House Budget Committee

Missouri ranks dead last in the U.S. for the average starting salaries for teachers — just $32,000. But so far, state budget discussions have ignored a plan from the governor to raise that pay. Plus, how will Ford's plan to electrify its best-selling F-150 pickup play out in the Midwest?

The Missouri House has passed a budget that leaves almost $2 billion in state revenue unspent, and some lawmakers aren’t too happy about it — especially when it comes to funding for teachers. Now the budget goes to the Missouri Senate, which is expected to make major changes.

Gov. Mike Parson demanded the investigation of a journalist who alerted the state to a website security flaw, pegging the cost to the state at $50 million. Democrats say that number is unrealistic, and it’s not clear what the money would be used for.