The Beacon Kansas City

For years, Missouri education regulators concluded the Hickman Mills School District fell short in key ways. It was only partially accredited. Now, the latest state performance reports show the small Kansas City district scoring above the threshold for full accreditation. But there’s also bad news. Contrary to its original plan, Missouri’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is combining this year’s scores with past years’ to evaluate districts.

The number of Kansas children who didn’t know where their next meal would come from grew by 37,000 from 2021 to 2022. The rise in food insecurity shows up at food banks across the state. Aundrea Walker, the executive director of Just Food, said 30% of the people it serves are under 18 years old. Walker has worked at the Lawrence-based food bank for 10 years. She’s never seen demand so high. “The amount of individuals and households we’re serving is absolutely insane,” she said. Walker said Just Food spends about $40,000 a month on food. That isn’t enough. “We’re constantly running out,” she said.

What streets do you avoid on your drive to work? Would a crosswalk, speed hump or stop sign help? Good news: Kansas City residents can ask the city to install new speed humps, stop signs or crosswalks in their neighborhood. Here's how.

Tomorrow! Join The Beacon for an eye-opening panel discussion on the state of local homeless shelters and the future of our neighborhoods in Kansas City. This is your opportunity to voice your concerns, learn about the city’s new initiatives like the low-barrier shelter at Hope Faith, and hear from residents and community leaders who are directly impacted. ? Date: Weds, Nov 20 ? Time: 5:00 - 7:00 pm ? Location: Independence Boulevard Christian Church Come be part of the conversation. Your input matters for a more connected community. RSVP now to save your spot! #CommunityJournalismLab #KansasCity #HomelessnessSolutions

If you’re driving to work on one of KC’s four-lane roads, you have to be a quick thinker. You might be in the right lane until a car slows to a stop in front of you — so you weave into the fast-moving left lane. Until you hit the brakes, because the car in front of you is waiting to turn left. But switch back to the right lane to escape that bottleneck and you risk pulling in front of other drivers. The Kansas City Council is stepping in. Armour Road in midtown Kansas City was put on a road diet in 2018, resulting in slower speeds and fewer deadly crashes. Now, the city is planning to do the same thing to 28 other roads.

Join us for an engaging event where residents, experts, and local leaders will share experiences and discuss solutions to Kansas City's homelessness crisis that benefits everyone. Our Nov. 20 panel will be moderated by The Beacon's Mili Mansaray & feature: ? Evie Craig | President of Paseo West Neighborhood Association ? Doug Langner | Executive Director at Hope Faith ? Nate Evans | Program Supervisor at Heartland Center for Behavioral Change ? Ken Simard | Advocate for the Kansas City Homeless Union This free, public event is not just about awareness—it’s about making your voice heard and helping everyone understand what steps we can take together to create positive change. Reserve your spot today and contribute to shaping the future of our city. #KansasCity #KansasCityEvent #TheBeacon #TheBeaconNews

What's going on with homeless shelters around KC? Good question - let's touch base. The Beacon's Community Journalism Lab is hosting a guest panel for a free listening session about homeless shelters on Wednesday, November 20 - and collecting donations to give back. Join us and provide your insights into what needs to be covered differently by the news regarding homelessness and the unhoused. Save your seat here: https://buff.ly/3AvEMFH

We've got you covered with Missouri's latest election results: See election results for Missouri amendments, legislators, U.S. Senate and House members, governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, state treasurer and more as they stand now.

We've got you covered with Missouri's latest election results: See election results for Missouri amendments, legislators, U.S. Senate and House members, governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, state treasurer and more as they stand now.

The Beacon is here to help you how to find out what’s really happening with 2024 election results (spoiler alert: not social media)