Regular updates on the COVID-19 emergency

DAILY UPDATES

Visit kclinc.org/dailyupdates for the current collection.

Monday, Aug. 24

• Here’s to trying to make voting clearer and easier in a Covid-complicated election. We’re registering voters throughout the fall — here’s why — and remember that Vote411 aims to answer all your questions. St. Louis Public Radio offers this primer on absentee and mail-in voting.

• While many districts are holding off to after Labor Day, some open this week either completely online or, in some cases, with some in-person classrooms. The decisions of how to open are difficult and not without controversy.

• Revamped Covid testing opportunities are under way this week, some in combination with food and school supplies giveways. For KCPS families, if you missed the first round of its Drive-Thru Summerfest giveway event, you can register for the second go round this Saturday.

Weekend, Aug. 21-23

• Independence and Lee’s Summit, from different directions, display the tensions in the KC Star felt everywhere as the school year begins. Some teachers are fearful as Indy opens in-person, where teachers who opt out won’t get paid. And parents protest in Lee’s Summit, which is opening virtually.

• The National Association of School Nurses is also troubled, issuing a report that less than 40% of schools nationwide had a full-time nurse, and there has been no national effort to hire more.

• Covid-19 testing is ready to resume with the KC Health Department. Call now to get appointments for next week, or take a chance with limited walk-up service. Keep up on testing locations on our coronavirus testing page.

• We’ve been tracking the progress of the U.S. Census in KC and the struggle to prevent a damaging under-count. See the comparison maps of response rates on our Census page, and help encourage others to fill out their Census.

Thursday, Aug. 20

• Schools need financial help overcoming the pandemic, but take a look at how deeply tax abatements are already hurting the bottom line. Here are the numbers ($2,000-plus per student in KCPS). The losses are “unfathomable,” heard the KC City Council. Districts with higher populations of low-income families and families of color are hurt the most.

• We’ve been sounding alarms about the growing eviction crisis as pandemic protections have lapsed. Here the Beacon takes a look at the distress of vulnerable Kansas Citians and what we can do about it.

Wednesday, Aug. 19

• Add Johnson County public health officials to the voices warning against in-person classrooms. The Kansas school districts will decide for themselves what to do, but Shawnee Mission and De Soto announced they are switching to an all-online opening.

• With so much to worry about when it comes to carrying out the not-so-simple obligation of voting, the “Curbside Notary” service hopes to simplify one of the complications facing many Missourians planning to mail in their ballots — getting that ballot notarized.

• New survey data from the U.S. Census finds that of Americans not working, women ages 25-44 are almost three times as likely as men to not be working due to childcare demands. Says the report: “Working moms are bearing the brunt” of the pandemic’s strain.

Tuesday, Aug. 18

• More pandemic stress: Complaints about rented housing conditions are skyrocketing in KC. An analysis of health department data by LINC and KCUR shows that calls to the Healthy Homes Rental Inspection Program have more than doubled from this time a year ago, especially in the 3rd City Council district.

• By national coronavirus measures, Missouri sits in the red zone. A NY Times analysis paints the whole state, every county, in crimson, arguing that the number of cases and positive-tests rates are too high to start in-person school.

• As many districts plan to start the year online, a majority of families wish to see their children in school buildings (at least when it is safe to do so), as the North Kansas City School District discovered. Some parents in Lee’s Summit protested their district’s plan to begin the year all online.

Monday, Aug. 17

• A Kansas City woman named Karla with $2,000 in past-due utility bills is “devastated” while waiting on unemployment benefits, says a KC Star editorial that is sounding alarms over the “tens of thousands” of local residents who are no longer protected by moratoriums against utility shutoffs. Come up with a plan for relief, it says.

• An Olathe teacher has built a Google spreadsheet keeping track of reported events around the nation of schools that opened, only to go back into quarantine because of outbreaks. Her list, the Washington Post reports, quickly went from 30 to more than 700 as of today.

• And now we have to worry about a “Twindemic”? Public health officials are worried that the Covid-19 pandemic could mix with an influenza outbreak if people neglect flu shots this year. Pediatricians are issuing the same concern about other childhood diseases if children miss out on critical vaccinations.

Weekend, Aug. 14-16

• Utility bills are becoming a great concern for many households, and many may qualify for assistance through the LIHEAP program. So here’s how to check to see if you are eligible.

• The KC Health Department is pausing its COVID-19 testing for a week to reorganize. We’ll continue to provide info on our Covid testing page. Expect the demand for testing to keep rising, as KC Mayor Quinton Lucas has extended the city’s state of emergency to January 2021.

• We’ve been noting the growing fear for so many people as pandemic protections expire, and Thursday KC Tenants was back in action, this time taking an urgent letter to the Jackson County court judge and the KC mayor seeking a new moratorium against evictions.

• Back to school fun: KCPS families need to pre-register for the “Drive-Thru Edition” of the annual Summerfest. And everyone in the KC area will be able to watch education programming on the “KCPS Homeroom” television show coming this fall. Here’s info on both events.

Thursday, Aug. 13

• The pandemic watch for reopening schools continues anxiously as the Kansas City area reported 556 new cases Wednesday, and a national report is suggesting that, when looking at the excess deaths above normal, more than 200,000 have died from coronavirus.

• This news comes on the heels that Missouri saw an 80% rise in child Covid-19 infections in late July, and as a nationwide account shows that among schools that have opened in the country, 2,000 students, teachers and staff have been quarantined.

• Meanwhile, the prospects for another round of federal pandemic relief remain locked up in Washington, and Kansas City’s City Council is looking at having to furlough workers as part of $23 million in budget cuts.

Wednesday, Aug. 12

• Who’s responding with wisdom and courage during the pandemic? The medical community and public schools, says America. A Gallup poll found a surge of confidence in both of these institutions.

• Stories like this NY Times interactive feature inside a Houston hospital show the fear and heartache. And locally, the Beacon looks at the challenge for teachers who know that “lives are on the line.”

• Eviction watch: Right now the Princeton Eviction Lab ranks Kansas City at 65th in the nation among “top evicting areas.” Independence is 63rd. St. Louis, 71st. Here’s a video by the Heartland Center for Jobs and Freedom on the five things tenants should do to protect yourselves.

• Concern abounds over child abuse as schools prepare to re-engage with families for the new school year. Reports to the child abuse hotline fell 50% when schools let out. Here’s a video from the state helping school staffs (and us) on what to look for and what to do if you suspect child abuse.

Tuesday Aug. 11

• A startling report shows Missouri as one of the hardest-hit states fueling a nationwide burst of nearly 100,000 new child Covid-19 cases in just two weeks at the end of July. Missouri’s rate of cases jumped by 80%, according to the study by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children’s Hospital Association.

• The KC area added another 350 cases Monday. And with an overall positive-test rate for the coronavirus now more than 10%, Missouri is considered by the feds to be in “the red zone.”

• This is distressing to area school districts that are already paying millions of dollars on thermometers, PPE and other preparations for a jeopardized school year. The reality is, children are not immune, and research is showing they can spread the virus even if their symptoms are mild.

• Maybe the strain of the pandemic has something to do with Kansas City’s terrifying burst of violence over the weekend for a beleaguered city on pace for its most violent year. Whatever the cause, Kansas City’s struggle is getting national attention.

Monday, Aug. 10

• A turbulent week appears in the offing as the President announces executive plans for Covid relief while Congress continues its struggle to forge a new relief plan in place of the expired CARES Act.

• Uncertainty continues to trouble schools. Jackson County officials are now recommending schools start after Labor Day and entirely online. Some districts, including Hickman Mills and Center, plan to open the week of Aug. 24 all online. Others that are starting Sept. 8 have been holding onto the option to have some in-person classes.

• The evolving school plans across the area is hard on many teachers, the KC Star reports. Districts are having to identify who of their teachers and staff will be ready to go in-person, and who will be working online. Many staff fear they may be pressured into uncomfortable decisions.

• One thing everyone agrees on: Everyone should have effective access to the Internet. Kansas City has extended a public-input opportunity to help design the plan to get that done. See how you can get involved here.

Weekend, Aug. 7-9

• We raised alarms about the threat of evictions and utility shutoffs to school remote learning plans. Here’s a deeper, intimate look at what families are enduring by KC’s Barb Shelly in the Hechinger Report.

• The online magazine Flatland explores the strain on renters during the pandemic and finds that the fight for tenant rights is also a fight for racial equity.

• Virtual learning? Distance learning? They’re not the same thing, and districts are finding that families are confused. Here’s KCPS’ note to its families clarifying the options. The short version: Virtual learning is in a virtual academy, distance learning is online with your neighborhood teacher, with the option to return to school when it’s safe.

• Pandemic scenarios raise the possibility of more than 300,000 U.S. deaths by the end of the year. That number can be lower — wear masks! — and school communities may be interested to know that Politico finds that opened schools are the exception right now around the world, not the norm.

Thursday, Aug. 6

• All along we’d been watching our too-slow progress toward a full count on our Census page. But now the fire is really lit as the Trump Administration has pulled back the extra time that had been allotted for the count. Local officials are scrambling.

• Every community is navigating the anxious dilemma of how and when to open schools, including the largest school system, New York City. Here’s another problem layered over it all: A shortage of school nurses.

Wednesday, Aug. 5

• First, here’s cause for anxiety: Right now utility shutoffs and even evictions are back on the table and threatening the prospects of many households just as schools are getting ready to conduct classes online. Here’s a look at how community advocates and utilities are trying to work this out.

• But Election Day brought the news that Medicaid expansion passed in Missouri, earning congratulations for so many who carried out the petition process and the resulting election campaign — a crafty effort that caught national attention in the NY Times.

• The day was also good for the Hickman Mills School District, where voters put a huge stamp of approval on a $30 million no-tax-increase bond issue, with 80% of the voters in support.

Tuesday, Aug. 4

• Have you voted? Medicaid Expansion statewide and a bond issue in Hickman Mills join the ballot in today’s primary election. Polls open until 7 p.m. Not sure where your polling place is? Check here.

• Here’s a look in the Examiner at what the Fort Osage School District is planning as it prepares for a Sept. 8 start with a mix of in-person and distance instruction. Conditions keep changing, however, as Supt. Snodgrass says: This pandemic is unlike anything I have ever had to deal with . . .”

• . . . and how. National reports are finding that school districts that opened early are already having to close back down. And a KC Star story reports on a southeast Kansas school district whose administrative team held a retreat in Branson to talk on how to safely open schools — and caught the coronavirus.

Monday, Aug. 3

• Frightening milestones mark our deepening struggle with Covid-19. As the nation moves past 150,000 deaths, Missouri and other Midwest states are spiking, and the Kansas City area passed 20,000 cases — and 327 had died as of Sunday.

• Many school districts, including most of LINC’s partner districts, are planning now to start the school year with all students in online learning because of the spike in cases. But a number of teachers from throughout the area demonstrated in the Plaza this weekend, expressing their fears of returning inside to classes at this time.

• Congress continues to stall on a new stimulus plan. The extra unemployment benefits have expired and KCUR finds many people in KC are scared of what comes next.

• Tomorrow is Election Day. Medicaid Expansion heads the ballot, and there is a bond issue in Hickman Mills. In Missouri, check your registration status here, or find your polling location here. Or go to vote411.org.

Weekend, July 31 - Aug. 2

• Calling evictions “an act of violence,” KC Tenants activists shut down Kansas City’s housing court Thursday. Anxiety is heightening as moratoriums on evictions, extra unemployment benefits and other pandemic protections expire — while Congress is unable to reach agreement on a new protection/stimulus plan.

• The Hickman Mills School District officially joined others that are starting the year with all-virtual classrooms. But unlike others, the district is sticking to its planned Aug. 24 first day of school.

• If local districts need affirmation for starting all-virtual, a new study is finding that children might be more at risk to spread coronavirus than previously thought. More districts may be putting a hold on in-person classes by the time school starts.

• Drive-thru events have proven a popular adaptation during Covid. So get ready for Kansas City Public Schools’ Summerfest — “Drive-Thru Edition.” The event that draws thousands of families for back-to-school celebrations, games and school supply giveaways will do it parking-lot style Aug. 22 and 29. See more here.

Thursday, July 30

• Many area school districts are backing up start dates and going all virtual, in part as a protection for teachers. But tensions flare nationwide as schools weigh re-opening in person, including debates over the Senate Republicans’ proposed HEALS Act that would distribute more federal stimulus dollars to districts that physically reopen.

• The race for a vaccine is joined locally as KU Med and Children’s Mercy prepare to lead clinical trials of a promising vaccine, reports KCUR.

• A reminder that everyone should engage with children and let them express their anxieties over the continuing pandemic. A crisis text line has counselors standing by 24/7. Text “HOME” to 741741.

Wednesday, July 29

• Dominoes keep falling as more school districts roll back their start date. North Kansas City Schools will go after Labor Day. KCPS, among the first to move back, released more reopening details. It’s a trend that’s happening across the state line as well, reports KCUR.

• All the planning is laced with contingency plans. Here’s the KC Star’s look at districts’ plans if Covid flares up in a school. And if teachers feel unsafe, the American Federation of Teachers announced it would support “safety strikes.”

• Some good news on the social service’s front: Missouri announced that it has gotten federal approval to continue offering the maximum monthly benefits in food stamps to qualifying families through August.

Tuesday, July 28

• In a united stand, the KC area’s top public health officials have penned an urgent letter pleading that everyone wear masks, safe-distance and limit interactions. Lives depend on it, they say. Ventilators and deaths await us without precautions. To help, Jackson County is providing free masks at various locations throughout the county.

• This is a day of action in pursuing a complete count in the Census, as organizations throughout Kansas City stress just how critical the count is. Here is our Census page that shows how far we have to go — and how you can fill yours out, or seek a job with the Census.

• Still waiting to see if Congress can arrive at a new stimulus package. The road ahead is long as the KC area has another day of more than 400 new cases.

• The Center School District’s board makes it official Monday night, agreeing to the administration’s plan to join those districts that are starting the year in all-virtual-mode.

Monday, July 27

• More school districts, including Grandview and Center, are joining KCPS in delaying the school year and going all-online, at least for now as the Covid spike overwhelms their plans. Parents are grappling with how to get through all of this again.

• Congress is expected to hammer out a second stimulus plan as soon as today. Some complicated details remain on who gets checks, how much, and other issues like extending eviction moratoriums and boosted unemployment benefits.

• Looking for some hopeful signs? The staggering rise of coronavirus cases shows indications of having peaked.

• And check out KCPS Superintendent Mark Bedell’s opinion piece in the KC Star from Sunday: I thought I was being a Black leader by cracking down on sagging pants. I was wrong.

Weekend, July 24-26

• Anxiety is rising. Empower Missouri shares NLIHC data that as many as 304,000 Missourians are currently unable to pay rent and at risk of eviction. And the extra $600 unemployment benefit is ending this weekend.

• We all know that the number of Covid cases has been skyrocketing, and it’s not just because more are getting tested. Now health officials are reporting that the percentage Covid tests that are coming back positive in the KC area is now rising as well.

• We say good-bye to Rosa James, a longtime stalwart for education and civil rights in Kansas City — a defender of children and teachers, who died Tuesday at 86.

Thursday, July 23

• “We’re in a messed up world right now,” KC Superintendent Mark Bedell said as he formally recommended a late — all virtual — start for KCPS’ school year. Here’s our look at how we and our schools are scrambling for new ground in this pandemic.

• One thing everyone agrees on: Schools need help from the next stimulus package from Congress. We’ve got a lot we can learn from the first go ‘round of the CARES Act as the nation’s leadership tries to agree on the next deal.

• We’ve got months of this to go. The vaccine race is on and here’s wishing it a swift journey to our shores.

Wednesday, July 22

• Please wait to open in-person schools, recommend KC Mayor Quinton Lucas and city health Director Rex Archer — at least until after Labor Day, Sept. 7. The recommendation goes to all schools in KC, all 14 districts plus private and parochial schools.

• This is because Missouri and the KC area is now averaging more than 400 new cases daily, and the number of patients in intensive care is starting to make hospitals anxious.

• Testing services for the virus are also fearing being overwhelmed. The city’s testing operations are trying to prioritize by ZIP codes with more vulnerable populations. Get testing info on our coronavirus testing page.

Monday, July 20

• Things continue to change. KC School District announced delays in sharing its school opening plans in response to increasing COVID19 cases and health concerns. Other districts taking flexible approach to school opening which is Aug. 24th for many districts.

• One way families are getting help. The New York Times reports the federal food stamp program is undergoing an unprecedented expansion as a result of COVID19. Food stamp cases are up in all states, but one. Surveys show elevated rates of hunger, especially among families with children.

• No surprise, but even still. KCUR reports on the financial impact of the four-month-old COVID19 crisis and its impact on low-wage workers. Important story.

Weekend, July 17-19

• This is KC Schools Supt. Mark Bedell’s dilemma: The district must get its most academically vulnerable children back in school with teachers. But enough students need to opt for KCPS’s virtual option to give Covid safe-spacing a chance. Risks abound in every direction.

• It’s here. Just what KC needs right now: The city’s Blueprint for Violence Prevention and a Safe and Healthy Community passed in the KC City Council Thursday. Download the full document here. There are roles for everyone.

• And be safe. Get yourself some free masks next week, from Jackson County and the sheriff’s department. Check times and locations here.

Thursday, July 16

• School opening issues continue to churn. Another national panel is pushing for in-person classrooms out of concerns for the growing equity gap. The Kansas state school board released its guidelines as Gov. Laura Kelly called on schools to delay opening until after Labor Day.

• The Out of Reach 2020 report on rental housing costs is out, and the gap between the wages renters earn and what’s needed to afford modest housing continues to widen — including in Kansas City.

• Bridging the Gap and the KC Water are offering some relief on water bills for KC residential customers through the Leak Stoppers program. Qualifying residents can get free conservation kits, potentially saving hundreds of dollars on bills. See our utility bills assistance page for other aid.

Wednesday, July 15

• A troubling survey by NAEYC shows, among other things, that 2 out of 5 early childhood programs — and half of minority-owned programs — expect to go out of business without help against Covid.

• LINC, through the Mid-America Regional Council, is offering some support for early education providers with mini grants to those that enroll in Educare — a training and support services initiative.

• The Census Bureau is sending mobile questionnaire assistance teams into under-counted areas to help get more self-responses completed. They need to come to the heart of KC. See the latest map on how far behind we are on our Census information page. See how to fill yours out, or get a Census taker job.

Tuesday, July 14

• A warning from Gallup: Surveys show young adults are galvanized out of Covid and Black Lives Matter to vote, but many lack critical info. So here’s a link to share: Vote411.org is all about getting voters informed and ready.

• Tense times continue for schools as they prepare to open — or not. L.A. and San Diego announced they will only do remote learning this fall. KC area districts are preparing multiple scenarios, blending in-person and remote plans. Here is the newly released plan by North Kansas City Schools.

• Jobs.mo.gov and the “Return Strong” campaign is offering free virtual job fairs. Here’s the info and registration. Worker stress is building as the $600 in extra relief for unemployed Americans expires within two weeks.

Monday, July 13

• Area school districts are expected to announce opening plans this week. Here is a NY Times look at the precautions school systems in other countries are taking in opening amid coronavirus concerns.

• But unlike most other countries, American schools are looking at trying to reopen at a time when the number of cases is rising at an alarming rate. Another 279 cases in the KC area Sunday marked the 21st straight day of a triple-digit increase.

• Testing opportunities return this week for the KC area, including a three-day event in south KC. Learn how to sign up at our Covid testing page. But be aware, reports the KC Star, that a backlog in testing companies is delaying the return on results.

• We’ll keep an eye on the Eviction Lab’s tracking system for KC in the days ahead as moratoriums on evictions expire. If you are facing housing stress, here is a primer: 10 steps to take to try to prevent your own eviction.

Weekend, July 10-12

• Churches backing up schools? High school virtual tutor/buddies? Just about everyone can play a role to help schools reopen. See what we mean here. Across the state line, Kansas schools are releasing their plans — at least so far.

• Here’s an unexpected pandemic concern: The state says enrollments in WIC nutrition benefits are down. Officials think people who need help are not getting the word. Check out WIC here.

• Whatever you might think about masks, they will be required indoors in most cases in Kansas City this weekend and for the foreseeable future. For everyone’s protection, we recall the KC health director’s advice months ago: Act like you have the virus.

Thursday, July 9

• Amid an increase in virus cases, more opportunities for testing for the coronavirus are available in Kansas City. We’re listing them here, including an opportunity especially for restaurant workers in south Kansas City.

• We’ve been talking about how to re-open schools, and the national debate has spiked as the President threatened to pull funding from states that don’t compel openings — at the same time that a GOP senator is pushing to increase federal funding to help schools cover the extra costs.

• The heightening anxiety is due to a continuing rise in the number of cases, including in the Kansas City area, which added more than 300 Wednesday, passing the 10,000 mark overall.

Wednesday, July 8

• The importance of schools to the well-being of our world is becoming evermore apparent as North Kansas City Schools step back into class this month. The urgency of careful, successful openings is a hot topic for The Atlantic, for Slate, among others — including the President.

• The Kansas City City Manager’s Office is pressing on with the directive from the City Council to come up with a plan by the end of September on how to get all of KC digitally connected. You can participate in the drafting of the plan at the City Manager’s web page.

Tuesday, July 7

• After widespread spikes in the number of coronavirus cases — and another holiday weekend of public gatherings — you may want to get tested for the virus. Here’s our page on where to go in KC. But the capacity nationwide to test is not keeping up with the demand.

• New masking requirements are now in place in KC and much of the area — with some confusion. Here is a Q and A on some of the quandaries like: Am I medically exempt? How do I tell a business I can’t wear a mask?

• Are you sure you’re registered to vote? The deadline in Missouri is Wednesday to register for the Aug. 4 election that includes the question of Medicaid expansion. Check your registration here. And you can register right now at kclinc.org/vote.

Monday, July 6

• From the earliest days of the pandemic, evidence showed communities of color were at highest risk. Now a NY Times report affirms nationwide that Black and Latino Americans are suffering infection at three times the rate of white Americans.

• As schools anxiously make plans to open, they’re also more aware than ever of the digital divide in home-learning if the pandemic forces renewed closures. A report by Common Sense Media finds that 36% of Missouri children can’t learn from home because they’re not digitally connected.

• Deadline alert No. 1: The last day to apply for Missouri’s pandemic-EBT food card for families with children that qualified for free or reduced-price meals at school is tomorrow. So make one last check that friends and family have applied. We’ve got the link and info at kclinc.org/pandemic-ebt.

• Deadline alert No. 2: Anyone who wants to vote in the Aug. 4 election in Missouri must register by Wednesday. Medicaid expansion is on the ballot. You can register right here, right now at kclinc.org/vote.

July 4 Weekend, July 2-5

• Pleas for safety — and masks — mark the holiday weekend amid record numbers of cases, including more than 300 in a day in the KC area, and real fear that rises in deaths may follow the surging number of confirmed infections.

• We’ve been watching what the pandemic is dealing households with children. A new Census Bureau tool — the Household Pulse Survey — reveals they are bearing heavier burdens of late housing payments and food shortages.

• Celebrate Independence Day and its embodiment of freedom by registering to vote or helping others register with the Kansas City Royals, Friday, July 3, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Kansas City Urban Youth Academy, 1622 E. 17th Terrace.

Wednesday, July 1

• Add the American Academy of Pediatrics to the voices saying it is critical that the we get our children back into school this fall. Dr. Fauci agrees, but he warns we have to get control of spiking coronavirus cases to give schools a chance.

• The spike in cases is driving demand for coronavirus testing. The KC health department’s testing slots are full this week, though limited walk-up testing is possible. Call 311 to reserve a spot in next week’s schedule. See sites and times on our coronavirus testing page.

• We’re taking voter registration to the streets. Watch the video here and then register to vote right here, right now at our voter information page. Already registered? Spread the word to family, friends and neighbors.

Tuesday, June 30

• Getting schools open this fall demands creative collaboration, and Children’s Mercy’s experts tell KCUR ways to get it done — with urgency, because the long-term effects of staying home would do more damage to most kids than the coronavirus.

• The pandemic has exposed more than ever the need for racial food justice, and KC Healthy Kids raises up six action items we must do now to build healthy, sustainable communities.

• Food distributions like this one at the Urban League will be refortified as the USDA announces it is extending its Farmers to Families Food Box program through August.

• Yes, we’re seeing double. The latest map marking KC communities’ response to the 2020 Census looks an awful lot like the map a month ago. See what needs to be done and why, and help get your community a full count.

Monday, June 29

• The pandemic reprieve on tax filing is about to run out. Remember that the deadline for filing your 2019 return is July 15, and remember that most Americans can file for free. Click here to learn more.

• Ominous records keep happening, with the highest-yet numbers of new cases boding more agony ahead as the number of deaths has passed 125,800 nationwide and 1,000 in Missouri.

• Meanwhile, many pandemic protections are expiring. Missourians receiving unemployment benefits will have to be actively seeking work, and return to work if an employer offers what the state deems suitable conditions. And a state interview process returns as a condition to receive food stamps.

• We’re tracking food distributions and other nutrition benefits on our food resource page. And here are the current KC area locations to get coronavirus testing.

Weekend, June 26-28

• Another record day of coronavirus cases has Kansas CIty’s mayor and health director leaning toward making mandatory requirements for wearing masks.

• We’ve been working hard to spread the word that families on free or reduced-priced lunches should apply for the MIssouri’s pandemic-EBT purchase card for free food. St. Louis Public Radio reports that 40% of eligible households still haven’t applied.

• We’re also helping make voter registration as easy as possible. The info hotline 866-OUR VOTE (866-687-8683) is ready to help at 866ourvote.org. Remember July 8 is the deadline to register to vote in the Aug. 4 election, which will include an important decision on Medicaid expansion.

Thursday, June 25

• Enough of these “systematically racist real estate practices,” says KCPS Supt. Mark Bedell in a letter to the City Council that is wedged in a tax incentive battle with Kansas to keep BlueScope construction in the West Bottoms.

• The Kansas City area set a new record for the number of new coronavirus cases, and an interactive New York Times piece maps “How the Virus Won.”

• So clearly we need to focus on keeping our indoor spaces safe. Renew Missouri is offering a free webinar, “Maximizing Your Health Indoors,” Friday at noon.

• Child care workers are critical to a healthy economic recovery as parents are returning to work. See how LINC is helping train these professionals in the magic of relationships.

Wednesday, June 24

• Patrick Mahomes and LeBron James have fully joined a national voter registration effort with the More Than a Vote campaign. We’ve got your voter registration needs taken care of — you can register right here, right now.

• Time to double-down on the use of safe-distancing and masks, says Dr. Fauci. Cases are up in much of the nation and in Kansas City. Says Fauci: “Plan A: Don’t go in a crowd. Plan B: If you do, make sure you wear a mask.”

• The USDA approved Missouri’s request to extend extra food stamp benefits through July. The state will continue to automatically issue the maximum amount of benefits based on household size. Other benefits are also available, including a purchase card for households that received free or reduced-price school meals.

• The work against the digital divide in KC gets a boost as Connecting for Good is now part of the PCs for People network, leveraging more resources to get people digitally connected. You can help or get help. If you need digital services, click here. If you can donate digital resources, click here.

Tuesday, June 23

• Are you worried about how well your child is reading after so much lost school? Check out this home test to measure reading level — with links to resources to help energize your reading fun.

• Census, Census, Census. Just a reminder that much of Kansas City, particularly lower-income, high-diversity neighborhoods, are still under-counted. See our Census 2020 page to mark the progress of the self-responding phase, and see ways to help spread the word.

• So far, evictions are way down because of the moratorium that protected tenants during the pandemic. But the national Eviction Lab is geared up to track data going forward, including Kansas City, as rents come due.

• Missouri ranks 30th nationwide in the welfare of its children, according to the newly released 2020 KIDS COUNT Data Book. But the authors are clear: The true test will be how Missouri and other states respond to the inequities laid bare by the pandemic.

Monday, June 22

• The North Kansas City School District, with its year-round schools set to open in mid-July, has a working plan to re-open, seen in the KC Star, that gives a look at what to expect — including masks, no lunch room dining, and much more.

• See this week’s COVID-19 test opportunities here. Coronavirus concerns are not abating and are even growing. Cases are up, including outbreaks in nursing homes in Clay County.

• Food opportunities abound for families. First off, if you received free or reduced-price meals at school, be sure to apply for additional free food benefits through the P-EBT card. That info is here. And see this week’s free food distributions on our food resource page.

Weekend, June 19-21

• Let’s celebrate Juneteenth. Honoring the holiday that marks freedom from slavery carries on a wave for justice that can also steel an equitable response to the pandemic. Start with the Pray on Troost solidarity gathering Friday night, and visit JuneteenthKC for more events.

• The U.S. Supreme Court heartened the cause for the inclusion, protection and celebration of two other stressed groups of people in our neighborhoods — DACA immigrants and the LGBTQ community — with two significant rulings this week.

• KSHB-41 shares concern that many Americans are still waiting on more than $30 million in stimulus checks, something we’ve worried about as well. Legal Aid of Western Missouri is trying to help and they have a hotline you can call: 1-800-990-2907.

• The Kansas City Regional COVID-19 Response and Recovery fund announced $1.7 million more in grants to relief services in the area, bringing the total allotted so far to more than $10 million. More than $18 million has been donated to the fund. You can donate here.

Thursday, June 18

• The growing hardship of the pandemic is falling more heavily on black-owned businesses, the NY Times reports. In Kansas City, some 500 workers in the Casino industry are losing their jobs.

• Summer education and recreation options for children continue to make a comeback. Here’s a look at the KC Library’s offerings. Wonderscope Children’s Museum is back in business.

• Summer can be a fun time to inspire writing in a fun way. Here are tips to help grow elementary writing skills at home.

Wednesday, June 17

• Time is running out on some of the extra aid and relaxed rules in state social services. Come July, Missourians receiving unemployment benefits will be required to actively seek work. And families on food stamps will have to re-certify they qualify for benefits.

• But more aid is also coming — in this instance some $31 million in CARES Act funds from HUD to help with homeless services, including $5 million for the Kansas City area.

• Nutrition programs also carry on, including a revival of the “Double Up Food Bucks” summer program for families with food stamp benefits. And if you haven’t heard, any family that receives free or reduced-price school meals can get a food stamp card. Apply now on our information page. Deadline is June 30.

Tuesday, June 16

• Voting rights and coronavirus concerns are in play before the Missouri Supreme Court as voting advocates argue that everyone should be able to vote absentee this fall without requiring a notary. Pass this on: We have a link where you can get registered to vote right here, right now.

• The Evergy utility company has extended to July 15 its suspension of cut-offs. And it is extending waivers on late fees with flexible payment plans through Dec. 31. See more ways to get help with your utility bills on our utility bills assistance page.

• There’s so much to consider in how to reopen schools, and Children’s Mercy is gathering experts to share their advice in a virtual webinar June 26 at 11:30 a.m. You can sign up now at Children's Mercy's special events page.

Monday, June 15

• Could we be in a second wave of coronavirus cases? KC health director Rex Archer thinks so. Though other health officials say we’re seeing a spike in a continuing first wave. Either way, the number of cases in the KC is rising, so . . .

• Remember that testing for the virus is available throughout the metro this week, and you can find locations on our testing information page. Survivors of COVID-19 tell the KC Star that learning of the infection was harrowing, but it’s best to get tested and face it.

Weekend, June 12-14

• Kanbe’s Market is now helping give away 100,000 pounds of food a week. We saw the non-profit at work recently at the Urban League in KC at an event that happens again today (Friday) at 11 a.m. We’ve got more food distributions on our food resource page.

• Missouri Gov. Mike Parson announced that the state will be “fully open for business” next week. Restrictions for COVID-19 will be dropped, as he calls on everyone to protect themselves. Coronavirus cases are still a big concern in the state, now up to 15,390 cases and 860 deaths.

• Here’s a Q and A with new Hickman Mills Superintendent Yaw Obeng by KCUR. He starts July 1, promising a scrappy “underdog mentality.”

Thursday, June 11

• First, Patrick Mahomes and Tyrann Mathieu called out the NFL on Black Lives Matter. Now the Chiefs stars want to lead a voter registration campaign. Want to register? We have a web page for you to register right here, right now.

• KC Parks Board Commissioner Chris Goode wrote this memo to his director and the mayor saying the time has come to remove J.C. Nichols’ name from the fountain and the parkway in the Plaza. Nichols’ legacy of racist development covenants has long been a concern.

• One of the safer places to be during a pandemic is outdoors, and that’s where the KC Library is taking its summer reading program, Pop In in the Park. Find other summer programming at InPlay’s searchable website.

Wednesday, June 10

• The resolution to do “whatever it takes” to get all of KC digitally connected gets its hearing at 10:30 a.m. today before a committee of the City Council. Tune in on the city’s YouTube channel to watch.

• The Count Me In KC campaign to get a complete count for the Census is stepping up into a higher gear. Mattie Rhodes is hosting a Facebook live event at 5 p.m. today. Join it here.

• The COVID-19 watch as public activity grows in June continues anxiously. The KC Star reports that the rates of new cases and positive tests may be declining. Nursing homes, including an outbreak in Clay County, continue to be in the most danger.

Tuesday, June 9

• This remains a wary time with coronavirus. Many of us joined large protest crowds or ventured out into stores and restaurants. But at the same time the KC area recorded its 5,000 COVID-19 case and its 200th death. The NY Times offers these 5 rules to live by during a pandemic.

• Mental health under all of this stress is a growing concern, and American Public Square at Jewell will hold a virtual town hall June 16 to bring concerns into the forefront. Register here. There is help standing by 24 hours a day through First Call, 816-361-5900, and FirstStepforHelp, 1-888-279-8188.

Monday, June 8

• “Whatever it takes.” That’s how much KC advocates for universal digital inclusion say we must do to fix the vast inequities in connectivity exposed more than ever by the pandemic. A resolution to do just that is moving through the City Council.

• After weathering the stormy edge of protests nationwide, Kansas City and other cities are now focused on police reform. The attention to Black Lives Matter raises up a black experience that is also bearing the brunt of pandemic deaths and economic stress.

• The KC Health Department is hosting a “Pop Up Food Pantry” tomorrow (Tuesday) at 1:30 p.m. outside its offices at 2400 Troost Ave. See these and other food distribution opportunities at our food resource page.

• Check out this week’s coronavirus testing opportunities on our testing information page.

Weekend, June 5-7

• We begin with a memorial to Marvin Francois, a victim of gun violence near the Plaza while picking his son up from the demonstrations late May 31. He was a friend of LINC’s, a friend to all, “the rock in so many people’s lives.”

• Here’s where we are after a week of protests: The local prosecutor has set up a web page for police complaints. The mayor is advancing reforms. U.S. support for Black Lives Matter is nearing 50%, and nearly six out of 10 arrested during the KC demonstrations were white.

• The pandemic still shadows everything, as the KC area’s number of new confirmed cases rose by more than 100 for the third straight day.

• As Americans return to work during the pandemic, the dilemmas between working, finding childcare and staying safe are particularly threatening the long-term status of working mothers, says the NY Times. ICYMI, here’s a look at how KC can get more schools and childcare facilities open.

• First Fridays are back, in a still-cautious-for-COVID19 kind of way. Here are a couple of looks at what’s opening and how to stay safe by the KC Star and KCUR.

Thursday, June 4

• Concerns of crowd contact in a pandemic have been trumped by the uprising over the death of George Floyd. But changes have begun with funding for police body cameras in KC. The Beacon takes a long look the city’s experience, plus a recommendation for context: The Netflix documentary 13th.

• Collaborations are helping child education and recreation programmers expand summer offerings. Check out Parks and Rec camp expansion, and Operation Breakthrough’s additional openings for kids. For more ideas, go to InPlay for Kansas City.

• As a reminder that everyone should continue to act as if you have the virus, consider that the KC Health Department is tracking a local outbreak at the Aspen Paper Products plant that infected some 200 KC residents, most of whom were asymptomatic.

• Desperate for a hug? Here’s a New York Times piece that gives a primer on the safe ways to grab a quick embrace.

Wednesday, June 3

• Maybe we’re reaching what the Rev. Vernon Howard said is our tipping point toward lasting changes in criminal justice. KC reflected a similar experience seen nationwide of more peaceable demonstrations Tuesday night, yet as strong as ever in size and message.

• The local education community feared this would happen: The economic wounds will force schools to try to rebound from lost instruction and exposed inequities with less funding. Gov. Mike Parson announced $209 million in budget cuts that will include $131 million from K-12 education.

Tuesday, June 2

• We wake up to Election Day in a pandemic — and in a nation balanced on civil unrest. Now it’s time to vote. A lot has changed, including many polling sites. Here’s a rundown of today’s voting logistics in the KC Star.

• Come and get it, say the volunteers gathering boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables to give away in KC. The local players in the USDA’s Farms to Families Food Box program are trying to get this healthy produce to those who need it most. Everyone is welcome to it.

• The St. Mark Child and Family Development Center and Operation Breakthrough are leading with ideas on how to open child care and education programs, reports KCUR. As we’ve said, reopening school programs can happen but it demands a broad collaboration for more space, funds and staff.

Monday, June 1

• June starts tensely after a weekend of galvanizing but contentious demonstrations in KC’s Country Club Plaza. The anger over the death of George Floyd while pinned down by Minneapolis police strains communities stressed by the pandemic.

• June will also see a lot of questions answered over what to do about summer programs for children. Check out KCUR’s Facebook Live community conversation at noon today.

• Testing opportunities for coronavirus continue this week. Check out where and when on our updated coronavirus testing page.

• Hickman Mills picked its next superintendent, Yaw Obeng, a Vermont superintendent.

Weekend, May 29-31

• It rained hard on the hundreds of cars that lined up for more than a mile to get free 20-lb food boxes and rained hard on the soaked Fort Osage team in masks and slickers that hustled to hand out all 1,900 boxes. Here’s our look at the unfolding scene.

• No one has to endure their stress alone. Mental health is a growing concern under current economic and social strain. KCUR reported that the mental health reference service FirstStepForHELP.com has seen calls more than double. Go to the website or call the hotline:1-888-279-8188.

• We’ve been following and supporting the efforts to get households connected to the Internet. The Beacon takes a deep dive into the challenges and the work that carries on.

Thursday, May 28

• You may have noticed that we’re big on how the city can team up to get schools, childcare and summer programs open. Here’s a look at what large school systems say they must do in Los Angeles and in Boston.

• As this Atlantic article suggests, it will take more than social-distancing. Indoor ventilation systems may be the biggest problem.

• Election Day June 2 will not be like your last election. Most importantly, your voting location may have changed. If you missed the notice in the mail, check your KCMO location here, your eastern Jackson County location here, and Clay County here.

• Speaking of elections, school levies and bonds have mostly been successful in recent years. This time around, North Kansas City and Lee’s Summit school districts are going to test their voters’ appetite for passing bond issues during pandemic’s economic strain.

Wednesday, May 27

• The summer education crisis looming before us requires quick and widespread collaboration. And Operation Breakthrough, Crossroads Charter School and the DeLaSalle Education Center are showing us how, opening up space for 200 more children. Yes, we can do this. Thousands of families are depending on it.

• There is a higher smell of fear as rents come due this time around, as housing court is back in action and a moratorium on evictions in Jackson County is due to expire June 1. Here and nationally, tenant advocates want protections extended and expanded. Landlords, who have bills to pay, want help too.

• Missouri, like many states, is playing catch-up as school districts only this week were finally cleared to begin contacting eligible families to help them receive food benefits through the P-EBT cash card for groceries. Millions of children nationwide have been left waiting since schools closed in March.

• The Fort Osage School District and Liberty Fruit are joining to hand out 20-pound boxes of fruit and vegetables over the next six weeks, beginning tomorrow at 9 a.m. at Fort Osage Middle School. Learn more about this and other food resources on our emergency food resources page.

Tuesday, May 26

• The holiday weekend drew many of us outdoors, but widely shared evidence particularly from the Lake of Ozarks showed a decided lack of safe-spacing. KC Health Director Rex Archer, among others, said violators should self-quarantine for 14 days.

• Does your household qualify for free or reduced-price school meals? Did you get your letter about a new opportunity during the pandemic to get a cash card for food purchases? Have you applied? ICYMI, here are details, with links.

• We recently shared a CDC concern that immunizations and well-child visits were down drastically during the pandemic. Now the American Academy of Pediatrics has started a social media awareness campaign: #CallYourPediatrician.

• Opportunities to test for coronavirus resume this week, including testing at Southeast High School tomorrow beginning at 3 p.m. And at the Silverstein Eye Center Arena in Independence today through Saturday. See full testing opportunities and details on our testing information page.

Memorial Day Weekend, May 22-25

• We are no doubt eager to get out, perhaps on a holiday road trip, in search of some virus-safe recreation. Medical experts advise caution. The impact of renewed activities won’t be known for two weeks. The delayed precautions in early March may have cost 36,000 U.S. lives.

• Missouri went into the weekend with a total of 11,340 confirmed coronavirus cases and 661 deaths, according to the state’s new virus dashboard. COMBAT in KC has also set up a new resource, its Geospatial Hub with a map of various resources for people in need of services.

• Maybe you’ve helped. Kansas City Regional COVID-19 Response & Recovery Fund distributed another $2.5 million to area agencies offering relief during the pandemic. The fund has raised $18 million and so far distributed more than $8 million.

Thursday, May 21

• The road ahead remains long and daunting in a world requiring masks and safe-spacing, but hope is glimmering in promising early returns in the race for a vaccine.

• A proposal in Kansas City to boost city-funded legal aid for renters in housing court won’t be decided until June. Evictions have been barred during the economic shutdown, but rents are coming due and tenant advocates tell the KC Star that more legal aid is critical.

• Transient families in housing hardship are challenging for school district social workers in ordinary times. KCUR talked with Hickman Mills and Center about how much harder this gets in a pandemic.

• We’ve been tracking alarms over the changing landscape of providing important summer programming and childcare during COVID-19. Flatland takes a look at the problems ahead with summer that even in normal times “was always complicated for parents.”

Wednesday, May 20

• Coronavirus testing sites are operating in some of our communities — today from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Concord Fortress of Hope, 11050 W. Longview Parkway; and tomorrow same time at KIPP Endeavor Academy, 2700 E. 18th St. See full details on our testing information page.

• Man, we miss baseball. But the Royals have created a coloring book and puzzles featuring Salvy and Sluggerrr! and more to provide some respite and entertainment.

Tuesday, May 19

• At long last Missouri has joined 30 states that are approved to expand food stamp benefits to all households with children that qualify for free or reduced-price school lunches. Now the state must follow up with a plan to inform newly eligible families and provide purchase cards.

• The CDC is sounding a new alarm among our pandemic concerns. Children still need to get their necessary immunizations. A report shows a precipitous drop in childhood vaccinations. Parents need to get back on schedule as pediatrician offices and clinics open for well-child visits.

• The City of Kansas City wants to enlist the public in brainstorming policies for a COVID-19 recovery plan. But we can’t gather at City Hall, can we? So the city wants to try out the Lawmaker online policy making forum. Got ideas? Take them to Lawmaker.

Monday, May 18

• As reopenings are under way, we’re all trying to balance freedom with risk reduction. But because the virus spreads days before symptoms show, any new outbreak will be on us before we know it. The best advice remains KC’s advice from weeks ago: Act like you have the virus.

• See this week’s coronavirus testing sites provided by Truman Medical Centers here, and Swope Health here. The testing is targeted for people who are showing possible symptoms or who may have been in contact with someone with symptoms. See our testing information page here.

Weekend, May 15-17

• Missouri families using food stamps can now take the same infection-protecting precautions as other families and shop for groceries online. The state got its online program operating with Amazon and Walmart.

• A Federal Reserve survey is baring an alarming reality that has troubled advocates for equity throughout the pandemic: The COVID-19 shutdowns are taking a much heavier toll on people who are poor.

• An updated report from Turn the Page KC calls for community action as workplaces begin to open, attacking the question on many parents minds: Who will watch my kids?

Thursday, May 14

• Our LINC staff have been reaching out to our families, supporting the teachers in our partner districts as they valiantly make remote learning work. But the KC Star reports that too many kids are slipping behind, and there will be heavy catch-up work to do on the other side.

• Another labor report shows 3 million more jobless claims in the latest week of data, bringing the total to 36 million since mid-March. Here’s tips on how to make a claim. And many people may qualify for food assistance for the first time — here’s how to find out and get help.

Wednesday, May 13

• Still waiting. Missouri is not one of the 25 states whose plans have been approved to provide food stamp purchase cards to all families who qualify for free school food programs. Meanwhile, Bread for the World is urging Congress to increase maximum food stamp benefits by 15%.

• For sure, KC Health Director Rex Archer was deeply aware of recent virus outbreaks in KC-area meat plants and prisons, but KC leaders wish they had known what the feds knew, rather than hearing about their concerns about KC in a leaked television report.

• So many questions keep mounting on what all this means for children and how we care for them. The KC Public Library is embarking on online YouTube sessions to try to answer some of them, beginning Thursday night.

Tuesday, May 12

• The No. 1 U.S. infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, plans to issue a severe warning before the U.S. Senate today, telling the New York Times that pushing past checkpoints in reopening the country will spark outbreaks and “needless suffering and death.”

• With many more workplaces expected to open in the coming days, many workers with young children are in a bind: What about childcare? Who’s open? What’s safe? What happens if you stay home with the kids? KCUR examines the dilemma.

• So many more questions weigh over parenting. Children’s Mercy may be able to help sort a lot of this out for you. Join a virtual town hall tomorrow morning, Wednesday, at 9:30 a.m., and send your questions into the live chat room.

Monday, May 11

• As we all anticipate with understandable anxiety the various reopenings of our communities this week, if you haven’t seen it yet, here is a widely popular explanation of how the virus spreads and important precautions by biologist Erin Bromage.

• Truman Medical Centers offers COVID-19 testing this week, with sites in Grandview, Monday, Independence and Kansas City’s Northeast High School, Wednesday, and Blue Springs Friday. Call 816-404-2273 (CARE) to be pre-screened. See details at TMC’s testing page here. See LINC’s testing page here.

• Before the coronavirus, KCPT was already planning an intense awareness campaign on the deadly impact of diabetes. Now, as a weakening pre-condition, diabetes is an even greater threat. KCPT has released the video of its recent show on diabetes, saying millions are living with this silent killer.

Weekend, May 8-10

• The May 15 partial reopening of KC is still on “as of now,” Mayor Lucas said Friday morning. But read here why Lucas and Health Director Rex Archer sound like fire chiefs without a brigade watching embers in the wind.

• A child care crisis is looming for many families as Kansas City looks to start its first phase of reopening the city May 15. Turn the Page KC has issued several urgent recommendations to head off a summer childcare crisis.

• Missouri KIDS COUNT is acutely aware that the pandemic will severely test our state’s ability to improve the health and welfare of all children. A new interactive dashboard map will help families and policymakers track the health of our kids.

Thursday, May 7

• We’re still waiting for the USDA to approve Missouri’s plan for distributing the P-EBT food purchase card to all families who qualify for free or reduced-price lunches, and this NY Times story on a new Brookings Institution report shows how urgent this is. One-fifth of U.S children may not be getting enough to eat.

• The state Department of Social Services announced that $1.5 million from the Coronavirus Relief Fund will be divided among Missouri’s six regional food banks. For the KC area, $297,000 is headed to Harvesters Community Food Network. See our food resources page here.

• We caught up with public health pro and longtime community activist Jim Nunnelly and his relentless crusade to rally KC’s black community against the coronavirus and longstanding public health injustice.

• Confused by the all the re-opening plans in the KC metro area? Apparently so are the officials who are putting the plans together.

Wednesday, May 6

• The soft launch of Kansas City’s reopening plan begins today. But all the safe-spacing and mask-wearing precautions remain as the rate of new coronavirus cases in KC is still growing, and the city’s chief medical officer is anticipating we may have to shut down again by the end of June.

• The importance of being safe for ourselves and others — especially frontline workers — comes clear in this compilation of local health workers who have died, excerpted from Medscape’s updated list of now more than 700 who have died worldwide.

• Kids on bikes is one thing that goes on in a pandemic — and so can important safety lessons. See how LINC teamed with BikeWalkKC to build a virtual classroom.

Tuesday, May 5

• If you have not yet filed your 2019 federal income tax return — or gotten your economic stimulus check from the government, we’ve summed up what you can do. You may be able to file for free. And filing may get your stimulus check headed your way.

• Time was when the KC metro was anticipating another year of modest job growth, but a new report is now forecasting a loss of 130,000 jobs — a serious 12.2% decline. Here’s information on what to do if you lose your job. The first step: Go to UInteract.labor.mo.gov.

Monday, May 4

• Here we go. Most of the jurisdictions surrounding Kansas City begin reopening many sectors of society this week. KC is still looking to do so on the 15th. This anxious opening comes with warnings, and this KC Star story on lives we’ve lost amplifies the stakes if we do this wrong.

• A successful reopening needs more capacity to test for the virus. Truman Medical Centers has more testing sites this week, including at the Sheffield Family Life Center Tuesday and Ruskin High School Friday. Call first, 816-404-CARE (2273), for info and pre-screening. See our testing information page here.

• Plan A, Plan B . . . Plan Z? Area school districts are prepping for summer school and for the fall school year. But the unpredictability of the virus and the shifting horizon of public health recommendations make the task close to impossible.

Weekend, May 1-3

• A new month means the rent is due again for thousands of Missouri tenants who are unable to pay. Gov. Mike Parson published anew Missouri’s protections from evictions, utility shutoffs, late fees and other measures. Locally, LISC warns of the “looming housing cliff,” and the need for more federal stimulus to ward off a future wave of foreclosures.

• May is also the month of high school graduations, summer school planning and casting eyes to the next school year. Area school districts are making plans, contingency plans and then contingency plans for contingency plans. Even classes in the fall remain uncertain. For starters, graduations are heading outdoors in July (maybe), or even to drive-in movie theaters.

Thursday, April 30

• The reopening plans affecting the KC area are taking shape, with a lot of anxiety to go with cautious hope. Here is KC Mayor Quinton Lucas’ plan, and some extensive advice from some of our civic and business organizations in the #SafeReturnKC plan.

• There is a lot to keep up with as the access to food, utilities assistance and other programs keep growing. The Department of Human Services has provided a virtual assistant to answer your questions.

• Truman Medical Centers continues to offer opportunities for COVID-19 testing targeting areas east of Troost Avenue. You have to call to be pre-screened — 816-404-CARE (2273). See our testing page here.

• All of the reopening plans are hoping cities and states will be able to track coronavirus outbreaks in the weeks ahead. But there are many issues, as the New York Times reported. Locally, KC Digital Drive is working on an application.

Wednesday, April 29

• News on food stamps benefits keeps coming. The state announced that the waiver allowing families to receive maximum benefits for their household size has been extended through May. But still to come: Making online use of EBT cards operational, and providing P-EBT card benefits to all families that qualify for free or reduced-price lunches. Read more here.

• Any community’s successful, equitable education crusade builds on universal reading skills. The quarantine lays bare who has books and resources at home, and who doesn’t. Folks like Turn the Page KC here at home and First Book nationwide are trying to do something about it.

Tuesday, April 28

• Circumstances have tossed many households into fragile situations they may not have experienced before — including food insecurity. In Missouri, you can see if you qualify for food stamps by an online application here. Or see how to access the paper form and see other food resources on our special page here.

• The eagerness and trepidation of relaxing stay-at-home orders is dividing the KC area (and the nation). Here’s Gov. Mike Parson’s order, relaxing many restrictions May 4, though with the expectation that we voluntarily continue to practice safe social spacing. The city of Kansas City and Jackson County, however, are sticking to a May 15 schedule.

• Concerns remain strong that societal structures will continue to bring the heaviest risks and impact of the coronavirus down on the poor and people of color. Three local presidents and CEOs — Qiana Thompson, Gwendolyn Grant and Irene Caudillo — penned this letter to the governors of both Kansas and Missouri urging that COVID-19 data strictly highlight impacts by race, ethnicity and ZIP code.

Monday, April 27

• More COVID-19 testing opportunities “popped up” this week, with the KC Health Department doing tests at various locations, especially for residents in ZIP codes 64106, 64123, 64124, 64126, 64127, beginning today. NOTE: KC announced current spots are filled. More information is available here. You must register first by filling out this online form. We are maintaining a list of testing opportunities here.

• Low-income households, especially those hurt financially by the pandemic, may have opportunities for special financial aid, and the time to make applications is now, says the Mid America Assistance Coalition. Learn more about utility bill assistance here.

Weekend, April 24-26

• Spire is offering help with gas bills to low-income families and small businesses who have lost income during the pandemic. Go here to see if you qualify for the aid.

• The number of unemployment claims are “eye-watering” says the New York Times, and the impacts may even be underestimated, but some industries and services need new employees. The Kansas City Star listed some, from federal researchers to doughnut shops.

• The Violence Free KC committee gathered in growing concern about the pandemic’s danger of hidden violence, saying they are “scared of what’s coming.” Here are resources to help keep yourself and neighbors safe.

• Schools worldwide are having to figure out how to make remote learning personal and engaging. Star School, which helps court-involved youth and other teens rebounding from difficult circumstances, has made that its specialty all along.

Thursday, April 23

• More opportunities are arriving for people in Kansas City to be tested for the coronavirus. At this point, testing is still usually reserved for people who are showing symptoms, and pre-screening is required. See our resource for testing sites here.

• Kansas City is directing an additional $800,000 from the city’s health tax levy to increase coronavirus testing, provide more personal protective equipment for health department staff and boost efforts to trace exposure trends.

• Campaigns nationwide to provide food for children and families — and increases in allowable benefits — have contributed to what is now a $2 billion monthly increase in benefits distributed by the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). That’s a 40% increase in food stamps benefits.

• Confused by the alarming disparities in COVID-19 pandemic scenarios? FiveThirtyEight explains the process in storyboard, comic book style.

Wednesday, April 22

• It’s Earth Day, and the Missouri Department of Conservation figures now more than ever we can use a Nature Boost. Here’s their podcasts to reconnect with the outdoors. Or take part in the Sierra Club’s Earth Day People’s E-Quilt.

• The USDA approved Missouri's bid to allow food stamp households to buy groceries online. The program isn't ready yet, but soon Walmart and Amazon will take EBT cards. Says the DSS: Food stamp families deserve the same virus protection.

• The Jackson County Health Department now has a dashboard on coronavirus to show numbers outside of KC. The data includes a breakdown by race. Black residents are suffering at a rate three times higher than white residents.

• The way of the world: When people are scared and vulnerable, scammers prowl. Same goes with the millions who are newly unemployed. Scammers are phishing for personal information. The state issued a warning and advice.

Tuesday, April 21

• Remember the Chiefs? Tailgating? With no live sports for weeks, Thursday’s virtual NFL Draft is the next best thing and Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas and KC Hearts suggests a from-your-driveway, socially safe tailgate party.

• Anxiety is building over the nutritional health of children out of school, and one federal relief program is slow to unroll. Missouri is still on the waiting list of states hoping to get joined in the P-EBT program. That’s the pandemic electronic benefit transfer that gives families who qualify for free or reduced-price meals access to funds for food when schools are out. LINC administered a pilot summer EBT program for Missouri in 2018.

• Kansas City Public Schools is scheduling more opportunities to distribute computers and hot spots to get more students connected for distance learning. High school students all have devices, but the district is trying to get the rest of its families set up. Fill out the district’s request form here, or call 816-418-4357.

Monday, April 20

• Missouri is among most states in which recipients of food stamps can’t use those benefits online. State leaders are trying to change that. A waiver request is pending with the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture so food stamp recipients can also protect themselves and others from the virus.

• Kansas Citians are making a collective effort to help those in need during the pandemic. The Kansas City Regional COVID-19 Response and Recovery fund announced that donations have passed $16 million. Go here to give.

Weekend, April 17-19

• The newly released 2020 Missouri KIDS COUNT data book planned a cautiously positive outlook — until the coronavirus pandemic changed everything. Instead it will serve as the baseline to measure how Missouri takes care of all its children in the critical time ahead.

• SchoolSmartKC announced its first round of awards with more than $1.5 million going out to schools and support organizations for virtual learning, online equity, early childhood care and help for vulnerable families. See the full list here.

• Here are the seven demands that Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO) issued to Kansas City’s leadership as essential toward a ‘just, equitable and moral’ response to the pandemic and the imbalance of pain suffered east of Troost.

Thursday, April 16

• Kansas City’s stay-at-home order has been extended to May 15, Mayor Quinton Lucas announced, feeling sure that the isolation measures have saved lives, but also sure we’ve got stay the course. Among other cities following suit: Independence.

• The distribution of stimulus checks of up to $1,200 per person, while a relief to many, is proving problematic. Private debt collectors may have access to the deposits. If you have debtors, you may want to watch for the deposit and withdraw it. Check the status of your check here. Provide the IRS information to deliver you your check here.

• The creators of the Kansas City Regional COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund are having a OneKC Day of Giving, with every donated dollar up to $1 million to be matched by the Hall Family Foundation and the Sunderland Foundation. Go here to give.

• Join a Facebook Live session tonight at 6 p.m. to talk Census with the mayor, the Guadalupe Centers and Westside Housing — and help build strategies for an all-important complete count for Kansas City.

Wednesday, April 15

• For many people, the federal economic relief checks are now landing directly deposited into their bank accounts. But help is needed getting the word to neighbors who may not have filed income tax returns in recent years on how to get their federal check. The IRS has an online tool at https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here. Share it with anyone who might need help getting their relief check. You can check your check’s status here.

• And a reminder from MARC to keep watch on your mental health and people close to you. You may need to seek counseling and FirstCall at 816-361-5900 can link to help. And MARC offers that The Disaster Distress Hotline has counselors standing by to listen and help. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.

Tuesday, April 14

• The Kansas City area stay-at-home order will likely be extended into May, Mayor Quinton Lucas says. With the current 30-day order, which covers Kansas City and Jackson County in Missouri and Wyandotte and Johnson counties in Kansas, set to expire April 24, area officials are likely to announce an extension later this week.

• COVID-19 is having a disproportionate effect on Black Kansas Citians, who make up 44% of confirmed coronavirus cases even though they make up about 30% of the area population, according to data released by the Kansas City Health Department on Monday. The coronavirus is magnifying existing structural inequalities that cause black Americans to suffer higher rates of chronic disease and lower rates of health insurance.

Monday, April 13

• The FBI warns that people are scared and vulnerable because of the pandemic, and that is dangerously fertile ground for scammers. Fake remedies, false orders of protective equipment, children online exposed to more exploitation, and more — see the FBI’s cautions here.

• Mayor Quinton Lucas and other headliners are gathering on a Facebook Live event Thursday at 6 p.m. to draw attention to the importance of completing the Census. Find out more and tell ‘em you’re interested at the event page here.

• And for Kansas City residents, the city this week is dropping its usual two-bag limit. You can put out up to 12 bags of trash on your regular pickup day without having to purchase any tags.

Weekend, April 10-12

• The good news is that Kansas City Public Schools announced this morning that its food service will resume Monday. The district had suspended operations after a worker had been presumed positive with COVID-19. But the person has tested negative.

• Gov. Mike Parson’s declaration to close schools for the rest of the school year was not unexpected. But, as Margie Vandeven, the education department’s commissioner recommended the move, she said that educators across the state are still figuring out what to do next. There are “a NUMBER of additional questions” educators are trying to answer on the fly, she said.

• InPlay was deep into its second year in Kansas City with an interactive web site to help families sort out summertime and after-school programming. But everything’s changed, of course. And now the site is specializing in virtual program options that are out there for safe social-distancing learning. The KC STEM Alliance now offers a STEM at Home resource page to help families do creative learning. And KCPT public television is now dedicating daytime programs to help with home learning.

• With so many jobless and so many fearing to join already swollen ranks of homeless — and both renters and landlords fearing mounting debt — KC Tenants and other groups of renters and advocates rallied by Zoom for a statewide moratorium on rent and mortgage during the pandemic.

Thursday, April 9

• Gov. Mike Parson this afternoon announced that schools in Missouri will remain closed for the rest of the year, in accordance with the recommendation of many school superintendents around the state and of the state’s commissioner of elementary and secondary education.

• The outlook on our nation’s collective struggle is beginning to show “glimmers of hope” according to Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. But the measures that got us to this better outlook — dedicated social distancing — remain the key going forward. The battle is still much ahead, as Missouri’s peak of coronavirus cases is estimated to be still two weeks away.

• Many resources are stepping up to offer free meals to families with children while schools are closed — though there is concern that services aren’t being used enough and children are going hungry. Kansas City Public Schools suspended their service after a worker was presumed positive with the virus. Here’s a look at who is trying to fill the gap.

Wednesday, April 8

• A report by The Kansas City Star finds that the city’s Third Council District on the East Side, with 55 coronavirus-related cases, has 57% more cases than any other district. The district’s population is primarily black, and it is following trends reported nationally that black communities are suffering more than others.

• The renters’ advocate organization KC Tenants is continuing to increase its support and resources, creating a resource page and hotline for renters who need help. The hotline number is 816-533-5435.

• Missouri has set up a Services Navigator web page to help people find the right state resource during the pandemic. The page has a search engine that can be specified by county and services sought. This adds to the state’s COVID-19 information hub and this list of state agencies’ coronavirus pages.

Tuesday, April 7

• Kansas City Public Schools suspended its food service that had distributed more than 65,000 meals to families after a worker was presumed positive with COVID-19. A hard decision, the district said. Families with children can get meals at Harvester’s and Children’s Mercy’s free food services.

• The #Essential4Kids campaign by Missouri Kids First is putting all adults on watch for signs of child abuse. Even though economic and societal stress are high, reports to the state’s child abuse hotline are down more than 50 percent. With schools out, some of children’s most vigilant protectors — teachers and counselors — aren’t able to keep their usual watch.

• Missouri’s labor department has received the anticipated guidance on the extra unemployment benefits coming from the federal CARES Act. That means an additional $600 in benefits will soon be going out to laid-off and furloughed workers, retroactive to March 29. A reminder: Go to UInteract.labor.mo.gov to file for unemployment benefits.

Monday, April 6

• This week Missouri and the nation are bracing for what the U.S. surgeon general said will be our “Pearl Harbor” moment, “the hardest and saddest” week for most Americans’ lives.

• The pandemic’s social isolation lights new fire to a long-running struggle to get everyone in Kansas City connected to the Internet. Here’s a look at who’s doing what, and how you can get help, or give help.

• LINC’s spring chess tournaments had to shut down, but the games are back on virtually with chances to learn, practice and play chess online with LINC's instructors. The signup is at kclinc.org/chess.

Weekend, April 3-5

• The surge of job losses and unemployment claims are now exploding across Missouri, overwhelming the state’s call-center capacity to handle the claims. The state is making rapid upgrades to its system and asking everyone to use its online claim portal, uinteract.labor.mo.gov/

• As you may know, most school districts including LINC’s partnering districts are providing free meals in grab-and-go style for students during the pandemic. If that’s not available for your family, Children’s Mercy also has a free meal service at several locations throughout the area. Get information of times and locations here.

• The CDC has created an advice page specifically for everyone who is operating a child care service during the pandemic, covering everything from what to do during an outbreak to ideas on how to talk to children about COVID-19.

Thursday, April 2

• The Missouri Department of Social Services is reminding everyone that if you have lost income or health insurance due to COVID-19, you may qualify for benefits to help get through this time. Check out an information chart here.

• Keep in mind that this time of self-isolation and economic stress strains the mental health of you and those people you know. If you are concerned for yourself or someone else, First Call can help make connections to mental health and substance abuse services. The Kansas City area hotline is 816-361-5900.

• The IRS and the Treasury Department have released more details on stimulus checks that will be distributed during the next three weeks. For most people, if you have filed tax returns or receive Social Security benefits, the checks will simply show up directly deposited in your bank accounts. But the IRS will also be setting up an online portal to collect information from people who haven’t had to file returns.

Wednesday, April 1

• Today is National Census Day. This is a good day to make sure that you and everyone you know is counted. Fill out your form, or go to the Census web page here. Millions of local federal dollars are at stake, as allotments to schools, infrastructure and social services over the next decade will be determined by the count.

• Today is also the first due date for rent for many people since the pandemic has put many out of work and strained many tenant businesses. See a recent debate on what to do for tenants and landlords here. Many jurisdictions have stopped evictions, but some advocates are calling for a rent strike.

• News on the number of COVID-19 cases in Missouri is rapidly changing. The state has created an online hub of the latest data. You can also get to that site and links to the dedicated pandemic pages for other state agencies here. Our partner school districts’ sites are listed here.

• SchoolSmartKC has created a $2 million relief fund for schools and supporting services in the Kansas City Public Schools district boundary. See details and how to request funds — or support the fund — here

Tuesday, March 31

• Truth is, many people infected with COVID-19 in the Kansas City area right now don’t know it yet. The numbers are exploding and Kansas City health director Rex Archer offered this advise to everyone: Act like you have the virus.

• Archer made his comments alongside Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas who assessed that Kansas Citians have scored perhaps a “B” for their stay-at-home efforts, but the city is stepping up enforcement against groups of more than 10, and unessential businesses that remained open.

Monday, March 30

• LINC’s partner school districts begin their second week of remote learning. Schools have sent home packets of work and have active web pages (see their pages here) to try to help parents and guardians be partners as homeschoolers. Districts know they are asking a lot of their families.

• The need for social isolating is raising fear that adults and children who are vulnerable to domestic abuse and neglect will be at greater risk during the stressful weeks ahead. If there is a concern, you can call the Rose Brooks Center Hotline (816-861-6100) and the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE or 1-800-799-7233). The child abuse and neglect hotline is 1-800-392-3738.

• The Heartland Center for Jobs and Freedom is holding recurring virtual chats on Facebook to help empower vulnerable Kansas Citians. Today at noon there is a session on workers’ rights that you can view here. A recording of last week’s session on tenants’ rights is available here.

Weekend, March 27-29

• “What will you say you did?” Words to ponder for the weekend and going forward. The pandemic of 2020 has peeled back the scars encrusted by generations of inequity. A virtual national seminar looked at what this means to our school communities.

• With the $2 trillion federal aid plan expected to pass through The House, relief will likely be coming to millions of Americans and businesses. Here is a Q-and-A on what it may mean for you.

• While many people and organizations are sewing homemade masks, health professionals are issuing warnings. They may be helpful, but are far from foolproof and may bring a false sense of security. KU Med says “Thanks, but, sorry, no thanks.”

• One thing everyone can do during self-isolation is go outside and walk, or run. But remember social distancing. Experts say stay off of park play sets and maintain that 6-foot social distancing range.

• And for the weekend, a reminder. Complete your U.S. Census. You can do it online. If you already have, call on anyone you think might need help or a reminder. Share a reminder on social media.

Thursday, March 26

• The $2 trillion plan for federal aid was approved by lawmakers. The measure would send direct payments of $1,200 to Americans earning up to $75,000, substantially expand help for the jobless, and provide hundreds of billions of dollars in business loans for pandemic relief.

• The fates of struggling renters and struggling landlords post-pandemic made for a compelling debate on KCUR. Here’s our take.

• Calls to Missouri’s child abuse and neglect hotline dropped more than half since March 11. Teachers’ role as sentinels of children in danger is lost during school shutdowns, and the state is calling for increased vigilance in the community. The toll-free hotline is 1-800-392-3738.

• Thousands of Missourians newly out of work are filing unemployment claims, increasing by more than 900% the week ending March 21 over the week before. Nearly 65,000 people in Missouri and Kansas filed unemployment claims last week.

Wednesday, March 25

• Early this morning, the Senate and the Trump Administration agreed on a roughly $2 trillion stimulus measure to send direct payments and jobless benefits to individuals as well as money to states and businesses devastated by the coronavirus pandemic.

• Several of Kansas City’s major foundations and social service agencies have created the Kansas City Regional COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund to mobilize a massive giving opportunity to help all those who will suffer physically, emotionally and economically in the days ahead.

• We visited Ervin Elementary School in Hickman Mills to watch the meal delivery systems that area school districts are engaging to prevent hunger during the pandemic.

• There is good news and a warning for families receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The good news is Missouri has received a federal waiver allowing the state to extend benefits for six months during the pandemic. But the state also warns that there are reports of scammers calling SNAP recipients to try and get personal information.

Tuesday, March 24

• The rush to inject some $2 trillion in federal relief to aid Americans in the struggles ahead continued to embroil Congress and President Trump as urgent negotiations on the emergency economic aid package continued this morning.

• The numbers of newly jobless Kansas Citians are exploding as businesses and services close, adding pressure for relief, including among school bus drivers.

• The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) is providing resources to help guide renters and landlords as jurisdictions nationwide are wrestling with banning or limiting evictions during the pandemic, including in Kansas City.

• Child Care Aware of Missouri sent out a call offering to help frontline first-responders find child care services.

Monday, March 23

• The #StayHomeKC self-sequestration becomes a city order in KC and many other jurisdictions as Mayor Quinton Lucas took to Facebook to try to answer many questions.

• The order comes as the rest of LINC’s partnering school districts launched their food distribution programs, joining the few that weren’t on Spring Break last week and had already begun.

• As coronavirus cases continue to escalate in the Kansas City area, the Kansas City Public Schools announced that one of their staff members has tested positive. A former superintendent in Lenexa has died from COVID-19 and this account in The KC Star tells of the families’ pain and agony.

• A fast-developing crisis in Kansas City’s aid to a growing homeless population threatens the entire community as residents at shelters and the staff are terrified that stay-at-home protections will fail without drastic action now. These accounts in The Star and KCUR talk about the scramble for help.