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.

Iran conflict fuels gas price spike, forcing SEMO students to work more, carpool and use shuttles as rising fuel and transport costs squeeze student budgets.

Cape Girardeau’s April 7 ballot will decide the mayor, Ward 1 council seat, school board, a no-tax-increase bond, a senior property-tax freeze and a new 911 funding fee.

A new AARP report shows family caregivers in Missouri contribute around $17.5 billion in unpaid labor each year. This uncompensated work forms the backbone of the state’s long-term care system, according to the leader of a national nonprofit.

In the upcoming April 2026 election, Cape Girardeau County voters will consider two propositions to prevent property tax increases on primary residences. 'Proposition A' would exempt senior citizens aged 62 and older from property tax increases unless their homes are renovated or the tax levy increases. 'Proposition B' would cap annual property tax increases at 5% or the inflation rate, whichever is higher. Dr. David Yaskewich, an economics professor, explained that such measures, similar to California's Prop 13, can provide property tax relief but may limit local government revenue and create economic disparities between long-term and new residents.

In the upcoming April 2026 election, Cape Girardeau County voters will consider two propositions to prevent property tax increases on primary residences. 'Proposition A' would exempt senior citizens aged 62 and older from property tax increases unless their homes are renovated or the tax levy increases. 'Proposition B' would cap annual property tax increases at 5% or the inflation rate, whichever is higher. Dr. David Yaskewich, an economics professor, explained that such measures, similar to California's Prop 13, can provide property tax relief but may limit local government revenue and create economic disparities between long-term and new residents.

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

Illinois is considering reforms to the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program. Hospitals say drugmaker restrictions are reducing funding and harming care for vulnerable and rural patients, while critics argue the program is being misused for hospital profit. Lawmakers are considering bills to increase transparency and ensure savings are directed toward lowering costs and improving access for low-income patients.

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.