Missouri’s gerrymander fight lands back in court

By Jason Hancock | Editor-in-Chief

Good morning,

In the fight over Missouri’s gerrymandered congressional districts, local officials have reported enough signatures to put the map before voters. But Secretary of State Denny Hoskins has not made the formal call that would settle whether the referendum qualifies — or whether he believes it is legal at all.

Today’s newsletter starts there, with a lawsuit aimed squarely at Hoskins’ delay and the uncertainty now hanging over the Aug. 4 primary. We also look at what happens when systems run out of clear responsibility — from children stranded in hospitals after discharge to lawmakers debating who must report suspected abuse.

And in Kansas City, Vice President JD Vance made clear how central Missouri’s new map is to the GOP’s national ambitions.

by Rudi Keller

People Not Politicians says Hoskins’ refusal to rule on the referendum is creating legal uncertainty for the Aug. 4 primary — and putting local election officials in an impossible position.

by Cara Anthony

Children with nowhere safe to go can remain in hospital beds for weeks, months or longer, exposing a costly gap between medical care, foster care and home health support.

by Robbie Sequeira

Missouri and other states are weighing whether clergy, coaches and others with access to children should face stronger legal duties to report suspected abuse.

by Morgan Chilson

At a Kansas City stop framed around American workers, the vice president also embraced Missouri’s new congressional map and the GOP push to win a seventh U.S. House seat.

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