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 […]
Posted inHealth Care
Health insurance slipping out of reach for people across Kansas City as ACA subsidies expire
Enhanced tax subsidies, which helped double enrollment in the Affordable Care Act marketplace, will expire on Dec. 31, leaving people across Missouri and Kansas with the choice to pay more or drop coverage.
Posted inLocal Government
Plaza renovation plan brings hope — and tough questions
A Texas developer is moving forward on its plans to renovate the Country Club Plaza. Its plans include several much taller buildings, as well as better sidewalks and a new public square.
Posted inRural
Taxpayers paid millions to clean up hazardous waste in Missouri warehouse
Who was held accountable for the hazardous powder left near the town of Berger, Missouri?
Posted inRural
‘Nobody here knew’: Dozens were exposed to hazardous material in Missouri warehouse before EPA cleanup
Children, homeless people and even city officials entered the building unaware they were inhaling toxic dust.
Posted inRural
How 13 million pounds of hazardous powder wound up in an abandoned Missouri warehouse
Sandblasting material used to strip paint was trucked 500 miles or more to a remote warehouse near the Missouri River.
Posted inRural
As the number of homeless people rises in Missouri, cities confront cross-border “drop-offs”
Joplin officials recently passed an ordinance banning the practice after noticing out-of-state vehicles dropping off homeless people. Columbia, meanwhile, has adopted a voluntary ride home program.
Posted inEducation
New Stanley school to remain open under modified plan
The decision came after pushback from New Stanley families who didn’t want the school to close.
Posted inHealth Care
A KU researcher on the brink of a breakthrough is stuck waiting for federal funds
A change in how the federal government funds research means fewer projects are moving forward. Scientists said the result will be fewer medical advances.
Posted inState Government
Trump administration wants sensitive voter data from Kansas and Missouri
The Department of Justice is asking for information on voters, like the last four digits of a Social Security number and drivers license information.
Posted inMeeting Notes
BPU board approves 2026 budget, reviews future of Nearman coal plant
The new budget keeps rates flat as the Board of Public Utilities board explores clean energy options and launches a community solar initiative.