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 […]
The Beacon’s founding champion: Remembering David Oliver
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.
Posted inHealth
Who can get an updated COVID vaccine and what will it cost? Kansas City doctors say that’s still uncertain
The FDA is only recommending the new shot to people who are 65 or older or have a complicating health condition. Many doctors believe it should be given to everyone.
Posted inState Government
‘Kansas City hangs in the balance’: Contentious hearing kicks off Missouri redistricting effort
Under the map proposed by Gov. Mike Kehoe and carried by Rep. Dirk Deaton, Jackson County voters would be split between districts stretching into eastern, southern and northern Missouri.
Posted inMissouri
Blocked from seeing her son, a Missouri mother fights to change the state’s guardianship law to help others like him
A Missouri mother says her experience with the guardianship system has inspired her to push for changes in state law to protect families like hers.
Posted inState Government
Kansas lacks high-quality opioid addiction treatment programs, KU study finds
People trying to kick addiction should have access to medical detox programs, but these treatments aren’t widely offered in Kansas.
Posted inLocal Government
Why a Raytown alderman was removed from office during a private meeting with the mayor
Latrice Thomas was removed from her position on the Raytown Board of Aldermen after an investigation into her taxes. Two months later, the city still has not publicly addressed her removal.
Posted inState Government
Missouri governor begins redistricting process after Trump pressure. Kansas City is the target
President Trump has been pressuring Gov. Mike Kehoe to call a special session for mid-decade redistricting. Republican lawmakers hope to gerrymander congressional lines around Kansas City.
Posted inImmigration
Refugees could lose SNAP benefits any day. Then health care will go away
New federal legislation has changed who qualifies for food stamps and health care benefits like Medicaid. Refugees and asylees don’t.
Posted inEconomics
‘I’d rather turn my degree back in’: KC-area borrowers face student loan payment spikes
Millions of student loan borrowers face raised monthly payments as Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act eliminates the SAVE plan and reduces repayment options.