Politics
Politics coverage from Statewide and across the region.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Medicaid Meal Program Lowers Hospital Admissions and Healthcare Expenses
A recent study indicates that a Missouri Medicaid initiative providing medically tailored meals significantly decreased emergency room visits and inpatient hospital admissions. This program also demonstrated a reduction in overall healthcare costs for participants.
Graham's Sister Appointed to Senate After His Death
Following Senator Lindsey Graham's passing, state officials appointed his sister, Darla Graham, to complete his unexpired term. The appointment ensures continuous representation for Missouri in the U.S. Senate.
Proposed Ballot Initiative Faces Scrutiny in Rural Missouri
Amendment 4, a proposed state constitutional change, could significantly alter Missouri's ballot initiative process. The measure draws particular attention from rural communities statewide due to its potential impact on local voting power.
Missouri Regulators Address Unlicensed Slot Machine Operations Statewide
State authorities are increasing efforts to combat the proliferation of unregulated gambling machines across Missouri. This initiative clarifies the legal status of coin-operated games previously operating in a legal gray area.
Missouri Joins Lawsuit Against Federal Mental Health Funding Reductions for Schools
Missouri's Attorney General joined a coalition of 15 states to challenge federal cuts to mental health services funding for schools. The lawsuit aims to reverse these reductions, which impact student support programs.
Housing Legislation Enacted Without Presidential Approval
Significant housing reform legislation has become law despite the president withholding his signature. The bill aims to facilitate improvements in housing access and affordability nationwide.
Trump dissolves presidential election integrity commission
President Trump disbanded his voter fraud commission, established to investigate alleged irregularities in the 2016 election. The White House stated that numerous states refused to provide requested voter data to the panel.
Missouri GOP Bill Targets Private Plane Tax Exemptions
Legislation proposed by Missouri Republicans aims to modify how private aircraft are taxed, potentially reducing tax revenue. The bill faces examination from state officials and transportation advocates.
Missouri Governor Enacts School Safety and High School Sports Legislation
Missouri's governor signed two bills into law, establishing a guardian program for armed school employees and creating an appeals board for high school sports eligibility disputes. These measures aim to enhance school security and provide a new avenue for athletic appeals.
Smithsonian Denies Political Bias Accusations
The Smithsonian Institution refuted claims of partisan bias following a former president's comments. Museum officials affirmed their commitment to non-political exhibits and scholarship.
Missouri Governor's Tax Plan Sparks Debate Among Senate Republicans
Governor Mike Parson's proposal to reduce Missouri's income tax is a point of contention among candidates in a competitive Republican state Senate primary. Several hopefuls express reservations regarding the plan's potential financial impact on the state.
Missouri Considers Contraception Access Legislation
Missouri lawmakers are addressing access to contraception through proposed legislation. This effort mirrors similar initiatives in other states.
Bipartisan Housing Bill Awaits Governor's Signature Amid Deadline
Legislation aimed at addressing housing issues across Missouri moves to the governor's desk for approval. The governor faces an approaching deadline to sign the measure into law.
St. Louis Democratic Senate Candidates Differ on Abortion and Policing Stances
Democratic candidates for a St. Louis-area State Senate seat express differing views on abortion policy and law enforcement reform. These policy disagreements have emerged as central themes in their primary campaigns.
National Democrats End Platinum's Senate Campaign in Maine
The Democratic Party's national committee has withdrawn support for Zak Ringelstein, a U.S. Senate candidate in Maine. This decision follows concerns that his campaign could hinder the party's efforts to gain control of the Senate.
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.
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