Missouris

Protests Erupt as Missouri’s New Energy Law Spurs Concerns Over Rising Utility Bills

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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — In an emotional public outcry, protesters chanted outside the state capitol Wednesday morning as Gov. Mike Kehoe signed a new utilities bill into law. Critics of the bill, including consumer protection groups and several lawmakers, claim it will lead to an increase in Missourians’ utility bills. Senate Bill 4, which primarily addresses energy and utilities regulations, will take effect on August 28. The bill was framed in response to the escalating global demand for energy fueled by advancements in technology, including broader applications of artificial intelligence. This growing energy requirement compels … Read more

ACLU of Missouri’s Tori Schafer Named Lawyer of the Year for Championing Reproductive Rights Initiative

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Jefferson City, Mo. – The ACLU of Missouri’s Tori Schafer has been named Lawyer of the Year by Missouri Lawyers Media. Schafer will be recognized alongside fellow attorneys Chris Grant of Schuchat, Cook & Werner, and Charles Hatfield of Stinson at the upcoming Annual Missouri Lawyers Awards scheduled for February 13. Schafer, currently the Director of Policy and Campaigns at the ACLU of Missouri, played a pivotal role in ensuring the passage of Amendment 3. Her efforts involved not only leading successful legal battles to maintain the amendment on the ballot but also serving as … Read more

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

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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

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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