Joshua Calvin Devine Elected as New Presiding Judge of Missouri’s 13th Judicial Circuit

Columbia, Missouri – In a unanimous decision by the judges of the 13th judicial circuit of mid-Missouri, Circuit Judge Joshua Calvin Devine has been named the presiding judge of the circuit, encompassing Boone and Callaway counties. This appointment marks a significant transition in regional judicial leadership as Judge Devine steps into a role previously held by Judge Brouck Jacobs. Judge Devine, who begins his two-year term as presiding judge effective immediately, inherits a role that demands significant leadership in the judicial process within the mid-Missouri area. Judge Jacobs, who chose not to seek a third … Read more

Missouri’s Voter ID Law Stands Strong: A Victory for Election Integrity, Says AG Bailey

Jefferson City, Missouri—Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey recently lauded a court decision to uphold a state law requiring voters to present photo identification at the polls as a significant victory for election integrity. This affirmation by the judiciary signifies the state’s commitment to secure elections amid ongoing nationwide debates over voter ID laws. In a legal battle that captured attention, proponents of the law argued that the photo ID requirement was essential for preventing potential electoral fraud and maintaining a transparent electoral process. Opponents, however, cautioned that such measures could potentially disenfranchise eligible voters, particularly … Read more

Judge Rejects Missouri’s Request to Prevent Federal Election Oversight

Kansas City, Missouri — A federal judge has ruled against Missouri’s request to prevent federal election monitors from overseeing the upcoming voting process across several locations in the state. The decision, issued early this week, highlights ongoing tensions between state and federal oversight of electoral procedures. Missouri’s Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft had filed a lawsuit attempting to block the presence of these monitors, citing concerns over their authority and the perceived intrusion into state-managed electoral affairs. The lawsuit argued that the responsibilities and jurisdiction of federal observers were unclear and potentially overreaching. Federal authorities, … Read more

Missouri’s Lax Helmet Laws Lead to Spike in Motorcycle Fatalities

Columbia, Missouri – Four years after Missouri relaxed its motorcycle helmet laws, concerns mount as the state anticipates new statistics following another summer of increased helmetless riding. In 2020, legislators amended state laws allowing motorcyclists over the age of 26 and holding health insurance to ride without helmets. This decision has coincided with rising motorcycle fatalities and injuries, emphasizing ongoing debates about road safety and personal freedom. Missouri’s experience reflects a broader national context where helmet mandates vary significantly. Across the United States, seventeen states alongside Washington DC enforce universal helmet laws. Conversely, other states … Read more