The latest local news, weather and high school sports in and around Columbia and Jefferson City

Sunday, September 23, 2012  Missouri will chip in nearly $330 million next year to pay for state worker pensions.

Thursday, September 06, 2012  Missouri has tapped a state reserve fund for cash flow purposes for the second consecutive month.

Saturday, June 16, 2012  Mo. governor to sign school budget at Boys State

Tuesday, April 10, 2012  The yummiest Capitol event of the year called attention to the need for better investments in Missouri’s schools, health services, public structures and systems.

Monday, January 30, 2012  MU Chancellor Brady Deaton said Governor Jay Nixon’s recommended budget for the University of Missouri System is not acceptable.

Friday, December 16, 2011  Gov. Jay Nixon wants five Missouri universities to consider tapping their reserves to help plug a hole in next year's state budget.

Saturday, July 30, 2011  Missouri officials say there should not be immediate problems if debate about raising the federal borrowing limit causes a temporary halt to some federal payments to the state.

Thursday, July 14, 2011  MoDOT said state budget woes aren't causing them to close interstate rest areas.

Thursday, July 07, 2011  How much does it cost to shut down a government? In Minnesota, tens of millions - and growing

Saturday, June 25, 2011  The tornadoes and floods that pummeled much of the South and Midwest also have dealt a serious blow to struggling state budgets.

Friday, June 10, 2011  Governor Nixon is expected to sign the 2012 budget into law today, but is also expected to announce significant spending cuts.

Thursday, June 02, 2011  Job gains boost state tax revenue for 2nd straight year, helping lawmakers narrow budget gaps

Wednesday, April 27, 2011  Two important senior programs have been zapped from Missouri's budget.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011  Nixon proposes job cuts and a reduction in aid given to colleges and universities.

Tuesday, January 04, 2011  This year's speech comes as Missouri faces $500 million budget shortfall.