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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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A nighttime photo of the Kansas City skyline
Posted inLocal Government

Power surge: KC won’t penalize energy use violators

Avatar photo by Josh Merchant June 6, 2023June 6, 2023

For years, Kansas City has focused on reducing energy consumption among the largest contributors. But it is struggling to get building owners to cooperate.

A garden filled with native wildflowers and plants
Posted inLocal Government

Johnson County is recruiting gardeners to help prevent flooding in Kansas City

Avatar photo by Josh Merchant June 2, 2023June 2, 2023
Mayor Quinton Lucas sits at a table in the City Council chambers.
Posted inLocal Government

After a rushed charter review, commission members are calling for reform

Avatar photo by Josh Merchant May 23, 2023May 24, 2023
A street in midtown, with recycling bins in front of every house and a six-unit apartment building.
Posted inLocal Government

Where does KC’s new recycling program leave apartment residents?

Avatar photo by Josh Merchant May 18, 2023May 22, 2023
A view of the council chambers, with the committee seated in the foreground. Several dozen audience members are seated in the background.
Posted inLocal Government

City Council votes to make KC a safe haven for trans health care

Avatar photo by Josh Merchant May 9, 2023May 11, 2023
Inside a community meeting room, several dozen people are seated, with their backs to the camera, in front of the nine commissioners.
Posted inLocal Government

KC’s fast-moving charter review considers drastic changes to elections

Avatar photo by Josh Merchant May 5, 2023May 12, 2023
A Black protester holds up a sign with the words, "Black boys deserve to grow up too!!" in front of the downtown federal courthouse.
Posted inCivic Engagement

Kansas Citians say the shooting of Ralph Yarl changed them. Here are some voices

Mili MansarayAvatar photo by Mili Mansaray and Josh Merchant April 28, 2023May 1, 2023
Four people sit at the front of the Kansas City police board meeting room. There is a table lined with police officials in the foreground, with their backs to the camera.
Posted inLocal Government

These five people control Kansas City’s $280 million police budget

Avatar photo by Josh Merchant April 25, 2023May 2, 2023
Four puppies inside of a kennel at KC Pet Project. Two are cuddled on a blanket, while the other two are standing.
Posted inHousing

When pet owners have to choose between their dog and their home

Avatar photo by Josh Merchant April 21, 2023April 20, 2023
A protester is in the foreground with their back to the camera. Their jacket has a quote from Malcolm X: "Power never takes a step back except in the face of more power." In the background, dozens of protesters are gathered.
Posted inCivic Engagement

Know your rights: How to protest in Kansas City

Avatar photoTrace Salzbrenner by Josh Merchant and Trace Salzbrenner April 18, 2023April 19, 2023

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