The Missouri House narrowly passed a spending bill that reallocates $1 billion in support for colleges and universities as part of a $50.4 billion budget for state operations. Some schools would see their funding cut by 40% or more.

State colleges and universities face big changes in state funding under the $50.3 billion budget for state operations in the coming fiscal year. The budget also includes $60 million for an expanded private-school voucher program

Supporters of the proposed legislation cited mounting evidence that social media and chatbots can harm kids’ mental health. The discussion plays out against a backdrop of First Amendment challenges to similar laws in other states

Missouri could receive new federal funding to reduce wildlife-vehicle crashes under bipartisan bills in Congress. A recent study found more than 17,000 collisions in the state over four years, with most involving deer. Supporters say expanded funding could help target high-risk roadways and improve driver safety.

Only about 200,000 of the 300,000 signatures submitted to force a statewide vote on the gerrymandered congressional map are being checked. Backers of the referendum are less than 200 signatures short of making the ballot but want all signatures reviewed

Illinois continues to be a hotspot for data center construction. According to Datacenters.com, affordable real estate and reliable power supply have made the state an attractive choice for data center development – although those factors don't always sit well with some residents of rural communities.

Advocates say proposed cuts to Missouri’s child care subsidy program could ripple through the foster care system, making it harder for families to find child care and for providers to serve children with greater needs.

A proposed House bill would establish a registry for persistent domestic violence offenders.

The state began implementing a new $250 million computer system for accounting in 2024. The system was heavily criticized during last year’s legislative session and further deployment was halted in the fall so the system could be redesigned.

While Secretary of State Denny Hoskins says a map from 2025 is in effect, a court case could require congressional candidates to run within lines lawmakers drew in 2022.