Josh Merchant
Josh Merchant is The Kansas City Beacon's local government reporter. After graduating from Seattle University, Josh attended Columbia Journalism School, earning a master’s degree in investigative journalism. Originally from Colorado, Josh has contributed reporting to The Seattle Spectator, The South Seattle Emerald and THE CITY in New York. They're a former Beacon intern.
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Kansas Citians have few options for swimming this July 4 weekend. Problems from maintenance to supply chain issues to lifeguard shortages have meant some pools in the region won’t be open this summer. -
Even with schools closed, summer meal sites in the Kansas City area serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, and they may be closer to your home than you think.
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Even though Kansas City made it illegal for prospective landlords or employers to ask applicants if they have a felony conviction, the law hasn't stopped discrimination — especially for ex-felons whose past crimes are readily found on the internet.
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Senate Bill 843, proposed by Sen. Mike Moon, a Republican from Ash Grove, would outlaw gender-affirming hormone replacement therapy and surgical procedures for minors. A medical practitioner who prescribes or administers these treatments would have their medical license revoked.
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After abortion restrictions left Missouri with just one clinic in St. Louis, residents have turned to neighboring states for those services. But a ballot measure in August 2022 will let Kansas voters decide whether abortion is not a constitutional right in the state.
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Local advocates say that for every five employers who contact agencies with job openings, only one is accessible by public transportation.
