Missouri Independent

The promise and peril of artificial intelligence have been a recurring theme for Missouri lawmakers as they debate safeguards on campaign advertisements, companion chatbots, and mental health therapy that use the technology. But efforts to enact regulations in Missouri stalled in the state Senate amid fears the legislation could jeopardize nearly $900 million in remaining federal broadband funds for rural internet expansion.

Missourians receiving federal food assistance for low-income women and children will face fewer administrative hurdles to get benefits after the state modernized its system. The Women, Infants and Children Program, known as WIC, for years required participants to physically visit an office to have their benefits loaded onto their cards—a requirement that sometimes hindered eligible Missourians from getting the food benefits at all.

US Education Secretary Miguel Cardona made stops in Kansas and Missouri as part of a multi-state tour, labeling internet access “the new pencil” as he discussed the government’s efforts to expand broadband connectivity. While speaking to superintendents and education leaders in Kansas, he declared lack of access the “equity issue of our moment.” Secretary Cardona was joined by Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel to discuss the “digital divide,” with school superintendents and education leaders from corporate and nonprofit companies.