Rudi Keller-Missouri Independent
Missouri Independent ReporterRudi Keller covers the state budget and the legislature. A graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, he spent 22 of his 32 years in journalism covering Missouri government and politics for the Columbia Daily Tribune, where he won awards for spot news and investigative reporting.
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With ballot deadlines looming, judges questioned whether there is still time to order Missouri to use the 2025 congressional districts in November -
Secretary of State Denny Hoskins wants the 8th Circuit to restore the 2025 congressional districts and find the voter referendum challenging them unconstitutional. -
Nick La Strada, fired in May as director of election integrity, alleges Denny Hoskins also illegally used public funds to influence a St. Louis County election -
In a late-night order, Missouri’s highest court directed the secretary of state to explain his actions in implementing a gerrymandered congressional map -
Gov. Mike Kehoe vetoed nearly $53 million from Missouri’s $50.7 billion state budget Tuesday, but his larger move was to freeze $441 million in spending — including dozens of lawmaker-backed earmarks — as state revenues lag projections and Missouri’s pandemic-era surplus dwindles. -
Opponents contend the measure would violate a ban on constitutional amendments including more than one subject. They also argue that the ballot summary is misleading and should be changed. -
Republicans advanced major priorities on taxes, public safety, and abortion, while broad property tax relief and education priorities stalled. -
The head of the state clerks' association says local election officials still lack access to the voter database needed to finalize new district assignments. -
The Missouri House narrowly passed a spending bill that reallocates $1 billion in support for colleges and universities as part of a $50.4 billion budget for state operations. Some schools would see their funding cut by 40% or more. -
State colleges and universities face big changes in state funding under the $50.3 billion budget for state operations in the coming fiscal year. The budget also includes $60 million for an expanded private-school voucher program
