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.
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.
