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The Beacon

Housing

Kansas City Home Builders Push Back on Energy Efficiency Rules, Blame Them for Housing Crunch

Debating the Economics of Sustainability

by Mili Mansaray, The Beacon

Election 2024

Missouri Amendment 1: Child Care on August Primary Ballot

The amendment would open the way for the General Assembly to exempt child care businesses from property taxes in response to a chronic shortage.

by Meg Cunningham, The Beacon

Election 2024

FAQ: How to Vote in Kansas

KC Voter Guide 2024

by Maria Benevento, The Beacon

Election 2024

FAQ: How to Vote in Missouri

KC Voter Guide 2024

by Maria Benevento, The Beacon

Healthcare

Why Liberty Hospital Could No Longer Go it Alone and Turned to Kansas for Help

The University of Kansas Health System now owns its smaller Missouri neighbor. The deal, which sparked political opposition in both states, reflects a growing trend of hospitals merging.

by Suzanne King, The Beacon

Healthcare

Plasma You Sell in East Kansas City Could End Up in Medicine an Ocean Away

Kansas City plasma donors help the United States fuel a pharmaceutical industry worth $35 billion. Many donors have lower incomes and rely on on selling their plasma to make ends meet.

by Suzanne King, The Beacon

Healthcare

Bird Flu has Hit Cows in Kansas and Sparked Precautions in Missouri. Here’s What that means for You

People are at low risk from the strain of avian influenza that has now been detected in dairy cattle in a dozen states. But scientists say the more it spreads, the more chances it has to become a problem for people.

by Suzanne King, The Beacon

News & Issues

The Missouri Legislature is Cutting Local Governments’ Power to Pass Their Own Laws

Republican statehouses like Missouri’s increasingly limit what rules places like Kansas City can adopt — typically shutting down more progressive policies.

by Multiple Reporters

News & Issues

KC Residents Will Soon Be Able to Throw Away Twice as Much Trash. How Will it Affect Recycling?

With bigger trash carts, Kansas City is trying to put a lid on litter and dumping problems. But the city still has a long way to go before it can meet zero-waste goals.

by Josh Merchant, The Beacon

News & Issues

Kansas City-area Politicians Pick Between War on Drugs or Treatment When Spending Opioid Settlement Cash

Cities and counties in the metro are starting to spend windfalls from legal settlements with companies that made, shipped and sold opioids. While some prioritize law enforcement efforts to reduce drugs on the street, others try to attack demand by getting people into treatment.

by Suzanne King, The Beacon

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