The Beacon
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Nonprofit news you can trust in greater Kansas City, Kansas and Missouri.
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Kansas Republicans want citizenship status listed on each driver’s license. Republicans argue it’ll make elections more secure, but Democrats worry it will expose immigrants to discrimination.
Kansas Republicans want citizenship status listed on your driver’s license
Republicans say the proposal would reduce noncitizen voting, even though that is very rare. One study says it happens 0.0001% of the time.
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January 30, 2026 at 7:54 PM
Kansas Republicans want citizenship status listed on each driver’s license. Republicans argue it’ll make elections more secure, but Democrats worry it will expose immigrants to discrimination.
Elementary and secondary education is among the most popular subjects of legislation filed in the Missouri legislature this year. The Missouri House lists more than 150 bills in that category in 2026, while the smaller Missouri Senate lists nearly 75. buff.ly/iGljM0Z
Missouri ‘school choice’ bills to watch in 2026
Some Missouri lawmakers want to expand charter schools to more areas of the state, make it easier to switch public schools and help families afford private schools. Others want to roll back or…
thebeaconnews.org
January 29, 2026 at 5:45 PM
Elementary and secondary education is among the most popular subjects of legislation filed in the Missouri legislature this year. The Missouri House lists more than 150 bills in that category in 2026, while the smaller Missouri Senate lists nearly 75. buff.ly/iGljM0Z
Three large data center projects — buildings packed with power-hungry technology used to facilitate cloud computing and AI — are being considered in Wyandotte County. Combined, they would burn through roughly 1,000 megawatts of electricity.
Proposed Wyandotte data centers require a lot of power: Will that increase your bill?
As BPU negotiates with backers of three data center proposals, officials insist the projects won’t raise utility bills for other ratepayers. But similar pledges elsewhere preceded higher bills.
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January 28, 2026 at 6:12 PM
Three large data center projects — buildings packed with power-hungry technology used to facilitate cloud computing and AI — are being considered in Wyandotte County. Combined, they would burn through roughly 1,000 megawatts of electricity.
Since Gillon Property Group purchased the KC Plaza for $175.6 million, the owners now argue that the market value has dropped another 37% — to just $111 million.
That’s an 87% decrease since 2016, accounting for inflation.
That’s an 87% decrease since 2016, accounting for inflation.
Peeling back layers of the Country Club Plaza redevelopment deal
A bargain-basement price. A property tax break. An infrastructure incentive. And a property assessment appeal. The Plaza’s new owners have pushed several financial levers to craft a potentially…
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January 27, 2026 at 5:45 PM
Since Gillon Property Group purchased the KC Plaza for $175.6 million, the owners now argue that the market value has dropped another 37% — to just $111 million.
That’s an 87% decrease since 2016, accounting for inflation.
That’s an 87% decrease since 2016, accounting for inflation.
Since purchasing the Country Club Plaza in 2024, the new owners have been assembling a redevelopment plan with several layers of financial benefit, including a property tax incentive, a sales tax incentive and a property assessment appeal. buff.ly/rOrdPVQ
Peeling back layers of the Country Club Plaza redevelopment deal
A bargain-basement price. A property tax break. An infrastructure incentive. And a property assessment appeal. The Plaza’s new owners have pushed several financial levers to craft a potentially…
thebeaconnews.org
January 26, 2026 at 7:06 PM
Since purchasing the Country Club Plaza in 2024, the new owners have been assembling a redevelopment plan with several layers of financial benefit, including a property tax incentive, a sales tax incentive and a property assessment appeal. buff.ly/rOrdPVQ
Kansas offered more than $2 billion to move the Chiefs across the state line. One economist says this is the largest public subsidy of a professional sports stadium in American history. buff.ly/C9HU0c6
‘The numbers are just not credible’: Kansas used flawed math to estimate economic impact of Chiefs relocation, experts say
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…
thebeaconnews.org
January 23, 2026 at 6:59 PM
Kansas offered more than $2 billion to move the Chiefs across the state line. One economist says this is the largest public subsidy of a professional sports stadium in American history. buff.ly/C9HU0c6
State data shows KIPP Kansas City enrollment declined nearly 20% in one year. Current and former employees report problems such as not being paid correctly, issues with buildings and technology, and supplies not being delivered when needed.
This Kansas City charter school lost nearly 20% of its students in one year amid high staff turnover
KIPP Kansas City employees say staff turnover and leadership changes have contributed to issues such as incorrect pay, shrinking enrollment and disrupted education.
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January 22, 2026 at 12:29 AM
State data shows KIPP Kansas City enrollment declined nearly 20% in one year. Current and former employees report problems such as not being paid correctly, issues with buildings and technology, and supplies not being delivered when needed.
Kansas Democrats want a $15 minimum wage, free school lunch for all kids, 12 weeks of maternal, parental and pregnancy leave, and 40 hours of annual sick leave for all employees in Kansas. They also want the state and businesses to help pay for child care.
Lawmakers focus on making Kansas more affordable. Here’s what they are proposing
Kansas Democrats propose increasing the minimum wage to $15 an hour. That is one of a handful of affordability proposals by both parties.
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January 21, 2026 at 5:45 PM
Kansas Democrats want a $15 minimum wage, free school lunch for all kids, 12 weeks of maternal, parental and pregnancy leave, and 40 hours of annual sick leave for all employees in Kansas. They also want the state and businesses to help pay for child care.
High school counselor Jonna Skinner worked late, watched colleagues leave and saw her own mental health and family life suffer. Her breaking point was a series of delays and mistakes related to her contract, and she said KIPP still owes her for unpaid work.
A ‘revolving door’: Kansas City charter school sees extreme staff turnover
Only about 40% of the employees KIPP Kansas City reported to the state last school year show up on its employee list this year. Leaders say not everyone is on board with necessary change.
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January 20, 2026 at 5:45 PM
High school counselor Jonna Skinner worked late, watched colleagues leave and saw her own mental health and family life suffer. Her breaking point was a series of delays and mistakes related to her contract, and she said KIPP still owes her for unpaid work.
“Programs like ours are always at risk,” said Erin Fraser, executive director of Benilde Hall. a Kansas City nonprofit that helps men who are transitioning out of prison.
'It's constant whiplash': Kansas City organizations see mental health grants canceled one day and restored the next
Behavioral health organizations that stood to lose critical funding still worry about future cuts they say could devastate patients and wipeout programs.
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January 19, 2026 at 5:45 PM
“Programs like ours are always at risk,” said Erin Fraser, executive director of Benilde Hall. a Kansas City nonprofit that helps men who are transitioning out of prison.
“This is probably one of the biggest things that we hear as we go across the state,” said Speaker of the House Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican. “People really hate property tax.”
Lawmakers want Kansas property tax relief, renter rebates in 2026
Both Republicans and Democrats have proposed plans to make housing more affordable, including Kansas property tax relief.
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January 16, 2026 at 8:08 PM
“This is probably one of the biggest things that we hear as we go across the state,” said Speaker of the House Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican. “People really hate property tax.”
A Missouri bill proposes to remove Kansas City from Jackson County following a statewide vote on a constitutional amendment. Will “Jackxit” triumph?
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.
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January 15, 2026 at 5:45 PM
A Missouri bill proposes to remove Kansas City from Jackson County following a statewide vote on a constitutional amendment. Will “Jackxit” triumph?
Hickman Mills was optimistic that it would regain full accreditation. The Missouri State Board of Education shot its hopes down.
Despite higher state scores, Hickman Mills schools fall short of full accreditation this year
The state board also voted to receive more reporting on lower-performing districts such as Center and Grandview in the Kansas City area.
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January 14, 2026 at 5:45 PM
Hickman Mills was optimistic that it would regain full accreditation. The Missouri State Board of Education shot its hopes down.
At least four Republican lawmakers are attempting to remove an expiration date on a law that says students may only participate on sports teams designated for their sex as assigned at birth. The law would otherwise expire Aug. 28, 2027.
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.
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January 13, 2026 at 5:45 PM
At least four Republican lawmakers are attempting to remove an expiration date on a law that says students may only participate on sports teams designated for their sex as assigned at birth. The law would otherwise expire Aug. 28, 2027.
Powell, a type 2 diabetic at the Norton prison, went to refill his medication but it wasn’t ready. Medical staff first told him it was because he didn’t request new medication. Then his wife was told a shipment was delayed. Finally, medical staff said he requested it too early.
‘This place is killing me’: Prison medical care in Kansas still struggles to help inmates
A 2022 investigation found serious flaws in the prison medical system. Those same problems persist years later, and the prison medical contractor is making more mistakes.
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January 12, 2026 at 5:45 PM
Powell, a type 2 diabetic at the Norton prison, went to refill his medication but it wasn’t ready. Medical staff first told him it was because he didn’t request new medication. Then his wife was told a shipment was delayed. Finally, medical staff said he requested it too early.
A new analysis estimates that 30 rural hospitals in #Kansas are at immediate risk of closing, while #12 in Missouri could close.
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 every other state. Revenue isn’t keeping up with cost.
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January 8, 2026 at 5:45 PM
A new analysis estimates that 30 rural hospitals in #Kansas are at immediate risk of closing, while #12 in Missouri could close.
Olive Park Village residents describe fires and floods while living in apartments controlled by a Cleveland-based housing management company. With the city ordering the complex vacated, remaining families now have days to scramble for new homes.
KC's Olive Park Village residents displaced after HUD crackdown
KC's Olive Park Village residents confront displacement amid deteriorating conditions at property controlled by Millennia Housing Management.
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January 8, 2026 at 12:29 AM
Olive Park Village residents describe fires and floods while living in apartments controlled by a Cleveland-based housing management company. With the city ordering the complex vacated, remaining families now have days to scramble for new homes.
Kansas Republicans don’t have the votes to gerrymander the state’s congressional maps in 2026, GOP leadership said. Republicans say they aren’t even close.
Kansas Republicans don’t have the votes for congressional redistricting, House speaker says
Speaker of the House Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican, said he is about 20 votes short of overriding a veto.
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January 7, 2026 at 5:45 PM
Kansas Republicans don’t have the votes to gerrymander the state’s congressional maps in 2026, GOP leadership said. Republicans say they aren’t even close.
Missouri lawmakers’ proposed constitutional changes span topics from separating Kansas City from Jackson County to raising school districts’ debt limits and repealing abortion rights. buff.ly/Ai1Mifo
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.
thebeaconnews.org
January 6, 2026 at 5:45 PM
Missouri lawmakers’ proposed constitutional changes span topics from separating Kansas City from Jackson County to raising school districts’ debt limits and repealing abortion rights. buff.ly/Ai1Mifo
When Suzy Amparan and her three children moved into their south Kansas City home in 2021, the mortgage and property tax payments were $772 a month. But in March 2023, her bill said she owed almost $1,500.
Missouri lawmakers target property tax reform 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.
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January 5, 2026 at 5:45 PM
When Suzy Amparan and her three children moved into their south Kansas City home in 2021, the mortgage and property tax payments were $772 a month. But in March 2023, her bill said she owed almost $1,500.
Kansas City is asking for 2026 World Cup resources from the Missouri General Assembly. How likely is it to pass?
What Kansas City wants from the Missouri General Assembly in 2026
Kansas City has a list of 52 legislative priorities during the Missouri General Assembly in 2026. Here's a look at some of the key issues.
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January 2, 2026 at 5:45 PM
Kansas City is asking for 2026 World Cup resources from the Missouri General Assembly. How likely is it to pass?
The Dec. 31 expiration of premium tax credits that subsidized Affordable Care Act marketplace insurance could compel 5 million people to drop insurance. buff.ly/m4H9wV3
New rules for Medicaid coverage threaten Kansas City clinics
Nonprofits turned to private donations to make ends meet after federal funding cuts left major budget gaps. But those dollars won’t be enough.
thebeaconnews.org
December 31, 2025 at 6:13 PM
The Dec. 31 expiration of premium tax credits that subsidized Affordable Care Act marketplace insurance could compel 5 million people to drop insurance. buff.ly/m4H9wV3
Child care costs an average of $23,300 a year in Missouri and $24,400 in Kansas for two children. According to 2022 data from the DOL, the cost of one infant’s care in Jackson County is the equivalent of 13.5% of median family income in the area.
Close to the bone: KC’s workers struggle with inflation amid affordability crisis
While workers produce more than ever, rising costs for food, housing, child care, and health care outpace wage growth, forcing Kansas City families into tough choices.
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December 31, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Child care costs an average of $23,300 a year in Missouri and $24,400 in Kansas for two children. According to 2022 data from the DOL, the cost of one infant’s care in Jackson County is the equivalent of 13.5% of median family income in the area.
“If you think about what inflation has done year over year over year over year, and then you consider the very modest increases that you might get out of Medicare or Medicaid, if any, year over year, there’s always a deficit"
More services at central Missouri hospital fall victim to economic pressures
Hospital cites staffing costs, inflation and reimbursement gaps from the federal government as reasons for the closures.
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December 30, 2025 at 5:45 PM
“If you think about what inflation has done year over year over year over year, and then you consider the very modest increases that you might get out of Medicare or Medicaid, if any, year over year, there’s always a deficit"
Under H.R. 1, Missouri could lose an estimated $23 billion in federal funding over the next decade, the Missouri Foundation for Health estimates.
As Missouri stares down Medicaid cuts, it seeks federal rural health funding
The Trump administration’s budget bill included about $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid. As part of an effort to offset those costs, Congress created the Rural Health Transformation Fund, a $50 billion…
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December 29, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Under H.R. 1, Missouri could lose an estimated $23 billion in federal funding over the next decade, the Missouri Foundation for Health estimates.