County Executive Frank White vetoed the Jackson County budget in January, then four county legislators sued him. The county is still at odds three months later.
Gridlock in local government: Jackson County has been operating without an approved budget for months
Posted inRural
Primary care shortage has an outsized impact on rural Missouri
Rural Missourians tend to be older and have more chronic health conditions. It makes a consistent primary care provider more important, but rural patients have the least access to them.
Posted inEducation
Rockhurst University and Spring Hill College to partner on academics, exchange programs
Rockhurst hopes the partnership will increase opportunities for its students and improve enrollment.
Posted inState Government
For the first time, Missouri may spend public funds on private school vouchers
Gov. Mike Kehoe and the Missouri House have pushed for $50 million in state funds to go toward scholarships for homeschooled and private-school students.
Posted inState Government
‘I’m just disappointed’: Kansas lawmakers leave Topeka without substantial property tax cuts
Lawmakers promised property tax relief for years. They passed a broad tax cut last year, but didn’t pass substantial relief in 2025.
Posted inBehind the Beacon
Sparking change for a better Kansas City
The Beacon heard from community leaders who gathered at Union Station on April 9 to explore pressing issues facing Kansas City. The 2025 C3 Conference, hosted by the Junior League of Kansas City focused on five key themes — equity and access, community empowerment, education and workforce development, and urban development — unified by a […]
Posted inBehind the Beacon
Suzanne King awarded a top prize by Kansas Press Association
The Beacon’s Kansas City health care reporter, Suzanne King, received first place in the Kansas Press Association News Story category for her coverage of sports betting in Kansas.
Posted inLocal Government
Jackson County may roll back property assessments — but don’t hold your breath for a refund
A judge ruled that Jackson County has to roll back its property assessment increases. But there’s still no end in sight for the county’s assessment troubles.
Posted inElections
Election results: Here’s what Kansas City-area voters decided about school boards and bonds April 8
Voters approved bonds in four districts and chose who will serve on school boards for the next several years.
Posted inCivic Engagement
Man deported after visiting family grave in Mexico is back in Kansas City
A DACA recipient from Roeland Park sued the Trump administration after he was not allowed to reenter the United States. He has returned to Kansas City.