Missouri
Coverage of Missouri in the Nexus archive.
- Missouri ballot proposals blocked by secretary of state had enough signatures, records show
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.
- Missouri Head Start providers weigh Trump administration changes
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 campaigns draw $75M in big donations, much of it from undisclosed donors
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.
- Missouri needs more teachers. Its licensing process gets in the way
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.
- 73-year-old dies after rock crashes through Jeep roof on national parks trip
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.
- 73-year-old dies after rock crashes through Jeep roof on national parks trip
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 redistricting mess is a stress test for the rule of law
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.
- Baby goats found inside trunk of stolen car after officers hear suspicious noise
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.
- Baby goats found inside trunk of stolen car after officers hear suspicious noise
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.
- Baby goats found inside trunk of stolen car after officers hear suspicious noise
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.
- Federal funding bill could spare Missouri hemp beverages from November ban
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 abortion rights for decades. They’re still fighting
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.
- Deported child predator who illegally reentered US sentenced to 20 years in federal prison
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.
- Was that used car flooded? How to check for flood damage before you buy
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 crushed two Mike Kehoe priorities. November brings another test
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.
- Maybe Missourians are smarter than Jefferson City gives them credit for
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.
- Missouri is No. 3 in the number of cyclosporiasis cases in the nation
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.
- Today in History: August 10, derecho rakes the US Midwest
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 dump the use of junk science in its courtrooms
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 redistricting referendum blocked by secretary of state, drawing lawsuit
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.
- 15 states now linked to iceberg lettuce cyclospora outbreak, CDC says
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.
- Taxes are on the ballot this fall, as Republicans and Democrats grow further apart on whether to cut or raise them
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.
- From Michigan to Missouri: Democratic primaries deliver mixed bag on Israel and Gaza
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 Foes Backed Ballot Measures in 2 Red States. Voters Said No.
Abortion opponents supported ballot measures in two red states, but voters rejected them. In Kansas City, Missouri, voters cast their ballots on Tuesday.
- Mom, teen daughter killed in their home by 73-year-old neighbor over noise complaint, authorities say
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.
- Mom, teen daughter killed in their home by 73-year-old neighbor over noise complaint, authorities say
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.
- Referendum campaign asks court to block new Missouri map from November election
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.
- What we learned from Tuesday’s midterm primary elections
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.
- Key takeaways from ‘horserace’ primary elections in Michigan, Missouri and Kansas
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.
- Michigan Democratic race to close to call with El-Sayed in narrow lead | First Thing
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.
- What Tuesday’s primary results say about Amendment 5 and the next Missouri Senate
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.
- Takeaways from a big primary night in Michigan, Kansas, Missouri and more
The Michigan Senate race remained too close to call, while House primaries in Michigan saw mixed results for Democratic ideological battles.
- Michigan, Missouri, Washington primary elections: Key takeaways
Recent primary elections in Michigan, Missouri, and Washington highlighted a Democratic Party rift between progressives and centrists over US support for Israel.
- Anti-Israel Democratic candidate El-Sayed nearing victory in Michigan Senate primary
Anti-Israel candidate El-Sayed holds a narrow lead in Michigan's Senate primary against pro-Israel rival Stevens. Some outlets have called the race, while establishment Democrats secured House seat nominations in Michigan, Missouri, and Virginia.
- Missouri trio charged over alleged Bitcoin kidnapping plot
Three individuals from Missouri were charged for allegedly plotting to kidnap a Bitcoin holder in Connecticut to force a cryptocurrency transfer before abandoning the plan. The defendants traveled from Missouri to Connecticut as part of the alleged scheme.
- An inconclusive Tuesday, in Michigan and beyond
Tuesday's primaries in Michigan and other states showed mixed results for progressive candidates, with Will Lawrence winning in Michigan's 7th District but others like Cori Bush and Donavan McKinney facing close races. PAC money and party interventions influenced outcomes, while progressive efforts remained on the verge of historic wins despite challenges in rural areas.
- Three Missouri men charged over alleged plot to steal bitcoin through home invasion
Three Missouri men have been charged over an alleged plot to steal bitcoin through a home invasion. They have pleaded not guilty to the charge of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery.
- Michigan's Democratic Senate race comes to a head as multiple states hold primaries | Special Report
Michigan, Missouri, Virginia, Kansas, and Washington held primaries, with significant attention on Michigan's Democratic Senate primary between Abdul El-Sayed and Rep. Haley Stevens. CBS News covered the events in a special report anchored by Major Garrett.
- State Auditor Fitzpatrick cruises to nomination for second term in low-key primary
Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick secured the Republican nomination for a second term with over 86% of the primary vote against Jerry Wistrand, who spent significantly less. Fitzpatrick will face Democratic candidate Quentin Wilson in the general election.
- Missouri live primary results: Rep. Wesley Bell wins rematch against Cori Bush
ABC News projects incumbent Rep. Wesley Bell will win the Missouri primary against former Rep. Cori Bush in a rematch. Bell previously defeated former Rep. Cori Bush in an election two years ago.