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In Depth. Independent. In Kansas City.

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Josh Merchant

Author Archives: 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.

josh@thebeacon.media
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Razor wire on a prison fence, against an overcast sky
Posted inLocal Government

Does Kansas City overuse jails? Commission looks for better solutions

Josh Merchant by Josh Merchant September 22, 2023September 27, 2023

One of the most effective ways to make sure someone shows up at their trial is to send them a text reminder with their court date.

But instead of texting criminal defendants, Kansas City spends millions of dollars every year to hold people in jail while they await trial.

Power lines against a sunset in the background
Posted inLocal Government

Half of the BPU board is up for election. Here’s how they keep the lights on in KCK

Josh Merchant by Josh Merchant September 13, 2023September 13, 2023
A cluster of white flowers sticking straight up from a garden. A yellow butterfly sits on one of the flowers, and a lush thicket of plants and wildflowers are visible in the background.
Posted inLocal Government

As more Kansas Citians embrace native lawns, local codes try to keep up

Josh Merchant by Josh Merchant August 31, 2023August 30, 2023
A sign that says, "PV Stop Rezoning" on a lawn in Prairie Village
Posted inLocal Government

The zoning dispute that has Prairie Village warring with itself over housing

Josh Merchant by Josh Merchant August 18, 2023August 17, 2023
A grey house sits in a overgrown lawn with a "no tresspassing" sign on the door.
Posted inLocal Government

Inside KC’s 311 complaint hotline: More than 300,000 reports

Julie FreijatJosh Merchant by Julie Freijat and Josh Merchant August 9, 2023August 11, 2023
City Hall in Kansas City, Kansas for a story about the KCK 2023 primary election.
Posted inLocal Government

Four candidates challenge an incumbent in KCK’s District 3

Josh Merchant by Josh Merchant July 26, 2023July 26, 2023
Posted inLocal Government

A pastor, a retired glazier and a small business owner want to represent Wyandotte County’s District 6

Josh Merchant by Josh Merchant July 24, 2023July 24, 2023
KCK District 4 primary candidate headshots for the 2023 election.
Posted inLocal Government

KCK’s District 4 candidates talk housing, public safety and community engagement

Josh Merchant by Josh Merchant July 21, 2023July 20, 2023
Disrict 2 Kansas City, Kansas, primary candidates
Posted inLocal Government

What the District 2 election means for eastern Kansas City, Kansas

Josh Merchant by Josh Merchant July 20, 2023July 26, 2023
An empty lot, covered in grass, with the Polsinelli building in the background
Posted inLocal Government

Waldo and Plaza-area projects push for Port KC tax breaks

Josh Merchant by Josh Merchant July 18, 2023July 20, 2023

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