This article was produced with ProPublica as part of its Local Reporting Network initiative. Sign up for Dispatches to get stories like this one as soon as they are published. This story is available in plain language. One weekday morning in July, Kerstie Bramlet was at her workstation inside the Warren County Sheltered Workshop near […]
Missouri Allows Some Disabled Workers to Earn Less Than $1 an Hour. The State Says It’s Fine If That Never Changes.
Posted inLocal Government
Inside Kansas City’s budget hearings: Here’s what to know
After the finance department warned of a $100 million budget shortfall, Kansas City made some trims. But tough decisions lie ahead.
Posted inHealth
‘Time is everything’: Federal grant will support blood transfusions at the scene of crashes
Researchers at the University of Missouri School of Medicine get millions of dollars from the U.S. Department of Transportation to study the impacts of performing blood transfusions at crash sites where there are severe injuries.
Posted inMeeting Notes
Wyandotte County discusses World Cup transit upgrades, prepares next phase of Vision Zero
Plans include increased frequency, expanded microtransit and extended weekend bus hours. Commissioners also discussed traffic safety efforts and updates to special event vendor regulations.
Posted inState Government
Kansas pushes more jail time for problematic youth. Research says that will lead to more crime
Legislation sent to the governor allows more children to be locked up and for longer. It also requires new, previously unsuccessful treatment options to be funded.
Posted inHousing
Hoping for more affordable housing, Kansas City rolls back energy efficiency codes
Some officials hope less restrictive codes will reduce costs and spur new housing. Others say it will cost residents in the long run.
Posted inState Government
Kansas Republicans override governor’s veto of transgender bathroom ban
The law requires people use bathrooms that align with their sex at birth.
Posted inMeeting Notes
Retention up, readiness down: KCPS weighs progress and challenges
Pre-K retention has risen 9% in three years, though kindergarten readiness sits just shy of the 90% goal. Leaders say stronger family engagement and improved communication are key next steps.
Posted inState Government
Missouri senator proposes creating investment fund to eliminate all state taxes
Sen. Adam Schnelting says it’s time to “completely reimagine how we fund government.” He wants to create a sovereign wealth fund for the state.
Posted inHealth
Missouri and Kansas families pay nearly 10% of their income on employer-provided health insurance
A new report found that nearly 10% of median household income in Missouri and Kansas goes toward deductibles and premiums. At that level, economists say those households are underinsured.
Posted inBehind the Beacon
We’re opening the search for our next editor-in-chief
The Beacon is searching for a visionary editor-in-chief to lead our reporting team.