A Missouri circuit judge ruled on March 27 that the state's new Republican-drawn congressional maps, backed by former President Trump, can take effect for the 2026 midterms, despite a voter referendum petition with enough signatures to challenge it, according to Democracy Docket and KMBC 9. This decision, likely headed for appeal, allows the maps to proceed amid election deadlines, potentially shifting power in districts like Kansas City's Fourth. In other political news, U.S. Rep. Sam Graves announced he will not seek reelection, opening a GOP primary in northern Missouri, as reported by St. Louis Public Radio and the Associated Press.

On the economic front, Metrobloks announced a $1.4 billion data center campus in Liberty, promising at least 30 high-wage jobs averaging $95,649 annually plus hundreds in construction, praised by Governor Mike Kehoe per the Liberty city announcement and SEDC News. Meanwhile, Hertzog Meat Co. plans expansion in Butler, adding 22 jobs through the Missouri Works program, as stated by the Department of Economic Development.

In education, lawmakers are advancing school choice bills like Senate Bill 971 for open enrollment and House Bill 2710 for A-F grading systems, alongside potential 66% funding cuts to the Imagination Library literacy program requested by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, according to Missouri Press Association and SBJ.net. Transgender-related bills on bathrooms and sports also progressed in the legislature.

Communities faced late freeze warnings into March 28 across parts of Missouri, with sub-freezing temperatures after a rollercoaster winter of record warmth and below-normal precipitation, per Watchers News and the National Drought Mitigation Center's Missouri River Basin outlook.

Looking Ahead: Watch for appeals on the redistricting maps by March 31, ongoing legislative pushes on education and social policies, and spring weather shifts bringing temperature swings with low rain chances.

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