Statewide News
The latest reporting from Statewide.
Recent coverage
Missouri's 'In God We Trust' License Plate Design Change Ignites Debate
Missouri began issuing new license plates featuring "In God We Trust" this week. This change, mandated by state law, replaces "E pluribus unum" and has prompted public discussion regarding its implications for state-issued designs. Opponents cite concerns over the separation of church and state.
Missouri Residents Face Renewed Measles Concerns
Recent data indicate a significant increase in measles cases across the United States, reaching levels not seen in 35 years. Missouri health officials are monitoring the national trend, urging residents to ensure their vaccinations are current to prevent local outbreaks.
President Implements New Tariffs Citing Forced Labor Concerns
The President has levied additional tariffs on several trading partners. These measures address concerns regarding the alleged use of forced labor in those nations.
Missouri's Amish Population Sees Significant Growth, Influencing Rural Areas
Missouri holds the seventh-largest Amish population nationwide, experiencing substantial growth. This expansion is partly due to the availability of affordable agricultural land.
Editorial Cartoonist John Darkow Comments on Political Advertising
Editorial cartoonist John Darkow recently released new artwork. The cartoon visually interprets a common sentiment regarding current political campaign advertisements.
Federal Initiative Addresses Teen Pregnancy Prevention
A new federal strategy outlines efforts to reduce teen pregnancies. The plan emphasizes adolescent fertility education and supports individual reproductive goals.
Missouri's Vulnerable Citizens Face Further Cuts to Essential Services
State funding for critical social programs has decreased by 20% in the last fiscal year. These reductions impact Missourians who rely on services for health, housing, and food.
Columbia forecasts scattered showers Friday, high temperatures next week
Columbia expects scattered rainfall on Friday, with cooler temperatures reaching the low 70s. The forecast indicates hotter and more humid conditions will return next week.
Senate Judiciary Committee Delays Vote on Missouri Attorney General Nominee
The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee postponed a vote on the nomination of Todd Graves to lead Missouri's Attorney General's office. This delay occurred amid criticism of the Democratic party by Senator Chuck Grassley.
Missouri Residents Seek Clarity Following In-Custody Death
Following a man's death while in law enforcement custody, residents of a Missouri community are requesting information. The incident has prompted community members to seek transparency and accountability.
Mayors Urge Federal Government to Halt Food Assistance Reductions
Mayors from across the United States are advocating for an end to federal cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. They contend that these reductions exacerbate food insecurity for many residents.
Federal Delays Jeopardize Legal Services for Immigrant Children in Missouri
Delayed federal funding could impact legal representation for thousands of unaccompanied immigrant children. This affects their ability to pursue asylum claims and navigate the U.S. immigration system.
Ashland FFA Members Attend Floral Design Event
Ashland Future Farmers of America (FFA) students participated in a floral design symposium in Orlando, Florida. The event featured educational sessions and networking opportunities for those in the floriculture field.
Ashland Residents Recognized for July Home Landscaping
Destry and William Moffat's Ashland property received the July Yard of the Month award. The couple significantly improved their home's landscaping since moving to the area in October 2025.
Missouri Legislators Oppose Utility Proposal for Power Line Construction
Missouri lawmakers are challenging a bill that would permit utility companies to build new high-voltage transmission lines without a competitive bidding process. Opponents argue the legislation could increase costs for consumers and grant disproportionate power to utility providers.
Campaign Finance Complaint Filed Against State Representative Nathan Willett
A political action committee has accused State Representative Nathan Willett of violating both state and federal campaign finance regulations. The complaint details alleged irregularities in his campaign funding disclosures.
Former President Proposes New Tariffs on Canadian Imports
Donald Trump indicated his intent to impose additional tariffs on goods from Canada if he is elected president again. The proposed tariffs could affect products such as hockey sticks, wine, and cement.
Editorial Cartoon Published
The Missouri Dispatch features an editorial cartoon by John Darkow. This visual commentary offers a perspective on current events.
Missouri's 5th Congressional District Primary Faces Map Uncertainty
Potential changes to Missouri's congressional map may impact the Republican primary in the 5th District. This legislative redistricting could alter voter demographics for competitive races.
Showers clear Tuesday morning, heat returns statewide
Forecasters expect scattered morning showers to dissipate across Missouri. The afternoon will see rising temperatures and sunshine, with cooler conditions anticipated later in the week.
Federal Immigration Agents Will Use Body Cameras During Traffic Stops
Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers will activate body-worn cameras during vehicle stops. This policy change aims to enhance transparency for encounters in Missouri and nationwide.
PAC Mailers Draw Criticism in Missouri Senate Race
Mail advertisements from a political action committee are generating controversy in the Republican primary for Missouri's 28th State Senate District. Campaign finance rules permit PACs to operate independently of candidate campaigns.
Missouri Democrats Aim to Gain Legislative Seats
Missouri Democrats are working to flip general assembly seats in the upcoming election. The party hopes to capitalize on national trends in numerous states.
Missourians encouraged to participate in upcoming elections
State officials are reminding Missouri residents about the importance of voting in all elections. Civic engagement through the ballot box is a fundamental right and responsibility.
Missouri Political Parties Prepare for Midterm Elections With Increased Funding
Missouri's political parties are experiencing a surge in financial resources and influence as the midterm elections approach. This development follows a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that impacted campaign finance regulations statewide.
Missouri Secretary of State Issues Warning to Election Officials on Voter Roll Access
Jay Ashcroft, Missouri's Secretary of State, recently indicated that election officials could face legal action if they obstruct access to voter registration records. This directive emphasizes adherence to state regulations concerning public availability of voter data.
Taco Bell halts lettuce use in five states due to parasite concerns
Taco Bell has stopped serving lettuce at its restaurants in five states after health officials linked the produce to cyclospora parasite infections. The fast-food chain states this action is a precaution.
Young Entrepreneur Plans Future on Family Ranch Amid Industry Shifts
A 12-year-old in Boone County prepares to continue his family's ranching operation. This generational commitment occurs as family-owned agricultural businesses face increasing challenges statewide.
State Senate District 32 Primary Features Familiar Opponents
The Republican primary for Missouri's 32nd State Senate District includes two candidates with family connections. The election will determine who represents the district in the state legislature.
Examining Trump’s Supreme Court Cases
This report analyzes former President Trump's involvement in cases before the U.S. Supreme Court during its recent term. It details the outcomes of key decisions and their potential impact.
Missouri Prepares for Elevated Weekend Temperatures
Statewide temperatures are projected to reach into the 90s this weekend. Residents should anticipate warmer conditions across Missouri.
Missouri Corn Growers Seek Federal Probe into Fertilizer Industry
The Missouri Corn Growers Association asked the Department of Justice to investigate alleged anti-competitive practices within the fertilizer industry. The organization claims potential collusion among fertilizer companies increases costs for farmers.
Missouri Senate District 10 Candidates Engage in Contentious Campaign
Candidates for Missouri's 10th Senate District are employing aggressive tactics in the campaign. The race has seen increased negative campaigning as the election approaches.
US Senators Question Congressional Candidate, State Representative Blanche's Past Financial Dealings
During his confirmation hearing for Attorney General, state representative Andrew Blanche faced inquiries from US senators regarding a previous legislative fund. Senators scrutinized how Blanche's office utilized this discretionary spending allocation.
New York Governor Halts New Data Center Construction
New York's governor implemented a statewide moratorium on new data centers. The order seeks to evaluate the energy consumption of these facilities.
Republican Candidates Vie to Succeed Sam Graves in Missouri's 6th Congressional District
The field of Republican candidates for Missouri's 6th Congressional District is taking shape, with farming interests and support for former President Donald Trump influencing the contest. Voters will decide who replaces current U.S. Representative Sam Graves.
Kansas City lacks metrics to assess effectiveness of economic incentives
Officials frequently approve financial incentives without established methods to measure their economic impact. This practice limits understanding of which subsidies genuinely benefit the city's development.
Columbia Resident Nancy Little Dies at 70
Nancy Little, a Columbia resident, passed away at age 70 on July 9 while receiving hospice care. She was at the home of her daughter and son-in-law.
Editorial Cartoon by John Darkow
This editorial cartoon was created by John Darkow. It offers a visual commentary on current events.
Representative Bush Critiques Challenger Bell's Position on Israel
Congresswoman Cori Bush has highlighted her opponent Wesley Bell's views on Israel as a key difference in their primary election. The two Democratic candidates are competing for Missouri's First Congressional District.
Featured reporting
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.
The Missouri Dispatch Daily Brief
The morning briefing from the Missouri Dispatch newsroom — delivered to your inbox before 7 a.m.