The Beacon
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Nonprofit news you can trust in greater Kansas City, Kansas and Missouri.
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Property taxes, public transportation, audits and small business services: Here are Alan Rohlfing and Stacy Lake’s top priorities if elected to lead Jackson County.
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November ballot guide: The race for Jackson County executive
Property taxes, public transportation, audits and small business services. Here are Alan Rohlfing and Stacy Lake’s top priorities if elected to lead the county.
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September 21, 2026 at 4:45 PM
Property taxes, public transportation, audits and small business services: Here are Alan Rohlfing and Stacy Lake’s top priorities if elected to lead Jackson County.
buff.ly/QbGAccm
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Education leaders were caught off guard when the Missouri State Board of Education approved a budget request that didn’t ask for the full amount required to fund the state's foundation formula. buff.ly/ZWzuoVZ
Missouri's 'unprecedented' budget vote leaves schools around Kansas City in the lurch
Missouri’s state education board voted not to ask the governor and lawmakers for full school funding.
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September 19, 2026 at 4:45 PM
Education leaders were caught off guard when the Missouri State Board of Education approved a budget request that didn’t ask for the full amount required to fund the state's foundation formula. buff.ly/ZWzuoVZ
UMKC workers are pushing for a $19 wage floor for service and maintenance jobs. The university says pay is based on the cost of labor, not the cost of living. buff.ly/duqa36c
‘We are human beings’: UMKC workers take their fight for higher pay public
UMKC workers push for $19 wage floor for service and maintenance jobs, university says pay is based on the cost of labor, not the cost of living
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September 18, 2026 at 4:45 PM
UMKC workers are pushing for a $19 wage floor for service and maintenance jobs. The university says pay is based on the cost of labor, not the cost of living. buff.ly/duqa36c
A single case has exposed more than 250 people in Jackson County to measles. Area health officials expect the number of people exposed to grow. buff.ly/2FVur1r
Missouri train ride led to KC-area measles case that's exposed 250 people so far
At least 10 unvaccinated people must quarantine for 21 days. Public health leaders urge others to get vaccinated to avoid future outbreaks.
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September 17, 2026 at 4:45 PM
A single case has exposed more than 250 people in Jackson County to measles. Area health officials expect the number of people exposed to grow. buff.ly/2FVur1r
In rural Missouri, some patients must travel more than an hour to reach a delivery hospital. Doulas, mobile health programs and telehealth are trying to fill some of the gaps. buff.ly/DxmrVJ4
Rural Missouri families face longer drives, riskier births as maternity wards vanish
More than half of Missouri’s counties are now classified as maternity care deserts, a new March of Dimes report found. A closure can increase travel times by almost 30 minutes, data shows.
thebeaconnews.org
September 16, 2026 at 4:45 PM
In rural Missouri, some patients must travel more than an hour to reach a delivery hospital. Doulas, mobile health programs and telehealth are trying to fill some of the gaps. buff.ly/DxmrVJ4
A permanent emergency shelter for people who are unhoused could finally be in the cards for Wyandotte County if voters approve a proposed health sales tax in November. buff.ly/2RbRE4N
Wyandotte County seeks voter approval for a new sales tax to fund a permanent emergency shelter
County voters will be asked in November if they want to add the special tax for health, which could also support other services for unhoused residents. A second sales tax for parks and roads is going…
thebeaconnews.org
September 15, 2026 at 4:45 PM
A permanent emergency shelter for people who are unhoused could finally be in the cards for Wyandotte County if voters approve a proposed health sales tax in November. buff.ly/2RbRE4N
In a packed room, the Park Hill school board heard concerns from local parents affiliated with the group Schools Beyond Screens about how technology is used in learning spaces. buff.ly/gobYLoO
Screen time and learning outcomes take center stage at Park Hill board meeting
Parents with Schools Beyond Screens expressed worries to the Park Hill school board about screen overuse and its effect on learning outcomes.
thebeaconnews.org
September 14, 2026 at 4:45 PM
In a packed room, the Park Hill school board heard concerns from local parents affiliated with the group Schools Beyond Screens about how technology is used in learning spaces. buff.ly/gobYLoO
Resettled in Kansas City under asylum laws, an Afghan ally of the U.S. military began the long legal route to bringing his wife and children to the U.S. It took a year and a federal lawsuit to get them out of Afghanistan. buff.ly/70wjHUr
Afghan man, a U.S. wartime ally, sued the government to keep his family safe from the Taliban
An Afghan ally of the U.S. military became a plaintiff in a federal lawsuit challenging a travel ban. He recently reunited with his family in Kansas City.
thebeaconnews.org
September 11, 2026 at 4:45 PM
Resettled in Kansas City under asylum laws, an Afghan ally of the U.S. military began the long legal route to bringing his wife and children to the U.S. It took a year and a federal lawsuit to get them out of Afghanistan. buff.ly/70wjHUr
After a flurry of court rulings, Missouri’s congressional redistricting maps are in a paradoxical state, with one order barring the state from using gerrymandered maps and the other saying it has to. buff.ly/s0mkbQB
Dueling court orders over Missouri's congressional map could have far-reaching effects in Kansas City
One order bars the state from using gerrymandered maps. The other says it has to.
thebeaconnews.org
September 10, 2026 at 4:45 PM
After a flurry of court rulings, Missouri’s congressional redistricting maps are in a paradoxical state, with one order barring the state from using gerrymandered maps and the other saying it has to. buff.ly/s0mkbQB
As federal changes begin to put health insurance out of reach for more people, a growing number of patients are returning to the ranks of the uninsured. buff.ly/17cQKxw
KC hospitals see more patients without insurance — and expect many more
The end of enhanced subsidies for ACA plans is adding to the tally of uninsured patients. New Medicaid requirements coming in January could be a multiplier.
thebeaconnews.org
September 8, 2026 at 4:45 PM
As federal changes begin to put health insurance out of reach for more people, a growing number of patients are returning to the ranks of the uninsured. buff.ly/17cQKxw
A familiar face has returned to the Kansas City Council to replace outgoing Councilmember Andrea Bough. buff.ly/gUm8vye
Shakeup at City Hall: Kevin McManus is Kansas City’s newest City Council member
Andrea Bough, who represented the 6th District at-large, has departed the City Council to lead the city’s economic development agency. She is being replaced by former Mayor Pro Tem Kevin McManus.
thebeaconnews.org
September 4, 2026 at 4:45 PM
A familiar face has returned to the Kansas City Council to replace outgoing Councilmember Andrea Bough. buff.ly/gUm8vye
On Aug. 18, Mike McDonald, a math teacher, made history when he attended his first meeting as a member of the Missouri State Board of Education. buff.ly/HZyeGWE
Q&A: Meet the first active teacher appointed to Missouri’s State Board of Education
Mike McDonald is the first person appointed to a non-voting role on the board set aside for an active classroom teacher.
thebeaconnews.org
September 3, 2026 at 4:45 PM
On Aug. 18, Mike McDonald, a math teacher, made history when he attended his first meeting as a member of the Missouri State Board of Education. buff.ly/HZyeGWE
The Raytown School District told teachers they need permission for crowdfunding efforts, and that any donations are the property of the district. buff.ly/rrL9jAl
Classroom supply drive for Raytown teachers runs into unexpected hurdle
A message from the Raytown School District to teachers said they need permission for crowdfunding efforts and that any donations are the property of the district.
thebeaconnews.org
September 2, 2026 at 4:45 PM
The Raytown School District told teachers they need permission for crowdfunding efforts, and that any donations are the property of the district. buff.ly/rrL9jAl
As health insurance costs climb, more Kansas Citians are turning to direct primary care, which gets them quick access for a monthly fee. buff.ly/TWEyz6Q
Not accepting health insurance a selling point for some KC doctors
As health insurance costs climb, more patients turn to direct primary care for basic care. Patients get quick access for a monthly fee.
thebeaconnews.org
September 1, 2026 at 4:45 PM
As health insurance costs climb, more Kansas Citians are turning to direct primary care, which gets them quick access for a monthly fee. buff.ly/TWEyz6Q
Kansas City’s Haitian community is generations deep and growing, filled with nurses, dentists and other health professionals. Newer arrivals fear deportation after the loss of a protected immigration status. buff.ly/Q9TP6EH
Haitian community braces after courts strip protected immigration status
Kansas City’s Haitian community is generations deep and growing, filled with nurses, dentists and other health professionals. Newer arrivals fear deportation after the loss of a protected immigration…
thebeaconnews.org
August 31, 2026 at 4:45 PM
Kansas City’s Haitian community is generations deep and growing, filled with nurses, dentists and other health professionals. Newer arrivals fear deportation after the loss of a protected immigration status. buff.ly/Q9TP6EH
More than half of Jackson County’s polling places ran out of preprinted ballots during the Aug. 4 primary because of higher-than-expected voter turnout. buff.ly/iuKVxdT
Missouri counties suffered ballot shortages amid high primary turnout
More than half of Jackson County’s polling places experienced shortages of preprinted ballots, leading to long wait times and frustration.
thebeaconnews.org
August 28, 2026 at 11:29 PM
More than half of Jackson County’s polling places ran out of preprinted ballots during the Aug. 4 primary because of higher-than-expected voter turnout. buff.ly/iuKVxdT
As part of its new ballpark deal, the Kansas City Royals agreed to give at least $55 million in community benefits to Kansas City over 30 years. Here’s what the public gets and how it compares to other deals. buff.ly/TV6gbk3
The good, the bad, the missing: How community benefits for new Royals stadium stack up
The 11-page ‘community impact partnership agreement’ commits at least $55 million back to Kansas City over 30 years. Here’s what the public gets and how it compares to other deals.
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August 28, 2026 at 4:45 PM
As part of its new ballpark deal, the Kansas City Royals agreed to give at least $55 million in community benefits to Kansas City over 30 years. Here’s what the public gets and how it compares to other deals. buff.ly/TV6gbk3
A closely divided Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools board voted 4-3 to bring in more property tax dollars this year instead of lowering rates enough to cancel out rising property values. buff.ly/3eqhBdQ
Divided Kansas City, Kansas, school board makes key property tax decision
Three members wanted to lower property tax rates enough to keep revenue flat, but they were overruled.
thebeaconnews.org
August 27, 2026 at 11:29 PM
A closely divided Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools board voted 4-3 to bring in more property tax dollars this year instead of lowering rates enough to cancel out rising property values. buff.ly/3eqhBdQ
A proposal to revamp the Country Club Plaza is one step closer to reality after the Port Authority of Kansas City took the first of three votes for an estimated $149 million property tax incentive over the next 30 years. buff.ly/rBzwSNC
Port KC approves property tax break for the Country Club Plaza redevelopment
Gillon Property Group will finance the redevelopment using $1.49 billion in bonds issued by Port KC. But Gillon ultimately will be responsible to pay back that debt.
thebeaconnews.org
August 25, 2026 at 11:29 PM
A proposal to revamp the Country Club Plaza is one step closer to reality after the Port Authority of Kansas City took the first of three votes for an estimated $149 million property tax incentive over the next 30 years. buff.ly/rBzwSNC
A resolution headed to the Kansas City Council is meant to resolve a nearly yearlong dispute about how more than $30 million collected through the city’s health levy is distributed. buff.ly/janSJRx
Kansas City Health Commission proposes compromise to resolve health levy dispute
The commission’s resolution, now heading to the City Council, recommends that the same safety-net providers continue getting health levy funds, while opening a path for new ones.
thebeaconnews.org
August 25, 2026 at 4:45 PM
A resolution headed to the Kansas City Council is meant to resolve a nearly yearlong dispute about how more than $30 million collected through the city’s health levy is distributed. buff.ly/janSJRx
KCK will be making changes to comply with a new Kansas law that aims to address statewide housing shortages and increase the number of single-family homes. buff.ly/RKHUCnA
KCK looking to increase stock of single-family housing
Zoning review coming in response to the “By-Right Housing Development Act,” a state law that took effect July 1.
thebeaconnews.org
August 24, 2026 at 11:00 PM
KCK will be making changes to comply with a new Kansas law that aims to address statewide housing shortages and increase the number of single-family homes. buff.ly/RKHUCnA
The Kansas City Council voted 11-2 to commit $600 million to the Royals for a new ballpark. Here’s a look at the political and financial math behind the deal. buff.ly/OUiyFhF
Kansas City conjured a Royals deal without voter approval. That comes at a price
The Kansas City Council voted 11-2 to commit $600 million to the Royals for a new ballpark. Here’s a look at the political and financial math behind the deal.
thebeaconnews.org
August 21, 2026 at 4:45 PM
The Kansas City Council voted 11-2 to commit $600 million to the Royals for a new ballpark. Here’s a look at the political and financial math behind the deal. buff.ly/OUiyFhF
Missouri is preparing to rate schools using an A-to-F grading scale. Supporters say the plan gives parents more information, but opponents say it could be a source of confusion and stigma. buff.ly/eyiD4VZ
Simple or oversimplified? Missouri prepares to grade schools on an A-to-F scale
Supporters say the plan gives parents more information, but opponents say it could be a source of confusion and stigma.
thebeaconnews.org
August 20, 2026 at 4:45 PM
Missouri is preparing to rate schools using an A-to-F grading scale. Supporters say the plan gives parents more information, but opponents say it could be a source of confusion and stigma. buff.ly/eyiD4VZ
The Trump administration wants to eliminate more than 1,400 federal rules for Head Start in the hopes of cutting costs and expanding access. In Missouri, providers say the challenge may not be so easily solved. buff.ly/RSb87Yf
Trump wants to loosen Head Start rules. Missouri providers say access isn’t so simple
Missouri Head Start providers agree some rules are burdensome. But as the federal government proposes a sweeping overhaul of regulations, they question what it could mean for the program.
thebeaconnews.org
August 19, 2026 at 4:45 PM
The Trump administration wants to eliminate more than 1,400 federal rules for Head Start in the hopes of cutting costs and expanding access. In Missouri, providers say the challenge may not be so easily solved. buff.ly/RSb87Yf
Fewer Kansas City-area residents, including children, are getting vaccinated this year. Local officials worry that new federal immunization policies may be responsible. buff.ly/5HybPZw
Childhood vaccine rates could get worse as demand for shots dips in Kansas City
Despite a new presidential order, health officials urge parents to stick with longstanding guidance about routine shots.
thebeaconnews.org
August 18, 2026 at 4:45 PM
Fewer Kansas City-area residents, including children, are getting vaccinated this year. Local officials worry that new federal immunization policies may be responsible. buff.ly/5HybPZw