A 2025 survey of more than 1,500 Kansans found that people are betting more often than they used to. Legalized sports betting is one reason for the increase.
Problem gambling skyrockets in Kansas as betting gets easier
Posted inState Government
Kansas attorney general says state has lost $10.4 million in food assistance. Is that true?
The federal government is trying to withhold funds from the state. But there is a way Kansas can keep the money.
Posted inHealth
KC’s medical community takes action against a persistent problem: Physician suicide
Area hospitals, medical schools and doctors are working to reduce stigma and improve access to mental health care.
Posted inState Government
On initiative petitions, Missouri lawmakers, citizens look to curb the other group’s power
As Republican lawmakers move to make it harder to amend the state constitution, another coalition is pushing to make it harder for lawmakers to amend or repeal voters’ decisions.
Posted inEconomics
Hidden costs of grief: Chef Shaun Brady’s murder illustrates economic toll of gun violence in KC
Chef Shaun Brady’s death triggered at least $1.5M in measurable costs, illustrating the often-ignored economic burden of gun violence.
Posted inBehind the Beacon
What UMKC students told The Beacon about Kansas City’s public transit growth
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 […]
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.