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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On April 2, Jackson County voters will decide whether to give Royals $1 billion to construct a ballpark in the Crossroads Arts District. But the team has yet to share its full plan for funding the stadium, and experts warn that lack of transparency could lead to extra spending on unnecessary upgrades.
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The Royals are asking Jackson County voters to sign off on a $1 billion sales tax to pay for a new stadium in the Crossroads. But even then, they’ll need another $700 million to make it happen. That’s where the team expects Kansas City and Missouri taxpayers to come in.
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Jackson County voters will see a question in the April 2 election asking to repeal and replace a sales tax, which would help pay for a new Royals ballpark. Here is a guide to the stadium ballot measure, including whether the Royals needs taxpayer dollars and who would own it.
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One in 20 Kansas City residents have limited proficiency in English. An ordinance passed by Kansas City Council on Thursday will create a city office dedicated to expanding translation abilities, and bridge the gap between the government and the local immigrant population.
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After an especially cold month, Kansas City residents can expect energy and gas bills sometimes topping $200. Utilities like Evergy, Spire and Ameren need approval on their rates from regulators in Missouri and Kansas.
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In the Kansas City area, hospitals are already seeing a steady stream of cases associated with respiratory viruses, including COVID. If the trend of hospitalizations continues, the CDC warns that hospitals will be forced to ration care.
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Mayor Tyrone Garner said the Unified Government is headed towards "complete financial ruin," and wants to give the mayor's office more power. But the idea of breaking up Kansas City, Kansas, and Wyandotte County may not fix the underlying problems, and could make finances worse.
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Local leaders say this year’s sales tax vote could have “substantial and very serious” consequences for Kansas City's bus system.
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As Kansas City explores constructing a new municipal jail, prison experts say the city has an opportunity to take a different approach to crime. Kansas City has long used its municipal jail for those who violate city codes, but the vast majority of inmates are nonviolent offenders.
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The proliferation of traditional grass lawns have brought problems like flooding, river contamination and pests. But the local ordinances and the rules of homeowners’ associations across the Kansas City area practically insist on Euro-style turf.