/tags/kansas-city-beacon Kansas City Beacon en-US Copyright © 2024 ÍâÍøÌìÌà Thu, 18 Jul 2024 10:00:00 GMT /health-science-environment/2024-07-18/missouri-medicaid-begins-covering-adult-dental-exams Health experts say that MO HealthNet covering dental exams is a significant step in Missouri's effort to improve dental access — and to boost overall health beyond cavities, molars and gums. Thu, 18 Jul 2024 10:00:00 GMT /health-science-environment/2024-07-18/missouri-medicaid-begins-covering-adult-dental-exams Suzanne King /government-politics-issues/2024-07-16/missouri-amendment-1-childcare-tax-explainer The amendment would open the way for the General Assembly to exempt child care businesses from property taxes in response to a chronic shortage. Tue, 16 Jul 2024 10:00:00 GMT /government-politics-issues/2024-07-16/missouri-amendment-1-childcare-tax-explainer Meg Cunningham /law-order/2024-07-14/missouri-county-jails-state-prison-money-loss Missouri prisons can house offenders in county jails after they’re convicted for a cost. But, counties say they’re spending more than what the state pays. Sun, 07 Jul 2024 13:01:47 GMT /law-order/2024-07-14/missouri-county-jails-state-prison-money-loss Meg Cunningham /sports/2024-06-19/kansas-star-bonds-explained-chiefs-royals-stadiums STAR bonds, or sales tax and revenue bonds, pay for tourist attractions and then use the sales taxes collected at those attractions to pay off the construction debt. Wed, 19 Jun 2024 10:00:00 GMT /sports/2024-06-19/kansas-star-bonds-explained-chiefs-royals-stadiums Blaise Mesa /government-politics-issues/2024-06-04/missouri-kansas-families-summer-food-benefits-ebt The new summer EBT program will give an extra $120 to eligible school-age kids. But, families in Missouri and Kansas probably won’t get the money until late summer or fall. Tue, 04 Jun 2024 10:00:00 GMT /government-politics-issues/2024-06-04/missouri-kansas-families-summer-food-benefits-ebt Suzanne King /government-politics-issues/2024-05-30/missouri-lawmakers-passed-48-bills-this-year-heres-a-guide-to-the-potential-new-laws This year’s Missouri General Assembly session was defined by fighting among factions in the Republican Party amid campaigns for other offices ahead of the November general election. It resulted in a recent low for passing legislation. Most laws are still waiting a signature or veto from Gov. Mike Parson. Thu, 30 May 2024 16:00:15 GMT /government-politics-issues/2024-05-30/missouri-lawmakers-passed-48-bills-this-year-heres-a-guide-to-the-potential-new-laws Meg Cunningham /government-politics-issues/2024-05-09/missouri-republicans-preemption-minimum-wage-housing-local-control Republican-led statehouses, like Missouri’s, increasingly limit what rules municipalities can adopt — typically shutting down more progressive policies on issues like minimum wage and housing. Thu, 09 May 2024 10:00:00 GMT /government-politics-issues/2024-05-09/missouri-republicans-preemption-minimum-wage-housing-local-control Josh Merchant, Meg Cunningham /government-politics-issues/2024-04-23/missouri-senior-property-tax-freeze-has-unanswered-questions Missouri counties told state lawmakers that they needed more information when it comes to putting the freeze in place. Some revisions were made this year, but some lawmakers contend that it will take a third try to get the program right. Tue, 23 Apr 2024 10:00:00 GMT /government-politics-issues/2024-04-23/missouri-senior-property-tax-freeze-has-unanswered-questions Meg Cunningham /law-order/2024-03-23/missouri-considers-banning-county-jails-from-shackling-some-pregnant-inmates The Missouri House advanced a bill that would prevent pregnant inmates in their third trimester from being restrained, except under extraordinary circumstances. The bill would also create certain health care requirements for pregnant inmates and reverse the prohibition on nonviolent drug offenders receiving SNAP benefits. Sat, 23 Mar 2024 10:00:00 GMT /law-order/2024-03-23/missouri-considers-banning-county-jails-from-shackling-some-pregnant-inmates Meg Cunningham /government-politics-issues/2024-03-12/national-conservative-groups-working-to-limit-transgender-rights-are-finding-success-in-missouri Missouri is one of 19 states that has banned gender-affirming care for minors. The state has proven to be ripe for laws limiting transgender rights, which are often engineered by a network of out-of-state conservative advocacy groups. Tue, 12 Mar 2024 10:00:00 GMT /government-politics-issues/2024-03-12/national-conservative-groups-working-to-limit-transgender-rights-are-finding-success-in-missouri Meg Cunningham