A new Missouri law requires certain school districts to get voter approval to start or continue the four-day week. The Independence School District, which is by far the state’s largest district on the shortened week, will put the issue before voters on Nov. 4.
Independence will vote on the 4-day school week. Other Missouri districts are watching closely
Posted inState Government
Kansas Republicans are trying to gerrymander congressional maps. Is that legal?
A previous Kansas Supreme Court ruling says maps can be drawn for political gain. Race-based gerrymandering isn’t allowed, however.
Posted inBehind the Beacon
Slow service, missing mail: Beacon panel highlights experiences with USPS changes in Missouri
The Beacon heard from a senior fellow and co-director of the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center and the president of the Missouri Farm Bureau about USPS changes in Missouri.
Posted inEconomics
AI disruption is here: Kansas City workers navigate new reality
New data center jobs pay $23/hour, but 40,000 workers face automation risk from AI. Local leaders ponder AI jobs transition ahead.
Posted inState Government
Missouri gives ‘one of the biggest millionaire tax cuts’ this year, report says
This year, Missouri became the first state in the country to tax income but not capital gains. That could present a challenge as the state prepares to face a budget shortfall.
Posted inHealth
$50,000 for signing off: Missouri’s rules are blocking access to care, nurse practitioners say
Nurse practitioners and midwives have been pushing to get the law changed in Missouri, but haven’t made any progress. Now, one Columbia nurse is suing the state.
Posted inElections
Everything Prairie Village voters need to know about the ‘abandon’ petition
A yearslong conflict roiling Prairie Village comes to a head as voters cast ballots on whether to abandon the city’s form of government. But the question isn’t necessarily what it seems.
Posted inElections
Prairie Village council election hinges on $30M city hall project. Here’s why
Prairie Village is divided on whether to construct a new municipal complex. Nowhere is that conflict more apparent than in this year’s city council election.
Posted inElections
Meet 8 people who want to represent you on Wyandotte County’s Board of Commissioners
Four districts will appear on the Nov. 4 ballot for Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas. The candidates told The Beacon their plans to address public safety, development, deportations and more.
Posted inElections
Wyandotte County through the eyes of two candidates for mayor
This year’s candidates for mayor include a 30-year attorney and a nonprofit executive. They told The Beacon about the biggest issues facing Wyandotte County, including property taxes, public safety, staff culture and affordability.