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.
Missouri and Kansas families pay nearly 10% of their income on employer-provided health insurance
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.
Posted inState Government
Kansas version of Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act might come in 2026
A bill would add multiple new requirements for social service programs. State staff and experts in food and medical assistance say it won’t help anyone.
Posted inMeeting Notes
Wyandotte County greenlights STAR bond participation for proposed Chiefs stadium
Commissioners voted 7–3 to authorize a local tax pledge after being warned a no vote could cost the county leverage in stadium negotiations and state-funded bridge repairs.
Posted inState Government
After years of patching holes, new federal requirements are forcing Missouri to upgrade its social services systems
As the state races to meet new requirements laid out in the Trump administration’s cuts to social services, lawmakers are being asked to fund new staff and technology upgrades to meet the demands.
Posted inMeeting Notes
KC advances lead pipe inspections and trail projects as KCATA fares set to return
Council members approved a $1.87 million state grant to inventory and inspect lead pipe water service lines, launching pilot efforts in Columbus Park and Lykins.