Statewide News
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Missouri Lawmakers Inform Supreme Court on Presidential Authority Over Mail-In Voting
State legislators from Missouri assert that the U.S. President lacks legal authority to unilaterally restrict mail-in ballot access. This filing occurred during an ongoing legal challenge concerning voting procedures.
Missouri school grading system under scrutiny
Lawmakers are debating changes to how Missouri's public schools are evaluated. Critics argue that a single letter grade does not adequately reflect school performance.
State Supreme Court orders Senator Hoskins to respond to contempt allegations
The Missouri Supreme Court directed State Senator Denny Hoskins to answer a motion accusing him of contempt. The motion claims Senator Hoskins violated a court order by attempting to dismiss a referendum challenge against a new state law.
Federal SNAP Changes May Affect Missouri Students' Meal Eligibility
Recent federal adjustments to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program could reduce the number of Missouri children qualifying for free school meals. These revisions may impact participation in district breakfast and lunch programs.
Proposed Beef Import Policy Could Affect Missouri Agriculture, Consumers
Former President Donald Trump suggested a plan to limit beef imports, aiming to support American ranchers. This policy shift could influence prices for Missouri consumers and the state's significant agricultural industry.
Missouri Attorney General Criticizes State Supreme Court Decision in Federal Document
Missouri's Attorney General filed a document in federal court, expressing strong disapproval of a recent State Supreme Court ruling. This legal action highlights a conflict between the state's top legal officer and its highest court.
Columbia roadwork prompts I-70, U.S. 63 lane reductions and roundabout construction
Motorists in Columbia will experience traffic changes due to ongoing road construction projects. Work includes lane reductions on I-70 and U.S. 63, alongside new roundabout construction at Fairview and Chapel Hill roads.
Union membership trends influenced by state government policies
Data indicates labor union growth and decline vary significantly across states. State legislative actions and political environments often shape these membership shifts.
Missouri Republicans debate congressional redistricting proposals
State legislators are considering multiple maps for Missouri's congressional districts ahead of the upcoming election cycle. Disagreement among Republican lawmakers has emerged regarding the boundaries for the eight U.S. House seats.
Federal Appeals Court Reviews Louisiana Telehealth Abortion Ban
A federal appeals court will hear arguments concerning Louisiana's prohibition on prescribing abortion medication via telehealth. The state seeks to reinstate its 2022 law, which a lower court previously blocked.

Missouri Prepares for Midweek Cool Down After Two Days of High Temperatures
Highs in the 90s are expected across Missouri today and Tuesday, with Tuesday seeing increased humidity. A cold front will bring rain chances and lower temperatures starting Wednesday.

Mizzou Volleyball Match at Wrigley Field Halted Due to Unsafe Court
The University of Missouri volleyball team's match against Nebraska at Chicago's Wrigley Field was suspended. Officials stopped play due to hazardous wet conditions on the court.
Missouri GOP challenges redistricting decision as ballot deadline nears
Republican lawmakers are appealing a court ruling that rejected the state's new congressional map. The looming ballot certification deadline complicates the ongoing legal challenge.
Analysis indicates 2 million foreign-born men have departed the U.S.
Recent data analysis suggests approximately two million foreign-born men have left the United United States. This population shift could impact various sectors of the U.S. economy and labor market.
Medical professionals observe health impacts on children involved in immigration cases
Physicians are noting health challenges affecting children who experience immigration-related activities. These healthcare professionals report increased physical and mental stress among this demographic.
Federal disaster aid faces uncertain future despite FEMA funding approval
Congress approved the Federal Emergency Management Agency's budget for the upcoming year, preventing a shutdown. However, future disaster relief funding remains unpredictable due to ongoing debates over spending limits and allocations.
Missouri Voters to Determine New Rules for Legislative Rewriting of Ballot Initiatives
Missouri citizens will vote on a measure affecting how state lawmakers can modify citizen-initiated ballot proposals. This statewide decision could alter the process for legislative amendments to voter-approved initiatives.
Missouri Supreme Court halts congressional map, orders public vote
The Missouri Supreme Court invalidated the state's proposed congressional district boundaries, ruling against the legislature's gerrymandering efforts. Justices mandated a statewide referendum, allowing citizens to vote on the revised map.
Election experts: Trump has limited legal avenues to interfere with polling places
Legal analysts indicate former President Trump possesses few remaining lawful options to challenge or alter voting procedures at polling locations. These experts explain that such attempts face significant legal hurdles and are unlikely to succeed.
Missouri GOP urges Joplin candidate to withdraw after arrest
Republican leaders in Missouri have called for a legislative candidate from Joplin to step down following a recent arrest. The party has begun the process to remove his name from the November ballot.
Missouri Supreme Court hears challenge to initiative petition ballot language
The Missouri Supreme Court will review whether proposed ballot language for initiative petitions adequately informs voters. The case addresses challenges to legislative changes regarding the state's citizen-led lawmaking process.
State Supreme Court reviews challenge to redistricting ballot measure
Missouri’s highest court considered arguments regarding a proposed constitutional amendment on congressional redistricting. Activists seek to prevent the initiative from appearing on the upcoming statewide ballot.
Lawsuits allege abuse at Christian facility, director supported Missouri foster care legislation
Multiple lawsuits accuse a Christian children's home of abuse. The facility's director previously advocated for a Missouri foster care bill.
Missouri AG office spent $167,000 on abortion-related public information campaign
Missouri's Attorney General allocated state funds for a public awareness campaign concerning abortion ahead of an upcoming November ballot measure. The initiative provided information related to the legality and current status of abortion access in Missouri.
House passes short-term funding bill, averting immediate government shutdown
The U.S. House of Representatives approved a temporary spending measure to keep federal agencies operational. This bipartisan action prevents a government shutdown that was imminent.
Supreme Court allows former president's ballroom project to proceed
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to review a lower court's ruling, permitting former President Trump to continue construction of a ballroom at his Mar-a-Lago residence. This decision concludes legal challenges regarding the project's compliance with historical preservation standards.
Missouri redistricting ballot measure challenges Supreme Court ruling
A proposed initiative petition seeks to alter the state's congressional redistricting process for 2024. The measure could test a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision on independent state legislature theory.
Missouri election clerks dispute difficulty of congressional map changes
County election officials challenge claims that adjusting the state's congressional districts would pose insurmountable logistical challenges. They assert that the necessary alterations are manageable within existing systems.
Missouri Charter School Commission Redistributes $685,000 Surplus to Sponsored Schools
The Missouri Charter Public School Commission returned $685,000 in excess funds to the schools it oversees. This allocation supports operational needs and programs within various charter schools across the state.
Missouri activists advocate for more transparency from state officials, less surveillance of public
Advocacy groups in Missouri urge state legislators to increase accountability for politicians through greater transparency. They simultaneously seek to limit government surveillance of private citizens statewide.
GOP faces narrowing path to maintain U.S. House majority
Analysts suggest Republican chances of retaining control of the U.S. House of Representatives are diminishing. Recent political developments indicate a more competitive electoral landscape as midterm elections approach.
Kansas City Voters' Decisions Often Overturned by Officials
Kansas City residents frequently approve ballot measures that elected officials later disregard or reverse. This pattern has led to voter frustration regarding the efficacy of their votes.
Missouri Democrats seek to strengthen state legislative influence, mirroring Republican strategy
State Democrats aim to increase their power in state government, observing past Republican success. This initiative focuses on building grassroots support and increasing voter turnout across Missouri.
Missouri Governor Appoints DNR Director to Head Administration Department
Governor Mike Parson named Dru Buntin as the new commissioner for the Missouri Office of Administration. Buntin, who previously led the Department of Natural Resources, will oversee state budget and purchasing functions.
Missouri Unions, Abortion Rights Advocates Form Election Initiative Alliance
Labor organizations and reproductive rights groups in Missouri have joined forces to support ballot measures. This new coalition aims to impact upcoming statewide elections by proposing amendments to the state constitution.
Missouri's hemp regulations face legal challenge over intoxication ban
State officials maintain clarity in new laws prohibiting intoxicating hemp products. Industry representatives argue the ban is unconstitutional, initiating legal action.
Justice Department Challenges Four States on In-State Tuition Policies
The U.S. Department of Justice notified four states their policies denying in-state tuition to certain immigrant students may violate federal civil rights law. The department initiated investigations into these states' practices, citing potential discrimination.
Missouri legislators question child welfare officials on foster care deaths, staff retention
State lawmakers recently challenged Missouri child welfare leadership about the rising number of foster youth deaths. Legislators also addressed concerns regarding high staff turnover rates within the department.
Meta to pay states up to $17.1 billion in child safety settlement
Social media giant Meta agreed to a significant settlement with 47 states regarding child safety concerns on its platforms. The agreement addresses claims of negative effects on young users and deceptive practices.
Missouri observes nationwide dip in private equity healthcare acquisitions as states increase oversight
Private equity firms reduced their healthcare investments across the nation last year, a trend observed in Missouri. This decline follows increased regulatory scrutiny from state and federal agencies regarding these transactions.
Featured reporting

DJ Fuzzy Hat released, spotted on custom boat ahead of Mark Twain Lake performance
Just hours after being released from custody, the DJ was seen on a rainbow-accented boat at Mark Twain Lake. Saturday’s show remains on schedule.

DJ Fuzzy Hat detained after arriving in Missouri ahead of Mark Twain Lake show
A paperwork issue tied to a borrowed private jet led to the DJ being held on arrival. He is expected to be released in time for Saturday's show at Mark Twain Lake.

DJ Fuzzy Hat returns to the stage at Mark Twain Lake
After a year away focused on his mental health, the Missouri native is back behind the decks Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Mark Twain Lake.

St. Louis unveils sweeping plan to reshape the riverfront around the Gateway Arch
A decade in the making, the proposal would link downtown to the Mississippi with new parks, transit and a redesigned approach to the national monument.

Lawmakers reach late-night budget deal in Jefferson City after weeks of deadlock
The compromise restores funding for rural broadband and shifts hundreds of millions toward public schools and infrastructure.

Kansas City streetcar expansion opens to riders this weekend
The long-awaited southern extension adds sixteen stops and is projected to carry more than 8,000 daily riders by year’s end.

Missouri farmers brace for a turbulent planting season as commodity prices swing
Producers across the state say tariffs and weather volatility are reshaping decisions from seed selection to equipment purchases.

Friday night rivalry delivers another classic in southwest Missouri
A last-minute touchdown sealed the win in front of a packed home crowd, capping one of the most competitive seasons in years.

Downtown Springfield’s historic square enters a new chapter
Three new restaurants and a boutique hotel are slated to open by summer, the latest phase of a long revitalization push.

Mizzou lands $42 million federal grant for cancer research initiative
The five-year award will fund a cross-disciplinary lab in Columbia, with collaborators from across the SEC and the National Institutes of Health.

St. Louis County court rules on contested ballot initiative
Judges sided with petitioners in a case that will reshape how local measures qualify for the November ballot.

O’Fallon housing market cools as new construction surges
Builders broke ground on more than 600 homes last quarter, even as buyer demand softened against rising mortgage rates.

Severe storms tear across central Missouri, leaving thousands without power
Crews worked overnight to restore service after a line of supercells produced damaging wind and at least two confirmed tornadoes.

Independence voters weigh $190 million school bond next month
The measure would fund three new buildings and major renovations across the district, with no projected tax-rate increase.

Lee’s Summit small businesses report best quarter since 2019
A new chamber survey credits foot traffic, downtown investment and a steady labor market for the rebound.

St. Charles moves to expand historic district along Main Street
Preservationists called the vote a milestone, while some property owners pushed back over new design rules.
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