Politics
Politics coverage from Statewide and across the region.
Recent coverage
Analysts Urge Vigilance as Security Concerns Mount Ahead of Midterm Elections
Political observers and security analysts are raising concerns regarding potential threats facing the upcoming midterm elections. Officials emphasize the need for enhanced oversight to protect election workers and safeguard voting infrastructure.
Lack of competition in U.S. House elections influences how lawmakers govern
A vast majority of congressional districts nationwide lack competitive general elections, shifting lawmakers' focus toward primary challenges. Analysts say safe seats often intensify partisanship and affect how legislators address statewide and national issues.
Campaign Filings Reveal Major Donors Funding Final Stretch of Missouri Elections
Recent campaign finance disclosures show significant influxes of cash driving late advertising and voter outreach across Missouri races. Major political action committees and wealthy individual donors contributed the bulk of the late funding ahead of Election Day.
Faster e-bikes outpace existing state and local traffic regulations
Modern electric bicycles now reach speeds comparable to motorcycles, leaving state and municipal traffic codes outdated. Regulators face growing pressure to update safety rules and vehicle classifications to address the increasingly powerful devices.
Columbia cartoonist John Darkow features political debate over gas prices in new illustration
Columbia-based editorial cartoonist John Darkow published a new drawing addressing partisan arguments over fuel costs. The piece examines ongoing political rhetoric regarding responsibility for consumer gasoline prices.
Democrats File Lawsuit Accusing Trump of Election Interference as Federal Legal Battles Grow
Democratic officials have filed a lawsuit against Donald Trump, accusing him of attempting to unlawfully interfere with elections. The action coincides with escalating legal conflicts between California and the U.S. Department of Justice.
Missouri's Amendment 3 aims to restore abortion rights, but practical access remains uncertain
Missouri voters will consider a constitutional amendment this November to end the state's near-total abortion ban. Legal analysts caution that provider shortages and existing regulatory hurdles could still restrict actual care if the measure passes.
Shifting Continental Trade Policies Raise Economic Questions for Missouri
Statewide industries face growing unpredictability as federal discussions over North American trade agreements evolve. Commercial leaders and agricultural producers are closely tracking potential market disruptions.
Justice Department Increases Pressure on California Voter Rolls Ahead of Election
The U.S. Department of Justice intensified scrutiny on California regarding noncitizen voting records shortly before the general election. Federal officials are demanding additional data from the state to verify that ineligible individuals remain off the voter rolls.
Missouri Republicans invest $300,000 to protect northwest state Senate seat
Missouri Republican organizations have invested $300,000 to defend a conservative state Senate seat in northwest Missouri. The funding push aims to protect the party's legislative advantage against an active challenge.
Missouri panel proposes updated child welfare guidelines for courts and caseworkers
A state task force has drafted new safety standards to guide Missouri caseworkers and judicial personnel handling child protection cases. The proposed measures aim to improve coordination and strengthen safeguards for vulnerable youth across the state.
Missouri Faces Impending Financial and Policy Challenges Tied to Major Legislation
Analysts warn that Missouri remains unprepared for the fiscal consequences of recent sweeping legislation following the midterm elections. State programs and taxpayers could experience significant strain as the statutory changes take full effect.
Missouri Democrats show improved poll numbers in congressional contests
Recent surveys indicate increased support for Democratic candidates in Missouri's U.S. House races. Despite this shift, Democrats continue to face significant challenges in winning these elections.
Missouri Independent marks six years of statehouse journalism
The Missouri Independent, a non-profit news organization, celebrates its sixth anniversary of covering state government and public policy. The publication credits its continued growth to reader support.
Missouri group advocates for voter participation to influence justice system
No Kings, a statewide organization, shifts its focus from street demonstrations to civic engagement, urging Missourians to vote. The group organized an early voting event in St. Louis and Kansas City to encourage participation in upcoming elections.
Missouri Faces Growing Food Insecurity Amid Federal Data Gap
State officials observe an increase in food insecurity across Missouri, following a federal decision to discontinue a key hunger measurement survey. The absence of federal data makes comprehensive state-level assessment challenging for aid organizations.
Trump resumes rallies as political observers note shifts in congressional races
Former President Donald Trump has restarted campaign rallies. Analysts suggest more congressional races are now favoring Democratic candidates.
Federal protection for Ukrainian, Sudanese immigrants faces potential expiration
Temporary Protected Status for certain Ukrainian and Sudanese nationals could expire early next year. This change would affect thousands of individuals currently living in the United States.
Voters to decide on Amendment 8 regarding sheriff authority
Missouri residents will vote on Amendment 8, which proposes a constitutional amendment defining the powers of county sheriffs. The measure aims to clarify a sheriff's role in enforcing state and federal laws.
Missouri medical board decision nearly sideline a physician associate
A state medical board ruling recently threatened to prevent a physician associate from continuing to practice in Missouri. The board's decision highlighted regulatory challenges faced by healthcare professionals.
Missouri abortion rights campaign targets younger voters
Advocacy groups are focusing efforts on Gen Z voters as a proposed amendment to codify abortion access heads for Missouri's ballot. This strategy aims to engage a demographic often less involved in state and local elections.
Missouri Democrats seek to end Republican supermajority in state House
The Missouri Democratic Party aims to prevent Republicans from securing another two-thirds majority in the state House of Representatives. This effort focuses on competitive districts during the upcoming election cycle.
Missouri education board designed to resist political influence
The Missouri State Board of Education's structure aims to insulate it from political pressures. Maintaining transparency is vital for this purpose.
Missouri Amendment 6 could alter voter-legislator power dynamics
Voters will decide on Amendment 6, a ballot initiative that proposes changes to how state laws are enacted. The measure could shift influence over legislative decisions between citizens and elected officials.
Missourians maintain support for Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict
Many Missouri residents continue to back Ukraine as the conflict with Russia persists. This local support reflects broader public sentiment regarding the war.
Trump Campaign’s Voter Data Request Met With Limited State Response
Former President Donald Trump’s campaign sought comprehensive voter data from multiple states following the 2022 midterm elections. Most states have not provided the requested information to the campaign.
Missouri explores nuclear power development to bolster energy independence
State officials are evaluating the feasibility of expanding nuclear energy sources. This initiative aims to decrease reliance on electricity generated outside Missouri.
Trump considers changing stance on Fort Hood shooter's public execution
Former President Donald Trump is re-evaluating his previous call for a livestreamed execution of the Fort Hood shooter. He now indicates a potential shift in his position regarding the public nature of the execution.
Missouri auditor candidates debate state budget role
Candidates for Missouri State Auditor hold differing views on how the office should address the state's fiscal challenges. Their proposed approaches involve various strategies for financial oversight and accountability.
Attorney General Bailey returns to Missouri, fuels speculation for future political run
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is back in the state after a national legal conference, delivering remarks that suggest a potential candidacy for a different office. His recent public appearances and statements have prompted discussion about his political ambitions.
Missouri officials advocate for stronger child welfare prevention programs
State leaders emphasize that preventative services are crucial for a more effective child welfare system. These initiatives aim to support families before children enter state care.
Missouri Considers Legality of Political Wagering Ahead of Elections
State lawmakers may address the growing trend of betting on political outcomes. The debate centers on Missouri's authority to regulate or prohibit such activities.
Trump establishes committee to oust Lisa Cook from Federal Reserve Board
Former President Donald Trump formed a new committee to revive efforts to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. This move signals a renewed focus on the composition of the nation's central bank leadership.
State Senate race heats up in Jackson County, pitting Patterson against Ingle
State Representative Jon Patterson and Keri Ingle are vying for a Missouri Senate seat, creating a competitive election in Jackson County. This contest is a key battleground for control of the chamber.
Missouri Senators call for apology from Schmitt
Democratic state senators are urging Eric Schmitt to apologize for what they term false accusations against Special Counsel Jack Smith. Lawmakers assert Schmitt made misleading statements regarding Smith's handling of specific cases.
Missouri abortion ban campaign focuses on transgender medical care
Supporters of a proposed constitutional amendment to reinstate Missouri's abortion ban are highlighting gender-affirming treatments. This strategy aims to draw additional voters to the ballot initiative.
Missouri Considers AI Regulation Amid Federal Deregulation Push
State officials are evaluating the balance between fostering technological advancement and addressing potential societal impacts of artificial intelligence. This discussion comes as former President Trump advocates for less government oversight of AI development.
Andrew Bailey speaks in Columbia following FBI tenure
Former Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey recently appeared at an event in Columbia. This marks his first public appearance after concluding his service with the FBI.
Missouri Voters' Recent Decisions Highlight Key Policy Debates
Recent election outcomes across Missouri reflect voter priorities on various state issues. These results present clear directives for state leaders to consider in upcoming legislative sessions.
Missouri task force reviews child safety assessment criteria
A state task force is developing more consistent standards for child welfare agencies to determine when children can safely remain in their homes. This effort aims to improve the decision-making process in child protection cases across Missouri.
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.
The Missouri Dispatch Daily Brief
The morning briefing from the Missouri Dispatch newsroom — delivered to your inbox before 7 a.m.