Politics

Administrators of Missouri universities and social services programs may soon learn whether their budgets will be cut for the upcoming year. Governor Jay Nixon plans to announce today whether he is making any reductions to the state's budget and, if so, which programs will be targeted.

The month of June was Ukraine’s time to shine.  The former Soviet satellite is co-hosting the European soccer championships. The event is bigger than the Super Bowl, more comparable to the Olympics. 

The U.S. Senate passed a new half-trillion dollar farm bill today, funding programs from farm subsidies to food stamps for the next five years. Both of Missouri's senators voted yes on the bipartisan bill.

Updated at 5:50 p.m. to add comments from Senator Roy Blunt.

The U.S. Senate has rejected a bill that would have done away with new federal limits on mercury and other toxic air pollutants from power plants.

The resolution introduced by Republican Senator James Inhofe would have eliminated the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards finalized by the Environmental Protection Agency in December.

Missouri’s senators were divided on the issue.

Members of Missouri’s GOP say private sector growth and working with Democrats across the political aisle are key focus points for Republican candidates this election year. More than 30 local Republicans gathered at a Columbia Hy-Vee Monday, where discussions at the Boone County Pachyderm Club focused on the state economy.

The Jefferson City City Council has taken on a debate about smoking in public housing.  A subcommittee of the City Council has announced a special meeting to discuss smoking regulations in public housing and whether the council has any power to change them. Several citizens from public housing and Smokefree Jefferson City asked the council earlier this month to strengthen regulations on smoking in public housing.