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Articles by KJ Drazen
Health experts recommend older adults check immunity for measles
Taylor Nelson, MU Health Care infectious disease physician, recommends anyone worried about potentially contracting measles, should consider getting a titer test to determine levels of immunity. While the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is meant to provide life-long prevention, factors including differences in vaccine schedules and a rise in life expectancy could mean older adults no longer carry that immunity anymore, according to a MU Health Care news release.
New House speaker, majority floor leader mark state House changes Original
Republican House leadership changed up this week following midterm elections, while familiar faces lead Democrats. State Rep. Alex Riley, R-Springfield, was chosen as the new House Speaker. Riley replaces Rep. Jon Patterson, who had reached his term limit in the House and ran unsuccessfully for the state Senate. Democrats elected Rep. Ashley Aune, D-Kansas City, for a second term as House minority leader. Riley, who had been majority floor leader, was first elected in 2020. He also works as a lawyer.
Boone County's Webber steps into Senate leadership role Original
The Republican Missouri Senate supermajority was eliminated in the midterm election. Now, there are 12 Democrats, including four new members, two of those flipping Republican seats. Both parties have elected new leadership in the Senate. kAm$E2E6 $6?] y2D@? q62?[ #\w@=4@>3[ :D E96 ?6H AC6D:56?E AC@ E6>[ E96 >@DE A@H6C7F= A@D:E:@? 2>@?8 D6?2E@CD] q62? H2D 7:CDE 6=64E65 :? a_a_] k^Am kAm$E2E6 $6?] $E6A96? (6336C[ s\r@=F>3:2[ :D E96 42F4FD =6256C 7@C E96 FA4@>:?8 =68:D=2E:G6 D6DD:@?]k^Am kAm(6336C 92D 366?
Boone County's Webber steps into Senate leadership role
The Missouri Senate’s Republican supermajority was eliminated in the midterm election. Now, there are 12 Democrats, including four new members, two of those flipping Republican seats. Both parties have elected new leadership in the Senate. Sen. Jason Bean, R-Holcomb, is the new president pro tem, the most powerful position among senators. Bean was first elected in 2020. Sen. Stephen Webber, D-Columbia, is the minority floor leader for the upcoming legislative session.
New House speaker, majority floor leader mark state House changes
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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.
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.
McBaine bur oak tree undergoes seasonal maintenance
The McBaine bur oak tree underwent preservation work this week in hopes of improving its quality of life for future generations. In McBaine, a small town located in the west corner of Boone County, stands a historic natural landmark, the McBaine bur oak tree. It sits on the farmland of John Sam and Susan Williamson, which they have owned for five generations. The Williamson family has owned the tree since 1835, according to reporting by KOMU 8.
Amendment 8 would solidify election of county sheriffs
Amendment 8, sponsored by Sen. Jill Carter, R-Granby, has been less prominently talked about this election season. If approved, this amendment would change the state constitution by requiring the election of sheriffs and establishing them as chief of law enforcement across all counties except for St. Louis County, St. Charles County and the city of St. Louis. Currently through the election process, each county elects a sheriff to a term of four years.
AG Hanaway alleges data leaks and child safety concerns against Temu, TikTok
Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway is pursuing legal action against two high-profile platforms, claiming both have put Missouri residents' digital safety at risk. "These investigative actions are fact-finding endeavors as we seek more information on the potential impacts of these apps on Missouri's consumers," a spokesperson from the Missouri Attorney General's Office said.
An increase in rabies exposure spreads across Missouri
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention issued an official health alert due to an increase of reports in human exposure to rabid or possibly rabid animals, according to the CDC's website. The CDC has received 17% more rabies inquiries from July through August 2026 than it did during the same time period in 2025, according to the center's website. Exposures to this disease have been coming from known rabies vectors as well as animals that it is less commonly seen in.
Buyers of nine historic Columbia College properties identified
In June, Columbia College listed nine properties for auction after facing potential demolition. In total, there were 21 units, two empty lots and an almost 5,000-square-foot mixed-use office building, according to the listing posted by Atterberry Auction and Realty Co. The properties have now all been sold to various buyers across Missouri. The buyers and their properties are listed below. Thomas Jensen, owner of 403 N. Eighth St. LLC and 401 N.
LiUNA 955 stages another wage rally at Mizzou
LiUNA Local 955 held a rally continuing its fight for a higher minimum wage on Thursday evening at the University of Missouri. The rally started at Memorial Union but turned mobile as members of the union and supporters marched around campus, with the final destination being Memorial Stadium ahead of the first football game of the season.
LiUNA 955 returns to Mizzou's campus for fourth wage rally
LiUNA Local 955 held a rally continuing its fight for a higher minimum wage on Thursday evening on the University of Missouri’s campus. The rally started at Memorial Union but turned mobile as members of the union and supporters marched around campus, with the final destination being Memorial Stadium ahead of the first football game of the season.
City closures in honor of Labor Day
The city of Columbia and Boone County offices will close Monday in honor of Labor Day. Due to the closures, the Columbia City Council, which would normally meet on Monday, has rescheduled its regular meeting for Tuesday, according to the city's website. kAm$6G6C2= @E96C AF3=:4 D6CG:46D 2?5 @77:46D H:== 36 27764E65 3J E96 9@=:52J[ :?4=F5:?8 EC2D9 2?5 C64J4=:?8 D6CG:46D]k^Am kAm%C2D9 2?5 C64J4=:?8 H:== ?@E 36 4@==64E65 @?
Firearms legislation stalls Original
Many efforts to expand legislation on firearm regulations were put forward this session. However, the bills failed to gain traction and with just a day left in the session they are not likely to pass. House Bill 1730, sponsored by Rep. Mike Costlow, R-Dardenne Prairie, challenged regulations on firearm suppressors. Under federal law, firearm suppressors are considered illegal.
Capitol Report 5/1/2026
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 covered final passage of a new appeals process for MSHSAA athletes and a surprising defeat of a bill expanding parental rights in schools and medical settings.
Annual Capitol anti-abortion march draws large crowd
JEFFERSON CITY — A sea of people dressed in red flooded the south lawn of the Missouri Capitol early Thursday morning in support of the Midwest March for Life. Beginning in 2010 and hosted by the St. Andrew Pro-Life Committee, this annual rally brings Missourians who are against abortion together. The march commemorates the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion for the nation back in 1973.
Annual Capitol anti-abortion march draws large crowd
JEFFERSON CITY — A sea of people dressed in red flooded the south lawn of the Missouri Capitol early Thursday morning in support of the Midwest March for Life. Beginning in 2010 and hosted by the St. Andrew Pro-Life Committee, this annual rally brings Missourians who are against abortion together. The march commemorates the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion for the nation back in 1973. kAm%96 |:5H6DE |2C49 7@C {:76 :D 2? 2??F2= 6G6?E[ 3FE >2?J :?
Capitol Report 4/20/2026
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 coverage this week included coverage of the proposed elimination of state income tax, several bills related to driving privileges and car registration and some bills impacting education.
House passes bills with one month left in session Original
JEFFERSON CITY — Bills addressing issues ranging from commercial driver's licenses to animal abuse passed the House on Thursday as the body entered its final month of work. The bills that were voted on were being read for the third time, so there was not much debate as the third read is usually for final corrections or language adjustments. House Bill 2741 will require those with commercial driver's licenses to have sufficient English language proficiency to be allowed to drive their vehicles.
Governor signs crime bill and divorce bills Original
JEFFERSON CITY — Gov. Mike Kehoe signed bills Tuesday that could put more youth into the adult criminal system and enhance efforts to fight sex offenses involving minors. Another bill he signed grants pregnant Missourians the right to divorce. Senate Bill 888, sponsored by Sen. Nick Schroer, R-Defiance, makes changes to the criminal and juvenile justice system to increase some categories of felonies.
Special committee passes two property tax bills
The Missouri House Special Committee on Property Tax Reform passed two bills March 12. House Bill 2925, sponsored by Rep. Ron Fowler, R-Blue Springs, originally would have changed the date when property tax proposals could be voted on. Originally, the bill stated that, beginning Jan. 1, 2027, any question on a tax levy for real property or personal property tax must be submitted to voters on a general election day only. However, the bill was sent back to committee to make a change to that rule.
Special committee passes two property tax bills
he Missouri House Special Committee on Property Tax Reform passed two bills Thursday, March 12. House Bill 2925, sponsored by Rep. Ron Fowler, R-Blue Springs, originally would have changed the date when property tax proposals could be voted on. Originally, the bill stated that, beginning Jan. 1, 2027, any question on a tax levy for real property or personal property tax must be submitted to voters on a general election day only.
Special committee passes two property tax bills
By KJ Drazen, Missouri News Network JEFFERSON CITY — The Missouri House Special Committee on Property Tax Reform passed two bills Thursday. House Bill 2925, sponsored by Rep. Ron Fowler, R-Blue Springs, originally would have changed the date when property tax proposals could be voted on. Originally, the bill stated that, beginning Jan. 1, 2027, any question on a tax levy for real property or personal property tax must be submitted to voters on a general election day only.
Special committee passes two property tax bills
JEFFERSON CITY — The Missouri House Special Committee on Property Tax Reform passed two bills Thursday. House Bill 2925, sponsored by Rep. Ron Fowler, R-Blue Springs, originally would have changed the date when property tax proposals could be voted on. Originally, the bill stated that, beginning Jan. 1, 2027, any question on a tax levy for real property or personal property tax must be submitted to voters on a general election day only.
Special committee passes two property tax bills
JEFFERSON CITY — The Missouri House Special Committee on Property Tax Reform passed two bills Thursday morning. House Bill , sponsored by Rep. Ron Fowler, R-Blue Springs, originally would have changed the date on when property tax proposals could be voted on. Originally, the bill stated that, beginning Jan. 1, 2027, any question on a tax levy for real property or personal property tax must be submitted to voters on a general election day only.
Special committee passes two property tax bills
JEFFERSON CITY — The Missouri House Special Committee on Property Tax Reform passed two bills Thursday morning. House Bill , sponsored by Rep. Ron Fowler, R-Blue Springs, originally would have changed the date on when property tax proposals could be voted on. Originally, the bill stated that, beginning Jan. 1, 2027, any question on a tax levy for real property or personal property tax must be submitted to voters on a general election day only.
Missouri Senate approves mandatory minimums, juvenile justice legislation Original
by Emily Skidmore and KJ Drazen, Missouri Independent March 6, 2026 The Missouri Senate passed a criminal and juvenile justice bill Thursday on a 20-9 vote after hours of negotiations. Introduced by state Sen. Nick Schroer, a Republican from Defiance, the legislation seeks to classify older juveniles who commit felonies as adults and share fingerprints of juveniles involved in felonies to a central database.
Senate passes criminal system changes for juvenile detention centers Original
JEFFERSON CITY — The Senate passed a criminal and juvenile justice bill Thursday on a 20-9 vote after hours of negotiations. SB 888, introduced by Sen. Nick Schroer, R-Defiance, seeks to classify older juveniles who commit felonies as adults and share fingerprints of juveniles involved in felonies to a central database. The bill also allows an increase in the number of juvenile detention centers in the state and solidifies mandatory prison time for adults before parole eligibility.
Possible new driver's license requirements discussed in committee Original
JEFFERSON CITY – The Crime and Safety Committee heard a bill Tuesday that would establish new driving offenses and procedures for young drivers. House Bill 3220, sponsored by Rep. Mike Jones, R-Kansas City, includes one provision that would increase requirements for first-time applicants with the intent to keep roads safer.
Student athlete transfer bill sparks discussion
JEFFERSON CITY — A bill that would bring oversight to appeal decisions made by statewide activities associations with the intent of making the transfer process for student athletes easier is getting attention. House Bill 2403, sponsored by Rep. Mark Meirath, R-Excelsior Springs, is seeking to create an appeal process outside of the Missouri State High School Activities Association.
Student athlete transfer bill sparks discussion
A bill that would bring oversight to appeal decisions made by statewide activities associations with the intent of making the transfer process for student athletes easier is getting attention. House Bill 2403, sponsored by Rep. Mark Meirath, R-Excelsior Springs, is seeking to create an appeal process outside of the Missouri State High School Activities Association.
Student athlete transfer bill sparks discussion Original
JEFFERSON CITY — A bill that would bring oversight to appeal decisions made by statewide activities associations with the intent of making the transfer process for student athletes easier is getting attention. House Bill 2403, sponsored by Rep. Mark Meirath, R-Excelsior Springs, is seeking to create an appeal process outside of the Missouri State High School Activities Association.
Committee pushes back on monthly stats on public assistance Original
JEFFERSON CITY — A bill that would require both the Department of Health and Senior Services and the Department of Social Services to report monthly data relating to public assistance programs on their websites ran into criticism in committee Thursday morning. There was bipartisan questioning on the need for the bill.
Missouri House sends bills on gender, policing, divorce to Senate Original
JEFFERSON CITY — The Missouri House of Representatives debated and passed multiple bills on Thursday, sending them to the Senate. House Bill 2033, sponsored by Rep. Melissa Schmidt, R-Eldridge, passed on a vote of 102-40. This bill removes the sunset provision on restrictions of prescribing sex change hormones to individuals under the age of 18. The provision currently in place has an expiration date of Aug. 28, 2027. The bill would make the ban permanent.
Golf cart regulations may be coming down the road
JEFFERSON CITY — A bill that would increase safety demands for golf cart operations in Missouri was heard and passed by the House Transportation Committee this week. House Bill 1939, sponsored by Rep. Jim Murphy, R-St. Louis, would institute more precautions on the use of golf carts for streets and highways.
Golf cart regulations may be coming down the road
JEFFERSON CITY — A bill that would increase safety demands for golf cart operations in Missouri was heard and passed by the House Transportation Committee this week. House Bill 1939, sponsored by Rep. Jim Murphy, R-St. Louis, would institute more precautions on the use of golf carts for streets and highways.
Omnibus elections bill could reinstate Missouri's presidential primaries
JEFFERSON CITY — A bill that would reinstate a presidential primary system in Missouri was heard by the state Senate on Thursday. Senate Bill 836, sponsored by Sen. Sandy Crawford, R-Buffalo, would extend the no-excuse absentee voting period from two weeks to four, reinstate a presidential primary for the first Tuesday in March and would extend the no-electioneering zone around polling places.
Omnibus elections bill could reinstate Missouri's presidential primaries
JEFFERSON CITY — A bill that would reinstate a presidential primary system in Missouri was heard by the state Senate on Thursday. Senate Bill 836, sponsored by Sen. Sandy Crawford, R-Buffalo, would extend the no-excuse absentee voting period from two weeks to four, reinstate a presidential primary for the first Tuesday in March and would extend the no-electioneering zone around polling places. kAmp |:DD@FC: =2H AC6G:@FD=J 2==@H:?8 AC6D:56?E:2= AC:>2C:6D H2D C6A62=65 :? a_aa[ H96?
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