Jackson County

Voters around the Kansas City area went to the polls Tuesday to vote on issues critical to their local communities. The metro area saw city council upsets, a win for the four-day school week, and a history-making new mayor, among other results.

Many Kansas City families are worried about their next meal. The government shutdown has left thousands of federal workers in the metro without a paycheck. At the same time, SNAP benefits have been cut back and delayed. Here’s a list of Kansas City-area pantries and kitchens who are meeting the demand.

The vote comes after years of tax increases have incensed Jackson County residents. It was the only charter county in Missouri to appoint, rather than elect, its assessor.

After Kansas City saw a rise in homicides connected to domestic violence, Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson is collaborating with local municipalities to be proactive in charging before a situation escalates. Johnson also spoke with KCUR's Up To Date with her initiatives to reduce violent crime and efforts on property crimes.

A medida que la temporada de gripe empieza a aparecer en el centro del país, los nuevos y diferentes mensajes sobre las vacunas procedentes de Washington están provocando dudas sobre la vacunación. Y las autoridades sanitarias de Kansas City están observando una tendencia preocupante en el número de personas que contraen la tos ferina.

As flu season settles over the Midwest, new and different vaccine messaging from Washington is spurring vaccine hesitation. And Kansas City health officials are noticing a concerning trend in the number of people contracting whooping cough.

Phil LeVota was sworn in this week as Jackson County executive after a nomination process that was criticized by some as “smoke and mirrors.” Taking over the rest of Frank White Jr.'s term, he will face the daunting task of fixing the property tax assessment process.

LeVota was sworn in as interim Jackson County executive Thursday. He replaces Frank White, Jr., who was recalled by voters in September. LeVota says his first priority is property tax relief, and he’s sworn not to run for a full term next year.

LeVota succeeds Frank White Jr., who was recalled by voters on Sept. 30. LeVota will serve until January 2027, which is the remainder of White's term. He used to work in the county prosecutor's office.

The Jackson County Legislature will appoint an interim county executive to serve until November 2026. Former County Executive Frank White Jr. was recalled by voters on Sept. 30, and former Kansas City Mayor Kay Barnes is serving for up to 30 days as temporary county executive.

A new poll from the Kansas City Regional Transit Alliance found that voters in four counties across the metro would support a regional sales tax dedicated to bus service, even as soon as next year.

Frank White Jr. has been unseated as Jackson County Executive after losing a special recall election on Tuesday. However, he's fighting the election in court, while county legislators move forward with picking his replacement — a process that could include little public input.