Local Politics Archives

12 gubernatorial candidates file on opening day for 2024 election

February 27, 2024 10:06 AM Hannah Falcon

Candidates running for any office from U.S. Senate to governor to the state legislature lined up Tuesday at the James C. Kirkpatrick State Information Center.

Former Callaway County sheriff now faces revocation of law enforcement license

February 26, 2024 11:46 AM Lucas Geisler

The state’s public safety director will soon decide whether to punish suspended Callaway County Sheriff Clay Chism for a series of incidents involving Chism drinking alcohol on and off the clock.

Campaign committee filed for Columbia attorney in Missouri House election

February 22, 2024 4:43 PM Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) A campaign committee has been filed for Columbia attorney Jeffrey Basinger the District 50 state House race, according to paperwork filed with the Missouri Ethics Commission on Thursday. Basinger’s committee shows he is running as a Democrat. Rep. Douglas Mann (D-Columbia) announced in October that he would not seek reelection, citing mental

Anti-abortion advocates push for initiative petition reform

February 21, 2024 10:37 AM Hannah Falcon

Bills that aim to make it harder for Missourians to amend the constitution are advancing in both the Missouri House of Representatives and the Missouri Senate.

Google Fiber coming to Jefferson City after City Council approves agreement

February 21, 2024 4:50 PM Ryan Shiner

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) The Jefferson City Council on Tuesday night unanimously approved an agreement that would bring Google Fiber services to the city. Google Fiber is a broadband internet service ran by Google, the company most known for its search engine website. Google Fiber has been in Kansas City since 2012. Google Fiber spokeswoman

House leadership to stall bills to expand gun access after Super Bowl parade shooting

February 19, 2024 10:52 AM Hannah Falcon

Democratic lawmakers are holding a news conference Monday afternoon to discuss gun laws, “in the wake of Wednesday’s mass shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory parade and the gun violence that erupts daily throughout Missouri due to the state’s lax laws.”

Former Boone County clerk announces candidacy for Congress

February 19, 2024 10:56 AM Madison Stuerman

The Republican announced on Monday he is running for the seat that current U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer plans to retire from in December.

Missouri senators end second day of ‘ballot candy’ debate on initiative petition reform with no vote

February 13, 2024 12:01 PM Hannah Falcon

Missouri’s Senate returned to the Capitol on Tuesday morning to continue its debate from Monday night on reforming how constitutional questions make the ballot.

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.