Wyandotte County

The Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, passed a revised version of its public camping ban — which includes lesser penalties for first time offenses than the initial proposal. Kansas City, Kansas Police called the measure “dignified,” but opponents worry it will criminalize homelessness.

A revised version of the public camping ban — which includes lesser penalties for first time offenses — passed Thursday night. Kansas City, Kansas Police called the measure “dignified” but opponents worry it will criminalize homelessness.

Wyandotte County Deputy Richard Fatherley is free while he awaits trial in the July 5 death of Charles Adair, who prosecutors say was killed when Fatherly knelt on his back. Fatherley, who faced his first hearing Tuesday, wasn’t required to appear in court in person, which the judge said was standard early in the judicial process when substantive issues aren't heard.

The Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly considering land near the Kansas Speedway to build a new stadium and entertainment district, with the state still offering to finance up to 70% of the project. They've put out a request for proposals from firms to design it.

The 1.8 million square foot "hyperscale" data center would be the largest development in Wyandotte County's history. But residents and an environmental group voiced concerns about government transparency, location and environmental costs.

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.

As the new leader of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, Watson will take over the role amid serious budget problems despite rapid development around the Kansas Speedway. Voters also weighed in on five open commission seats and reelected the Wyandotte County Sheriff.

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.

On Nov. 4, voters around Kansas City will decide a number of critical local issues in their communities, including multiple mayoral races, whether to "abandon" Prairie Village's form of government, if Independence can keep its four-day school week, and more.

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.

The Unified Government could vote this week on an ordinance that would make it illegal for people to sleep outside on public and private property. But without a single overnight shelter in Wyandotte County, community groups say the crackdown will only worsen conditions for unhoused residents.

A coroner's report found that 50-year-old Charles Adair died by "mechanical asphyxia" at the Wyandotte County Detention Center after a deputy kneeled on his back and restrained him. A similar tactic caused the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.