Local Politics Archives

Rally held at Missouri state capitol for Cannabis Freedom Act

March 29, 2022 9:28 PM ABC 17 News Team

Missourians Rallying to Legalize Marijuana held a rally at the state capitol Tuesday morning.

House Committee throws out governor’s plan to raise starting teacher salary

March 28, 2022 8:10 PM Hannah Falcon

In a Monday afternoon budget committee hearing, Chair Rep. Cody Smith, R-Jasper, removed the governor’s proposal to allocate $21.8 million to matching school districts in raising the starting salary for teachers to $38,000.

Jefferson City city council candidates take questions during NAACP and Jefferson City FaithVoices virtual candidate forum

March 28, 2022 5:37 PM Karl Wehmhoener

The Jefferson City NAACP and Jefferson City FaithVoices are hosting a virtual candidate forum at 6:00 p.m.

Missouri lawmakers move closer to legalizing sports betting; gambling addiction counselor cautions against it

March 25, 2022 6:55 PM Hannah Falcon

Missouri House lawmakers passed two bills this week that would legalize sports betting in the state. House Bills 2502 and 2556 would allow online and in-person wagering on professional sports matches.

Congressional map approved by Missouri Senate splits Boone County in two

March 24, 2022 7:41 PM Hannah Falcon

The Missouri Senate was split for months trying to find a compromise on the new maps for U.S. House of Representatives districts. Now that a compromise has been reached, it’s Boone County that finds itself split.

QUESTION OF THE DAY: Should Missouri adopt ranked-choice voting for state elections?

March 24, 2022 2:36 AM Karl Wehmhoener

The way Missourians vote for state offices could change if the Better Elections Amendment passes. The Better Elections Amendment proposes several changes to Missouri’s state elections, including ranked-choice voting and election security. If passed, primary elections for state officials would no longer be split by party and the top four candidates would go on to the general

Amendment proposes ranked-choice voting for Missouri elections

March 23, 2022 7:10 PM Hannah Falcon

The way Missourians vote for state offices could change if the Better Elections Amendment passes.

Missouri lawmaker proposes bill that would track convicted murders

March 23, 2022 7:08 PM Erika McGuire

COLUMBIA, Mo (KMIZ) A state representative has proposed a bill that would create a registry for violent offenders, similar to the sex offender registry. State Representative Lane Roberts (R-Joplin) says House Bill 1705 would give the public knowledge of some convicted killers. Roberts wants those in the prison system who are out on parole for

Missouri House lawmakers consider pausing gas tax

March 22, 2022 7:58 PM Hannah Falcon

As gas prices tick higher and higher nationwide, lawmakers in Missouri are considering cutting a state tax to save drivers money at the pump.

Abuse allegations could force former Missouri governor, U.S. Senate candidate out of primary

March 21, 2022 7:00 PM Hannah Falcon

Sheena Greitens accused her ex-husband Eric Grietens, Republican U.S. Senate candidate and former Missouri governor, of physical abuse in an affidavit in their child custody case.

Columbia City Council approves new ward boundaries Monday night

March 21, 2022 5:31 PM Chanel Porter

Council members selected Map B for their reapportionment recommendation. If approved, it won’t take effect until after the municipal election on April 5.

Boone County man files to run for the Missouri 44th House District in the Democratic primary

March 18, 2022 8:48 PM Karl Wehmhoener

Dave Raithel has filed to run for the Missouri General Assembly 44th House District in the Democratic Primary set for August 2, 2022.

Attorney general files lawsuit against Missouri School Boards’ Association

March 15, 2022 4:02 PM Hannah Falcon

Missouri’s attorney general is suing the Missouri School Boards’ Association for not fulfilling an open records request.

QUESTION OF THE DAY: Will you vote in the April election?

March 15, 2022 2:02 AM ABC 17 News Team

In three weeks, Missourians will cast ballots in local elections. The races will include school boards, which have drawn new scrutiny amid debates over coronavirus and teaching about history and race. However, turnout rates are generally far lower for local elections than presidential ones. Are you voting next month? Tell us in the poll below.

Faith Voices of Columbia hosting mayoral forum Monday night; focused on addressing homelessness

March 14, 2022 3:48 PM Leila Mitchell

Missouri Faith Voices is holding a mayoral forum Monday evening, focusing on affordable housing and sheltering people in Columbia without homes.

Boone County’s new Missouri Senate district could lead to party switch

March 14, 2022 10:16 AM Molly Stawinoga

Several other Mid-Missouri districts would see shifts if the tentative map is put into place.

City of Columbia partnering with Room at the Inn at Northeast Regional Park

March 11, 2022 2:15 PM Karl Wehmhoener

The City of Columbia is working with Room at the Inn (RATI) to provide shelter at the City of Columbia Northeast Regional Park.

Columbia City Council to consider repealing ban on roll carts in April

March 10, 2022 6:04 PM Lucas Geisler

The City Clerk’s Office tells ABC 17 News that it certified a citizen-led petition on Wednesday that will force the council to vote on removing its prohibition on the collection system.

Future educators look beyond low starting wages as Gov. Parson calls for higher teacher wages

March 9, 2022 6:35 PM Chanel Porter

Teachers in Missouri have the lowest starting salary in the country and Gov. Mike Parson wants to give some of those educators a $13,000 raise, but it would need approval from lawmakers.

Advocates set sights on accessible voting, education on Disability Rights Legislative Day

March 9, 2022 5:16 PM Hannah Falcon

People from all over the state of all abilities gathered in the Missouri State Capitol rotunda to make their voices heard on the 21st Annual Disability Rights Legislative Day.