Missouri’s GOP governor calls special session to redraw congressional districts, and it’s clear this is more than just a routine political maneuver. The current landscape in Missouri, with a congressional map split 6-2 in favor of Republicans, is apparently not enough for the GOP. The goal is to potentially shift this to 7-1, which, as many see it, is a blatant attempt at gerrymandering – a practice where district boundaries are manipulated to favor a particular political party.
The potential move to 7-1 isn’t a simple numbers game. There’s a risk involved for Republicans. If they push too far, they could inadvertently make their own districts vulnerable, especially during a potential “wave election” where the political winds shift.… Continue reading
Using the rarely invoked “previous question” rule, Missouri Republicans swiftly overturned both Amendment 3, restoring abortion rights, and Proposition A, guaranteeing paid sick leave, despite their passage in the November 2024 election. This action, which followed a Democratic filibuster, has drawn sharp criticism for disregarding voter mandates. The abortion reversal will likely face another ballot initiative, while the paid sick leave repeal takes effect August 28th, impacting over 700,000 workers. Republicans cited economic concerns and ideological objections to justify their actions.
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Celeste Athon, a Stephens College softball player, unexpectedly discovered she was pregnant and chose to have an abortion. Due to a recent state ballot initiative, she accessed care locally in Columbia, Missouri, a stark contrast to the previous situation requiring lengthy travel. However, this access is precarious, as Missouri’s anti-abortion movement actively seeks to overturn the state’s abortion rights protections through legislative efforts. The state’s sole abortion provider struggles with limited staffing, resources, and legal challenges, highlighting the ongoing fight over reproductive rights in the state.
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Missouri Democrats are currently engaged in a filibuster to block a Republican-led effort to overturn a voter-approved law guaranteeing paid sick leave. This action highlights a significant clash between the will of the people and the legislative agenda of the state’s Republican party. The GOP’s attempt to undo this popular initiative underscores a broader pattern of legislative actions that seem to contradict the expressed wishes of Missouri citizens.
This conflict exposes a deep-seated distrust between a significant portion of the electorate and their elected representatives. The argument made by some Republicans that voters didn’t fully understand the implications of the paid sick leave law rings hollow to many, particularly given the existence of similar laws in numerous other states and countries.… Continue reading
Missouri clinics will “immediately” begin offering abortion services across the state following a recent judge’s ruling. This decision marks a significant shift in the state’s reproductive healthcare landscape, potentially ending the long-standing limitations imposed on abortion access. The swiftness with which clinics plan to resume services underscores the pent-up demand and the legal battles that have been waged to achieve this point.
The judge’s ruling is undoubtedly a victory for abortion rights advocates in Missouri. For years, restrictive laws have severely hampered the ability of clinics to provide abortions, forcing many women to travel out of state to access these services.… Continue reading
Missouri Representative Michael Davis introduced the “Donald J. Trump Election Qualification Act,” which would overturn a 2015 law barring felons from holding public office. Inspired by President-elect Trump’s felony conviction, the bill would permit those with felony records to run for office if otherwise eligible. Davis argues this promotes civic reintegration after sentence completion. The legislation directly addresses the apparent contradiction of Trump’s presidential eligibility despite his felony conviction.
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As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, the recent ruling allowing Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey access to the medical records of transgender individuals hits close to home. It is a blatant violation of privacy and a dangerous overreach of power. Everyone should have the right to privacy when it comes to their medical information, regardless of their gender identity or any other factor. The fact that a politician can now demand access to such sensitive and personal records is terrifying.
The argument that this invasion of privacy is for the protection of minors is simply a guise for discrimination and bigotry.… Continue reading
Missouri senator has proposed a rule change that would allow senators to challenge each other to a duel. When I first heard about this, I couldn’t help but feel a mixture of horror, disbelief, and amusement. It seems like something out of a movie or a historical novel, not a serious proposal in our modern society. But unfortunately, it seems to be a disturbing trend among some right-wing politicians.
Let’s address the obvious concerns first. Duels are archaic, violent, and completely unnecessary. The idea of senators resolving their conflicts through physical violence is not only undemocratic, but it also sets a dangerous precedent.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker