The Beacon
@thebeacon.bsky.social
Nonprofit news you can trust in greater Kansas City, Kansas and Missouri.
www.thebeaconnews.org
www.thebeaconnews.org
In January, hackers gained access to a cache of Cerner electronic health records stored on a legacy network.
But some patients whose sensitive health and financial information may have been exposed are only now being notified — and many others still haven’t been told.
But some patients whose sensitive health and financial information may have been exposed are only now being notified — and many others still haven’t been told.
Months after hackers broke into Cerner’s network, some patients don't know their health data was stolen
Patients of NKC Health in North Kansas City finally learned in late November — 11 months after the attack — that their data was compromised in 'one of the most massive breaches in the health care…
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December 5, 2025 at 7:40 PM
In January, hackers gained access to a cache of Cerner electronic health records stored on a legacy network.
But some patients whose sensitive health and financial information may have been exposed are only now being notified — and many others still haven’t been told.
But some patients whose sensitive health and financial information may have been exposed are only now being notified — and many others still haven’t been told.
Dadfar, an over-the-road trucker, was taken into custody by Indiana State Police on Oct. 10. Police detained him during a routine stop at a weigh station. He was then handed over to #ICE in Chicago before being placed in detention in Greene County, #Missouri.
Afghan man who helped the U.S. fight the Taliban ordered released from ICE detention in Missouri
Mohammad Ali Dadfar will reunite with his wife and children after his release from a Springfield, Missouri, jail that is contracting with the Department of Homeland Security.
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December 3, 2025 at 6:50 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 U.S. Department of Labor, the cost of one infant’s care in Jackson County is the equivalent of 13.5% of median family income in the area. buff.ly/zLNdKJB
According to 2022 data from the U.S. Department of Labor, the cost of one infant’s care in Jackson County is the equivalent of 13.5% of median family income in the area. buff.ly/zLNdKJB
December 3, 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 U.S. Department of Labor, the cost of one infant’s care in Jackson County is the equivalent of 13.5% of median family income in the area. buff.ly/zLNdKJB
According to 2022 data from the U.S. Department of Labor, the cost of one infant’s care in Jackson County is the equivalent of 13.5% of median family income in the area. buff.ly/zLNdKJB
An estimated 90% of the country’s $4.5 trillion health care tab goes toward treating chronic conditions, many of which are tied to diet.
Advocates backing food is medicine programs say evidence shows they are bringing results.
Advocates backing food is medicine programs say evidence shows they are bringing results.
A healthy prescription many people can’t afford: Eating more fruits and vegetables
Kansas City health providers are turning to 'food is medicine' programs that give patients with chronic health conditions fresh food along with nutrition education.
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December 2, 2025 at 5:45 PM
An estimated 90% of the country’s $4.5 trillion health care tab goes toward treating chronic conditions, many of which are tied to diet.
Advocates backing food is medicine programs say evidence shows they are bringing results.
Advocates backing food is medicine programs say evidence shows they are bringing results.
“Food insecurity is everywhere. You don’t see it necessarily because it’s not an outward thing. … But one in seven people and one in six children are food insecure. So someone you interact with in your community is someone who needs food assistance.” buff.ly/aKK2f7f
November 28, 2025 at 12:29 AM
“Food insecurity is everywhere. You don’t see it necessarily because it’s not an outward thing. … But one in seven people and one in six children are food insecure. So someone you interact with in your community is someone who needs food assistance.” buff.ly/aKK2f7f
KC2026 is planning to host the Fan Fest for 18 nights next summer — on the day of every Kansas City or Team USA match. But if the public transit along Main Street is overwhelmed that frequently, transit leaders worry it could be catastrophic for public safety during the World Cup. buff.ly/zJarmPf
November 27, 2025 at 5:45 PM
KC2026 is planning to host the Fan Fest for 18 nights next summer — on the day of every Kansas City or Team USA match. But if the public transit along Main Street is overwhelmed that frequently, transit leaders worry it could be catastrophic for public safety during the World Cup. buff.ly/zJarmPf
As SNAP benefits are restored, food pantry workers assess the damage. Supply is low, demand remains high and uncertainty about future federal cuts leaves families wondering what comes next.
‘We can’t keep food on the shelf’: KC food pantries struggle to keep up ahead of holidays
As SNAP benefits are restored, food pantry workers assess the damage. Supply is low, demand remains high and uncertainty about future federal cuts leaves families wondering what comes next.
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November 27, 2025 at 12:29 AM
As SNAP benefits are restored, food pantry workers assess the damage. Supply is low, demand remains high and uncertainty about future federal cuts leaves families wondering what comes next.
Mohammad Ali Dadfar is among thousands of Afghans who assisted the U.S. military during the 20-year war in Afghanistan. He’s now being held by ICE in Missouri.
Afghan asylum seeker who fought the Taliban now held by ICE in Missouri
A Kansas City-based immigration attorney has filed a federal lawsuit challenging Mohammad Ali Dadfar’s warrantless arrest and detention. Hundreds of immigrant detainees have been ordered released…
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November 22, 2025 at 12:29 AM
Mohammad Ali Dadfar is among thousands of Afghans who assisted the U.S. military during the 20-year war in Afghanistan. He’s now being held by ICE in Missouri.
#Kansas hospitals are increasingly suing patients for small sums of money.
District court records show some cases seeking as little as $104. These lawsuits also mean patients may be on the hook for court fees and interest.
District court records show some cases seeking as little as $104. These lawsuits also mean patients may be on the hook for court fees and interest.
A Kansas hospital sued this family over a $230 medical bill. Some patients went to court for less
There have been thousands of lawsuits by Kansas hospitals in recent years, including many lawsuits for less than $500. One lawsuit was for just $104.
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November 18, 2025 at 5:45 PM
#Kansas hospitals are increasingly suing patients for small sums of money.
District court records show some cases seeking as little as $104. These lawsuits also mean patients may be on the hook for court fees and interest.
District court records show some cases seeking as little as $104. These lawsuits also mean patients may be on the hook for court fees and interest.
In 1999, Robb Krumlauf, the institute’s first scientific director, was told that if he accepted an offer to go to Kansas City, it would be the end of his career.
“Next to marrying my wife,” he said, “it was the best decision I ever made.”
“Next to marrying my wife,” he said, “it was the best decision I ever made.”
At 25, Stowers Institute still searching for the secrets of life
When the Stowers Institute for Medical Research opened its Kansas City headquarters in 2000, much of the scientific world was skeptical that biomedical research could succeed in the Midwest.
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November 17, 2025 at 5:45 PM
In 1999, Robb Krumlauf, the institute’s first scientific director, was told that if he accepted an offer to go to Kansas City, it would be the end of his career.
“Next to marrying my wife,” he said, “it was the best decision I ever made.”
“Next to marrying my wife,” he said, “it was the best decision I ever made.”
There have been more than 2,700 wildfires in #Missouri this year.
More than 9,300 of 110,000 acres burned by wildfires were caused by power lines. Some utilities are still drafting mitigation plans.
More than 9,300 of 110,000 acres burned by wildfires were caused by power lines. Some utilities are still drafting mitigation plans.
As Missouri wildfire risk grows, regulators and utilities take ‘proactive’ steps on prevention and preparedness
Missouri may not be known as a wildfire-prone state, but there have been more than 2,700 this year. One culprit is power lines.
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November 14, 2025 at 5:45 PM
There have been more than 2,700 wildfires in #Missouri this year.
More than 9,300 of 110,000 acres burned by wildfires were caused by power lines. Some utilities are still drafting mitigation plans.
More than 9,300 of 110,000 acres burned by wildfires were caused by power lines. Some utilities are still drafting mitigation plans.
“That is the problem with major events like the World Cup, like the Olympics, like the DNC or the RNC… They’re pitching this as a positive economic impact. And in the end, it’s the local governments that pick up the bill often, and it’s the local residents who are impacted by it.”
As World Cup demands loom, transit leaders face hard decisions to pay for extra bus service
Kansas City has been asking the state and federal government for financial help to pay for extra buses during the World Cup. The clock is ticking, and the transit agency hasn’t gotten a dime.
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November 14, 2025 at 3:04 PM
“That is the problem with major events like the World Cup, like the Olympics, like the DNC or the RNC… They’re pitching this as a positive economic impact. And in the end, it’s the local governments that pick up the bill often, and it’s the local residents who are impacted by it.”
When Rodolfo Valladares first saw the 100-plus-year-old school, with detached temporary classrooms added to make enough space for its fifth graders, he was hesitant.
“But then we got to know the teachers, and we got to know everyone else, and we got to know the community.” buff.ly/agcBxET
“But then we got to know the teachers, and we got to know everyone else, and we got to know the community.” buff.ly/agcBxET
‘We don’t want to break up the community’: Why KCK families want to keep New Stanley school open
The proposed school closure is part of a plan that would adjust attendance boundaries and feeder patterns around the district. Families are pushing back.
thebeaconnews.org
November 13, 2025 at 5:45 PM
When Rodolfo Valladares first saw the 100-plus-year-old school, with detached temporary classrooms added to make enough space for its fifth graders, he was hesitant.
“But then we got to know the teachers, and we got to know everyone else, and we got to know the community.” buff.ly/agcBxET
“But then we got to know the teachers, and we got to know everyone else, and we got to know the community.” buff.ly/agcBxET
After weeks of uncertainty, #Kansas released full #SNAP benefits to residents on Friday, while #Missouri plans to release benefits — either full or partial payments — later this week. thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025...
Even after benefits resume, SNAP recipients will see more restrictions
A federal judge ruled the Trump administration must release all of the funds intended for SNAP for the month of November. But changes to who receives SNAP benefits started Nov. 1
thebeaconnews.org
November 11, 2025 at 5:45 PM
After weeks of uncertainty, #Kansas released full #SNAP benefits to residents on Friday, while #Missouri plans to release benefits — either full or partial payments — later this week. thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025...
In Kansas, a 60-year-old couple with $85,000 in income would see annual ACA costs jump 373% to $34,148 without enhanced tax credits, compared to $7,226 with them.
Health insurance prices set to soar out of reach for many Kansas Citians
After Democrats' demands to save ACA marketplace tax subsidies came up short, millions of Americans are expected to lose health coverage in January.
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November 11, 2025 at 4:04 PM
In Kansas, a 60-year-old couple with $85,000 in income would see annual ACA costs jump 373% to $34,148 without enhanced tax credits, compared to $7,226 with them.
Kansas City Public Schools, which regained full accreditation through a special process in early 2022, once again kept its composite and annual scores in the accredited range.
KC-area schools get mixed scores in state’s performance rankings. See how your district did.
While many districts, including Hickman Mills, saw improvements in their scores, some public and charter schools in the Kansas City area fell short of state targets.
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November 10, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Kansas City Public Schools, which regained full accreditation through a special process in early 2022, once again kept its composite and annual scores in the accredited range.
Prairie Village voters turned out in record-breaking numbers on Nov. 4 to reject all six candidates backed by Prairie Village United in a decisive victory for allies of the incumbent City Council.
Prairie Village voters reject PV United candidates, measure to “abandon” government. What happens next?
All six Prairie Village United candidates lost their races for council seats on Election Day, signaling voter opposition to taking a $30M city hall project to a public vote.
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November 6, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Prairie Village voters turned out in record-breaking numbers on Nov. 4 to reject all six candidates backed by Prairie Village United in a decisive victory for allies of the incumbent City Council.
Voters in Wyandotte County cast their ballots for a new mayor and four commissioners on Nov. 4. Here’s what happened.
Wyandotte County election results: Mayor, commissioners and more - Beacon: Kansas City
Voters elected a new mayor and five positions on the Board of Commissioners Nov. 4. Here are the Wyandotte County election results.
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November 6, 2025 at 12:29 AM
Voters in Wyandotte County cast their ballots for a new mayor and four commissioners on Nov. 4. Here’s what happened.
🗳️ It's here! We've put together candidate Q&As, explainers and a few other stories to help you prepare for Election Day in Wyandotte County and Johnson County.
Voter guide: Get ready for the Wyandotte County and Johnson County, Kansas, General Election on Nov. 4.
Kansans will head to the polls on Nov. 4 for the 2025 general election. The Beacon has put together candidate Q&As, explainers and a few other stories to help you prepare for Election Day in…
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November 4, 2025 at 3:32 PM
🗳️ It's here! We've put together candidate Q&As, explainers and a few other stories to help you prepare for Election Day in Wyandotte County and Johnson County.
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly is suing state Attorney General Kris Kobach for his “failure to defend Kansans against the Trump administration’s unlawful federal overreach.”
Laura Kelly is suing Kris Kobach for not suing the Trump administration
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly says she’s the top official in the executive branch, yet Kobach has declined to sue when asked.
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November 4, 2025 at 12:29 AM
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly is suing state Attorney General Kris Kobach for his “failure to defend Kansans against the Trump administration’s unlawful federal overreach.”
The Trump administration has proposed slashing future funding to the National Science Foundation by 56% and cutting funding to the National Institutes of Health, which includes the National Cancer Institute, by nearly 40%.
Lives in the balance: Kansas City’s top cancer researchers worry about federal funding cuts doing lasting damage
Frozen and terminated grants, threatened federal funding cuts and scientists being forced to leave the country all contribute to the uncertainty scientific research institutions face in Kansas City…
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November 3, 2025 at 5:45 PM
The Trump administration has proposed slashing future funding to the National Science Foundation by 56% and cutting funding to the National Institutes of Health, which includes the National Cancer Institute, by nearly 40%.
Kansas Republicans are getting closer to redrawing the state’s congressional map hoping to kick out U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, the only Democrat in the state’s federal delegation.
Kansas Republicans are trying to gerrymander congressional maps. Is that legal?
A previous Kansas Supreme Court ruling says maps can be drawn for political gain. Race-based gerrymandering isn’t allowed, however.
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October 31, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Kansas Republicans are getting closer to redrawing the state’s congressional map hoping to kick out U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, the only Democrat in the state’s federal delegation.
More than 40,000 workers in Kansas City work in the 10 largest occupations most susceptible to AI automation, according to a recent analysis from Jasmine Escalera at MyPerfectResume.
AI disruption is here: Kansas City workers navigate new reality
As AI reshapes KC's workforce, more than 40,000 workers in customer service and white-collar jobs are exposed to automation.
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October 30, 2025 at 4:45 PM
More than 40,000 workers in Kansas City work in the 10 largest occupations most susceptible to AI automation, according to a recent analysis from Jasmine Escalera at MyPerfectResume.
🗳️ Kansans will head to the polls on Nov. 4 for the 2025 general election. We've put together candidate Q&As, explainers and a few other stories to help you prepare for Election Day in Wyandotte County and Johnson County.
Voter guide: Get ready for the Wyandotte County and Johnson County, Kansas, General Election on Nov. 4.
Kansans will head to the polls on Nov. 4 for the 2025 general election. The Beacon has put together candidate Q&As, explainers and a few other stories to help you prepare for Election Day in…
buff.ly
October 29, 2025 at 4:45 PM
🗳️ Kansans will head to the polls on Nov. 4 for the 2025 general election. We've put together candidate Q&As, explainers and a few other stories to help you prepare for Election Day in Wyandotte County and Johnson County.
In #Kansas, millionaires will save 83.6 times more than their non-millionaire neighbors, estimates a new report from @itep.org.
Missouri gives ‘one of the biggest millionaire tax cuts’ this year, report says
This year, Missouri became the first state in the country to tax income but not capital gains. That could present a challenge as the state prepares to face a budget shortfall.
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October 28, 2025 at 4:45 PM