Missouri’s secretary of state asked a Cole County judge to seal records showing how his office reviewed referendum signatures, escalating a months‑long legal fight over the new congressional map. The filing pits transparency against privacy as clerks race to get ballots ready.

Francis Howell will ask voters on Nov. 3 to approve a $150M bond and a 12.5¢ levy transfer to fund repairs and bolster operations without raising tax rates.

Hazelwood’s council adopted the FY 2026–27 budget, authorized Chapter 100 financing for a Jarrell Contracting headquarters, and approved several local permits and appointments.

Closed-session records show Missouri American offered about $27.5M for Kirkwood’s water system; residents and council members say they were not told.

A Jackson County judge’s order cleared the way for Planned Parenthood to resume medication abortions in Missouri; clinics say online scheduling and appointments begin next week. Legal appeals and a 2026 ballot fight are already lined up.

The Missouri Department of Conservation will cut 106 positions and has asked 262 employees to interview as revenues flatten and benefits costs rise.

Ferguson canceled its evening July 4 fireworks as officials confront a budget shortfall and consider layoffs and tax increases to close the gap.

A state panel recommended removing Wentzville municipal judge Mike Carter after finding his social‑media posts and online polls undermined judicial impartiality.

County Executive Sam Page tapped a police captain as acting director of the Buzz Westfall Justice Center as the jail faces staffing shortages and multimillion-dollar repairs.

Justin Smith, a personal attorney to President Trump, was confirmed to the Eighth Circuit in a narrow Senate vote amid warnings from civil‑rights groups. The pick shifts influence on a court that hears cases from seven states.

A new budget amendment removes funding for chiropractic, PT and acupuncture under MO HealthNet, ending those benefits on July 1, 2026. Providers and advocates say patients will lose routine, lower‑cost care.

A Cole County judge tossed Megan Green's challenge to HB 495; Green's lawyer says she'll appeal as the city and police board remain locked in a budget-and-control fight.

County Council revives a plan to limit so‑called “aggressive” panhandling in roadways, pitting public‑safety goals against First Amendment concerns and raising the risk of legal challenges.