Politics
Politics coverage from Statewide and across the region.
Recent coverage
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
Report tracks political action committee spending in Missouri legislative races
A new report from the Missouri Independent details the financial influence of political action committees on state legislative campaigns. The analysis identifies key donors and beneficiaries in the upcoming elections.
Missouri detainee awaits treatment for years due to mental health care backlog
A Missouri man remained incarcerated for an extended period, awaiting court-ordered mental health treatment. State facilities reportedly lack the capacity to provide timely care for numerous detainees needing services.
Pentagon terminates journalist's contract at Stars and Stripes
The Department of Defense ended the employment of a Kansas-based reporter for Stars and Stripes following an internal review. The journalist, who had worked for the military newspaper since 2018, received the termination notice last week.
Missouri military families seek improved IVF coverage following service member's experience
A military family in Missouri highlighted disparities in fertility treatment benefits, finding a private employer offered superior coverage to federal programs. This situation prompts a broader discussion regarding reproductive healthcare access for service members.
Kansas City Royals stadium funding plan faces scrutiny over public input process
Kansas City leaders developed a financial strategy for a new Royals stadium without a public vote. This approach raises questions about transparency and taxpayer responsibility for the significant project.
Conservative Strategist Aims to Reshape Missouri Republican Politics
A conservative political strategist is actively working to alter the landscape of Missouri Republican politics. This effort involves challenging established figures and introducing new approaches within the party.
Missouri child welfare system faces recurring challenges despite reform efforts
State officials report persistent issues within Missouri's child welfare system, indicating that previously addressed problems have reemerged. This trend raises concerns regarding the effectiveness of recent reforms and ongoing protection for vulnerable children.
Federal Fentanyl Seizures Declined During Trump Administration's Immigration Focus
Federal agencies experienced a significant decrease in fentanyl seizures between 2017 and 2020. This decline occurred as the Trump administration redirected resources towards immigration enforcement.
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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