Missouri

Pondering KC’s Quest to Become a Transgender ‘Safe Haven’

By Grace Hills | June 14, 2023

Kansas City’s quest to become a “safe haven” in the wake of anti-transgender legislation in Missouri turns on raw politics and vexing legal questions.

Nicole Noblet (at center in purple) with Missouri's People First Chapter at Disability Rights Legislative Day at the Capitol. (Contributed)

Young Adults with Disabilities Want Independence. Guardianship Is a Hurdle.

By Vicky Diaz-Camacho | June 8, 2023

Students with disabilities are too often faced with hurdles when entering young adulthood. One lesser-known issue: the school-to-guardianship pipeline.

Black Drivers in Missouri More Likely to be Ticketed, Arrested

By Rudi Keller, Missouri Independent | June 5, 2023

Black drivers stopped by Missouri law enforcement are much more likely to end up with a citation or in a jail cell than whites, according to a new report.

Plan B emergency contraception packages.

New Push in Missouri to Provide Free Emergency Contraception

By Clara Bates, Missouri Independent | June 1, 2023

Missouri Family Health Council will mail more than 5,500 free kits containing emergency contraception pills in a pilot program launching Thursday.

Life Expectancy Lags the Nation in Missouri

By Tammy Worth | May 31, 2023

A new nationwide study concludes that Missouri ranks 42nd and Kansas 33rd in terms of states with the best outlook for life expectancy.

Folks hold up pink white and blue signs that read "We Are Still Here" at a transgender rights protest in Kansas City.

‘Transas City’: KC Offers Sanctuary Amid Anti-Trans Push

By Cami Koons, Vicky Diaz-Camacho, Cody Boston | May 18, 2023

A loud clatter of skateboards, abandoned by riders grinning at a near wipeout, interrupts conversations among friends and new acquaintances. It’s the first time Late-Nite Bite, a monthly sober and queer event, has set up shop at Goofball Sk8boards in the Waldo neighborhood of Kansas City, and it’s clearly a success. Late-Nite Bite…

Members of the Missouri House throw paper into the air to celebrate the end of the 2023 legislative session.

Winners and Losers of Missouri’s 2023 Legislative Session

By Jason Hancock, Missouri Independent | May 15, 2023

Just 43 of more than 3,000 non-budget bills introduced during the 2023 session of the Missouri General Assembly passed. Here are the winners and losers.

Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden, R-Columbia, chats with Sen. Brian Williams, D-University City, and Senate Minority Leader John Rizzo, D-Independence, on the opening day of the 2023 session in January.

Sports Wagering Bill Remains Mired in Missouri Senate Split Over Gambling Expansion

By Rudi Keller, Missouri Independent | April 10, 2023

The odds that the Missouri General Assembly will pass sports gambling legislation during this year’s session area dwindling.

This double display case at the Country Club Plaza branch of the Kansas City Public Library holds books provided to the library by an interfaith group called Cultural Crossroads.

‘Canceled, Censored, Banned’ Sparks Questions About Government, Books and Public Libraries

By Vicky Diaz-Camacho | April 7, 2023

Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft’s proposed rule addressing material at public libraries has sparked questions about book restrictions. Here are answers.