Sara Smith, the new Children’s Division director, has moved away from her predecessor’s focus on shrinking the foster care system. The Independent sat down with her for an interview about her tenure so far and plans for the future.

The nearly four-and-a-half hour-long meeting focused on billing and customer service at Liberty Utilities and was one of several recent town halls held in southwest Missouri.

One lawmaker said without passing an extension on the statute of limitations for child abuse survivors, Missouri runs the risk of becoming a ‘sanctuary state for pedophiles.'

The legislature met in early June for a special legislative session called by Kehoe. It took about two weeks to pass the three pieces of legislation.

Starting July 1, state employees will arrive unannounced at dispensaries and collect about 50 products a month off the shelves for further testing.

Republicans hold a supermajority in the Missouri General Assembly. A Democrat has not won statewide election since 2018.

The Senate Freedom Caucus is demanding tax cuts in exchange for not blocking stadium funds, while Democrats on Thursday retaliated for slights during the regular session by derailing the routine work of signing bills.

The vehicle stops report issued for 2023 did not include a ‘disparity index’ showing whether police stopped drivers in minority groups more frequently than white drivers.

Democrat Rep. Betsy Fogle serves House District 135. In April she announced she will run for Senate District 30. The Democratic Primary will be August 2026. The winner of that race will face the Republican candidate in November 2026.

Republican Rep. Melanie Stinnett serves House District 133. In April she announced she will run for Senate District 30. The Republican Primary will be August 2026. The winner of that race will face the Democratic candidate in November 2026.