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Articles by Hudson Kuechler
Missouri Democrats prevail in key races
By Jae Jepsen and Hudson Kuechler, Missouri News Network Missouri Democrats joined a national trend of impressive gains on Tuesday, including wins in the House of Representatives, a pickup of a congressional seat and progressive votes on multiple ballot initiatives. Nationally, Democrats gained control of both houses of Congress, while in Missouri, the party gained its largest number of Missouri General Assembly seats in two decades. Gov.
Capitol Report 11/6/2026
Missouri News Network: Statehouse News for MPA Members This report is written by Missouri School of Journalism students for publication by MPA member newspapers in print and online. ----------------------------------------------------- Missouri News Network this week looks at the general election results. If you have thoughts or questions, contact Fred Anklam at anklamf@missouri.edu.
Amendment 8 nears approval as Amendment 7 fails
By KJ Drazen, Lucas Shugarman and Hudson Kuechler, Missouri News Network Amendment 7 marks another failed legislative attempt to rework Missouri’s tax policy, following a 60% disapproval rating from voters on Tuesday. However, Amendment 8 was seeing success amongst voters across the state, as it held a narrow 2 percentage point advantage late Tuesday. Amendment 7 would have introduced the Show-Me Prosperity Fund to eliminate all state-imposed taxes.
Missouri Democrats prevail in key races
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Missouri Democrats prevail in key races Original
Missouri Democrats joined a national trend of impressive gains on Tuesday, including wins in the House of Representatives, a pickup of a congressional seat and progressive votes on multiple ballot initiatives. Nationally, Democrats gained control of both houses of Congress, while in Missouri, the party gained its largest number of Missouri General Assembly seats in two decades. Gov. Mike Kehoe posted a statement on Facebook on Wednesday reacting to his party's losses.
Martin wins reelection in House District 44 Original
Incumbent Republican state Rep. John Martin clinched the 44th House District race by a 700-vote margin, unofficial results showed late Tuesday. This will be Martin's second term in office serving the rural district, which includes the towns of Hallsville, Centralia, Sturgeon, Ashland, Hartsburg and parts of Columbia. "I'm very proud of my team. They worked really hard throughout the district.
Amendment 8 nears approval as Amendment 7 fails Original
Amendment 7 marks another failed legislative attempt to rework Missouri's tax policy, following a 60% disapproval rating from voters on Tuesday. However, Amendment 8 was seeing success amongst voters across the state, as it held a narrow 2 percentage point advantage late Tuesday. Amendment 7 would have introduced the Show-Me Prosperity Fund to eliminate all state-imposed taxes.
Martin wins reelection in House District 44
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Republican Missouri House District 44 incumbent John Martin speaks to attendees as they prepare to close down the watch party Republican House District 44 incumbent John Martin speaks to supporters as they prepare to close down the watch party on Tuesday at the Boone County Republicans’ headquarters. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Save Incumbent Republican state Rep.
MoDOT celebrates 10 years of Buckle Up Phone Down
The Missouri Department of Transportation reminds drivers to stay alert at the wheel as it celebrates the 10th anniversary of its Buckle Up Phone Down campaign. MoDOT hosted an event Wednesday to bring awareness to distracted driving and the three-year streak of declining roadway fatalities.
Amendment 7 would create 'Show-Me Prosperity Fund'
Missourians can vote on a state constitutional amendment on Nov. 3 that would completely reshape how the government is funded — in time. If passed, Amendment 7 would create a permanent public endowment fund to eliminate all state-imposed taxes. Revenue generated by the fund would be used solely to eliminate, as outlined in the bill that placed the question on the ballot, the individual income tax, state sales and use tax, state corporate income tax and all other state-imposed taxes.
Brewer touts grassroots values, people over party Original
Bekki Brewer has presented herself as the 44th's grassroots candidate throughout her campaign, stressing the importance of respecting citizen-led ballot initiatives, staying connected with the community and emphasizing people over party. Brewer is a first-time Democratic politician seeking to represent Missouri's 44th House District. "People in our community are not the awful things we see in the comments. They are our neighbors, and they're frustrated,” she said.
Brewer touts grassroots values, people over party
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Bekki Brewer Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Save Bekki Brewer has presented herself as the 44th's grassroots candidate throughout her campaign, stressing the importance of respecting citizen-led ballot initiatives, staying connected with the community and emphasizing people over party. Brewer is a first-time Democratic politician seeking to represent Missouri's 44th House District. kAmQ!6@A=6 :? @FC 4@>>F?:EJ 2C6 ?@E E96 2H7F= E9:?8D H6 D66 :?
Money race tightens in 44th House District Original
Latest financial reports indicate first-time House candidate Bekki Brewer is closing the funding gap with incumbent Rep. John Martin in the 44th District House race. Brewer, a Democrat, saw her contributions double this quarter, while Martin saw a $6,000 drop in funding compared to his July quarterly report. Still, Martin's spending arsenal is $10,000 greater than his opponent as the election nears. State law requires quarterly reports for candidates to be filed on Oct.
Money race tightens in 44th House District
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Martin facing Brewer in Boone County's lone contested House race
Incumbent Rep. John Martin, R-Columbia, is seeking a second term in Missouri’s 44th House District. He will face Democratic newcomer Rebecca “Bekki” Brewer on Nov. 3. Both candidates have lived in Boone County their entire lives, but are running on different platforms. In the 2026 legislative session, Martin sponsored legislation that expands gun rights and grants the state auditor more authority. Neither bill made it to the Senate.
Martin facing Brewer in county's lone contested House race
Incumbent Rep. John Martin, R-Columbia, is seeking a second term in Missouri’s 44th House District. He will face Democratic newcomer Rebecca “Bekki” Brewer on Nov. 3. Both candidates have lived in Boone County their entire lives, but are running on different platforms. In the 2026 legislative session, Martin sponsored legislation that expands gun rights and grants the state auditor more authority. Neither bill made it to the Senate.
Martin facing Brewer in county's lone contested House race
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email John Martin Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Save Incumbent Rep. John Martin, R-Columbia, is seeking a second term in Missouri’s 44th House District. He will face Democratic newcomer Rebecca “Bekki” Brewer on Nov. 3. Both candidates have lived in Boone County their entire lives, but are running on different platforms. kAmx? E96 a_ae =68:D=2E:G6 D6DD:@?[ |2CE:? DA@?D@C65 =68:D=2E:@? E92E 6IA2?5D 8F?
Josh Hawley announces legislation to regulate data collected by Flock cameras
U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., announced legislation Wednesday that would establish safeguards for Flock Safety cameras and other AI-powered cameras. The Stop Flock Abuse Act would regulate users of AI-powered cameras and those who produce the technology by introducing stricter guidelines on database searches and security provisions to protect Americans’ constitutional rights, according to a news release from his office. “This is still the United States of America.
Hoskins defends his job performance at Mizzou's Turning Point USA chapter event
Secretary of State Denny Hoskins defended his performance of his official duties Wednesday at an event hosted by Mizzou’s Turning Point USA chapter. “Someone told me, ‘Oh, you get sued all the time,’” Hoskins said. “I’ve been sued less on average per year than the last three secretaries of state, Secretaries Ashcroft, Kander and Carnahan.” Hoskins discussed the duties of his office and his perspective on several lawsuits that he faces. He also wrapped up with a Q&A.
Capitol Report 9/18/2026
Missouri News Network: Statehouse News for MPA Members This report is written by Missouri School of Journalism students for publication by MPA member newspapers in print and online.
Missouri celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month Original
JEFFERSON CITY — State Rep. John Martin, R-Columbia, and state Rep. George Hruza, R-St.Louis, hosted the annual Missouri Jewish American Heritage Month Celebration on Wednesday morning in the Capitol rotunda. More than a dozen people attended to hear Jewish community leaders and lawmakers recognize Jewish Missourians' contributions to medicine, entrepreneurship, education and philanthropy. “It’s an opportunity to appreciate all the stuff the Jewish community has done,” Hruza said.
Budget cuts limit Imagination Library program in Missouri Original
A nearly four-year relationship between Missouri and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is coming to an end after recent budget cuts to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Earlier this year, the Imagination Library program lost $4 million following major cuts in the fiscal year 2027 state operating budget.
Budget cuts limit Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program in Missouri
A nearly four-year relationship between Missouri and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is coming to an end after recent budget cuts to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Earlier this year, the Imagination Library program lost $4 million following major cuts in the fiscal year 2027 state operating budget.
Budget cuts limit Imagination Library program in Missouri
A nearly four-year relationship between Missouri and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is coming to an end after recent budget cuts to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Earlier this year, the Imagination Library program lost $4 million following major cuts in the fiscal year 2027 state operating budget.
Budget cuts limit Imagination Library program in Missouri
A nearly four-year relationship between Missouri and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is coming to an end after recent budget cuts to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Earlier this year, the Imagination Library program lost $4 million following major cuts in the fiscal year 2027 state operating budget.
Six gaming devices seized from Woody's in sting operation, former owner faces gambling charges
Woody's Pub and Grub was one of five businesses targeted in a sting operation on May 12 that resulted in the seizure of 35 gambling devices and $58,815 in illegal funds. At Woody’s, six illegal gambling devices were seized along with $8,072, according to a news release. The attorney general's office conducted the sting with the Ashland Police Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The Police Department provided warrants that allowed the agencies to confiscate the gambling machines.
America at 250: Columbia migrants reflect on shared experience
The foreign-born population in Columbia is a little over 12,000 people, according to the 2020 Missouri census report. Anecdotes from those who arrived in Columbia show the different realities associated with the pursuit of opportunities, success and happiness in the United States. As America’s semiquincentennial celebration continues throughout the year, four residents share their stories and reflections.
Columbia projects reserve and general fund deficits through 2031
Documents released by the city and reviewed Monday by Columbia City Council members show the city expects to spend millions in the red each fiscal year through 2031. This comes as the city is considering a 1% public safety sales tax, which it estimates could earn $38 million for a dedicated public safety fund. During its May 4 meeting, City Council tabled putting the item on the August ballot to gather more information.
Mizzou Hillel welcomes new executive director
Mizzou Hillel has hired Scott Gerstel as its new executive director. Gerstel plans to begin his role at the start of the fall semester. “This is a work of passion for me. This is something I love, and it has given me so much meaning in my life to wake up every day and know I’m making a difference in the lives of students," Gerstel said.
Columbia Housing Authority emphasizes fair housing upon 70th anniversary
The Columbia Housing Authority and the city of Columbia hosted their annual fair housing event in the City Council chambers Wednesday in observance of Fair Housing Month. The month marks the passage of the Fair Housing Act, signed into law in April 1968, which prohibits discrimination in housing, financing and rentals based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status or disability. kAm%96 6G6?E 7@4FD65 @? 65F42E:?8 E96 AF3=:4 2?5 =@42= 25G@42E6D @?
Historic Moberly Junior High School repurposed for affordable housing
After years of vacancy, the former Moberly Junior High School has been repurposed as an affordable apartment complex for seniors. The Tannehill Senior Apartments’ opening ceremony was Thursday. “We will definitely be filling the building,” said Carla Potts, project manager for North East Community Action Corp. kA 5:ClQ=ECQm%96 Saa >:==:@? 56G6=@A>6?E :D 4C65:E65 E@ E96 A2CE?6CD9:A 36EH66? }s r@?DF=E:?8 {{r 2?5 E96 }@CE9 t2DE r@>>F?:EJ p4E:@? r@CA@C2E:@?] %96 AC@;64E 32=2?46D 9:DE@C:4 C6DE@C2E:@?
Congregation Beth Shalom welcomes new rabbi
Congregation Beth Shalom concluded its search for a new rabbi and selected Rabbi Roger Lerner to begin leading services and overseeing the congregation starting in July. “We’ve had amazing board members stepping in to fill-in roles but having a rabbi, it really defines a Jewish community,” said Debbie Kaplan, the congregation's religious school director.
Pueblo artists preserved culture through art
In the face of cultural erasure, young Pueblo artists, with the guidance of defiant administrators, were able to preserve their heritage through artistic expression. Work created by those artists is on display at the University of Missouri's Museum of Anthropology. The exhibit centers around watercolors painted by Native American artists who attended the Santa Fe Indian School in the early 1900s.
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