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Articles by Jae Jepsen
Source Summit unites community leaders for transportation development
Professionals from transportation, education and faith communities may not seem to have much in common, but they all came together for the sixth annual Source Summit conference on Thursday and Friday at United Community Builders Beacon of Light Community Center. At the annual conference, leaders from varying sectors discuss methods of helping disadvantaged communities and strengthening economic and social progress.
Missing 6-week-old baby found in traffic stop in Callaway County
Two teenagers were detained in Callaway County on Tuesday after a 6-week-old girl went missing from Lebanon, Missouri, which is in Laclede County south of the Lake of the Ozarks.
Boone County Commission weighs budget cuts in the face of jail overcapacity
Video Player is loading. Current Time 0:01 Duration 1:09 Remaining Time -1:08 Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. TextColorTransparency BackgroundColorTransparency WindowColorTransparency Font Size Text Edge Style Font Family End of dialog window. The Boone County Commission said budget cuts will be necessary to offset the cost of housing detainees after voters rejected funds for a new jail.
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.
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.
Congressional incumbents secure 3rd and 4th districts
Two Republican incumbents representing Boone County in Congress won re-election Tuesday. Rep. Bob Onder of Missouri's 3rd Congressional District was reelected for his second term, defeating Democrat candidate Bethany Mann in a repeat of 2024's race. 4th District Republican Rep. Mark Alford was reelected to a third term, defeating Democrat Jordan Herrera. The race was called with him receiving 64.2% of votes in the district. In 2024, he received over 71% of the vote.
Prediction markets thrive ahead of midterms
As voting ends Tuesday, candidates and interest groups have raised over $80 million for their campaigns. But, in 2026, there’s a new type of money involved in elections: prediction markets. Missouri is one of 18 states without restrictions on betting on elections, allowing people to wager online on election winners, margins and ballot measures. Nearly $500,000 has been wagered on Missouri elections using Kalshi, and $800,000 has been wagered on Polymarket, according to a survey of those sites.
Prediction markets thrive ahead of midterms
As voting ends Tuesday, candidates and interest groups have raised over $80 million for their campaigns. But, in 2026, there’s a new type of money involved in elections: prediction markets. Missouri is one of 18 states without restrictions on betting on elections, allowing people to wager online on election winners, margins and ballot measures. Nearly $500,000 has been wagered on Missouri elections using Kalshi, and $800,000 has been wagered on Polymarket, according to a survey of those sites.
Prediction markets thrive ahead of midterm elections
As voting ends Tuesday, candidates and interest groups have raised over $80 million for their campaigns. But, in 2026, there’s a new type of money involved in elections: prediction markets. Missouri is one of 18 states without restrictions on betting on elections, allowing people to wager online on election winners, margins and ballot measures. Nearly $500,000 has been wagered on Missouri elections using Kalshi, and $800,000 has been wagered on Polymarket, according to a survey of those sites.
Mark Alford says he is fighting for 'America’s soul' Original
Running for his third term representing the 4th Congressional District, Rep. Mark Alford believes there is more at stake in this election than a congressional seat. To Alford, control of the House of Representatives is paramount to preserving recent Republican successes. “This is a fight for the soul of America,” Alford said.
Jordan Herrera wants to be a good neighbor Original
As a child who grew up with parents facing addiction, 4th Congressional District candidate Jordan Herrera says much of his childhood was spent depending on the kindness of others. “I can't tell you how many nights I would run out of my home, with sometimes no shoes on, getting my feet scraped up, running across the street to knock on the door, and wake up Martha Walker,” Herrera said during an Oct. 13 town hall hosted by the Boone County Democrats.
Thomas Holbrook runs as third option in District 4 Original
Thomas Holbrook wants Missouri residents to have another choice. As the Libertarian candidate in the 4th Congressional District election, he stands as a third option for those who do not wish to vote for the Democratic or Republican candidates. “People tend to forget when they're looking at their favorite brand of soda, they really can't pick between Coke or Pepsi,” Holbrook explained. "There's always R.C. Cola.
Thomas Holbrook runs as third option in District 4
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Jordan Herrera wants to be a good neighbor
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Mark Alford says he is fighting for 'America’s soul'
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Missouri Supreme Court disbars Columbia attorney for failing to appear in court
A Columbia attorney was disbarred by the Missouri Supreme Court on Tuesday after he failed to appear in court over 50 times within two years, including in the cases of minors and people without the means to hire an attorney, according to court documents. Matthew Alexander Perry largely worked as a public defender to represent criminal defendants and juveniles. By failing to appear in court, Perry caused cases to be prolonged by multiple months, according to court documents.
U.S. 54 over I-70 in Kingdom City temporarily closing late this month
The U.S. 54 overpass in Kingdom City will close for the weekend of Oct. 30 to Nov. 2 as the old bridges over Interstate 70 are demolished. During construction, the roundabout at I-70 and U.S. 54 will be closed, and there will be no access over I-70 via U.S. 54. The ramps at Exit 148 will remain open, according to a news release from the Missouri Department of Transportation.
Rep. Mark Alford defends 4th Congressional District seat
Republican incumbent Mark Alford is facing two challengers in the 4th Congressional District, which contains portions of Columbia and Boone County north of Broadway. Democrat Jordan Herrera and Libertarian Thomas Holbrook are seeking to replace Alford and represent the district. The 4th District was one affected by Missouri’s redistricting court battle. Under the gerrymandered map, its lines changed so it no longer contained Boone County.
MU to partner with state agencies to expand maternal health access
The University of Missouri will work with the Department of Health and Senior Services and the Department of Social Services to expand the availability of maternal healthcare workers. Under the new contract, MU's Sinclair School of Nursing will pursue pre-accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education, with the goal of opening its program in late 2029.
Calloway County extends women and children's nutrition program
The Callaway County Health Department has signed a new contract with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to extend nutrition services for women, infants and children through 2027, according to a news release from the Callaway County Health Department. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children provides services including healthy food, risk assessment, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and healthcare referrals.
Missouri Department of Conservation encourages bird flu awareness
As fall migration begins, the Missouri Department of Conservation is reminding hunters and the general public to be alert and watch for signs of highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly called bird flu. While Missouri is not currently experiencing an outbreak in wild birds, some cases have been reported, and the Department of Conservation continues to monitor disease.
Callaway County extends women and children's nutrition program
The Callaway County Health Department has signed a new contract with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to extend nutrition services for women, infants and children through 2027, according to a news release from the Callaway County Health Department. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children provides services including healthy food, risk assessment, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and healthcare referrals.
Former Missouri AG Andrew Bailey files to form anti-abortion campaign committee
Former Missouri Attorney General and former Co-Deputy Director of the FBI Andrew Bailey filed to form a political campaign committee in support of Missouri Amendment 3, in paperwork submitted Tuesday to the Missouri Ethics Commission. The political campaign committee, named "Vote Yes on Amendment 3," lists Bailey as its treasurer.
Boone County Fire Protection District puts new engine into service
The Boone County Fire Protection District put its newest fire engine into service on Monday at Station 16. The engine, Engine 1601, carries 750 gallons of water and features a 1,250 gallon-per-minute pump, as well as Class A foam and compressed air foam capabilities and an automated pump-control system. The engine's purchase was funded by the 2023 No Tax Increase Bond Issue, approved by Boone County voters.
MoDOT awards $4.3M for roadwork in 4 counties
W.L. Miller Company has been awarded a $4.3 million contract by the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for resurfacing projects in four counties, according to a news release from MoDOT. The projects, in Adair, Knox, Linn and Sullivan counties include: Missouri Route 15 near Baring in Knox County to U.S. Route 63 in Kirkville in Adair County. U.S. Route 63 to Business U.S. 63 in Kirkville in Adair County.
MU Health Care to host farmers market vaccination event
MU Health Care will host a flu and COVID-19 vaccination event from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 10 at the Columbia Farmers Market. Those six months and older will be eligible to receive flu shots, and those 12 year olds and older will be eligible for COVID shots. There will also be high dose vaccinations available to those 65 and older. Patients are asked to wear loose-fitting clothing and short sleeves and bring an insurance card.
Mizzou Football freshman Johnnie 'DJ' Jones receives heart transplant
Mizzou football offensive tackle Johnnie "DJ" Jones received a heart transplant Wednesday night, only one day after head coach Eli Drinkwitz announced that the freshman was hospitalized. "Last night, DJ received a heart transplant, and his surgery went well," Drinkwitz said Thursday morning in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter. "He is now recovering." Drinkwitz said Tuesday that the team noticed an issue with Jones' heart during freshman intake in the spring.
Eli Drinkwitz responds to arrests of 3 football players
Mizzou Football head coach Eli Drinkwitz responded to the arrests of three freshmen on the football team suspected of first-degree harassment at a pre-scheduled press conference on Tuesday. "I'm aware of the situation involving our three freshmen," Drinkwitz said at the conference. "I'm going to allow the legal process to play out. I'm not going to rush to judgment. I'm going to let the fact-finding play out before I make any decisions.
Columbia man arrested in connection to multiple reports of nudity on MKT Trail Original
A Columbia man was arrested after allegedly walking around naked on the MKT Nature and Fitness Trail multiple times, according to a news release from the Columbia Police Department. Draquawn Jennings, 32, of Columbia was arrested on Tuesday after a warrant was issued for four counts of sexual misconduct. Police used Flock cameras to identify Jennings' vehicle at the 800 block of Stadium Boulevard, near the MKT trail. Officers then located and arrested Jennings, according to the news release.
City of Columbia to hold second public meeting on Highlands Parkway traffic project
The Columbia Public Works Department will host its second public meeting to discuss a traffic calming project on Highlands Parkway on Oct. 13. The project follows a traffic study that found vehicles travelling faster than desired on the road. The meeting will be held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the gymnasium of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Highlands Parkway, according to a news release from the Public Works Department.
MU to launch direct admission pathway to students from certain school districts
The University of Missouri will guarantee admission to qualifying students from certain Missouri school districts without a traditional application or fee. The program will begin with students from Columbia Public Schools, Farmington School District, Lee’s Summit R-7 School District, Liberty Public Schools and North Kansas City Schools.
State releases guidelines for license readers like Flock cameras
New guidance on license plate readers is reshaping how state — and city officials — use the technology most people know as Flock cameras. This week, the Missouri Department of Public Safety outlined best practices for using the automated license plate readers, including Flock cameras. The memo from the department follows an executive order from Gov. Mike Kehoe, detailing practices meant to establish safeguards and protect privacy.
Columbia Police Department investigates fatal crash
The Columbia Police Department is investigating a fatal crash on Vandiver Drive in Columbia, according to a Facebook post from the police department on Thursday morning. The incident happened in the area of Vandiver Drive near Paris Road and Oakland Gravel Road. Both Oakland Gravel Rd to Holly Ave and Vandiver Dr to Wabash Dr are closed, according to an alert from Boone County Joint Communications. The alert described the investigation as a police incident.
Judge dismisses lawsuit asking for new GOP nominee in 5th Congressional District
A lawsuit requesting a new GOP nominee in Missouri's 5th Congressional District on the basis that holding a general election in a different map than the primary nullifies primary votes has been dismissed by a circuit court judge. The judge dismissed the suit Wednesday after the court found it was statutorily time barred and relief could not be granted. The suit was filed on Sept. 17 on behalf of Brett Hueffmeier, Micah Beebe, Jana Morris, Michael Morris and Peter Gary Smedile.
Centralia man charged with stealing $21,000 in instruments, jewelry, lawn equipment
A Centralia man is facing felony charges after he allegedly stole over $21,000 in instruments, jewelry and lawn equipment from a house in July 2025. Denver Robb, 40, is charged with second degree burglary, and stealing items worth $750 or more. He is also charged with one misdemeanor, second degree property damage.
Circuit court dismisses lawsuit for new GOP nominee 5th Congressional District
A lawsuit requesting a new GOP nominee in Missouri's 5th Congressional District on the basis that holding a general election in a different map than the primary nullifies primary votes has been dismissed by a circuit court judge. The judge dismissed the suit Wednesday after the court found it was statutorily time barred and relief could not be granted. The suit was filed on Sept. 17 on behalf of Brett Hueffmeier, Micah Beebe, Jana Morris, Michael Morris and Peter Gary Smedile.
Pedestrian killed in crash on Paris Road near Vandiver Drive, Columbia police say
A 43-year-old man from Columbia was killed Thursday morning in a crash between two vehicles and a pedestrian on Paris Road, according to a news release from the Columbia Police Department. The man, identified in the news release as the pedestrian, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, police said. The drivers of the two vehicles were not injured, according to the Police Department. The crash happened around 6:40 a.m. in the 2500 block of Paris Road, according to the Police Department.
Missouri House Democrats demand publicly funded search for education commissioner
A number of Missouri House Democrats demanded that the State Board of Education return all private donations and move toward a publicly funded search for the state's next education commissioner, according to a Tuesday news release. The search for a new commissioner is currently in the hands of private donors, as is the drafting of a new statewide strategic plan.
Three displaced after Jefferson City house fire
One adult and two children are working with the Red Cross to find temporary housing after a kitchen fire in a Jefferson City home, according to a news release from the Jefferson City Fire Department. The department responded to the fire at around 2:46 p.m. Tuesday at a duplex near the 1000 block of Elizabeth Street, according to the news release. On arriving, firefighters located a small kitchen fire, which they had under control within 10 minutes, according to the news release.
Columbia motorcyclist seriously hurt after rear-ending vehicle, report says
A Columbia man who was driving a motorcycle struck the rear end of another vehicle on Tuesday morning, overturning the motorcycle and ejecting the driver. The crash took place around 7:50 a.m. Tuesday on Route B south of Route HH in Boone County, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report. According to the report, the 2026 Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle was traveling southbound when it hit a stopped vehicle.
Columbia Public Schools files second lawsuit seeking to halt charter school Original
Columbia Public Schools filed its second lawsuit regarding a charter school that would divert public funds away from the district, alleging that the charter school's application process was conducted incorrectly. The district's original lawsuit, filed last December, alleges that a law allowing charters to expand into Boone County is unconstitutional because it targets a single county.
Boeing awarded $20 billion contract to build Navy fighter jet in St. Louis
The U.S. Navy has awarded Boeing an more than $20 billion contract to produce its next-generation strike fighter aircraft, bringing production of the aircraft to St. Louis. The aircraft, dubbed F/A-XX, will revolutionize advancements in open mission systems architecture, advanced mission systems and operational reach and capacity, according to a news release from Boeing. It is intended to eventually replace the Navy's fleet of F/A-18 Super Hornets.
CenterPointe Hospital to host Naloxone education and distribution event
The Boone County Overdose Response Coalition and Boone County Public Health and Human Services will host a naloxone education and distribution event at noon on Wednesday at CenterPointe Hospital in Columbia. The training will include how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and how to use and access naloxone nasal spray, a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Nalaxone is also commonly known as Narcan.
Missouri's congressional map fight isn't over. What happens next?
Missourians may have already started casting ballots for the November election, but in which congressional districts their votes will count is still up in the air. A federal appeals court ruled Monday that Missouri must use the Republican-drawn 2025 congressional map in November’s election, changing course after election officials had already begun preparing ballots under the map used since the 2022 elections. But, the map isn’t changing just yet.
Business Loop 70 in Columbia set to close under I-70 Thursday night
Business Loop 70 will close under Interstate 70 in Columbia overnight on Thursday for crews to remove signs on the bridge, according to a news release from MoDOT. In order for construction crews to safely remove signs on the bridge, there will be no access on Business Loop 70 underneath I-70 from 8 p.m. to midnight on Thursday. All ramps are expected to remain open, according to the release. kAm%96 H@C< :D :? AC6A2C2E:@? 7@C 2 AC@;64E E@ H:56?
Business Loop 70 in Columbia set to close under I-70 Thursday night
Business Loop 70 will close under Interstate 70 in Columbia overnight on Thursday for crews to remove signs on the bridge, according to a news release from MoDOT. In order for construction crews to safely remove signs on the bridge, there will be no access on Business Loop 70 underneath I-70 from 8 p.m. to midnight on Thursday. All ramps are expected to remain open, according to the release.
Westbound I-70 to narrow for construction Friday night
Westbound Interstate 70 will narrow to one lane overnight in Columbia on Friday and access to the U.S.63/I-70 Connector will be limited as construction crews work on a new ramp. From 7 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday, crews will work on the ramp, connecting northbound U.S. Route 63 to westbound Interstate 70, according to a Missouri Department of Transportation news release.
Missouri's congressional map fight isn't over. What happens next? Original
Missourians may have already started casting ballots for the November election, but which congressional districts their votes will count in is still up in the air. A federal appeals court ruled Monday that Missouri must use the Republican-drawn 2025 congressional map in November’s election, changing course after election officials had already begun preparing ballots under the map used since the 2022 elections. But, the map isn’t changing just yet.
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