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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Following national uproar over the shooting of 16-year-old Ralph Yarl, protesters are showing up in Kansas City's Northland, the federal courthouse and KCPD headquarters. Here's what you need to know when you're organizing or attending a protest in Kansas City.
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Jackson County has warned that property assessments are increasing this year, and although that does not necessarily mean an increase in property tax bills, many homeowners are reminded of the rocky assessment cycle in 2019, when 24,000 property owners saw their assessments double.
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The ordinance, effective immediately, prohibits any practice or treatment that seeks to change a minor’s sexual orientation or gender identity. But the road to the new ban has been tumultuous, despite pressure from Kansas City LGBTQ organizations.
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How early should you arrive to the airport? What’s the quickest way to pick up a traveler? Will Kansas City ever get a light rail to the airport? Here's a guide to some of the questions that remain, a month after KCI opened its new $1.5 billion single terminal.
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Kansas City’s state-controlled police board is trying to use the courts to increase police funding. Advocates are worried it could strain the city's resources even further, while failing to improve police services.
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Nearly six years and $1.5 billion later, the new KCI terminal is set to open at the end of February. But the cost estimate has expanded greatly since the project was approved by Kansas City voters in 2017.
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KCATA's development arm aims to create walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods with easy access to public transit. But some Kansas City leaders are concerned about the agency's use of tax incentives — and lack of affordable housing requirements.
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Supporters of state control say the system was established to limit political influence on the police department in the 1930s. But the 150-year history of state control dates back to the Civil War.
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The Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners oversees a $268 million budget and regularly discusses important matters in closed session.
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Under Kansas City's Tenants Bill of Rights, rental housing must have functional heating, sewage, hot water, plumbing and electrical fixtures, and any provided appliances must remain functional. The Healthy Homes program can compel a landlord to resolve any violations.