News
The next big dilemma for the U.S. Senate GOP: Who should lead them in 2025 and beyond?
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Republicans shortly after Election Day will face a major decision for their chamber as well as the national party when they pick a new leader. Once the dust from the election clears and the balance of power in the Senate is decided, senators will gather behind closed doors to choose who […]
Unemployment ticks down, labor market remains strong, latest numbers show
A month before voters cast their ballots, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released a report showing a strong labor market with growing wages, a lower unemployment rate, and the addition of 254,000 jobs to the economy. Eighty-one percent of registered voters say the economy is key to their vote for president this fall, according to a September Pew […]
Capitol art captures views of Missouri a century ago
Lightning flashed over the Missouri Capitol on Oct. 6, 1924, just 13 years after the building burned to the ground following a powerful lightning strike. This time lightning flashes were joined by the red hues of celebratory fireworks. This was the grand pageant to celebrate the opening of the new Capitol. Though the Capitol had […]
Crime is down, FBI says, but politicians still choose statistics to fit their narratives
Violent crime and property crime in the United States dropped in 2023, continuing a downward trend following higher rates of crime during the pandemic, according to the FBI’s latest national crime report. Murders and intentional manslaughter, known as non-negligent manslaughter, fell by 11.6% from 2022. Property crime dropped by 2.4%. Overall, FBI data shows that violent […]
Ruling on Missouri transgender health care restrictions expected by end of year
A ruling on Missouri’s restrictions on gender-affirming care is likely to come by the end of the year, with the trial complete and attorneys’ reports due within 30 days. After a 13-day trial ended last week, Wright County Circuit Court Judge Craig Carter waived closing statements and asked instead for plaintiffs and defendants to submit […]
Missouri House Democrat calls for investigation of testimony given under false names
Missouri House testimony presented under several aliases should be investigated and prosecuted under laws making it a felony to file false documents with a government agency, state Rep. Del Taylor said Friday. Taylor, a St. Louis Democrat, said that The Independent’s report that a Columbia restaurant owner is the source of testimony under at least […]
CDC conducting extensive probe into bird flu contracted by Missouri resident
WASHINGTON — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention should have results later this month that provide more insight into how a Missouri resident, who hadn’t had any contact with infected animals or food, contracted a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza. Demetre Daskalakis, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at […]
Biden’s student loan relief plan suffers another setback in Missouri ruling
The Biden administration was hit with the latest blow to its student debt relief efforts on Thursday after a federal judge in Missouri temporarily blocked the administration from putting in place a plan that would provide student debt relief to millions of borrowers. The ruling further hinders the administration’s efforts to promote its work on […]
Amendment would use court fees to fund retirement for Missouri sheriffs, prosecutors
Missouri voters will decide Nov. 5 if retirement funds for sheriffs and prosecutors should be supported with fees collected on court cases. A fee used to fund sheriffs’ pensions was put in place by state law in 1983. The Missouri General Assembly placed Amendment 6 on the ballot to reverse a 2021 Missouri Supreme Court […]
‘Employment is intervention’: How Missouri’s Veterans Urban Farm combats suicide
After nearly losing their farm and experiencing divorce, U.S. Navy veteran Ash Mae Stuckenschneider tried to take their own life. But despite their struggles with mental health, Stuckenschneider took a chance on life, by accepting a second call to service at the Veterans Urban Farm in Columbia. They say that decision changed their life. With […]
Jared Young hopes to build momentum for third-party Senate bid with Jack Danforth’s help
A U.S. Senate candidate seeking to create a new party to bridge political divisions on Thursday enlisted the state’s senior former officeholder to help put a spotlight on his campaign. Jared Young, a Joplin businessman who petitioned to form the Better Party, toured the state with former U.S. Sen. Jack Danforth, a Republican who was […]
Congress left D.C. with little done. They’ll be back Nov. 12 to give it another try
WASHINGTON — Members of Congress left Capitol Hill last week to focus their attention on the campaign trail during the six weeks leading up to Election Day, leaving much of their work unfinished. The Republican House and Democratic Senate are scheduled to remain on recess until Nov. 12, though the urgent needs created in the […]