LINC expands community efforts to bust pandemic's barriers for children and families

The mother’s needs came tumbling out like the insides of a dumped suitcase. This was going to take some doing — finding temporary storage, relief from utility bill debt in the thousands of dollars, and fulfilling her child’s prayer that her family would get a new home by her birthday.

Need a Covid test? Here's how to find a site

See updated information from test providers like the Kansas City and Jackson County health departments, plus Swope Health, Truman Medical Centers and other sources.

'Comeback KC' marks area's pathway through pandemic

With information on testing, tracking, links to data dashboards and an interactive guide to safe activities, the Comeback KC website is serving as a guide through and out of the Covid-19 wilderness.

Many ways to get help with housing, utilities: 'Pick up the phone and call'

Two truths from a virtual summit on KC’s help services: The strain on families — many of whom are experiencing severe need for the first time — has become overwhelming. But a rising wave of financial help and services is just as strong.

Mortgage worries? Free legal help available for some Jackson County owners

More than 2.3 million homeowners were 90 days or more past due on their mortgages in September. Through CARES Act funding, Legal Aid of Western Missouri can provide foreclosure prevention services to eligible Jackson County residents.

Relief fund can help many households get internet access

Good, high-speed internet access is more important now than ever for work, school, or just to stay in touch with friends and family, but it can be hard to fit in your budget. The Internet Access Support Program can help.

Shake it up! Lights On Afterschool finds a new groove

No more was the pandemic going to hold back what LINC and its communities yearned to give and share. The fall weather came cool and clear, and LINC’s annual Lights On Afterschool events went outside to find a rush of parents, teachers and children ready to join the fun.

Hickman Mills' campaign against chronic absence sets up pandemic success

The jarring pandemic sent the Hickman Mills School District’s campaign against chronic absence down a whole new — and unfamiliar — track. But the project with Attendance Works is proving a success, both in improving attendance and keeping students engaged during these months of distance learning.

Families scramble to keep the lights on as utility bills pile up

Moratoriums on utility shutoffs in the early months of the pandemic helped many customers through these rough times. But their bills were only delayed, not erased. Now, as winter closes in and a third wave of the pandemic builds, the debts are piling up.

'Safe Sleep ABCs' can prevent nearly 90 Missouri infant deaths a year

Close to 90 infants have died in sleep-related deaths a year in Missouri and nearly half of those deaths occurred while the infant slept in an adult bed. That’s why the Missouri Safe Sleep Coalition is urging parents and care providers to observe the “ABCs” of safe sleep.

Can only hope now: Gaps in KC Census count left to canvassers

The opportunity to fill out the Census is past, and the bureau has been directed to complete the count and whatever work door-to-door canvassers can fill in by Oct. 31. Efforts to get households to fill out the Census still left many Census tracts in the orange — meaning less than 50%.

How many $ millions does KCPS lose in tax abatements? District wants you to know

The short answer? $80 million in potential tax revenue to the Kansas City Public Schools and more than 20 public charter schools has been diverted by tax abatement incentives to developers the past three years.

Lights On Afterschool events celebrate Caring Communities' strength

All across LINC’s sites in six different school districts, Lights On Afterschool celebrations will be marking the shared experiences of communities that have been through so much, bringing “joy and hope to everyone.”

Genesis' schoolyard flu shot clinic to model partnerships at most critical time

In a world laced with coronavirus symptoms, the need for widespread common flu vaccinations could hardly be more urgent. And that goes especially for school communities that have always been vulnerable to flu outbreaks.

Supreme Court allows census counting to end Oct. 15

Time may be running out in getting a complete Census count. The Trump administration can end the count early after the Supreme Court approved a request to suspend a lower court order that extended the count's schedule.

Watch: How-to-vote advice from former KC Election Board attorney and circuit court judge

For a complicated election season, here is pertinent voting advice from attorney Jon R. Gray, a partner with Shook, Hardy & Bacon, a retired Jackson County Circuit Court judge and former attorney for the Kansas City Election Board.

Got a voting plan? Deadline to request mail-in, absentee ballots is Oct. 21

Get a voting plan. That’s everyone’s call to action ahead of the Nov. 3 election.nAnd even though Covid-19 and an anticipated heavy turnout are complicating things, many people and resources are committed to help voters keep it simple — and get it done.

Eviction filings on the rise again in Jackson County despite national moratorium

More than 1,700 evictions were filed in Jackson County since May 31, including more than 60 since a CDC moratorium on evictions was initiated Sept. 4, says data collected by the KC Eviction Project and KC Tenants.

'Hit the Woah!' LINC grooves in Covid's surreal world as more schools open

Finding new ways to enjoy and comfort each other can mean dancing to “Hit the Woah!” instead of hugs as LINC staff and children reunite in-person in re-opening schools.

Last call: Final days for high schools to register 18-year-olds to vote Nov. 3

With so many high school students learning at home online, schools have to get creative in getting newest voters enrolled. Online registration offers opportunities, and now is the time, because Oct. 7 — Wednesday — is the last day to get on the rolls.