Briefs
White House to name coordinator to push back against book bans, among new LGBTQ protections
WASHINGTON — As part of the celebration of Pride month, the Biden administration on Thursday announced several new protections for LGBTQ+ youth and families, including the position of a federal coordinator to counter the massive wave of book bans across the country. President Joe Biden was scheduled later Thursday to host a Pride event at the White […]
Judge tosses push to sanction auditor over report critical of Josh Hawley
A Cole County judge on Thursday ruled the state board that regulates accountants has no oversight over the Missouri auditor’s office. The ruling came as result of a lawsuit filed in 2021 by then-Auditor Nicole Galloway after she faced sanctions from the Missouri Board of Accountancy over audits criticizing Sen. Josh Hawley’s use of public […]
U.S. Supreme Court rules Alabama’s congressional maps violate Voting Rights Act
The U.S. Supreme Court Thursday upheld a lower court ruling that Alabama’s 2022 congressional maps violated the Voting Rights Act, a ruling that preserves a major part of the federal law preserving prohibiting racial discrimination in elections. A three-judge panel in January 2022 ruled that maps approved by the Alabama Legislature in 2021 that had […]
White House launches national plan to address gender-based violence in the U.S.
For the first time in history, the White House has launched a national plan to address gender-based violence on a federal level, introducing seven strategic action plans to help communities across the United States. “As long as there are women in this country and around the world who live in fear of violence, there’s more […]
Former VP Mike Pence launches 2024 bid, criticizes Trump’s Jan. 6 actions
ANKENY, Iowa — Former Vice President Mike Pence announced his candidacy for president to a crowd at Des Moines Area Community College, focusing on the differences between him and former President Donald Trump. While Pence praised the conservative successes he and Trump achieved in office, he said he is challenging the former president because of […]
Missouri governor signs ban on gender-affirming care, restrictions for trans athletes
A week into Pride month, Gov. Mike Parson signed legislation Wednesday banning minors from beginning gender-affirming care and limiting sports participation for transgender athletes. In a press release announcing his decision to sign the bills, Parson said he supports every person’s right to “his or her own pursuit of happiness.” However, he continued, “we must […]
GOP state Senator launches campaign to become Missouri’s top election official
State Sen. Denny Hoskins, a Warrensburg Republican and member of the now-defunct Senate conservative caucus, announced Tuesday he would seek his party’s nomination for Missouri secretary of state. He’s hoping to replace Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, who is serving his second term and decided against seeking re-election in order to run for governor. The […]
Company that makes opioid treatment settles with Missouri for $1.8 million
A company that makes a common treatment for opioid addiction has agreed to settle an anti-trust lawsuit filed by 41 states in 2016 for $102.5 million, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced Friday. Missouri will get $1.8 million from the settlement. The company, Indivior Inc., manufactures Suboxone, which is designed to dampen cravings for stronger […]
More states line up to serve free school meals to all kids
During his long career as a high school teacher, New York state Sen. John Mannion often reached into his own pocket to cover the cost of lunches for kids who didn’t have the funds. “I watched kids get to the end of the line and not have enough money on their cards,” the Democrat said […]
Missouri governor appoints staffer to join utility oversight board
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson on Thursday selected his policy director to join the state commission that regulates investor-owned electric, natural gas, steam, water and sewer utilities. Kayla Hahn will take over for Ryan Silvey, who announced earlier this year that he would be stepping down from the Missouri Public Service Commission. Since 2018, when Parson […]
Biden student debt relief plan revoked in U.S. House vote
WASHINGTON — The U.S. House on Wednesday voted to overturn the Biden administration’s one-time student debt relief plan that is currently on hold awaiting a Supreme Court decision expected within weeks. Before the 218-203 vote on the resolution, the the White House said President Joe Biden would veto it, arguing that the U.S. Department of Education has the legal […]
Keystone pipeline owners knew of defect years before Kansas spill
Owners of the Keystone pipeline knew a defect had formed years before the strain finally caused the pipeline to burst and flood a Kansas creek with oil last year. The Keystone pipeline, owned by TC Energy, burst near the Kansas-Nebraska border late last year, spilling almost 13,000 barrels of oil onto adjacent farmland and into […]