(SPRINGFIELD, Mo., AP) — The flu is hitting the U.S. earlier than usual this year, and Missouri is no exception. The Springfield News-Leader reports (http://sgfnow.co/UECq6Z) that statewide, there have already… Read more »

(ST. LOUIS, AP) — A St. Louis alderman wants the city to reduce the penalties for possessing a small amount of marijuana. Alderman Shane Cohn plans to introduce a bill… Read more »

(ST. LOUIS, AP) — A former fire chief for two eastern Missouri departments is facing federal charges for allegedly taking nearly $600,000 from one of the districts. The U.S. Attorney’s… Read more »

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., AP) — The director of the Missouri agriculture department is promoting a state program that gives grants to groups that provide spay and neutering services for animals…. Read more »

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., AP) — Missouri’s finances could take a $60 million annual hit because of a recent 2 percentage point increase in federal Social Security payroll taxes. State budget… Read more »

By DAVID A. LIEB (JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., AP) — Emboldened by big majorities and eager to lure businesses, Republican legislators and governors across the Midwest and South are planning to… Read more »

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., AP) — An education advocacy group in a new report is critical of Missouri’s policies for its schools. The report released Monday by StudentsFirst gives Missouri an… Read more »

(THEBES, Ill., AP) — Two federal lawmakers from Illinois are getting a firsthand look at urgent efforts to clear some Mississippi River bedrock that’s crimping shipping on the waterway. Sen…. Read more »

(COLUMBIA, Mo., AP) — Missouri Republicans opted for new leadership Saturday, voting to replace state party Chairman David Cole with St. Louis attorney Ed Martin. The Republican State Committee elected… Read more »

By CHRIS BLANK (JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., AP) — How teachers are evaluated, held accountable and earn job-protecting tenure could be on the docket when a supermajority of Republicans takes control… Read more »