Missouri

Missouri GOP leader says legislature must respect outcome if abortion amendment passes

Published

1 year ago

October 28, 2024

Missouri GOP leader says legislature must respect outcome if abortion amendment passes

Anna Spoerre
| Missouri Independent

With some GOP leaders in Missouri already plotting ways to overturn an abortion-rights amendment if it passes next month, the Republican set to take over as speaker of the state House says lawmakers should abide by the will of the voters.

State Rep. Jon Patterson, a Lee’s Summit Republican expected to become House speaker when the legislature returns in January, says he doesn’t support the proposal to enshrine abortion in the constitution, which will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot as Amendment 3.

But if it wins, he said, the legislature should respect the voters’ decision.

“It will be the law of the land,” he said Wednesday evening at a Lee’s Summit Chamber candidate forum. “And we have to go forward as the people decide.”

Regardless of the outcome on Amendment 3, Patterson — who is running for a fourth term against Democrat Kevin Grover — told Wednesday’s crowd that “I don’t think an abortion ban works. I don’t think it’s working for Missouri.”

In an interview with The Independent on Thursday, Patterson clarified he was talking about a “total ban” on abortion.

“Missourians are telling us they want compromise,” he said.

More: Here’s what to know about Missouri’s abortion ballot question before the election

When the constitutional right to an abortion was overturned in June 2022, Missouri became the first state to enact a trigger law banning the procedure in all cases except for medical emergencies. There are no exceptions for survivors of rape or incest.

In 2019, Patterson voted in favor of the trigger law that would later be used to ban abortion.

Amendment 3 would legalize abortion up until the point of fetal viability and protect other forms of reproductive health care, including access to birth control. The amendment would allow the Missouri legislature to regulate abortion after fetal viability — generally seen as the end of the second trimester of pregnancy — with exceptions for “the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant person.”

State Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, a Republican from Arnold, told The Independent last month that if the amendment passes, it will not be the last time Missourians vote on abortion.

Coleman noted that after Missourians passed a citizen-led amendment requiring legislative districts be drawn to ensure partisan fairness in 2018, the legislature placed a repeal amendment on the ballot two years later. It was also approved by Missouri voters.

“This is not the end all be all,” Coleman said of Amendment 3. “And I think you will see efforts, win or lose, for Missourians to get another say in this.”

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Earlier this month, U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, a Republican running for reelection, was asked about Amendment 3 during a rally in the Kansas City suburbs.

“I think it’s absolutely right Missouri voters get to make a choice on this,” he said. “And they can vote on it as many times as they want to.”

During an interview last month on Wake Up Mid-Missouri, Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, the GOP candidate for governor, was asked what he could do if Amendment 3 passes.

“There will be ideas from the legislature I’m sure, and other groups, on how to continue to protect innocent life,” Kehoe said, later adding: “I will do everything I can to work with legislators and other folks around the state to find ways to make sure we continue to do that in some form or fashion.”

He later said that as a person of faith, he believes “we’ll figure out something.”

So far, polling has favored Amendment 3.

A recent Emerson College poll found 58% of those surveyed support Amendment 3, with 30% opposed. The most recent SLU/YouGov Poll found that 52% supported the amendment and 34% opposed.

Looking for more election info? The nonpartisan League of Women Voters of SW MO Voters Guide is online now, in print with your Oct. 27 News-Leader

An August 2022 St. Louis University/YouGov poll found 75% of likely Missouri voters polled immediately following the enactment of the state’s ban were in favor of exceptions for abortions in cases of rape, and 79% supported exceptions in cases of incest.

Patterson’s call to abide by the outcome of the Amendment 3 vote echoes his opposition to GOP efforts earlier this year to make it harder to amend the constitution through the initiative petition process.

The proposal was an effort to undermine the abortion-rights amendment, and when it came up for a final vote in the House, Patterson was the only Republican to vote “no.” The bill ultimately died in the Senate.

This story was first published at missouriindependent.com.

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Missouri

A Missouri ban on intoxicating hemp is a ‘priority,’ lawmakers say

Published

9 hours ago

January 16, 2026

Press Room

A Missouri ban on intoxicating hemp is a ‘priority,’ lawmakers say

Rebecca Rivas
| Missouri Independent

Missouri lawmakers debated two bills this week that would align the state with the federal limits on intoxicating hemp products set to go into effect in November.

Both Missouri bills would prohibit hemp products from containing more than 0.4 milligrams of THC per container, which is among the limits included in a provision in the federal spending bill Congress approved last year.

They both would regulate intoxicating hemp the same as marijuana, which would essentially ban current hemp products because marijuana must be grown in Missouri and most hemp is grown outside of the state. They would also require hemp products to be sold in licensed cannabis dispensaries, where most are currently sold in gas stations, liquor stores, restaurants and smoke shops.

State officials estimated in 2024 that 40,000 food establishments and smoke shops and 1,800 food manufacturers were selling products that would be banned under the proposed federal regulations. It includes low-dose THC seltzers, such as Mighty Kind and Triple, that have increased in popularity at liquor stores and bars.

While business owners selling these products oppose the federal ban, some said they’re putting their support behind a proposal by Republican state Rep. Dave Hinman of O’Fallon because it would allow Missouri to sell the products if Congress changes its mind in the future.

A House committee discussed Hinman’s legislation Tuesday, Jan. 13, making it one of the first bills to get a public hearing during the new legislative session that began last week.

“The bottom line for us is, if it’s authorized and it’s lawful under federal law, we should be able to sell it here in Missouri, just like all the other 49 states will be able to sell it,” said Ron Leon, executive director of the Missouri Petroleum and Convenience Association, which represents gas stations and convenience stores, during the hearing Tuesday evening.

The other bill, proposed by Republican state Sen. David Gregory of Chesterfield, does not include this provision. Another difference in Gregory’s bill is that it includes an emergency clause, meaning it would be enacted as soon as lawmakers approve it and the governor signs it.

“Now it’s time for us to ensure the safety of our kids, regardless of what Congress did or will be doing in the future,” Gregory said during the Senate committee hearing Wednesday morning. “And we need to prohibit intoxicating cannabis from being sold anywhere except for the way our voters designed it and requested it be sold. And that’s exactly what this bill seeks to do.”

The Missouri Cannabis Trade Association, which represents marijuana businesses, has put its support behind both bills. The Missouri Hemp Trade Association, which represents a number of hemp businesses, spoke in opposition to Gregory’s bill but was neutral on Hinman’s bill.

This will be the fourth year in a row that Missouri lawmakers have attempted to regulate intoxicating hemp products, with previous debates ending in stalemates.

However, Hinman said this is a priority for the state’s leadership.

“I met with [Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway] last week, and she thinks this needs to be a priority,” Hinman told The Independent. “I believe the governor is the same and the speaker (of the House) is the same, so I think it’s going to move pretty quick.”

The Law Enforcement Legislative Coalition, which represents police chiefs across Missouri, is supporting both bills. Lake Saint Louis Police Department Chief Chris DiGiuseppi emphasized at both the Senate and House committee hearings this week that the federal provision does not give local police authority to enforce the ban, which is why the state bills are necessary.

“In order to enforce federal law, we’d have to go to a federal law enforcement agency,” DiGiuseppi told the state Senate committee members Wednesday. “We would have to get others involved. We can only enforce state statute. That’s what we’re empowered to do.”

State Sen. Nick Schroer, a Republican from Defiance, asked DiGiuseppi how difficult it would be to enforce the federal ban if Missouri lawmakers fail to pass regulations again this year.

“It would be much more difficult,” DiGiuseppi said. “It’s always easier to try to take care of that in house … so we appreciate all the help we can get.”

Kathi Harness, a lobbyist for the Missouri Beer Wholesalers Association, opposed both bills during hearings this week. She argued that state lawmakers should consider conversations that are happening at the national level.

Earlier this week, a U.S. House bill was filed to delay the implementation of the federal ban until 2028.

The association is supporting separate legislation to allow the sale of intoxicating hemp beverages to continue, contingent on what happens at the federal level.

“I believe, as do many people, … that what they will do is they will give it back to the states to regulate,” Harness said. “The federal government doesn’t regulate alcohol at the federal level. Alcohol is regulated at the state level, and I think there’s a very good chance that that’s how it will go if, in fact, the federal government decides to allow this product.”

This story was first published at missouriindependent.com.

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Missouri

Woman wins $50K Powerball prize in Southeast Missouri

Published

21 hours ago

January 15, 2026

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Woman wins K Powerball prize in Southeast Missouri

BENTON, Mo. (KFVS) – Missouri lottery officials say a woman won a $50,000 prize after buying a Powerball ticket at Reeves Boomland in Benton.

The woman matched four numbers and the Powerball number on her Quick Pick ticket purchased out of the vending machine on December 17.

“I was very surprised and excited,” the winner said, after claiming her prize at the Lottery’s St. Louis regional office.

The next drawing for Powerball is on Saturday.

Saturday’s jackpot is estimated at $179 million.

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Missouri Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 winning numbers for Jan. 14, 2026

Published

1 day ago

January 15, 2026

Press Room

The Missouri Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Jan. 14, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Jan. 14 drawing

06-24-39-43-51, Powerball: 02, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from Jan. 14 drawing

Midday: 3-8-0

Midday Wild: 9

Evening: 1-3-9

Evening Wild: 0

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from Jan. 14 drawing

Midday: 2-4-1-9

Midday Wild: 7

Evening: 4-7-2-9

Evening Wild: 6

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash4Life numbers from Jan. 14 drawing

25-28-31-38-47, Cash Ball: 03

Check Cash4Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from Jan. 14 drawing

Early Bird: 08

Morning: 13

Matinee: 06

Prime Time: 14

Night Owl: 04

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Show Me Cash numbers from Jan. 14 drawing

01-09-13-26-29

Check Show Me Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from Jan. 14 drawing

06-20-28-47-48, Powerball: 03

Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

All Missouri Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes over $600, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Missouri Lottery’s regional offices, by appointment only.

To claim by mail, complete a Missouri Lottery winner claim form, sign your winning ticket, and include a copy of your government-issued photo ID along with a completed IRS Form W-9. Ensure your name, address, telephone number and signature are on the back of your ticket. Claims should be mailed to:

Ticket Redemption

Missouri Lottery

P.O. Box 7777

Jefferson City, MO 65102-7777

For in-person claims, visit the Missouri Lottery Headquarters in Jefferson City or one of the regional offices in Kansas City, Springfield or St. Louis. Be sure to call ahead to verify hours and check if an appointment is required.

For additional instructions or to download the claim form, visit the Missouri Lottery prize claim page.

When are the Missouri Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 10 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
Pick 3: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
Pick 4: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
Cash4Life: 8 p.m. daily.
Cash Pop: 8 a.m. (Early Bird), 11 a.m. (Late Morning), 3 p.m. (Matinee), 7 p.m. (Prime Time) and 11 p.m. (Night Owl) daily.
Show Me Cash: 8:59 p.m. daily.
Lotto: 8:59 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.
Powerball Double Play: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Missouri editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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