Voters in 31 Illinois counties are weighing in on an advisory question about whether the state should opt in to a federal school choice tax credit program that would provide scholarships of up to $1,700 for private and public school students. Supporters hope strong results will sway Governor J.B. Pritzker to join the program. Critics argue it diverts funding from public education.

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 health care expert in Illinois questions whether upcoming changes to how doctors bill for pregnancy-related care will actually expand access to maternal care services. While the update modernizes billing practices for the first time since the mid-1990s, he says deeper financial incentives and policy changes are needed to address the economic challenges driving the growth of OB deserts.

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.

A report from the Missouri Rural Health Association finds rural veterans face major barriers to health care driven by isolation, provider shortages, and long travel distances. Advocates say this calls for targeted investments in rural health infrastructure and better coordination between the Department of Veterans' Affairs health system and community providers.

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.

Missouri lawmakers could soon make intoxicating hemp products illegal.

During American Heart Month, the American Heart Association in St. Louis is urging Missourians to learn CPR and keep up with regular heart checkups as part of its 'Nation of Lifesavers' campaign. The association says most cardiac arrests happen at home, making bystander CPR critical.

The Corn Belt Windbreak Project is studying decades-old windbreak trees and shrubs to measure their economic and environmental value. Experts say farmers have been removing them to gain acreage, but that costs them money. Researchers at the University of Illinois will work with farmers to evaluate windbreak impacts on yields, soil, and water quality, and develop strategies to help farmers use them profitably now and in the future