The Missouri Supreme Court blocked a Republican-drawn congressional map from being used in the November elections, ruling that voters should decide its fate through a referendum. The decision is expected to net Democrats at least one additional U.S. House seat. Former President Trump assailed the ruling, while Democrats and voting rights advocates praised it as a victory for fair representation.
The Missouri Supreme Court blocked a Republican-drawn congressional redistricting map from use in the November elections, ruling that voters can decide its fate via a referendum. The decision is expected to net Democrats at least one additional U.S. House seat. Former President Donald Trump assailed the ruling, while Democrats and voting rights advocates praised it as a victory for fair representation.
In late June 2026, US initial jobless claims fell more than expected to 215,000, indicating low layoffs. However, June nonfarm payrolls added only 57,000 jobs, far below forecasts, while the unemployment rate dropped to 4.2%. The median duration of unemployment rose to 11.6 weeks, the longest since November 2021. This mixed data shows a resilient but cooling labor market, with employers cautious about hiring despite declining claims.
The Missouri Supreme Court blocked a Republican-drawn congressional redistricting map from use in the November elections, ruling that voters can decide its fate via a referendum. The decision is expected to net Democrats at least one additional U.S. House seat. Former President Donald Trump assailed the ruling, while Democrats and voting rights advocates praised it as a victory for fair representation.
The 442nd Fighter Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, has been selected as the sole candidate to replace its A-10 Warthogs with 24 F-15E Strike Eagles, preserving the reserve unit’s flying mission. Announced on July 29, the decision involves regulatory steps, environmental analysis, and a final decision by 2029. First F-15Es are expected in 2031, with full capability by 2034. The move aligns with the Air Force’s broader retirement of A-10s by 2030 and reflects a realignment of the F-15E fleet.
A coalition of 44 state attorneys general sent a letter to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) arguing that the agency lacks the statutory authority to regulate sports-related event contracts on prediction market platforms. The letter was submitted as the public comment period for the CFTC's first proposed rule on prediction market regulation ended. The states contend that sports-related contracts resemble sports betting, which falls under state jurisdiction, and that the CFTC's proposed rule is an overreach. The CFTC has sued nine states to defend its exclusive regulatory authority over these markets. The CME Group also submitted a letter criticizing the CFTC's definition of 'gaming,' arguing it could preempt state sports regulations. The dispute has intensified as prediction market volumes surged, driven by events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A federal court case in Missouri reveals an extraordinary legal saga. In 2009, Stewart pleaded guilty to statutory rape of a 13-year-old when he was 17. His defense attorney, William Carter, negotiated the plea. Years later, Carter—now a judge—officiated Stewart's marriage to the victim, with whom Stewart had six children. In 2022, Stewart was charged with violating lifetime GPS supervision conditions. Judge Carter presided over the case for eight months before it was transferred. Stewart's public defender then directed him to call Judge Carter's wife, Kimberly Carter, who entered an appearance and filed a motion to withdraw Stewart's guilty plea, arguing it was based on misinformation from her husband. In July 2023, a different judge granted the motion, vacating Stewart's conviction and removing all sex offender registration and supervision requirements. Stewart subsequently sued Pemiscot County alleging a conspiracy to cover up the original plea agreement terms.
A federal court case reveals an extraordinary sequence of events in Pemiscot County, Missouri. In 2009, William Carter, then a private attorney, negotiated a plea agreement for Stewart, who pleaded guilty to statutory rape of a 13-year-old when he was 17. The judgment imposed a suspended sentence and probation, but later a lifetime GPS supervision condition was added. Stewart completed probation in 2013. Seven years after the offense, Stewart married the victim, and Judge Carter—now a judge—officiated the wedding. In 2022, Stewart was charged with violating lifetime supervision. Judge Carter presided over the case for eight months before it was transferred. Stewart then contacted Judge Carter's wife, Kimberly Carter, who entered as his attorney and filed a motion to withdraw his guilty plea, arguing manifest injustice due to ineffective assistance from her husband. In July 2023, Judge Keith Currie granted the motion, vacating Stewart's conviction and removing all registration and supervision requirements. Stewart now sues the county for conspiracy over the plea terms.
With fewer than 100 days until the 2026 midterm elections, the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) launched a digital ad campaign targeting vulnerable House Democrats and Democratic candidates in 15 competitive districts across seven states who oppose President Donald Trump's tariffs. The ads, shared exclusively with CNBC, attempt to link Democratic opposition to tariffs with support for China, using the slogan 'China first. America last.' The NRCC described it as a 'modest ad buy' but did not disclose spending. The campaign comes as Republicans try to overcome Trump's low approval ratings and economic anxiety to retain their narrow House majority, though Democrats are widely favored to retake the chamber. Polling shows 60% of voters disapprove of Trump's economic handling and 73% view the economy as only fair or poor, while 70% say tariffs have led to higher prices.
The U.S. Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) announced a $46.5 million funding opportunity for 14 new Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) centers. The centers aim to help small and medium-sized manufacturers adopt advanced manufacturing technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, automation, advanced materials, additive manufacturing, and biotechnology. Funding amounts vary by state and territory, with California receiving the largest share at $15.6 million, followed by Pennsylvania and Ohio at approximately $6.1 million each. Awards will be made annually for up to five years, subject to performance reviews and funding availability. Selected applicants must provide at least 50% in non-federal matching funds. The MEP national network includes about 1,400 advisors, 475 service locations, and over 2,100 partners. The program was created in 1988 under the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act.
The National Weather Service has forecast major and extreme heat risks for parts of the central United States through Monday, with roughly 70 million people affected. 'Hazardous heat' will build into the Great Basin and Northern Plains, with widespread major risks from the Rockies toward the Mississippi Valley and south to the Gulf Coast. States including North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Florida face major heat risks, with isolated extreme risks. High temperatures will range from the upper 90s to lower 100s, with isolated areas in the Southwest reaching up to 120°F. Humidity could push heat indices to 105-115°F, posing health risks to those without adequate cooling or hydration. The NWS warns that temperatures could be deadly for those without air conditioning. The seasonal outlook for August through October calls for above-normal temperatures across much of the U.S., influenced by a developing El Niño pattern.
Warrenton Oil, a Missouri-based convenience retailer and oil company, has appointed Dana Moloney as its new CEO, effective immediately. Moloney succeeds her aunt, Mary Banmiller, who became CEO in January 2024. The company announced the leadership change via LinkedIn on Wednesday. Moloney, who joined the family business in 2014, has held various director roles including foodservice, transportation, and finance. She was promoted to COO in early 2024 and became president of Warrenton's transportation business in early 2025. Warrenton operates roughly 60 FastLane convenience stores. Moloney represents the third generation of her family to lead the company, a trend that is becoming less common in the convenience store industry as more chains are acquired or turn to outside leadership. The company did not respond to inquiries about why Banmiller stepped down.
Corn futures saw midday gains of 1 to 3 cents on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, following strength in the market. The CmdtyView national average Cash Corn price rose by a nickel to $4.18 ¾. The weekly USDA Crop Progress report indicated 59% of the US corn crop was silking by July 19, 5 percentage points ahead of the 5-year average, with 13% in the dough stage. Overall US condition ratings slipped 1% to 67% good to excellent, with notable declines in North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Kansas, Missouri, and Minnesota, while Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, and Ohio saw improvements. NOAA's 7-day precipitation forecast showed 1-2 inches of rain expected in parts of Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, and Ohio, while the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana remain drier with less than 0.5 inches. Separately, President Trump announced 50% tariffs on certain Canadian goods, excluding energy and potash, citing trade discrimination.
Evergy, Inc. (EVRG), a Kansas City-based regulated electric utility serving 1.7 million customers with a $19.7 billion market cap, is set to report Q2 2026 earnings on August 6 before market open. Analysts expect diluted EPS of $0.87, up 6.1% from $0.82 a year ago. The company has beaten EPS estimates in two of the last four quarters. For fiscal 2026, analysts project EPS of $4.25, an 11% increase from fiscal 2025, with further growth to $4.55 in fiscal 2027. EVRG stock has gained 23.6% over 52 weeks, outperforming the S&P 500 (18.2%) and the utilities sector ETF (7.3%). On July 6, 2026, Evergy secured a new $3.5 billion revolving credit facility through 2031, boosting financial flexibility. Analysts give the stock a 'Moderate Buy' rating with a $92.62 average price target, implying 8.8% upside.
The Hoover Institution reports on the inaugural NextGen Roundtable: Decision 2026, held July 8-11 in Washington, DC, which brought together 400 first-time voters from diverse demographic, geographic, and ideological backgrounds. Hosted by the Close Up Foundation in partnership with the Stanford Deliberative Democracy Lab, Generation Lab, and the Hoover Institution's Center for Revitalizing American Institutions, the four-day program focused on structured deliberation rather than debate. Participants discussed pressing policy issues including artificial intelligence, immigration, America's global role, democracy, and elections. The event aimed to strengthen civic knowledge, reduce polarization, and build trust across political differences. Participants reported personal transformations, challenging assumptions and stereotypes about those with opposing views. The program concluded with a Civic Profile exercise developed by the Hoover Institution's Working Group on Civics and American Citizenship, encouraging participants to reflect on their civic knowledge, behaviors, and values.
A recent report from the Pew Charitable Trusts reveals that approximately 70% of debt lawsuits in the U.S. result in default judgments, often because most defendants fail to appear in court. Debt collection lawsuits have surged since the pandemic, with Missouri seeing cases nearly triple from 2019 to 2025. Consequences for borrowers include wage garnishment, bank account seizures, and property liens. Fewer than 10% of defendants have legal counsel, though hiring a lawyer reduces the likelihood of a default judgment by over 90%. Some states, like Virginia and Washington, have passed laws requiring greater transparency in debt lawsuits and protecting consumers from aggressive collection tactics. The article highlights the financial strain on American households, which hold nearly $19 trillion in debt, and the challenges of navigating the legal system without representation.
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) added seven Democrat-held House seats to its 2026 target list on July 20, 2026, bringing the total to 36 districts. All new targets are in states that redrew congressional maps over the past year to favor Republicans, following a Supreme Court decision limiting the Voting Rights Act. The targeted seats include Alabama's 2nd (Rep. Shomari Figures), Florida's 14th (Rep. Kathy Castor) and 22nd (open), Louisiana's 6th (Rep. Cleo Fields), Missouri's 5th (Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II), Ohio's 1st (Rep. Greg Landsman), and Tennessee's 9th (open). Republicans could gain over a dozen seats under new lines in states like Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee. Democrats countered that the GOP's gerrymandering created opportunities for Democratic pickups elsewhere, such as California and Utah. The NRCC chairman framed the effort as holding vulnerable Democrats accountable for a 'radical socialist agenda.'
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) added seven Democrat-held House seats to its 2026 target list, bringing the total to 36 districts. All new targets are in states that redrew congressional maps to favor Republicans, following a Supreme Court decision limiting the Voting Rights Act. The targeted seats include Alabama's 2nd District (Rep. Shomari Figures), Florida's 14th (Rep. Kathy Castor) and 22nd (open), Louisiana's 6th (Rep. Cleo Fields), Missouri's 5th (Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II), Ohio's 1st (Rep. Greg Landsman), and Tennessee's 9th (open). Republicans aim to expand their House majority in the midterm elections, while Democrats may gain seats in California and Utah under new maps. Primaries are scheduled in several states, with Louisiana holding all-party primaries in November.
The article warns that growing public and political backlash against data center construction in the United States could undermine American leadership in the global AI race. As the US approaches midterm elections, bipartisan opposition has emerged, including a nationwide protest, a White House-brokered Ratepayer Protection Pledge signed by Republican governors, and New York's first statewide moratorium on new hyperscale data center permits. The author argues that while US engineers may keep pace with China, the country could lose its AI advantage due to failure to build necessary infrastructure. Public concerns about energy, water, land use, and tax incentives are legitimate, but the piece highlights that foreign adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran are actively working to foment opposition and drive division. The article frames the infrastructure buildout as critical for future jobs, military readiness, and economic competitiveness, warning that blocking data centers could lead to lost investment and strategic vulnerability.
As the US approaches midterm elections, a growing grassroots backlash against data center construction threatens to undermine American leadership in artificial intelligence. Republican governors in Montana, Wyoming, and Missouri have joined a White House-brokered Ratepayer Protection Pledge, while New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed the nation's first statewide moratorium on new large-scale data center permits. A nationwide protest is planned for July 2026. The article argues that while public concerns about energy, water, and land use are legitimate, the opposition—potentially fomented by foreign adversaries including China, Russia, and Iran—could cause the US to lose the AI race not due to engineering failures but due to failure to build necessary infrastructure. The piece warns that blocking critical infrastructure could lead to job losses, military readiness gaps, and economic decline, urging policymakers to balance community concerns with the need for rapid infrastructure buildout.
The article warns that growing public and political backlash against data center construction in the United States could undermine American leadership in artificial intelligence. As the US approaches midterm elections, bipartisan opposition has emerged, including a nationwide protest, a White House-brokered Ratepayer Protection Pledge signed by Republican governors, and New York's first statewide moratorium on new hyperscale data centers. The piece argues that while the AI race may be won in laboratories, it could be lost in the political arena due to community concerns over energy, water, land use, and tax incentives. It also notes that foreign adversaries including China, Russia, and Iran are actively working to foment opposition to data centers to undermine US technological leadership. The author contends that failing to build the necessary digital and energy infrastructure could cost the US jobs, military readiness, and economic advantages to competitors like China.
Ahmad Hardy, a star running back for the University of Missouri, is in stable condition after being shot in the leg at a concert in Jackson, Mississippi. The incident occurred early Sunday morning, prompting immediate surgery. University officials confirmed Hardy is alert and mobile, expressing strong support from teammates and coaches. While his recovery appears positive, no timeline for his return to football has been established. This high-profile shooting has drawn significant attention to athlete safety and sparked an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the violence at the public venue.
Michigan State University's football program has extended a scholarship offer to Caleb Green, a three-star linebacker prospect from Lee's Summit, Missouri. Green, who recently committed to the University of Missouri in April, publicly announced the new offer from the Spartans via his social media account on X. This move signals Michigan State's active effort to flip his commitment away from the SEC-bound Tigers. Green holds a 247Sports composite rating of 87, ranking him as the No. 60 linebacker and the No. 11 player in Missouri for the 2027 recruiting class. He is also ranked as the 726th overall prospect nationally. Having chosen Missouri over other offers from Iowa State, UCF, Liberty, Arkansas State, and Kent State, Green's decision remains open to change. Analysts suggest that securing an official visit in late May or June will be critical for Michigan State to successfully compete for his signature. The situation highlights the ongoing competitive nature of college football recruiting, particularly when targeting prospects already committed to major conferences like the SEC.
Quentin Burrell, a standout junior wide receiver from Mount Carmel High School, has officially committed to play college football for the University of Michigan. The four-star prospect, ranked as the No. 14 receiver nationally in the 2027 recruiting class, announced his decision via Rivals’ YouTube channel. Burrell selected the Wolverines over other finalists including Arizona State, Missouri, and Notre Dame, citing the program's culture and his confidence in the coaching staff as key factors. His commitment continues a family tradition in collegiate athletics, with his sister recently completing her soccer career at Michigan. Burrell brings impressive statistics, including 142 career catches and 16 touchdowns, having helped lead Mount Carmel to consecutive state championships. National recruiting analysts highlight his physical attributes, high football IQ, and blocking ability, predicting he could make an immediate impact at the collegiate level. This commitment makes Burrell Michigan’s only current local pledge in the 2027 cycle, following the recent decommitment of safety Darrell Mattison.
Iowa State forward Milan Momcilovic is currently evaluating his future, balancing interest in the NBA Draft with potential returns to college basketball. As the draft deadline approaches, the 6-foot-8 sharpshooter has identified Kentucky as a top contender should he withdraw from the draft. Momcilovic, who led NCAA Division I in three-point percentage and total made threes last season, cited Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) financial opportunities as a significant factor, stating he could earn more in college than through an immediate NBA contract. He narrowed his list of potential schools to three or four programs with roster space and NIL flexibility, including Kentucky, Louisville, and St. John’s. Although Kentucky head coach Mark Pope has not spoken with him directly, staff members have maintained contact via representatives. Momcilovic expressed admiration for Pope’s coaching style, noting Kentucky would be a strong fit. This potential addition, alongside pending decisions from other prospects like Malachi Moreno, could significantly strengthen Kentucky’s roster for the upcoming season under Pope’s leadership.
Tennessee football is actively recruiting for its 2027 signing class, securing an official visit from four-star defensive end Antwan Jackson. The in-state prospect from Collierville High School in Tennessee is scheduled to visit the University of Tennessee on June 19, 2026. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 240 pounds, Jackson is ranked as the No. 29 defensive end nationally and the No. 17 player in Tennessee by 247Sports. In addition to Tennessee, he plans to visit Alabama, Ole Miss, and Missouri this summer. Tennessee extended a scholarship offer to Jackson in November 2025, following his earlier attendance at the Vols' Orange & White Game in April 2026. Memphis was the first school to offer him a scholarship in June 2024, with numerous other programs including LSU, Georgia, and Texas also extending offers. Currently, Tennessee holds seven commitments for the 2027 class, spanning positions such as linebacker, offensive tackle, and quarterback. This visit represents a significant step in the Vols' efforts to secure top local talent for their upcoming recruiting cycle.
Nebius Group reported exceptional Q1 2026 results, with revenue jumping 684% to $399 million and positive EBITDA, driven by surging AI demand. The company secured a landmark $27 billion five-year agreement with Meta and a $2 billion investment from Nvidia. Consequently, Nebius raised its capital expenditure guidance to $25 billion and commenced construction on a gigawatt-scale AI factory in Missouri, while planning another in Pennsylvania. Analysts reacted positively, raising price targets amidst strong market confidence in Nebius’s expanding infrastructure capabilities.
Eight years after the Supreme Court overturned PASPA, legalizing sports betting across most US states, prediction markets are emerging as the next major disruptor in the gaming industry. Platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket are gaining significant traction, with Kalshi recently valued at $22 billion, nearly double that of industry leader DraftKings. A survey by the American Gaming Association reveals that 81% of gaming executives view these unregulated prediction markets as a significant threat to the established legal betting ecosystem. Critics, including New York State Senator Joe Addabbo, argue that these platforms operate in a regulatory gray area, posing risks such as potential insider trading, lack of age verification, and insufficient protections for problem gamblers. While prediction markets claim they are not traditional betting platforms, pressure is mounting from state regulators to impose stricter controls. Rather than banning these entities, industry leaders and lawmakers advocate for comprehensive regulation to ensure market integrity and consumer protection. Major traditional players like FanDuel and DraftKings are also entering this space, signaling that prediction markets are becoming an integral, albeit controversial, part of the future sports wagering landscape.
St. Cloud State University's softball team has qualified for the NCAA Division II tournament for the first time since 2019, earning an at-large bid as the No. 5 seed in the Central Region. The Huskies opened their tournament play in Joplin, Missouri, but lost their initial match 9-2 to No. 4 seed Southern Arkansas. They were scheduled to face No. 8 seed Augustana in a subsequent elimination game. This appearance marks the program's 11th NCAA Tournament berth, capping a historic season under head coach Mitch Roberts. The team finished with a 46-13 overall record and a 26-4 mark in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC), securing a share of the NSIC Regular Season Championship. Notable achievements included a national ranking for the first time since 2004, a 13-game win streak, and multiple program records for doubles and defensive selections. Key players such as NSIC Pitcher of the Year Macey Clark and outfielder Bree Beck received all-tournament honors. The tournament features a double-elimination format, with regional winners advancing toward the finals in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Missouri lawmakers have passed a significant housing development bill, now awaiting Governor Mike Kehoe's signature. The legislation aims to spur housing growth across the state, from urban centers to rural communities, by establishing Missouri Innovation Zones. These zones offer property tax abatements, tax increment financing, and a new office-to-residential conversion tax credit without requiring separate redevelopment approvals for each project. A key provision allocates up to $50 million annually for converting vacant commercial buildings into housing, with half reserved for large structures in downtown St. Louis, such as the AT&T and Railway Exchange buildings. The bill emphasizes voluntary participation, preserving local zoning authority while incentivizing developers through a master scorecard system. Additionally, it expands the State Supplemental Downtown Development Program and allows municipalities to capture residential income tax for project costs. High-wealth cities must share sales tax gains with smaller communities to support rural housing stabilization. If signed, the law will take effect on August 28, marking a strategic shift toward incentivizing redevelopment rather than preempting local control.
A recent Gallup poll reveals that most Americans strongly oppose the construction of data centers in their communities, viewing them as industrial facilities with significant downsides and negligible local benefits. The opposition stems from concerns over noise pollution, potential increases in residential utility costs, and the perception that these centers support controversial AI applications while receiving substantial tax breaks. Unlike traditional industrial projects that offered job security, data centers create very few long-term employment opportunities after construction, leading to a disparity between community sacrifices and rewards. Additionally, there are fears that proximity to these facilities may decrease residential property values and result in net losses for public revenues due to tax incentives. The article highlights that this resistance is so pronounced that respondents expressed greater opposition to data centers than to nuclear power plants, which are perceived to offer clearer energy benefits. This trend underscores a growing disconnect between tech industry expansion plans and local community interests, challenging the narrative that such developments inherently benefit host regions.
The City of Austin has agreed to a tentative $35 million settlement with three men and the family of a fourth who were wrongly accused and convicted for the 1991 rape and murder of four teenage girls at a yogurt shop. The victims, Amy Ayers, Eliza Thomas, and sisters Jennifer and Sarah Harbison, were killed in a notorious crime that led to wrongful convictions based on coerced confessions. Robert Springsteen and Michael Scott served prison time before their convictions were overturned, while Forrest Welborn and Maurice Pierce faced charges that were eventually dismissed. In February, a judge declared them innocent after investigators identified Robert Eugene Brashers, who died in 1999, as the sole perpetrator using advanced DNA evidence and ballistics reviews. The settlement, pending city council approval, aims to provide closure and potentially drive police reforms to prevent future wrongful convictions. Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax stated the agreement closes a devastating chapter in the city's history, while the plaintiffs hope it leads to improved investigative safeguards.
Vanderbilt baseball head coach Tim Corbin admitted that his team likely should not have been playing during a controversial game against Missouri on May 8, 2026, due to heavy fog conditions. The incident occurred in the top of the ninth inning with Vanderbilt trailing 7-6. Batter Braden Holcomb hit a potential go-ahead home run to deep right field, but the ball became invisible in the dense fog. Although an umpire initially signaled a home run, the call was reversed to a ground-rule double after consultation among the officiating crew. The game was subsequently suspended and resumed the following day, resulting in an 8-7 loss for Vanderbilt. Corbin’s comments highlight the safety and fairness concerns regarding playing conditions in collegiate baseball. The controversy has drawn attention to the challenges of managing outdoor sports events under adverse weather conditions, specifically poor visibility. This event underscores the impact of environmental factors on game outcomes and officiating decisions in high-stakes SEC matchups.