With new Internet to Go checkouts, KC Library addresses a critical need

The COVID-19 pandemic consequences are all too clear, from an inability to seek out social services, search for a job, or now do schoolwork to the heartache of disconnect from family and friends. That’s why the Kansas City Public Library is offering Wi-Fi hotspots for a free, 14-day checkout.

'We can help!" LINC's team reaching out to aid children, families, communities

Call us. Do you need help assisting your child in online school? Are you seeking food resources? Do you know a neighbor in need? Connections to legal aid? Books for your children? Tips for seeking utility or rent assistance?Whatever the need, your LINC Caring Communities site coordinators are on the ground and ready to answer the call.

'Pain unlike any we've ever seen': Doctors issue dire Covid warnings for KC

Those weren’t their faces in the line of picture portraits. Nor were those their names. But the University of Kansas Health System professor telling their stories in an alarming public forum Wednesday assured that they and the devastation of Covid on their lives were real.

"Nonpartisan, basic democracy-saving stuff"; Poll workers needed

The equation dogging election boards in staffing Election Day polls is laced with variables that are either unknown or just plain bad. What this equation needs is a lot of new recruits to work the polls Election Day.

USDA extends free meals programs for children through the end of 2020

The pandemic and its pain goes on, and so will the nation’s free food service for all children. The USDA announced that it is extending benefits through the end of the year for schools and other child programs to help all families with children continue receiving free meals.

'Registration Sunday' urges all to join faith communities in enrolling voters

Yes, Lord, it’s that easy. Two minutes on your phone. Go to Vote411.org. Tap on “register to vote.” Sept. 13, “Registration Sunday,” church communities in KC will be taking a moment to get unregistered voters tapping their phones.

Free child care available for KCPS families and staff members

Kansas City Public Schools is partnering with the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City to provide high quality school-age childcare free-of-charge for KCPS families and staff members.

$300 in extra unemployment benefits on the way for some out-of-work Missourians

The checks could arrive even by the end of the week, retroactive to Aug. 1. Missouri is one of 30 states that gained federal approval to begin dispersing an additional $300 a week in unemployment benefits to some out-of-work Americans,

Destination unknown: Schools go boldly (with mixed plans) into new year with Covid

Here’s hoping that every school district will be able to say in the end that they planned right for Covid. Because, with no clear path through the pandemic, schools open the year vulnerable to second-guessing, whether all online or inside buildings with their teachers.

Watch: Hickman Mills, LINC, distribute laptops, tablets, backpacks, supplies

LINC's Caring Communities team helped Hickman Mills families get ready for the new school year, with drive-thru distributions of computers and supplies Aug. 21 and 24.

BAM! Student superheroes can clobber Covid-19 in the classroom

COVID-19 may be invincible, but it’s no match for Missouri’s Student Superheroes. A poster campaign reminds students they can use their own powers to defend against the virus in school and the community.

New parents: You may qualify for nutritional, health care aid from WIC

With financial stress falling more heavily on Missouri households, many new parents and young children may qualify for assistance from WIC.

'Curbside Notary' service to help KC-area voters complete mail-in ballots

The Curbside Notary service is a small balm for a conflicted election season, with politicized national battles over the U.S. Mail service, trouble with funding, and warnings that mail can be delayed.

Rental housing complaints skyrocket during pandemic, hitting KC's 3rd District hardest

A dramatic rise in rental property complaints shows that many Kansas City families believe the pandemic is confining them in dangerous living conditions. Calls have more than doubled with most problems arising in the 3rd City Council District.

Complaints on renting conditions skyrocket in KC during pandemic

The number of complaints about rental housing conditions in Kansas City, Missouri, has doubled, putting it at the highest point since a city program created to solve problems was created two years ago.

With utility shutoffs looming, many Missourians are in danger of being left in the dark

In Missouri, a crisis is coming. Moratoriums on disconnecting utility services have expired. Evictions are looming. Missourians are in danger of having their utilities cut off unless the Public Service Commission acts on their behalf.

Register now for KCPS' Summerfest; stay tuned for KCPS Homeroom show

KCPS families need to pre-register for the “Drive Thru Edition” of the annual Summerfest. But everyone can look forward to watching education shows on KCPS Homeroom.

Electric bills past due? Utility assistance available for many families

LIHEAP — the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program — can help many families that have watched past-due utility bills mount over the past several months.

Give now, apply now: Digital equity fund wants equal opportunity for all KC students

“It is our belief that every student in Kansas City deserves equal opportunity to learn and for this reason, SchoolSmartKC and partners have created the KC Schools Technology and Connectivity Access Fund.”

'See something, say something': Child abuse concerns high during pandemic

School staff have long been critical sentinels in protecting children from child abuse. A new video highlights that role and alerts anyone who suspects child abuse to call the state hotline.