Big decisions loom at Kansas City Hall — including preparations for next year’s World Cup matches, building a new city jail and managing a budget amid financial uncertainties.
Mario Vasquez is Kansas City’s new city manager. Here are three key issues that he will confront in the first 100 days.
Posted inBehind the Beacon
With new support from Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, The Beacon is expanding what local news can do
We’re growing civic reporting that helps Kansas Citians understand policy, influence decisions and close the opportunity gap.
Posted inRural
After the Trump administration canceled funding for schools to buy local produce, Missouri farmers hope the relationships continue
Farmers say the program guaranteed fair prices and encouraged them to increase production.
Posted inState Government
One elder abuse investigator has 70 cases. Kansas doesn’t say how swamped other caseworkers are
One family said their case has been open since Oct. 5, 2024, with no end in sight. The investigator on that case is handling 70 other complaints.
Posted inHealth
FAQ: What Kansas Citians need to know about measles as the virus moves closer
What to do if you are exposed to measles, how sick will it make you and how to know if your vaccine needs an update. Some questions and answers about measles as the number of cases keeps growing.
Posted inLocal Government
Tense relationship between Port KC and labor, schools and City Hall strained by Missouri bill
A bill before the Missouri legislature would update 50-year-old laws governing port authorities, but one sentence in that bill caught the attention of several KC groups. The bill will likely be changed to carve out certain exceptions for KC and St. Louis.
Posted inHealth
‘Just a car ride away.’ As a measles outbreak creeps toward Kansas City, public health leaders urge people to get vaccinated
With vaccine skepticism on the rise, immunization rates in decline and public funds disappearing, the country faces its largest measles outbreak since 2019.
Posted inState Government
Dysfunction makes path to keeping Chiefs and Royals in Jackson County ‘rough’
With the Jackson County option sidelined by “dysfunction,” the only stadium-related bill to progress through the Missouri legislature would open a path for a Royals stadium in Clay County.
Posted inCivic Engagement
FAQ: What you need to know about the new Real ID
Starting May 7, the Real ID Act will begin to take effect to fly and enter federal buildings.
Posted inBehind the Beacon
The Beacon joins The Trust Project, implements the 8 Trust Indicators
The Beacon has always worked to earn your trust. Now we’ve taken it a step further by implementing the 8 Trust Indicators.