The Beacon
How New Building Codes Could Help Fight Climate Change
The Kansas City Council is set to continue discussing implementation of more energy-efficient building codes at their Aug. 10 meeting.
Are You Willing to Close Schools to Fund Improvements? KCPS Wants to Know
Kansas City Public Schools is asking residents to weigh in on three scenarios, each of which strikes a different balance between closing schools and skipping potential improvements.
Electric Vehicle Adoption Hinges on Better Access to Charging Stations
Missouri was recently ranked seventh in the nation when it came to the number of registered electric vehicle drivers and charging locations. But the region still has gaps when it comes to electrification.
Here’s How Residents Along Troost Avenue Can Help Measure Kansas City Air Quality
KC Digital Drive and The Kansas City Beacon are co-hosting an event April 30 to discuss air quality sensors that measure climate, temperature and particulate matter in the air.
Deadline Looms for Missouri Schools to get $1.95 Billion in COVID Money
Missouri legislators face a March 24 deadline to release most of the funding before it returns to the federal government.
Vacant Lots, Absentee Owners, Little Accountability. What’s Going on With the Kansas City Land Bank?
The Kansas City Land Bank is supposed to revitalize neighborhoods. But a Beacon investigation found that the Land Bank has potential conflicts of interest between board members and buyers, and fails to hold buyers accountable to its own requirements. The result: Properties sit vacant for years.
Federal Pandemic Program Became a ‘Godsend’ to Kansas City Venues
Shuttered Venue Operators Grants went to 48 businesses in Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas, for a collective total of nearly $51.2 million, to help survive the COVID-19 pandemic.
Local Nonprofits Collaborate to Support, Enhance Kansas City Journalism
Six local nonprofit organizations have formed the KC Media Collective, a new collaborative initiative designed to support and enhance local journalism. Members of the KC Media Collective include American Public Square, Kansas City PBS/Flatland, KCUR, Missouri Business Alert, Startland News and The Kansas City Beacon.
‘They Need to Make Changes Now’: Local Housing Advocates Demand Improvements to KC’s Rental Assistance Program
KC Tenants recently released eight demands to strengthen Kansas City’s Emergency Rental and Utilities Assistance Program and get money out faster to people in danger of losing their homes.
Who is Taking KC Back? Behind the PAC Hoping to Oust Multiple Council Members
A new political action committee in Kansas City, Missouri, is quietly raising its influence and aims to have a say in how City Hall conducts business — and who is in office to do it.