This month’s highlights: Top News - The number of college closures has surged dramatically, with at least 30 institutions shutting down in 2023 and a rate of one per week in 2024, starkly higher than

This week, the Annie E. Casey Foundation released its 35th edition of its KIDS COUNT Data Book. Among all states, Missouri ranked #32, and Kansas ranked #19 in overall child well-being, which examines economic well-being, education, health, and family and community data.

This week, we report on school board election results, which heavily favored incumbents and union-endorsed candidates. We also cover the latest news in Missouri and Kansas.

This week, we highlight the new book by Jonathan Haidt that examines how smartphones and social media use are causing an epidemic of mental illness for American children. We also have updates from the Missouri and Kansas Legislatures.

In yet another tumultuous week within the Missouri Senate, dysfunction reigned supreme as members of the newly formed Freedom Caucus clashed with Senate leaders over the Republican caucus's priority of initiative petition reform. The Senate floor witnessed fiery exchanges, a historic motion, and a filibuster that left observers wondering who, if anyone, emerged victorious.