By Rudi Keller | Deputy Editor
When Republican U.S. Rep. Sam Graves announced his retirement March 27, it was less than a week before the March 31 filing deadline. He endorsed radio host Chris Stigall as his successor in a social media post on the day filing closed.
But whether Graves will get his preferred successor is up in the air. Stigall is locked in a bitter fight with Kansas City Councilman Nathan Willett in the Republican primary. There are three other candidates looking for a path with voters sick of the attacks.
We have the whole story for you today in The Independent.
The Independent sat down for interviews with all five Republicans running in Missouri’s 6th Congressional District. Pictured from left are Cody Oshel, Nathanael Schultz, Chris Stigall, Nathan Willett and Jim Ingram (Annelise Hanshaw and Steph Quinn/Missouri Independent)
by Annelise Hanshaw and Steph Quinn
Missouri’s 6th Congressional District accounts for over a third of the state’s agriculture sales, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, with over 27,000 farms of which 94% are family operations. But issues of agriculture, rural healthcare and public schools have at times taken a backseat as Nathan Willett and Chris Stigall spar over incumbent Sam Graves’ endorsement and who is the staunchest supporter of President Donald Trump.
Republican candidates for Missouri Senate District 18, from left, are Greg Sharpe, Ed Lewis and Dusty Blue (photos submitted).
by Rudi Keller
Two entire states — Connecticut and Rhode Island — could fit within the boundaries of northeast Missouri’s 18th state Senate District, almost 7,400 square miles where 14 counties have lost population almost continually for more than a century. On Aug. 4, Republican primary voters there will all but choose their next state senator. The two Democrats in the race have raised less than $5,000 combined, making the GOP contest between state Reps. Ed Lewis of Moberly and Greg Sharpe of Ewing and political newcomer Dusty Blue of Mexico the decisive vote in a district that hasn’t elected a Democrat since 2006.
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COMMENTARY
by Patrick Tuohey
If the chair of the Kansas City Council’s Finance Committee believes the city lacks the information necessary to make an educated decision on subsidies for a new soccer stadium, then what has she and the council been relying on for the last few years? She has voted for or advanced development-subsidy packages involving at least $1.1 billion in public financing or incentives.
Private equity might dodge state laws by partnering with healthcare nonprofits | Anna Claire Vollers
Democratic governors say proposed changes to federal grants would harm reproductive healthcare | Kelcie Moseley-Morris
To promote more housing, cities and states target parking minimums | Robbie Sequeira
States try new measures to get chronically absent students back to class | Robbie Sequeira
Darline Graham, Lindsey’s sister, sworn in as his US Senate replacement | Shauneen Miranda
Salad greens scrutinized as cyclosporiasis outbreak spreads | Anna Claire Vollers
NEWS TO KNOW
A daily roundup of Missouri headlines.
St. Charles County imposes 6-month ban on data centers | St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Southeast Missourians begin recovery work following storms, as state starts damage assessment | St. Louis Public Radio
Missouri legislators lead charge to enhance missing persons alert systems | Columbia Missourian
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