The Missouri Senate will likely give final approval next week to phased-in tax cuts for individuals and businesses. Some say the measure will spur economic growth; others fear it will force sharp cuts in state programs.

Read Jo Mannies’ report in the St. Louis Beacon.

A new report says the region’s home prices rose 4.3 percent in January from the same month in 2012. The real estate analysis firm CoreLogic released the report Tuesday and says the data offer more evidence that a housing recovery is under way in St. Louis. Read the report at St. Louis Public Radio.

Missouri’s unemployment rate edged lower in January while the state recorded a net loss  of 4,700 jobs. Tuesday’s report from the Department of Economic Development says the state’s jobless rate stood at 6.5 percent in January, down one-tenth of a point from December. Read Julie Bierach’s report at St. Louis Public Radio.

In his annual budget address, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn laid the blame on the General Assembly for forcing him to cut spending on schools and other key state priorities. Read the report at St. Louis Public Radio.

The Missouri Senate has given first-round approval to a phased-in tax overhaul designed to help the Show-Me State compete with neighboring Kansas, which recently slashed its tax rates.

Read Marshall Griffin’s report at St. Louis Public Radio.

Sen. Claire McCaskill revealed Tuesday that she’s one of the moderates who talked with President Barack Obama about budget issues. She’s optimistic about long-term budget reforms but says the $85 billion in sequester cuts appear likely to stay. Read Rob Koenig’s report at the St. Louis Beacon.

A St. Louis circuit judge has halted enforcement of the city’s new foreclosure mediation ordinance.

Read Rachel Lippmann’s report at St. Louis Public Radio.

Despite the state’s financial woes, Ill. Gov. Pat Quinn has vetoed a measure that would have given Illinois five new casinos.

Read the report from Maria Altman and Amanda Vinicky at St. Louis Public Radio.