Voters in Jackson County will decide Nov. 3 whether to keep paying a quarter of a cent anti-crime sales tax for the next 10 years. COMBAT — short for community-backed anti-crime tax — appears on the ballot as Jackson County Question 1. A “yes” vote extends the sales tax for 10 years, while a “no” […]
Civic Engagement
Posted inCommunity Engagement
Closed stores, cracked sidewalks & viral restaurants: What Documenters see in KC neighborhoods
On the surface, The Beacon’s Documenters program is straightforward: Train and pay residents to cover municipal meetings. This cadre of workers helps The Beacon inform the public and increase government accountability. Yet on a deeper level, being a Documenter also means paying attention to the world around you, noticing details others might miss and investigating […]
Posted inElections
FAQ: Kansas City’s two $750 million water and sewer bond questions explained
The ballot language, the history, the projects and the money. Here’s everything you need to know about Kansas City’s Aug. 4 water and sewer bond questions.
Posted inState Government
Missouri governor begins redistricting process after Trump pressure. Kansas City is the target
President Trump has been pressuring Gov. Mike Kehoe to call a special session for mid-decade redistricting. Republican lawmakers hope to gerrymander congressional lines around Kansas City.
Posted inLocal Government
Kansas City cared more about branding than public transparency. A new audit urges an overhaul
The audit into the city’s communications department investigated issues with transparency. The department was consolidated and controlled by former City Manager Brian Platt, who was fired in March.
Posted inCivic Engagement
Thousands gather in Kansas City area for ‘No Kings’ protest against the Trump Administration
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.
Posted inCivic Engagement
Immigrants in Kansas City urged to self-deport by misleading Justice Department flyers
Justice Department posts self-deportation flyers that misinform, possibly jeopardizing an immigrant’s case
Posted inCivic Engagement
FAQ: What you need to know about the new Real ID
Starting May 7, the Real ID Act will begin to take effect to fly and enter federal buildings.
Posted inEducation
International students in Missouri sue Trump administration over revoked status
Previous minor run-ins with the law are suspected of drawing the scrutiny of Homeland Security., which could threaten their ability to legally remain in the United States.
Posted inCivic Engagement
Man deported after visiting family grave in Mexico is back in Kansas City
A DACA recipient from Roeland Park sued the Trump administration after he was not allowed to reenter the United States. He has returned to Kansas City.