Mili Mansaray, The Beacon

Three men working on a house construction site.

Kansas City Home Builders Push Back on Energy Efficiency Rules, Blame Them for Housing Crunch

By Mili Mansaray, The Beacon | July 23, 2024

Homebuilders say Kansas City’s energy efficiency standards hinder housing construction and increase costs. Environmentalists say they combat climate change.

Ken Simard was homeless for seven years. He slept in an encampment under a Blue Parkway bridge.

Neighborhood Blocks a Low-Barrier Shelter Addressing Homelessness in Kansas City

By Mili Mansaray, The Beacon | May 22, 2024

Kansas City is debating how to spend federal funds to shelter chronically homeless people. But plans for a new low-barrier shelter faced stiff opposition.

Kansas City Homeowners Don’t Want to Sell. Here’s Why

By Mili Mansaray, The Beacon | April 10, 2024

If you're looking to buy a home in Kansas City in today’s market, brace for higher mortgage rates, limited supply and tough competition.

5 Companies Own 8,000 Kansas City Area Homes, Creating Intense Competition for Residents

By Mili Mansaray, The Beacon | February 28, 2024

Kansas City homebuyers are bidding against mega-corporations for houses. This is how out real estate investment impacts local communities.

People attend a candlelight vigil for victims of a shooting at a Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl victory rally Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024 in Kansas City, Mo. More than 20 people were injured and one woman killed in the shooting near the end of Wednesday's rally held at nearby Union Station.

Seeking Help for Children Traumatized Mass Shooting in Kansas City? Experts Stress Routines

By Maria Benevento, The Beacon, Mili Mansaray, The Beacon, Trace Salzbrenner, The Beacon | February 16, 2024

Experts say returning to routine activities is important for children traumatized by the mass shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade.

A view from the east of a possible Royals ballpark in the East Village area of downtown.

Jackson County Set Royals Stadium Tax Vote. Now, Labor Gears Up for Tough Talks

By Mili Mansaray, The Beacon | January 26, 2024

The Kansas City Royals want voters to renew a sales tax to underwrite a new stadium. Stadium workers want more leverage on their wages.

Qasim Rahimi came to Kansas City as an Afghan refugee in 2021 following the Taliban’s siege of Kabul. He is fleeing persecution as a journalist and former government official.

Afghan Refugees Still Adjusting to Life in Kansas City — and Wondering if They Can Stay

By Mili Mansaray, The Beacon | November 1, 2023

After the Taliban seized Kabul, Kansas City welcomed hundreds of Afghan refugees in 2021. Many still seek stable housing and secure immigration status.

Rising Rents Leave More Kansas City Tenants Facing Eviction

By Mili Mansaray, The Beacon | September 19, 2023

Two years after the end of a national eviction moratorium, landlords are still looking to make up for lost income. That’s led to more residents facing eviction.

Lovell Holloway, general manager for Vantage Airport Group, the lead developer of KCI's concessions.

Search Continues for Food and Retail Employees at New KCI

By Mili Mansaray, The Beacon | July 26, 2023

Businesses hope to employ 1,000 workers at the new Kansas City International Airport (KCI) terminal. But they remain about 400 employees short of that goal.

Passengers wait at a congested KCI pickup line.

One Month Into the New Airport Terminal, KC Has Questions

By Mili Mansaray, The Beacon, Josh Merchant, The Beacon | March 29, 2023

The initial reviews for the new terminal at Kansas City International Airport have been generally positive. But some questions have emerged. Here are answers.