Some officials hope less restrictive codes will reduce costs and spur new housing. Others say it will cost residents in the long run.
Hoping for more affordable housing, Kansas City rolls back energy efficiency codes
Posted inState Government
Kansas Republicans override governor’s veto of transgender bathroom ban
The law requires people use bathrooms that align with their sex at birth.
Posted inMeeting Notes
Retention up, readiness down: KCPS weighs progress and challenges
Pre-K retention has risen 9% in three years, though kindergarten readiness sits just shy of the 90% goal. Leaders say stronger family engagement and improved communication are key next steps.
Posted inState Government
Missouri senator proposes creating investment fund to eliminate all state taxes
Sen. Adam Schnelting says it’s time to “completely reimagine how we fund government.” He wants to create a sovereign wealth fund for the state.
Posted inHealth
Missouri and Kansas families pay nearly 10% of their income on employer-provided health insurance
A new report found that nearly 10% of median household income in Missouri and Kansas goes toward deductibles and premiums. At that level, economists say those households are underinsured.
Posted inBehind the Beacon
We’re opening the search for our next editor-in-chief
The Beacon is searching for a visionary editor-in-chief to lead our reporting team.
Posted inHealth
‘I’d be shocked if we didn’t find a few’: Kansas City’s hunt for lead pipes is on
The water department is preparing for in-person inspections of water lines, starting in two northeast neighborhoods this spring. Lead pipes and some galvanized pipes have to be removed.
Posted inState Government
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly vetoes bill on transgender bathroom restrictions, driver’s license sex changes. GOP has votes to override
Kelly vetoed the bill, but Republicans currently have the votes to override the veto. The bill is expected to be tied up in lawsuits if approved.
Posted inLocal Government
‘Last to know’: After being kept in the dark, Unified Government looks for leverage in KCK Chiefs stadium deal
The Unified Government’s STAR bond deal came with a Kansas promise to rebuild and repair three major bridges in Wyandotte County. But some officials say they want more commitments from the team.
Posted inLocal Government
Nearly $103M raised through taxes on online sales bypass voter-approved funds in Kansas City budget
Voters have approved seven special revenue sales taxes for things like transit, public safety and infrastructure. But taxes collected on online purchases from out-of-state retailers bypass those uses in the city budget.