The Beacon’s Community Journalism Lab representative, Robert Stone and our local government reporter, Josh Merchant, recently sat down with Urban Planning and Design Students at the University of Missouri-Kansas City to hear what future city planners think about some of Kansas City’s biggest challenges. Students shared their perspectives on housing, transit, development incentives and how […]
What UMKC students told The Beacon about Kansas City’s public transit growth
Posted inHealth
Needs of seniors shape plans for Swope Health’s $126M campus on grounds of shuttered KC nursing home
The number of Americans aged 65 or older has more than tripled since 1960, fueling the ‘gray revolution.’
Posted inHealth
Kansas City workers can bet on paying more for health insurance next year
Health insurance premiums are expected to jump in 2026, and many businesses say they’ll be forced to pass some of the increase on to employees.
Posted inBehind the Beacon
The Beacon earns nine Missouri Press Association awards
The Beacon has received nine awards from the Missouri Press Association, recognizing the work of our dedicated journalists. Our nine awards — including two first-place honors, four second-place honors and three third-place honors — were earned by four of The Beacon’s reporters. Here are those award-winning stories: Thanks to the Missouri Press Association for recognizing […]
Posted inState Government
Kansas Republicans say the state will lose $10.4 million on Sept. 19
The federal government asked for Social Security numbers, addresses and other personal information from food assistance recipients in Kansas. Gov. Laura Kelly won’t hand it over.
Posted inState Government
Missouri’s redistricting effort is legally unprecedented, experts say
The legislature’s effort to draw a new congressional map breaks with tradition and could force the Missouri Supreme Court to decide on the legality of midcycle redistricting.
Posted inElections
FAQ: All about the Sept. 30 special election to recall Frank White Jr.
Supporters of the recall say they’re ticked off about how Frank White Jr. handled property assessments. Opponents say the construction lobby is trying to clear the path for “sweetheart stadium deals.”
Posted inLabor
Reservation for 650,000: Kansas City’s hospitality industry braces for World Cup workforce scramble
With more than 6,000 open food service job listings and no coordinated plan to address staffing, Kansas City restaurant leaders worry they won’t be ready for the massive influx of World Cup visitors in 2026.
Posted inBehind the Beacon
The Beacon’s founding champion: Remembering David Oliver
Dear friends of The Beacon, On behalf of The Beacon, we join in the profound sadness at news of the passing of David Oliver, founding board chair of The Beacon, trusted advisor and lifelong advocate for civic journalism and local engagement. We received this news with heavy hearts. David’s legacy touches every part of The […]
Posted inEducation
How methane gas from deep underground caused two Raytown schools to close for weeks
Some of the deep geothermal wells from the schools’ heating and cooling system allowed methane to accumulate below a parking lot. But repairs are underway.