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Jason Hancock

@jasonhancock.bsky.social
5.2K followers 793 following 393 posts

Editor-in-chief of The Missouri Independent, a nonpartisan, nonprofit newsroom. Detective for the people. Raker of muck. jhancock@missouriindependent.com

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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 11h
Republicans are defending narrowly won suburban seats as Democrats look for signs of an opening in rural Missouri. #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
Missouri Democrats aim to break Republicans’ streak of House supermajorities • Missouri Independent
Republicans are defending narrowly won suburban seats as Democrats look for signs of an opening in rural Missouri
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Timothy McBride @mcbridetd.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
Amendment 6 would remake balance of power between Missouri voters and lawmakers missouriindependent.com/2026/10/14/a...
missouriindependent.com
Amendment 6 would remake balance of power between Missouri voters and lawmakers • Missouri Independent
Missouri Amendment 6 would sharply limit lawmakers’ power to change voter-approved laws and restrict changes to the initiative process.
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 12/10/2026
Amendment 7 would ask the state to invest money for generations in hopes of one day eliminating state taxes. #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
Missouri voters will decide whether to create a sovereign wealth fund • Missouri Independent
Missouri's Amendment 7 seeks to eliminate the state's taxes through the investment of general revenue and lots of patience.
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 14/10/2026
Amendment 6 would make citizen initiatives extraordinarily difficult for Missouri lawmakers to change and would restrict their ability to rewrite the initiative process itself. #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
Amendment 6 would remake balance of power between Missouri voters and lawmakers • Missouri Independent
Missouri Amendment 6 would sharply limit lawmakers’ power to change voter-approved laws and restrict changes to the initiative process.
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 12/10/2026
The former attorney general is railing against Jefferson City insiders. The problem is, they helped build his career. #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
Commentary: Andrew Bailey is back in Missouri and talking like a candidate • Missouri Independent
Andrew Bailey is back in Missouri after leaving the FBI, railing against Jefferson City insiders who helped build his political career.
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 12/10/2026
Republican Scott Fitzpatrick emphasizes the office’s watchdog role, while Democrat Quentin Wilson wants auditors to take a more proactive approach. #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
Missouri auditor candidates split over how office should confront state budget problems • Missouri Independent
Republican Scott Fitzpatrick emphasizes the office’s watchdog role, while Democrat Quentin Wilson wants auditors to take a more proactive approach.
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 12/10/2026
On this episode of Missouri on the Record, Jason Hancock talks with Richard von Glahn, executive director of People Not Politicians, about Proposition A and the fight over Missouri’s 2025 congressional map. #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
Prop A and the fight over Missouri’s congressional map • Missouri Independent
Richard von Glahn of People Not Politicians discusses Missouri’s Prop A, the 2025 congressional map and the case for rejecting it on Nov. 3.
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 09/10/2026
Democrats hope to flip a Springfield Senate seat for the first time in more than 80 years as two state representatives vie to replace Republican Lincoln Hough. #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
Melanie Stinnett and Betsy Fogle square off in competitive Missouri Senate race in Springfield • Missouri Independent
Democrats hope to flip a Springfield Senate seat for the first time in more than 80 years, replacing Republican Lincoln Hough.
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 09/10/2026
In one of the state’s few competitive Missouri Senate races, the candidates draw contrasts over public schools, taxes and abortion. #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
Missouri Senate battleground pits Jon Patterson against Keri Ingle in Jackson County • Missouri Independent
Two Missouri House lawmakers face off in the November general election for the State Senate's 8th District seat.
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 08/10/2026
Senate Democrats demand apology after Eric Schmitt’s false accusations against Jack Smith #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
Senate Democrats demand apology after Eric Schmitt’s false accusations against Jack Smith • Missouri Independent
The top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee is demanding his colleagues across the aisle apologize to former special counsel Jack Smith after Missouri Republican Sen. Eric Schmitt launched fals...
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 08/10/2026
Jamie Reed, the former social worker at a St. Louis transgender clinic, made the case for Amendment 3 last month before a room full of Republicans in St. Louis County. “If we talk to people about the trans part of this amendment,” she said, “we can get it to pass.” #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
Transgender care takes center stage in Missouri campaign to reinstate abortion ban • Missouri Independent
If Amendment 3 passes, Missouri would again ban abortion. It would also be the first state to ban gender-affirming care for minors in its constitution.
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 06/10/2026
As members tried to define what makes a child safe or unsafe, two longstanding problems kept intruding on the discussion: a workforce struggling with high turnover and caseloads, and gaps in services designed to keep families safely together. #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
Missouri task force seeks clearer standards for deciding when children are safe • Missouri Independent
Members say common standards could help frontline workers, but staffing shortages and gaps in family services remain.
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 05/10/2026
Missouri will not use optional federal exemptions designed to help low-income people keep Medicaid coverage when they are hospitalized, travel for medical care or live in areas affected by disasters or high unemployment. #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
Missouri rejects optional hardship exceptions to Medicaid work requirements • Missouri Independent
The Department of Social Services says people who have acute medical events or travel for care can maintain coverage using other exemptions
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 02/10/2026
Thirteen donors flagged in federal letters appear nearly 5,700 times in the Missouri senator’s reports, highlighting questions about recurring online contributions. #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
FEC questions thousands of donations to Eric Schmitt tied to prolific online donors • Missouri Independent
The FEC sent three letters this year to U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt’s campaign asking about donations that appear to exceed federal limits.
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Jason Hancock @jasonhancock.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Incredibly excited that The Missouri Independent will be partnering with ProPublica as part of its Local Reporting Network. I am especially excited because it means Luke Nozicka will be joining our team. #moleg #mogov
propublica.org
ProPublica’s Local Reporting Network Names Three New Partners for Its 50 State Initiative
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 30/09/2026
Secretary of State Denny Hoskins has sent letters to about 1,000 registered voters notifying them that they’ve been flagged as potentially being noncitizens. #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
Missouri can keep using disputed federal database to review voter eligibility • Missouri Independent
U.S. Supreme Court order keeps expanded SAVE system in place as questions remain about how Missouri has used it.
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Jason Hancock @jasonhancock.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
The two Eric Schmitts on display this week sandwich a report by Axios that he is seen as a top prospect to be JD Vance’s running mate if Vance seeks the presidency in 2028. #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
Commentary: Eric Schmitt’s Hawks-Hawkeyes blunder and the politician he’s become • Missouri Independent
Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt accused Jack Smith of perjury over a Hawks-Hawkeyes mix-up, highlighting how his political style has changed.
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 29/09/2026
Eric Schmitt’s Hawks-Hawkeyes blunder and the politician he’s become #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
Commentary: Eric Schmitt’s Hawks-Hawkeyes blunder and the politician he’s become • Missouri Independent
Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt accused Jack Smith of perjury over a Hawks-Hawkeyes mix-up, highlighting how his political style has changed.
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 29/09/2026
Missouri’s Eric Schmitt bungles accusation against former special counsel Jack Smith in heated hearing #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
Missouri's Eric Schmitt bungles accusation against former special counsel Jack Smith in heated hearing • Missouri Independent
Former special counsel Jack Smith on Tuesday defended before a U.S. Senate panel his past investigations of President Donald Trump’s possession of classified documents and alleged role in attempts to ...
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 29/09/2026
On Monday, Eric Schmitt helped pass a bipartisan college sports bill. On Tuesday, he mixed up the Atlanta Hawks and Iowa Hawkeyes, used the bad information to accuse Jack Smith of perjury and called him a “dirtbag.” #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
Commentary: Eric Schmitt’s Hawks-Hawkeyes blunder and the politician he’s become • Missouri Independent
Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt accused Jack Smith of perjury over a Hawks-Hawkeyes mix-up, highlighting how his political style has changed.
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 29/09/2026
A Cole County Circuit Court judge will decide whether to strike down a 2024 law allowing charter schools in Boone County, a case that could further define Missouri’s constitutional ban on special laws. #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
Missouri judge hears challenge to Boone County charter school expansion • Missouri Independent
Columbia Public Schools argues a 2024 Missouri law illegally singles out Boone County in a circuit court hearing
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 29/09/2026
Missouri Republicans are scrambling to organize late campaigns on ballot measures they spent most of the year trying to block from the Nov. 3 election. #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
Missouri Republicans scramble to launch late campaigns on two ballot measures • Missouri Independent
Missouri Republicans are scrambling to organize late campaigns on measures they spent most of the year trying to block from the ballot.
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 28/09/2026
Denny Hoskins’ terrible, horrible, no good, very bad month #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
Commentary: Denny Hoskins’ terrible, horrible, no good, very bad month • Missouri Independent
Contempt, lawsuits and three trips to the U.S. Supreme Court ended with Missouri right back where it started.
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 28/09/2026
Private philanthropy will fund two major initiatives underway at the Missouri State Board of Education, but the identities of the donors remain unknown to the public, the state education department and at least one of the contractors doing the work. #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
Private donors are funding Missouri education board’s commissioner search, strategic plan • Missouri Independent
Philanthropic funding is propelling Missouri State Board of Education's efforts to hire a new commissioner and refresh its strategic plan.
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 28/09/2026
Some conservatives argue the abortion restrictions don’t go far enough, a split that could matter in a race recent polling shows is essentially tied. #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
Anti-abortion divide could complicate Missouri Amendment 3 campaign • Missouri Independent
Some anti-abortion conservatives argue Missouri's Amendment 3, a ban on abortion with some exceptions, should be defeated because it does not go far enough.
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 28/09/2026
On the this week’s episode of Missouri on the Record, Anna Spoerre explains why some abortion opponents are fighting Amendment 3, and how transgender healthcare became part of the debate. #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
Why some abortion opponents are fighting Missouri’s Amendment 3 • Missouri Independent
Inside the split over abortion, transgender health care and the multimillion-dollar campaign shaping Missouri’s November vote.
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 26/09/2026
Reporters Clara Bates and Anna Spoerre were awarded the A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism on Saturday by the Missouri Press Association for their reporting on problems in the state’s foster care. #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
Missouri Independent reporters win investigative journalism prize for foster care series • Missouri Independent
Reporters Clara Bates and Anna Spoerre were awarded the A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism on Saturday by the Missouri Press Association for their reporting on problems in the state’s foster ca...
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 25/09/2026
The decision ends, for this election at least, Republicans’ effort to use a gerrymandered map to improve their chances of winning a seventh Missouri seat in the U.S. House. #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
US Supreme Court again blocks Missouri’s gerrymandered congressional map • Missouri Independent
The U.S. Supreme Court weighted in for the third time on Missouri’s gerrymandered congressional map and whether it can be used in November.
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 25/09/2026
The campaign to keep Missouri’s abortion rights amendment in place has so far out raised the campaign to reinstate a ban about 7 to 1, in part because of $5.3 million from the Fairness Project, a D.C.-based nonprofit that doesn’t have to disclose its donors. #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
The Fairness Project remains largest funder of effort to stop Missouri abortion ban • Missouri Independent
Since 2017, the Fairness Project, a D.C.-based nonprofit, has poured more than $13 million into Missouri campaigns, including the reproductive rights fight.
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 24/09/2026
A Kansas City plaintiff is among five Medicaid recipients and six medical organizations arguing a federal rule unlawfully narrows exemptions for adults with serious medical conditions. #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
Missouri Medicaid enrollee challenges Trump rule on work requirement exemptions • Missouri Independent
Plaintiffs in the federal lawsuit argue the rule unlawfully limits an exemption from Medicaid work requirements for "medically frail" adults.
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 24/09/2026
A vast and growing network of artificial intelligence-driven Flock cameras could violate constitutional privacy rights, U.S. senators on a Judiciary Committee subcommittee said during a Wednesday hearing. #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley raises privacy alarms over nationwide AI camera network • Missouri Independent
WASHINGTON — A vast and growing network of artificial intelligence-driven Flock cameras could violate constitutional privacy rights, U.S. senators on a Judiciary Committee subcommittee said during a W...
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 23/09/2026
The Missouri Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday challenging an appeals court’s decision in March directing the state to award cannabis company Hippos LLC 13 facility licenses after finding the 2019 application scoring process was inconsistent. #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
State asks Missouri Supreme Court to block award of 13 marijuana licenses • Missouri Independent
The case revisits the grading process of marijuana facility licenses in 2019, which the state auditor found to have erratic scoring and poor documentation.
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 23/09/2026
The Missouri Supreme Court is weighing whether a 2022 law making it a crime for school employees to provide students with “explicit sexual material” violates constitutional free speech protections. #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
Missouri Supreme Court hears appeal of school library ‘explicit sexual material’ law • Missouri Independent
The Missouri Supreme Court heard oral arguments Wednesday over a law barring "explicit sexual content" from school libraries.
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 23/09/2026
Backers of a Missouri redistricting referendum late on Tuesday asked the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene for a third time in three weeks in the fight over which congressional map must be used for the Nov. 3 elections. #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
Missouri redistricting fight returns to US Supreme Court for third time • Missouri Independent
Backers of a Missouri redistricting referendum asked the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene again in the fight over which map to use the Nov. 3.
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 22/09/2026
Two measures on the Nov. 3 ballot could make another mid-decade gerrymander extraordinarily difficult — and potentially complicate Missouri’s redistricting fights for years to come. #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
Amendment 6 could make another Missouri congressional gerrymander much harder • Missouri Independent
If voters reject Proposition A and approve Amendment 6, Missouri lawmakers could face an 80% threshold before passing a similar congressional map.
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 22/09/2026
Missouri election officials will continue using the 2022 districts for now as opponents prepare to take the gerrymandered map back to the U.S. Supreme Court. #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
Appeals court backs Missouri’s gerrymandered map, but decision is put on hold • Missouri Independent
A federal appeals court ruled that Missouri must use the congressional map passed by Republicans in 2025 but stayed the ruling for a week.
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Timothy McBride @mcbridetd.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Could a ‘blue wave’ reach Missouri? What the latest poll says about November missouriindependent.com/podcasts/cou...
missouriindependent.com
Could a ‘blue wave’ reach Missouri? What the latest poll says about November • Missouri Independent
Could a blue wave reach Missouri? The latest SLU/YouGov poll offers clues on Trump, Mike Kehoe, turnout and the 2026 election.
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Roland Klose @rwklose.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
The curious case of a Ponzi schemer’s glowing profile in a Missouri newspaper missouriindependent.com/2026/09/21/t... by @jasonhancock.bsky.social
Scott Faughn, testifying in 2018. Photo by Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications
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Jason Hancock @jasonhancock.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Could a ‘blue wave’ reach Missouri? What the latest poll says about November #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
Could a ‘blue wave’ reach Missouri? What the latest poll says about November • Missouri Independent
Could a blue wave reach Missouri? The latest SLU/YouGov poll offers clues on Trump, Mike Kehoe, turnout and the 2026 election.
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 21/09/2026
Jason Hancock and Rudi Keller break down the latest SLU/YouGov poll, what it says about Missouri’s political mood and whether signs of a strong Democratic year nationally could reach the state. #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
Could a ‘blue wave’ reach Missouri? What the latest poll says about November • Missouri Independent
Could a blue wave reach Missouri? The latest SLU/YouGov poll offers clues on Trump, Mike Kehoe, turnout and the 2026 election.
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 21/09/2026
The curious case of a Ponzi schemer’s glowing profile in a Missouri newspaper #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
The curious case of a Ponzi schemer’s glowing profile in a Missouri newspaper • Missouri Independent
A glowing profile of convicted Ponzi schemer Siddharth Jawahar in a Missouri newspaper raises questions about political PR, ownership and newsroom boundaries.
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Timothy McBride @mcbridetd.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Missouri election officials begin mailing ballots as they await ruling on congressional map missouriindependent.com/2026/09/19/m...
missouriindependent.com
Missouri election officials begin mailing ballots as they await ruling on congressional map • Missouri Independent
Missourians overseas began receiving ballots Friday despite continuing uncertainty over which congressional candidates should be listed.
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 19/09/2026
If congressional districts change again, election officials can notify anyone who has already received a ballot that a replacement is available. But ballots that have been cast cannot be uncast. #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
Missouri election officials begin mailing ballots as they await ruling on congressional map • Missouri Independent
Missourians overseas began receiving ballots Friday despite continuing uncertainty over which congressional candidates should be listed.
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 17/09/2026
A panel of federal appeals court judges heard from Republicans Thursday about why they should reinstate the map designed to help the GOP flip a Democratic-held congressional seat. #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
Federal court weighs whether it’s too late to revive Missouri’s gerrymandered map • Missouri Independent
The last legal battle over Missouri’s 2025 redistricting plan played out Thursday in front of a panel of federal appeals court judges.
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Jason Hancock @jasonhancock.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Missouri on the Record is a weekly podcast from The Missouri Independent that goes beyond the headlines to explain the stories shaping the state. #moleg #mogov
open.spotify.com
Coming Soon: Missouri on the Record
Missouri on the Record · Episode
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 17/09/2026
The lawsuit argues Denny Hoskins deliberately delayed ruling on the referendum challenging Missouri’s 2025 congressional map until it was too late to prevent the disputed districts from being used in the Aug. 4 primary. #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
Missouri voters file second class action against Denny Hoskins in less than a week • Missouri Independent
Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins faces a second class action in less than a week over his handling of the congressional redistricting referendum.
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Jason Hancock @jasonhancock.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Federal prosecutors say Siddharth Jawahar hired Jeff Roe's Axiom Strategies to land favorable media before sentencing. Days later, the News Tribune ran a glowing profile, and Roe discussed spending money to digitally target the story to the judge's home so he would be likely to see it. #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
Missouri congressman urged leniency for Ponzi schemer who hired longtime consultant • Missouri Independent
Federal prosecutors say Siddharth Jawahar agreed to pay Axiom Strategies to secure a favorable newspaper article and a letter of support from Sam Graves.
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 17/09/2026
Federal prosecutors say Siddharth Jawahar agreed to pay Jeff Roe's Axiom Strategies $10,000 to secure a favorable newspaper article and a sentencing letter from Congressman Sam Graves in an effort to influence the judge. #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
Missouri congressman urged leniency for Ponzi schemer who hired longtime consultant • Missouri Independent
Federal prosecutors say Siddharth Jawahar agreed to pay Axiom Strategies to secure a favorable newspaper article and a letter of support from Sam Graves.
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 15/09/2026
Missouri education officials on Tuesday pushed back the release of “A” through “F” grades for public schools until at least mid-November, giving districts a chance to review the ratings first after administrators raised concerns about the system. #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
Missouri schools to get first look at ‘A’ through ‘F’ grades as public release is delayed • Missouri Independent
The State Board of Education approves a scoring system to grade public schools on an "A" through "F" scale with a delayed implementation.
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri Independent @missouriindependent.com · 15/09/2026
The Missouri State Board of Education declined Tuesday to seek the roughly $300 million increase needed to fully fund the state’s public school funding formula next year, opting instead to request lawmakers allocate the same amount schools are receiving this year. #moleg #mogov
missouriindependent.com
Missouri education board declines to seek $300 million increase in school aid • Missouri Independent
The Missouri State Board of Education settled an impasse on the budget by agreeing to cut a proposed increase to schools' state aid.
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