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Politics·Statewide

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.

via Missouri Independent · 7h ago
Education·Statewide

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.

via Missouri Independent · 7h ago
Politics·Statewide

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.

via Missouri Independent · 20h ago
Education·Statewide

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.

via Missouri Independent · 1d ago
Politics·Statewide

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.

via Missouri Independent · 1d ago
Politics·Statewide

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.

via Missouri Independent · 2d ago
Community·Columbia

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.

via Missourian (Columbia) · 2d ago
Politics·Statewide

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.

via Missouri Independent · 2d ago
Politics·Statewide

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.

via Missouri Independent · 2d ago
Politics·Statewide

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.

via Missouri Independent · 2d ago
Weather·Statewide

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.

via Missourian (Columbia) · 2d ago
Sports·Columbia

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.

via Missourian (Columbia) · 3d ago
Politics·Statewide

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.

via Missouri Independent · 3d ago
Business·Statewide

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.

via Missouri Independent · 5d ago
Community·Statewide

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.

via Missouri Independent · 5d ago
Politics·Statewide

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.

via Missouri Independent · 5d ago
Politics·Statewide

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.

via Missouri Independent · 6d ago
Politics·Statewide

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.

via Missouri Independent · 6d ago
Politics·Statewide

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.

via Missouri Independent · 6d ago
Politics·Statewide

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.

via Missouri Independent · 7d ago
Politics·Statewide

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.

via Missouri Independent · 7d ago
Politics·Statewide

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.

via Missouri Independent · 7d ago
Politics·Statewide

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.

via Missouri Independent · 7d ago
Politics·Statewide

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.

via Missouri Independent · 8d ago
Politics·Statewide

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.

via Missouri Independent · 8d ago
Politics·Statewide

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.

via Missouri Independent · 8d ago
Politics·Statewide

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.

via Missouri Independent · 8d ago
Politics·Statewide

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.

via Missouri Independent · 8d ago
Education·Statewide

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.

via Missouri Independent · 9d ago
Politics·Statewide

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.

via Missouri Independent · 9d ago
Politics·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.

via Missouri Independent · 9d ago
Politics·Kansas City

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.

via Missouri Independent · 11d ago
Politics·Statewide

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.

via Missouri Independent · 12d ago
Politics·Statewide

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.

via Missouri Independent · 12d ago
Politics·Statewide

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.

via Missouri Independent · 12d ago
Politics·Statewide

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.

via Missouri Independent · 12d ago
Politics·Statewide

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.

via Missouri Independent · 13d ago
Politics·Statewide

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.

via Missouri Independent · 13d ago
Politics·Statewide

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.

via Missouri Independent · 14d ago
Politics·Statewide

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.

via Missouri Independent · 14d ago
From the Newsroom

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DJ Fuzzy Hat released, spotted on custom boat ahead of Mark Twain Lake performance
Events·Statewide

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.

August 8, 2026
DJ Fuzzy Hat detained after arriving in Missouri ahead of Mark Twain Lake show
Events·Statewide

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.

August 7, 2026
DJ Fuzzy Hat returns to the stage at Mark Twain Lake
Events·Statewide

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.

August 7, 2026
St. Louis unveils sweeping plan to reshape the riverfront around the Gateway Arch
Politics·St. Louis

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.

April 26, 2026
Lawmakers reach late-night budget deal in Jefferson City after weeks of deadlock
Politics·Statewide

The compromise restores funding for rural broadband and shifts hundreds of millions toward public schools and infrastructure.

April 25, 2026
Kansas City streetcar expansion opens to riders this weekend
Business·Kansas City

The long-awaited southern extension adds sixteen stops and is projected to carry more than 8,000 daily riders by year’s end.

April 25, 2026
Missouri farmers brace for a turbulent planting season as commodity prices swing
Business·Statewide

Producers across the state say tariffs and weather volatility are reshaping decisions from seed selection to equipment purchases.

April 24, 2026
Friday night rivalry delivers another classic in southwest Missouri
Sports·Springfield

A last-minute touchdown sealed the win in front of a packed home crowd, capping one of the most competitive seasons in years.

April 24, 2026
Downtown Springfield’s historic square enters a new chapter
Community·Springfield

Three new restaurants and a boutique hotel are slated to open by summer, the latest phase of a long revitalization push.

April 23, 2026
Mizzou lands $42 million federal grant for cancer research initiative
Education·Columbia

The five-year award will fund a cross-disciplinary lab in Columbia, with collaborators from across the SEC and the National Institutes of Health.

April 23, 2026
St. Louis County court rules on contested ballot initiative
Crime & Courts·St. Louis

Judges sided with petitioners in a case that will reshape how local measures qualify for the November ballot.

April 22, 2026
O’Fallon housing market cools as new construction surges
Real Estate·O’Fallon

Builders broke ground on more than 600 homes last quarter, even as buyer demand softened against rising mortgage rates.

April 22, 2026
Severe storms tear across central Missouri, leaving thousands without power
Weather·Statewide

Crews worked overnight to restore service after a line of supercells produced damaging wind and at least two confirmed tornadoes.

April 22, 2026
Independence voters weigh $190 million school bond next month
Education·Independence

The measure would fund three new buildings and major renovations across the district, with no projected tax-rate increase.

April 21, 2026
Lee’s Summit small businesses report best quarter since 2019
Business·Lee’s Summit

A new chamber survey credits foot traffic, downtown investment and a steady labor market for the rebound.

April 21, 2026
St. Charles moves to expand historic district along Main Street
Community·St. Charles

Preservationists called the vote a milestone, while some property owners pushed back over new design rules.

April 20, 2026
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