Protestors gather in the rotunda to protest a redistricting plan that would split Kansas City into three districts on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, at the Missouri State Capitol, in Jefferson City, Mo. (Yong Li Xuan/Missourian via AP)
Missouri voters are organizing to use their constitutional right to veto the GOP-controlled state legislature’s new gerrymandered map. But while they cleared one administrative hurdle Wednesday, the Republicans who run the state are trying to place yet another stumbling block in their path.
Gov. Mike Kehoe (R) signed into law last month a congressional redraw that splits apart Black communities in Kansas City and absorbs them into GOP districts, eliminating one of Missouri’s two districts reliably held by Democrats.
But unlike in Texas – another red state that has bent the knee to redraw maps this year at President Donald Trump’s demand – the Missouri constitution provides voters with the opportunity to have the last word and block unpopular legislation themselves — known as a “people’s veto.”
To put the veto question on the ballot for a statewide vote, organizers must collect over 106,000 valid signatures by Dec. 11 – from at least 5% of voters in two-thirds of the state’s congressional districts.
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Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins (R) announced Wednesday his office approved the referendum petition. But he also put an additional hurdle in organizers’ way, claiming the signatures already collected by voters are invalid and constitute a “misdemeanor election offense.” Hoskins said his approval was required before organizers could begin collecting signatures.
Petition organizers slammed Hoskins for spreading “false and misleading information” about the process “without citation or legal authority.” The state constitution only requires Missourians to submit a cover sheet before beginning to gather signatures, organizers said.
“We will not be intimidated or distracted. This referendum will qualify, and Missourians – not politicians – will decide the future of fair representation in our state,” Richard von Glahn, Executive Director of People Not Politicians Missouri, said in a statement.
More than 2,400 Missourians have volunteered to gather signatures, according to the group.
The pro-voting coalition organizing the referendum said voters have collected over 100,000 signatures “from Missourians outraged by the state’s illegal gerrymandered maps.”
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Hoskins’ effort to block the signatures is only the latest attempt from Republican state officials to stop the referendum from making it to the ballot.
Hoskins and Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway (R) previously rejected the referendum petition Sept. 26, arguing the petition was premature because the gerrymander hadn’t yet been signed into law at the time it was filed.
Petition organizers said Hanaway cited a section of the Missouri Constitution that deals with initiative petitions, not referendums.
People Not Politicians filed a petition Sept. 29 asking a circuit court for a declaratory judgment and an injunction against the rejection.
Hanaway then sent an opinion letter to Hoskins Oct. 9 approving the petition, but giving Hoskins final authority on the decision.
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Hoskins sent von Glahn a letter five days later approving the referendum petition – but left the door wide open for future roadblocks.
Hoskins warned he could later decline to certify the petition for placement on the ballot “if statutory or constitutional deficiencies” arise, such as failure to submit enough valid signatures or “defects” affecting the validity of the referendum.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – The largest distributor of kratom products in Missouri has agreed to suspend all in-state sales of kratom and its alkaloids, effective immediately.
The Missouri Attorney General’s Office announced on Thursday morning that Shaman Botanicals, LLC (American Shaman) will not sell any kratom product to Missouri consumers in stores or online.
“Kratom alkaloids, especially 7-OH, are dangerous opioids that carry serious health risks,” Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway said. “We stepped in to shut down deceptive tactics that put public health in danger. This resolution protects consumers by taking these products off Missouri shelves.”
The action ends litigation between the Attorney General’s Office, the Department of Health and Senior Services and American Shaman.
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The business also agreed to abandon Missouri-targeted retail advertising, including billboards, within 30 days.
The Attorney General’s Office launched an investigation into the business practices of American Shaman in November 2025
FILE — Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway sued CBD American Shaman over kratom products.(Hannah Falcon/KFVS)
In March, the Attorney General’s Office filed suit against American Shaman and companies connected with it.
Hanaway had alleged American Shaman advertised “free samples” of 7-OH despite its addictive nature, and frequently without disclosing the risk of addiction in its marketing.
“Retailers who use free samples and misleading marketing to hook consumers, especially those struggling with addiction, will face swift enforcement,” Hanaway said.
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Missourians who believe they were harmed by kratom alkaloids are encouraged to contact the Attorney General’s Office at 800-392-8222 or by submitting an online complaint at ago.mo.gov.
Two people were seriously injured in a crash Wednesday morning in Cole County on Route B, south of Spring Ridge Road, near St. Thomas, according to a crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Around 11:50 a.m., a 2020 Honda CRV SUV driven by a 67-year-old woman from Meta attempted to turn southbound onto Route B and traveled into the path of 2018 Freightliner Cascadia semitruck driven by a 71-year-old-man, according to the crash report.
The driver of the Honda and the passenger, a 66-year-old-man from Meta, were not wearing seat belts and were airlifted to University Hospital in Columbia, according to the crash report. Both sustained serious injuries, according to the report.
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The driver of the semitruck was not injured, according to the crash report.
As summer recreation ramps up across Missouri, safety officials are reminding residents that water safety begins long before anyone steps into a lake or river. Understanding the risks of water activities, knowing personal limits, and making responsible choices are the foundation of preventing tragedies on the water.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol and other safety agencies emphasize that natural waterways can present hidden hazards, including strong currents, sudden drop‑offs, and floating debris. Swimmers are urged to stay aware of their surroundings, use life jackets when appropriate, and avoid swimming alone.
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Officials say simple precautions—such as recognizing fatigue, monitoring weather conditions, and watching out for others in your group—can make the difference between a fun day on the water and a dangerous situation. As families head outdoors, authorities encourage everyone to treat water safety as a shared responsibility.
