Local Politics Archives

House committee hears testimony on bill to ban corporations from claiming unborn babies as employees

February 13, 2024 5:03 PM Hannah Falcon

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) A Missouri lawmaker is pushing to ban corporations from claiming unborn babies as employees after the untimely death of a pregnant Missouri Department of Transportation employee. Kaitlyn Anderson was 25-years-old and six months pregnant with her son, Jaxx, when she died in 2021. A loophole in Missouri law led to Anderson’s

Super Bowl bets increase 22% nationally; attempts still blocked in Missouri

February 12, 2024 12:02 PM Hannah Falcon

Although the Kansas City Chiefs won the Super Bowl, Missouri continues to lose out on sports betting revenue.

Columbia Housing Authority requests $2.5 million for renovations and rebuilds

February 11, 2024 6:20 PM Euphenie Andre

The Columbia Housing Authority, responsible for managing 749 affordable housing units and overseeing various office and community spaces, has submitted a funding application for financial assistance.

Concerns raised over City of Ashland’s conduct during investigation into former police chief

February 7, 2024 3:31 PM Morgan Buresh

At least one Ashland citizen is raising concerns about the city’s leadership after reviewing the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s investigation into former Police Chief Gabe Edwards.

Protesters arrested outside pro-Israel private event in Jefferson City

February 7, 2024 5:04 PM Matthew Sanders

Jefferson City police say protesters were arrested at a private event held Tuesday by a pro-Israeli group in an incident that involved Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft.

Columbia City Council finalizes short-term rental regulations

February 5, 2024 5:30 PM Nia Hinson

The Columbia City Council is expected to vote Monday on changes to the city’s code regarding short-term rentals such as Airbnb and VRBO.

While Chiefs head to Super Bowl, Missouri loses out on sports betting revenue

February 5, 2024 11:31 AM Hannah Falcon

Bets placed on this year’s Super Bowl are expected to set records. Despite Missouri’s football team playing in the game, the state will not reap any of the benefits from sports betting.

Parson visits southern border to support Texas governor

February 4, 2024 7:45 PM Hannah Falcon

EAGLE PASS, Tx. (KMIZ) Gov. Mike Parson joined several other GOP governors at the U.S.-Mexico border in Eagle Pass, Texas to criticize the Biden administration’s handling of the border crisis. Parson shared on “X” that he supports the decisions of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott when it comes to the border. Parson said he doesn’t believe

Attorney General sends cease and desist letter to Missouri school district

February 3, 2024 8:53 PM Hannah Falcon

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Attorney General Andrew Bailey sent a letter to a Missouri school district asking it to “cease and desist its use of human sexuality materials.” According to the letter, Webster Groves School District, near St. Louis, showed students a presentation on gender identity and sexual orientation without giving parents the opportunity to opt-out.

Organization wants to bring direct cash assistance to Boone County residents

February 2, 2024 12:05 PM Morgan Buresh

Missouri Jobs with Justice has applied for more than $5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to create a direct cash assistance pilot program in Boone County.

Booming Missouri recreational marijuana sales bring in cash for vets, treatment, courts

February 1, 2024 3:52 PM Hannah Falcon

Nearly one year later, adult-use marijuana has made nearly $2 billion in Missouri. With a 6% state sales tax, Missouri racked in around $120 million.

Amendment 3 expert says local marijuana sales taxes should not stack

January 29, 2024 5:31 PM Hannah Falcon

A member of the team who wrote the constitutional amendment that legalized recreational marijuana in Missouri says local governments are not following the law when they double up on sales taxes.

Parson proposes $1.3 million for Missouri Task Force 1 after veto last year

January 29, 2024 11:28 AM Hannah Falcon

After funding for Missouri Task Force 1 was vetoed last year, Gov. Mike Parson proposed $1.3 million for the specialized disaster response team in his budget plan.

Gov. Parson proposed $1.4 million for upgrades to crime lab

January 27, 2024 7:27 PM Euphenie Andre

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) Governor Mike Parson suggests a $1.4 million investment to enhance the Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Lab. According to the Boone County prosecutor, DNA testing results can take anywhere from 10.5 months to 20 months. The Department of Public Safety aims to enhance efficiency by acquiring four microscopes and hiring three new employees,

Parson outlines plan to address child care issues during State of the State address

January 24, 2024 9:57 PM Hannah Falcon

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the lack of affordable child care is costing the state more than $1 billion each year. Gov. Mike Parson delivered his final State of the State address on Wednesday afternoon. In the speech, he outlined his priorities for the next budget and this

Ashcroft calls state audit a political attack

January 23, 2024 1:54 PM Hannah Falcon

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick released a report giving the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office a “fair” rating — a downgrade from the office’s “good” rating. The report claims that Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft’s office refused to provide Fitzpatrick’s office with cybersecurity reviews of 116 local election authorities. In addition, the