Missouri

Missouri Senate likely to pass new congressional map Friday

Published

6 months ago

September 12, 2025

Missouri Senate likely to pass new congressional map Friday

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KFVS) – Before the end of the week, Missouri could have a new congressional map.

The map being discussed in a special legislative session would likely send one more Republican to Washington, D.C. in Congressman Emanuel Cleaver’s place. The call for the special session includes redrawing the districts that decide who represents Missourians in the U.S. House of Representatives. Lawmakers are also planning to take up bills on the state’s initiative petition process, the process that allows citizens to amend the state constitution.

“Initiative petition” is the process that allows Missourians to amend their state’s constitution. Right now, questions put on the ballot by citizens only need a simple majority to pass. This proposal would make it so that they need a statewide majority and a majority in all eight congressional districts. The change gives rural districts more power.

Currently, Missouri sends two Democrats and six Republicans to Washington, D.C. The new map is said to split up the Kansas City area, currently represented by Congressman Emanuel Cleaver. The split aims to create seven districts likely to vote Republican and only one likely to vote Democratic.

Cleaver was in Jefferson City, Thursday to speak with a Missouri Senate committee. He warned lawmakers of the dangers in the redistricting trend happening in states across the country.

“I’m gonna warn all of us that if you fight fire with fire long enough, all you’re gonna have left is ashes,” Cleaver said.

There were hours of testimony in a Thursday committee hearing, but none of it was in favor of redistricting. Even so, Republicans push forward the bill they say will improve Missouri’s representation on the national level.

“We can sit here and give all the political theater that we want, the question is, ‘Are we actually representing the constituency of Missouri with our congressional delegation?’” said Republican Sen. Rick Brattin from Lee’s Summit.

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Missouri

Extended closure of I-70 Drive Southeast in Columbia to begin Monday

Published

20 hours ago

March 22, 2026

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Extended closure of I-70 Drive Southeast in Columbia to begin Monday

The Missouri Department of Transportation announced a segment of I-70 Drive Southeast from Woodridge to Glenstone Drive in Columbia will close beginning Monday after being delayed for 14 days.

The entrance to Woodridge Drive from I-70 Drive Southeast will also be closed. The closure is set to last 300 days and aims to be completed in January 2027, according to a news release from MoDOT.

The closure will enable crews to shift traffic on I-70 to construct two new bridges on I-70. This will allow the construction of the new underpass connecting Hanover Boulevard to I-70 Drive Southeast.

All businesses will remain accessible during the closure. Motorists will be directed around the closure via Keene Street and St. Charles Road, according to the news release.

The closure was originally set for March 9. According to past KOMU 8 reporting, MoDOT postponed the project due to weather and crew availability.

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Missouri

Versailles man seriously injured in motorcycle crash in Morgan County

Published

1 day ago

March 22, 2026

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Versailles man seriously injured in motorcycle crash in Morgan County

A 29-year-old man was seriously injured in a Friday night motorcycle crash in Morgan County.

The crash happened around 7:50 p.m. on Old Five Road north of Leatherman Road, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report.

A Ford Explorer crossed the center of the roadway while heading southbound and struck a Kawasaki motorcycle heading northbound, according to the crash report.

The 29-year-old man was airlifted to University Hospital with serious injuries, according to the crash report.

The motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet. The driver of the Ford Explorer had no reported injuries and was wearing a seatbelt, according to the crash report.

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Missouri

Road work to begin on Rogers Street and Forum Boulevard this week

Published

2 days ago

March 21, 2026

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The city of Columbia Public Works Department plans to close a lane on Rogers Street and shift lanes on Forum Boulevard this week.

Rogers Street

The city of Columbia Public Works Street Division crews will begin road work on Rogers Street in front of Jefferson Middle School 7 a.m. on Monday.

One lane will be closed, and a flagger will help direct traffic through the work zone, according to a Columbia Public Works news release.

Crews plan to replace a section of failed concrete pavement in the eastbound lane, according to the news release.

Work will include removing deteriorated concrete and pouring a new concrete panel, according to the news release.

Rogers Street is expected to fully reopen by 5 p.m. on Monday, weather permitting.

Forum Boulevard

Crews also plan for road work beginning at 7 a.m., Thursday on Forum Boulevard near the intersection of Crestwood Lane, according to the news release.

Crews will replace a collapsed section of pavement, according to the news release.

No full lane closures are planned, but northbound traffic will shift lanes through the work area. Southbound traffic is expected to move normally, according to the news release.

Traffic message boards will be in place to remind travelers of the road work.

All lanes are expected to reopen by 5 p.m. on Thursday, weather permitting, according to the news release.

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