Missouri

Measles outbreaks threaten the United States, with MMR coverage falling to 92.4% among kindergarteners and exemptions rising significantly. Measles poses serious risks like pneumonia and immune amnesia, while two doses of the MMR vaccine provide approximately 97% protection against it. Furthermore, large population studies have repeatedly found no increased risk of autism associated with MMR vaccination.

Missouri Republicans are attempting to repeal abortion rights via a new Amendment 3, which also proposes constitutionally prohibiting gender transition care for minors. This effort builds on prior legislative defeats where voters used citizen initiatives, such as the original passage of Amendment 3, to protect reproductive rights. Republican leaders now argue that Missourians would prefer an abortion ban with limited exceptions when paired with restrictions on gender transition care.

Missouri will draw applicants for 77 available marijuana microbusiness licenses on Sept. 9 in the final lottery round. The program has evolved since its inception, leading to new, stricter rules governing contracts and ownership requirements after numerous license revocations. These regulations clarify what it means to 'majority own and operate' a license by requiring DCR review of any arrangements.

More than 300,000 Missourians lost Medicaid coverage due to paperwork problems, not ineligibility. The state struggles with administering the federal work requirements set to begin on January 1, 2027, citing high application processing times and low success rates during renewal cycles. To manage this challenge and clear a backlog of pending renewals, Missouri must secure significant funding and additional staff.

A Missouri judge ruled that constitutional referendum provisions do not apply to congressional redistricting enacted by the General Assembly, allowing a new map favored by Republicans to remain in place for the 2026 general election. The ruling was a major victory cited as helping determine control of the U.S. House. Opponents attempting to force a statewide referendum on the boundaries were unsuccessful.

A Missouri judge, Daniel Green, ruled that the state's constitutional referendum provisions do not apply to congressional redistricting drawn by the General Assembly, allowing a Republican-backed map to remain for the 2026 general election. The ruling sided with Denny Hoskins and preserved boundaries passed by Missouri’s Republican-led Legislature. This decision follows Donald Trump urging GOP-controlled states to redraw boundaries ahead of the midterms.

Missouri was among the first states attempting to redraw its congressional maps as part of a national effort led by President Trump. This move aims to increase Republican chances regarding the U.S. House during the midterms, and a Missouri Judge noted these maps may be utilized at that time.

Missouri education officials plan to request roughly $300 million increase for public schools next year due to a projected revenue shortfall. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education estimates that changes in state law could necessitate asking for nearly $400 million to fully fund the school funding formula. Board members expressed concern regarding the optics and credibility of requesting such substantial funds from lawmakers.

Secretary of State Denny Hoskins denied placing two measures—one concerning congressional map referenda and one on changes to the initiative process—on the November ballot despite reports that they gathered sufficient signatures. Supporters allege that Hoskins is blocking the initiatives due to opposition, while Hoskins maintains that the proposals violate constitutional limits for petitions. Multiple legal trials are scheduled to determine if either measure will be presented to Missouri voters.

Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins denied two petition measures—one concerning a congressional map referendum and one on changing the initiative process—from appearing on the November ballot. Although data suggests both proposals had required signatures, Hoskins stated he blocked them because they allegedly violate the state constitution’s limits. Legal challenges are scheduled in Cole County to determine if either measure will proceed.

The federal government plans a significant deregulation of Head Start by proposing the elimination of over 1,400 requirements, arguing this will help programs save money and serve more children. Although Missouri providers acknowledge that too many children need services, they remain uncertain if the proposed changes will truly expand access or what educational standards may be lost. The proposal represents the most significant rewrite of Head Start’s rules in decades.

Missouri politics received roughly $75 million in large-dollar donations this year, much of it coming from undisclosed donors. The funds primarily targeted ballot measures, amendments, and constitutional fights. Significant money was funneled through advocacy nonprofits that do not publicly disclose their contributors.

A teacher recounted his experience with Missouri’s alternative certification process, stating that the requirements are costly and serve as a significant barrier to entry for talented career switchers. Despite possessing multiple master’s degrees and years of professional expertise, he spent over $20,000 on classes and tests while struggling with unnecessary educational bureaucracy. He concluded that these barriers impede efforts to ease Missouri's teacher shortage.

A 73-year-old Missouri man died after a rock broke through the roof of a Jeep on a national parks trip at Glacier National Park in Montana. Rex Schowengerdt, who was with his wife Chris, suffered severe trauma from the falling rock, and he passed away five days later. His family recalls that he had a deep love for the outdoors.

Rex Schowengerdt, a 73-year-old Missouri man, died five days after a rock broke through the roof of a Jeep while he was in it at Glacier National Park. The accident occurred near Logan Pass when his brother-in-law was driving down a narrow road with steep cliffs. Rex was airlifted to the hospital and passed away from traumatic brain injury.

Missouri's gerrymandered redistricting map drew attention after supporters rallied at the Capitol following Supreme Court arguments. The Missouri Legislature redrew congressional maps in 2025, leading to multiple legal challenges regarding whether the boundaries were compact or contiguous. While some courts upheld the work, other rulings suggested that the state legislature can conduct redistricting at any time.

Police in Missouri recovered a pair of baby goats from the trunk of a stolen vehicle after noticing suspicious noises. The kids were initially turned over to KC Pet Project, where veterinarians found them struggling with an intestinal parasite and needing bottle-feeding. After receiving care from a foster family, the baby goats were officially adopted by that family and named Denver and Aspen.

Police officers in Kansas City recovered a pair of baby goats from the trunk of a stolen vehicle after noticing suspicious noises. The rescued kids, found to be thin and ill with parasites, were taken to KC Pet Project and eventually adopted by a local foster family.

Kansas City police discovered two baby goats in the trunk of a stolen vehicle after noticing suspicious noises. The animals were initially taken into care by KC Pet Project because they struggled with an intestinal parasite and required bottle-feeding. Following mandatory care, a foster family adopted both goats, naming them Denver and Aspen.

Hemp-derived THC beverages could remain available in Missouri past November 12 if Congress approves a funding bill and the president signs it. The U.S. Senate approved a measure that would delay the federal ban on intoxicating hemp products until December 11, pending final approval from the U.S. House. Although this potential federal delay exists, state law still bans most intoxicating hemp products in Missouri starting November 12.

Missouri women have fought for reproductive rights through decades of activism and legal battles. Marlene Hammerman volunteered at Reproductive Health Services in St. Louis for years, counseling thousands of women. Advocates launched a citizen-led ballot initiative to decriminalize abortion, requiring millions in funds and multiple lawsuits before Missourians voted down Amendment 4.

Erik Santana-Garcia was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison without parole for interstate transportation of a minor with intent to engage in illegal sexual activity and possession of child pornography. Federal officials noted that he also illegally reentered the US following prior deportations. ICE stated that after completing his sentence, Santana-Garcia will be deported back to Mexico.

Severe summer flooding has damaged cars in states like Ohio, Missouri, Texas, and Kentucky; thousands of flood-damaged vehicles are now on the market, sometimes deceptively cleaned up for resale. Buyers should watch for signs of water damage, including mismatched upholstery or rust around pedals, and utilize resources like CARFAX's free Flood Damage Check tool to assess a used vehicle's history.

Missouri voters handed historic defeats to two of Gov. Mike Kehoe's priorities: Amendment 5, which sought to eliminate the individual income tax, and Amendment 4, concerning how majorities are counted on constitutional amendments. Additionally, efforts regarding Amendment 3, which would make abortion illegal in Missouri in almost all instances, are facing intense fundraising competition. These defeats occur as Kehoe’s approval rating has narrowed during his first two years in office.

Missouri Republicans expressed concern that out-of-state interests were undermining the state constitution by influencing amendments. However, primary election results questioned this viewpoint: a GOP-backed tax overhaul (Amendment 5) lost by 67 percentage points, while Amendment 1 received strong support. Furthermore, the attempt to restrict constitutional amendments through Amendment 4 failed to achieve sufficient voter support.

A nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak has linked shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms to illnesses across multiple states, with Missouri ranking No. 3 in the number of cases. The CDC and FDA determined that many Missouri cases were directly tied to lettuce likely infected by contaminated water in Mexico. Authorities report a high volume of confirmed and pending cases due to the extensive distribution of the affected product.

The historical article notes that on August 10, a powerful derecho struck the U.S. Midwest in 2020. Key events listed include the attack on the Tuileries Palace during the French Revolution in 1792 and Missouri becoming the 24th state in 1821. Other milestones cover major crime incidents like the murders by Charles Manson’s cult, David Berkowitz's arrest as “Son of Sam,” and Ruth Bader Ginsburg being sworn into the U.S. Supreme Court.

Missouri should update its expert evidence standard to reflect a 2023 federal rule amendment that clarifies that judges—not juries—must determine the reliability of scientific opinions. Failing to update this standard risks allowing manufactured science or junk science into courtrooms, which can spread misinformation and harm public trust in proven treatments. Updating the standard is necessary for Missouri's legal system to protect patients and promote innovation.

Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins blocked public votes on a state's new congressional map and a proposed constitutional amendment, declaring both measures unconstitutional. He argued that the Missouri Constitution does not permit a referendum on redistricting plans, citing violations of federal law. This decision prompted an immediate court challenge from People Not Politicians.

Fifteen U.S. states are now linked to a cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce, with investigations pointing to Taylor Farms as the source. Over 25,000 cases have been reported nationwide, including 12,000 in Michigan alone, with two deaths attributed to the outbreak.

Missouri voters rejected an attempt to eliminate the state’s income tax, with significant tax-related votes pending in Florida and California this fall. Republicans and Democrats are increasingly divided over tax policy, with no clear consensus on cuts or increases.

Democratic primaries in Michigan, Missouri, Kansas, Virginia, and Washington showed divided voter responses to candidates' positions on Israel and Gaza. In Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed defeated Haley Stevens, who was backed by Aipac, while Missouri’s Wesley Bell outperformed Cori Bush, a Gaza ceasefire advocate.

Abortion opponents supported ballot measures in two red states, but voters rejected them. In Kansas City, Missouri, voters cast their ballots on Tuesday.

A 73-year-old neighbor shot and killed a mother and her 17-year-old daughter in their Missouri home after an argument over noise. The perpetrator, Robert Winkelman, later committed suicide, while the victims died two days after the July 25 incident.

A 73-year-old neighbor, Robert Winkelman, shot and killed 38-year-old Jessica Lashley and her 17-year-old daughter Jersey Greer in their Missouri home after an argument over noise. Winkelman later committed suicide, and both victims died two days after the July 25 incident.

A Missouri campaign seeking a public vote on the state's congressional map is suing to block its use in the November election, arguing the Secretary of State improperly certified it. The lawsuit challenges the map's constitutionality and raises questions about the validity of primary election results under the disputed districts.

Primary elections in Michigan, Washington, Virginia, Kansas, and Missouri were significant ahead of the November midterm elections, with Abdul El-Sayed winning the Michigan Senate primary. The races could determine which party controls Congress.

Abdul El-Sayed defeated Haley Stevens in a primary race to secure the Democratic nomination in Michigan. The election was a key focus of the primary contests in Michigan, Missouri, and Kansas.

The Democratic Senate primary in Michigan remains too close to call with Abdul El-Sayed leading Haley Stevens. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez secured a spot in Washington state's all-party primary, while Missouri's election official rejected a redistricting referendum petition.

Missourians rejected Amendment 5 in Tuesday’s primary by an 83-16 margin, impacting downballot races. Candidates opposing the amendment, like Greg Sharpe and Lori Rook, saw mixed success, while anti-establishment efforts largely failed. Lori Rook’s victory over state Sen. Curtis Trent in the 20th District highlighted an exception.