National Campaign for Grade Level Reading honors the 'indefatigable" Bert Berkley

As Kansas City is being recognized for its citywide crusade for reading, the national director of the Campaign for Grade Level Reading took a moment recently to honor one of the movement’s “fiercest and most relentless champions” — LINC Founder and former Chairman, Bert Berkley.

Blueprint 2030: Community chats to consider scenarios for future of KC Public Schools

Kansas City Public Schools’ plans for a changing school system now have scenarios to look at — and it’s your turn to tell the district what you think. The district is scheduling several opportunities for the public to see and give input on what the district team is now imagining from academics to programs.

Former LINC staffer, pastor elected as first Black Independence School Board member

A former LINC part-time staffer made history election night. The Rev. Anthony Mondaine won a seat on the Independence School Board April 5 and will serve as the district’s first Black representative.

Voters to decide renewal of KC's safety net community healthcare levy April 5

Kansas City’s healthcare safety net needs voters’ approval April 5 to continue its role in making sure everyone — including the poor and uninsured — has access to emergency and preventative services.

Hartman LINC student's 'Black is Beautiful' joins KCPS Sankofa oratory prize winners

“Black,” said Hartman Elementary School student Alaundra Anderson, “. . . is as beautiful as two sisters walking hand in hand . . . as wading in a pond on a hot summer day . . . as you holding your baby for the very first time . . .”

Magical Family Summit delights families, shines on Hickman Mills' community partnerships

“This is what a community is about,” Hickman Mills Superintendent Yaw Obeng said. “In building collaboration with our district, it leads to parent engagement, vendors engagement, and, eventually, student success.”

NKC Schools' bond/levy issues highlight April 5 election with area school board races

For the second time in two years, the growing North Kansas City School District is asking voters to approve no-tax-increase ballot measures. NKC’s bond issue and levy transfer highlight election day April 5 along with a host of important school board races across most of LINC’s partner districts.

Fort Osage State of the District, 2022: 'Going above and beyond'

Thanks to students, staff and the community “going above and beyond,” Fort Osage has overcome many challenges to stay on course for a “wonderful” 2022, Superintendent Jason Snodgrass said in his annual State of the District address.

Get in the game: LINC K-12 chess tournament returns in-person March 5

It’s time to enroll. LINC’s chess tournament is returning in-person March 5 at William Chrisman High School with divisions for children of all ages. Preregister by March 2.

Urban TEC drives an 'HBCU Girl's' rebel mission

Ina P. Montgomery, creator of Urban TEC, is still the tempest who – after a white suburban Kansas City guidance counselor told her she probably wasn’t college material – declared with great Black pride that she’d storm the world in business for herself right out of high school.

Hickman Mills Family Summit ready for in-person return

As yet another refreshing sign we’re emerging from Covid’s winter, the annual Hickman Mills Family Summit is planning to return as an in-person event March 5.

For those who 'blazed a trail,' new KC Black history website reaches deeper to teach, inspire

Everything that’s motivated the 12 years of work in the Kansas City Black History Project — the research, the storytelling, the teaching and sharing — has gone fully digital. An enhanced webpage unleashes the stories of more than 80 Black men and women into sortable lists, school lesson plans, poetic video, essays and links to recorded oral history.

'Tenant Problem Solver' online tool helps fight eviction, dangerous conditions and more

When problems boil up between renters and landlords, hotline services can be overwhelmed and legal aid offices busy. Now renters under stress can go online to the Tenant Problem Solver for help.

Free tax filing and assistance is back; here's how to get it

If you earned $73,000 or less in 2021 you can file your income tax return for free. And if you earned $58,000 or less, getting help to file your taxes is also free. Here’s how to get started.

Free home Covid-19 testing kits can be delivered to you; here's how to get them

Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four home COVID-⁠19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. The CDC urges households to order your tests now so they will be available when you need them.

Need a job? Need a better job? A state team is on call to help you

Help is standing by for Missourians seeking help in finding a job, or a better job.

The Missouri Workforce Initiative Team is waiting your call at 573-415-8337.

'Beating the Odds' study shines light on KCPS, Hickman Mills schools making academic gains

A PRiME Center study from Saint Louis University raises up high-poverty schools in Missouri that are among the best in showing growth in state test performance.

Kansas City Black History Project honored by Jackson County Historical Society

The Jackson County Historical Society will honor the Kansas City Black History Project by the Kansas City Public Library, the Black Archives of Mid-America and LINC at its annual awards dinner this month.

Fully accredited: KCPS community rejoices

The six years it took for Superintendent Mark Bedell to lead the Kansas City Public Schools to the promised land of full accreditation would have been wilderness enough.

But the joy that swept over the resilient school district Tuesday burst from 22 years of pain that longtime educators and a community of partners and supporters have carried since the state stripped accreditation in 2000.

More help available to pay for Internet and computer costs. See how to apply

Any families that qualify for free school meals, food stamps or public housing assistance can also get help paying Internet bills and computer costs. See if how you can receive up to $30 a month for internet and up to $100 discount for a laptop, desktop computer or tablet.