Illinois continues to rank above most states in child well-being, but education and health outcomes remain a concern, according to the new Kids Count Data Book. The report highlights declining reading and math proficiency and school enrollment, and rising child and teen death rates.

Cuts proposed in the next federal budget could impact a nationwide river program active across Missouri waterways, including the Mississippi River north of St. Louis. Conservation groups say the effort improves water quality, wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation while generating strong returns for taxpayers.

Supporters say the $15 billion project will bring jobs and tax revenue. Some residents say no one asked them.

Missouri residents searching for relief from rising insurance premiums are exploring new Farm Bureau health plans. But unlike ACA coverage, applicants can still be denied based on their medical history.

SEMO board approves 3.6% tuition and fee hike, textbook rental increases, and academic restructuring that merges departments and creates new schools and a center.

Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce leaders, Jackson Chamber of Commerce leaders, CGI Airport Manager JoJo Stuart, Cape Girardeau City Councilman Nate Thomas, and other community members pose for a picture commemorating the inaugural Contour Airlines flight to Pensacola, Florida.

Missouri’s solar boom faces a potential slowdown as lawmakers debate a proposal that could halt projects midstream. Supporters say it’s about oversight and safety - while critics warn it could cost communities and delay much-needed power.

A new analysis shows how nature loss disproportionately affects communities of color and low-income households in Illinois and across the country. These communities are also more likely to live in polluted areas, which further increases their vulnerability to climate change and poor health outcomes. Experts argue that current policies and conservation practices often worsen these inequities and are calling for community-centered approaches that address systemic racism and ensure equitable access to natural spaces.

An Illinois researcher specializing in rural affairs is urging lawmakers to expand the 2026 Farm Bill to support not just agriculture, but the rural non-farm economy at large, highlighting how both are deeply interconnected. He says rural communities face challenges like population decline, economic shifts, and limited access to housing and health care, making broader investment in rural development essential for long-term sustainability.

As Congress considers a rural housing bill aimed at expanding access to home loans, a Branson tiny home community is preparing to welcome residents who have struggled to find stable, affordable housing, many of whom have been living in extended-stay motels.