Are we doing right by Missouri children? Mapping tool charts pandemic equity

Even as Missouri KIDS COUNT was preparing to release its 2020 data book, its writers knew everything was changing and that the stakes with the pandemic are rising for our most vulnerable children. So now comes the “Story Map of Vulnerability.”

Diabetes and COVID-19 make deadly mix; KCPT forum rallies resources

Before the coronavirus “poured gasoline on an already existing fire,” KCPT and PBS had already planned an intense public awareness campaign baring diabetes as “a silent killer” threatening millions of Americans. Now a recorded virtual town hall in KC is rallying help.

Reopening KC in pandemic like lighting campfires in field of dry grass

Mayor Quinton Lucas and KC Health Director Rex Archer feel like fire chiefs without a brigade, watching embers in the wind. Even yet, KC is still moving ahead — “as of now,” Lucas said — with a phased reopening May 15.

KC's looming summer childcare crisis demands action

Beginning May 15, thousands of parents are going to be expected to return to work without an answer to the question: who will watch my kids? Turn the Page KC has issued a call to action.

'Black people should be very cautious'; the plea of a public health crusader

“African-Americans are no longer willing to sit in the back of the healthcare bus,” says Jim Nunnelly as he crusades for public health justice and awareness during the coronavirus pandemic.

Pandemic doesn't stop bike riding, nor safety lessons; BikeWalkKC, LINC find a way

The pandemic and its quarantine isn’t stopping kids from riding bikes this spring. Nor, it turns out, does it have to stop important safety lessons. Instead of burrowing into our coronavirus cocoons, BikeWalkKC and LINC built a virtual classroom.

Look here: Free tax filing, get your refund, get your stimulus check

If you have not yet filed your 2019 federal income tax return — or gotten your economic stimulus check from the government, here are some important facts. You’ve got time. You may be able to file for free. And you may need to file to get your government stimulus check.

Plan A, Plan B, Plan . . . Z? Schools trying to predict future that's impossible to know

It almost goes without saying, but Recommendation No. 1 in the state’s recent advice to school districts on how to run summer school is: “Maximum flexibility.” And with the uncertain horizon before them, expect the same come the start of the next school year in August.

Re-opening Kansas City Phase One (and this is hard): Take it slow

The eagerness to reopen Kansas City passes the point of pain for so many. The competing official declarations and the public health warnings have created a hall of mirrors as we try to find the right way out to recover lives that will never be the same again.

Making books happen: How critical reading goes on in quarantine

Throughout the city, reading advocates like LINC partners Turn the Page KC and First Book are inventing ways to get essential books into the hands of children and support to their parents and guardians.

Utility bills assistance available for many low-income households during pandemic

Many low-income families can get help with their utility bills from support agencies and through the utility companies themselves. And families that are concerned should be making applications sooner than later.

Scared of what's coming: Domestic violence may be hiding in pandemic's shadows

The disconnect that is threatening communities with the closing of schools, churches and other public encounter spaces may be not only concealing violence, but putting more vulnerable residents in danger as households struggle with economic and social stress.

No panic; Star School rises up to keep education going for court-involved teens

The pandemic was shutting down Missouri’s state-run schools for troubled youth. Teachers worried for their students whose tenuous grasp on education means so much to their chances to rise. Then, assuredly, an answer came to them: “Oh, right. Star School.”

Coronavirus testing opportunities grow, with focus east of Troost

Kansas City health providers are working with city and county officials to bring more coronavirus testing and screening to the community. Virtual screening tools and more testing operations are setting up in church parking lots and other neighborhood sites.

Scammers targeting new filers for unemployment

The state warns that scammers are targeting new applicants for unemployment with phishing attempts to steal personal information. Here’s what to watch for.

More families getting connected online; local and statewide resources grow

While Connecting for Good was distributing computers and hot spots to Kansas City families Friday, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson announced $3.05 million in awards to support projects throughout the state to provide broadband during the pandemic.

Witnesses to 'unrelenting pain'; CCO issues 7 demands in KC's COVID-19 response

There cannot be a “colorblind” response to how Kansas CIty delivers aid during the COVID-19 pandemic, said speakers in a Facebook Live rally by Communities Creating Opportunity Thursday. The city must “bear witness to the deep unrelenting pain . . . (of) a racialized system.

Pandemic response will be true measure of Missouri KIDS COUNT report

All the inequities in the opportunities that Missouri children have for healthy lives — charted by the Missouri KIDS COUNT report since 1993 — will come under unprecedented strain during and after the pandemic.

Alert: Many people need help getting, protecting their IRS stimulus check

Alarms are sounding for the welfare of many people whose government check is proving problematic. Concerns with debt collectors, wrong bank account information, or no bank information or no mail delivery information are threatening to deny economic aid to many people who need help most.

Your at-home kids' activities guide: From virtual sky tours to scouting and more

We here at LINC and many of our partners are getting creative in offering educational and recreational activities for our families and their children as the pandemic requires us to stay at home. Keep up to date on our LINC online activities page.