The Beacon spoke with four economists who say the state relied on inflated numbers to make the stadium deal look better. State officials say football teams bring in real value as millions flock to the stadium projects.
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Posted inHealth
Changes are coming to health care in Missouri. These are the bills Missouri lawmakers are pushing in 2026
Missouri lawmakers have their sights set on health care reform in 2026, including insurance coverage of certain prescriptions, how health professionals can administer and prescribe medicine, patient privacy and maternal health.
Posted inLocal Government
Under new proposal, Jackson County could be the first Missouri county to be split in 150 years
A proposal to remove Kansas City from Jackson County is expected to get a committee hearing. But elected leaders are skeptical that it will gain traction.
Posted inEducation
Missouri higher education bills to watch in 2026
Other proposals include adding support for homeless and foster youth, giving student journalists freedom of the press and addressing how immigration status and higher education intersect.
Posted inRural
Another Missouri Planned Parenthood clinic closes its doors, citing funding challenges and a shift to telehealth
The Rolla clinic is keeping its staff and shifting most of its care to telehealth appointments. Patients who need in-person care are now being referred to other providers in the area or Planned Parenthood clinics in Springfield and St. Louis.
Posted inHealth
Why 30 hospitals in Kansas and 12 in Missouri are at risk of closure
A new study of rural hospitals finds that Kansas has more on the brink of shutting down than any other state. Revenue isn’t keeping up with costs.
Posted inState Government
How lawmakers want to change the Missouri Constitution in 2026
Through proposed constitutional amendments on issues like property taxes and initiative petitions, lawmakers outline their vision for Missouri’s long-term future.
Posted inState Government
Missouri lawmakers will grapple with property tax system in 2026
As property owners contend with rapidly rising assessments and higher tax bills, state lawmakers say they want to change the system and provide some property tax relief.
Posted inState Government
What Kansas City wants from the Missouri General Assembly in 2026
Kansas City elected officials are bracing for a challenging 2026 legislative session. Here’s what they hope to pass and the obstacles they are anticipating.
Posted inRural
More services at central Missouri hospital fall victim to economic pressures
Fitzgibbon Hospital cites staffing costs, inflation and reimbursement gaps from the federal government as reasons for the closures.