoke and mirrors.” Once he’s sworn in, he’ll face the daunting task of fixing the assessment process.
Posted inLocal Government
Voters have recalled Frank White. Will that hold up in court?
Preliminary election results show 85% of voters supporting the Sept. 30 recall of Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr. But legal challenges loom that could get the election results thrown out.
Posted inLocal Government
Some Jackson County officials don’t want you to know who might replace Frank White. We found out anyway
Phil LeVota, DaRon McGee and Dan Tarwater are the three biggest names being quietly discussed to potentially replace Frank White Jr. if he’s recalled. Here’s how the process would work.
Posted inElections
FAQ: All about the Sept. 30 special election to recall Frank White Jr.
Supporters of the recall say they’re ticked off about how Frank White Jr. handled property assessments. Opponents say the construction lobby is trying to clear the path for “sweetheart stadium deals.”
Posted inLocal Government
Why a Raytown alderman was removed from office during a private meeting with the mayor
Latrice Thomas was removed from her position on the Raytown Board of Aldermen after an investigation into her taxes. Two months later, the city still has not publicly addressed her removal.
Posted inElections
Wyandotte County election results: Aug. 5 Unified Government primary
Voters in Wyandotte County cast their ballots for seven different elected positions on Aug. 5. Here’s what happened.