Local Politics Archives

Columbia representative Steinhoff to run for reelection

October 2, 2023 1:32 PM Matthew Sanders

A Columbia Democrat said Monday that she plans to seek a second term in the state House.

Boone County Commissioner Thompson says she’ll seek reelection

October 2, 2023 10:34 AM Matthew Sanders

A Boone County commissioner with more than a decade in office will seek reelection this fall.

Missouri professional sports teams file initiative petitions to legalize sports betting

September 20, 2023 11:56 AM Hannah Falcon

After years of falling behind, professional sports teams want to take sports betting to the voters.

Missouri lawmakers do not restore over $1 million for Missouri Task Force One in veto session

September 13, 2023 10:42 AM Hannah Falcon

Rep. Cheri Toalson Reisch (R-Hallsville) told ABC 17 News she plans to ask for the Missouri Task Force One funding to be restored.

MSHSAA policy on transgender student-athletes null after new law went into effect

September 12, 2023 10:22 AM Hannah Falcon

After a law called the “Save Women’s Sports Act” by supporters went into effect Aug. 28, a Missouri State High School Athletic Association policy regarding transgender student-athletes is no longer relevant.

Governor signs laws expanding first responder access to anti-opioid drugs, increasing law enforcement training hours

September 6, 2023 4:17 PM Hannah Falcon

First responders will now have fewer barriers to giving life-saving medications to people suffering from a drug overdose.

Could Missouri become a Right to Work state?

September 4, 2023 11:42 AM Hannah Falcon

Union membership decreased from 10.3% in 2021 to 10.1% in 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Cole County judge puts hold on Randolph County animal waste lagoon

September 1, 2023 11:12 AM Matthew Sanders, Mitchell Kaminski

A judge has barred the Missouri Department of Natural Resources from issuing a permit for a Randolph County animal waste lagoon, for now.

New laws going into effect in Missouri Monday

August 27, 2023 4:37 PM Grace Pankey

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Several new laws are going into effect in Missouri on Monday, including a hands-free law, restrictions for transgender people and an expansion of mental health care for first responders. Hands-free driving Missouri’s new Hands-Free law goes into effect on Monday. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 28 states have hand-held

More Missouri schools using safety app as 2023-24 year begins

August 22, 2023 3:46 PM Hannah Falcon

Hundreds of Missouri schools have signed up for a new tool they hope will increase campus safety — an app meant to improve the response to school safety threats.

Library renovation question in Cole County fails

August 8, 2023 6:25 PM Marina Diaz

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) Cole County voters hit the polls on Tuesday and shot down the Missouri River Regional Library’s request for a renovation. Proposition Library asked voters to approve a tax increase to 35 cents per $100 on assessed property. The money would have been used to renovate and expand the library building in

New Jefferson City administrator prioritizes economic development

August 8, 2023 5:16 AM Hannah Falcon

Jefferson City has hired a city manager from another Mid-Missouri city.

Jefferson City Council discussing new city administrator prior to Tuesday’s announcement

August 7, 2023 8:23 PM Mitchell Kaminski

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to say the city will be holding a press conference to give an update on the process. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo (KMIZ) Jefferson City will be holding a press conference about the search process for the new city administrator. At 10 a.m. Tuesday, the city will hold a press

Ashcroft certifies ballot language after judge throws out lawsuit on abortion petition

July 26, 2023 10:40 AM Hannah Falcon

A hearing in a second lawsuit regarding the initiative petition on abortion access is scheduled to take place Wednesday morning in Cole County Court.

Cole County residents voting on library tax increase

July 25, 2023 11:30 AM Hannah Falcon

Missouri voters in certain counties can now go out to the polls for the August elections.

Passage of Show Mo Act opens door for Mid-Missouri film productions

July 19, 2023 3:59 PM Hannah Falcon

The Show Mo Act, which provides tax incentives for entertainment projects in Missouri, passed this year and was signed into law after years of trying.

Ashland Board of Aldermen meets, does not appoint interim police chief

July 18, 2023 12:09 PM Avery Roehler

Ashland’s mayor said Tuesday that he doesn’t know whether the board of aldermen will appoint an interim police chief when it meets.

Missouri Supreme Court hears arguments in abortion ballot question lawsuit

July 18, 2023 6:16 PM Hannah Falcon

The Missouri Supreme Court is considering a lawsuit against the Missouri Attorney General that would allow an initiative petition on reproductive rights to move forward.

Columbia City Council looks over results from recycling and waste diversion study

July 17, 2023 5:25 PM Mitchell Kaminski

Columbia, Mo (KMIZ) The Columbia City Council met on Monday night and — once again — recycling was one of the topics discussed. One of the items council’s pre-meeting included the results of a Recycling and Waste Diversion Study. The project includes data collection, responding to recommendations and technical documents for waste projects. Waste collection

Ashland celebrates Pride after new law restricting transgender treatments signed

July 16, 2023 10:08 PM Hannah Falcon

ASHLAND, Mo. (KMIZ) The second annual Ashland Pride Festival took place on Sunday, at a time when Missouri is enacting laws restricting access to gender-transition treatments. Caitlin Cunningham, owner of the Dandy Lion Cafe and organizer of Ashland’s Pride Festival, said they took every safety precaution when planning Sunday’s event, from health safety to physical safety.