Mike Parson

The independent report from the Missouri Department of Transportation lays out safety improvements to the state’s three passenger rail lines. They come a little more than one year after a train-truck crash killed four people outside Kansas City.

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson rejected a bill that would allow compensation for more people who were wrongfully convicted of a crime. Parson argued that taxpayers should not be responsible, but supporters of the legislation say that exonerees deserve to be compensated for the state's mistake.

Gov. Mike Parson vetoed roughly 200 line items in the Missouri budget, primarily contending that he wanted to prevent financial difficulties in future years.

The bipartisan bill, exempting Social Security benefits and public pension payments from income tax, would reduce state general revenue by an estimated $309 million annually.

The vetoed bill would have increased payments for Missouri prisoners who were freed after being found innocent, and expanded who is eligible for compensation. But Republican Gov. Mike Parson said the state should not have to pay for the mistakes of local prosecutors.

One law bans minors and incarcerated Missourians from accessing puberty blockers, hormones or gender-affirming surgeries — all treatments that are widely supported by mainstream medical groups. Those under 18 who have already begun treatment may continue their regimens. The second law prohibits transgender athletes from competing in sports that align with their gender identity.

Advocates for transgender people say they can’t completely celebrate Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey's withdrawal of a rule limiting gender-affirming care — which would have also applied to adults — because Gov. Mike Parson is expected to sign a bill that limits such care for minors.

Officials unveiled a new nonprofit organization to lead the charge in Kansas City’s preparation to host the men’s FIFA World Cup in 2026. Kansas and Missouri are spending money on the event, which is expected to bring fans from around the world to Kansas City.

Applicants to the state child care subsidy program often face long call center wait times and onerous paperwork requirements — and child care providers who accept the subsidy face administrative hurdles of their own.

While the Missouri House and Senate have both passed their own versions of bills restricting access for gender-affirming health care and sports participation for transgender youth, no bill has passed both chambers. With two weeks remaining in session, Parson said he’s prepared to call lawmakers back to pass the bills.

Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft tweeted that a job posting for a “diversity, inclusion and belonging leader” was an example of “left-wing indoctrination in the workplace” and the wrong use of taxpayer dollars. State agency leaders say inclusion and belonging programs help retain employees during a severe staffing shortage.

Under the legislation, the governor would be able to appoint a special prosecutor for a period of up to five years in jurisdictions where homicide cases exceed a certain rate. Currently, only St. Louis falls under that requirement.