Missouri’s new governor faces key policy decisions

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe faces urgent decisions on stadium funding, abortion access, and public safety. He has requested an additional $40.5 million for Kansas City’s World Cup preparations, raising questions about the adequacy of resources for security and transportation. The uncertain future of the Chiefs and Royals looms large, as Kehoe pushes for state-backed stadium deals while facing legislative resistance and competing offers from Kansas.

Meanwhile, abortion access remains restricted, with providers challenging licensing barriers despite voters overturning the state ban. Recent revelations about unreported bomb threats at the Capitol also highlight concerns about security as the new administration begins.

The Missouri Capitol building is seen on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, in Jefferson City. By Nick Wagner

NO. 1: THE MISSOURI CAPITOL RECEIVED BOMB THREATS THAT WENT UNREPORTED, KC-AREA LAWMAKERS SAY

Kansas City-area lawmakers are concerned about Capitol security as large crowds are expected to descend on Jefferson City for the inauguration of Gov.-elect Mike Kehoe. | Published January 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kacen Bayless

Supporters and organizers of Amendment 3 and Proposition A celebrate the results of the election at a watch party at Uptown Theater in Kansas City on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. By Dominick Williams

NO. 2: MISSOURI STILL WITHOUT ABORTION ACCESS 12 WEEKS AFTER VOTE. WHAT’S BEHIND THE HOLDUP?

Planned Parenthood hopes a Jackson County judge will reconsider a December decision that kept some abortion restrictions in place. | Published January 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jonathan Shorman

The celebration kicked into high gear when Kansas City was named one of the sites for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Soccer at KC Live in the Power & Light District in 2022. By Rich Sugg

NO. 3: MISSOURI GOV. MIKE KEHOE WANTS $40M MORE FOR KANSAS CITY WORLD CUP EFFORT. IS IT ENOUGH?

The sprawling soccer tournament will test Kansas City like few events ever have. | Published January 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jonathan Shorman Kacen Bayless

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe speaks at first State of the State address on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2024. Kehoe is asking lawmakers to approve $40.5 million for Kansas City’s World Cup efforts.

NO. 4: MISSOURI’S NEW GOVERNOR WANTS TO KEEP CHIEFS, ROYALS. HOW HE PLANS TO DO IT IS A MYSTERY

During Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe’s first State of the State address, the future of the Chiefs and Royals earned only a passing nod. | Published January 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kacen Bayless Jonathan Shorman

Missouri House Speaker Jonathan Patterson, a Lee’s Summit Republican, speaks with reporters on the opening day of the 2025 legislative session on Jan. 8, 2025. By Tim Bommel

NO. 5: TOP MO LAWMAKER PRESSURES JACKSON COUNTY ON CHIEFS, ROYALS PLAN: ‘TIME IS RUNNING OUT’

“I think Jackson County will need to decide whether they want to support this venture,” said Missouri House Speaker Jonathan Patterson. “Or will they have an empty parking lot or empty stadiums?” | Published February 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kacen Bayless

NO. 6: I’M A WHITE, CHRISTIAN MISSOURIAN. JESUS WOULDN’T APPROVE OF MIKE KEHOE’S DEI BAN | OPINION

The governor called for a “color-blind approach” that rejects diversity. But color-blind people lack the ability to perceive the full spectrum of visible light. | Opinion | Published February 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Andrea Bock-Kunz

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe enters the House chamber ahead of his State of the State speech. In February, he signed and executive order banning DEI initiatives from all state agencies. By Tim Bommel

NO. 7: MISSOURI’S GOVERNOR SOLD CARS. CAN HE SELL A CHIEFS, ROYALS STADIUMS PLAN?

Approval of the governor’s plan would mark a seismic moment for the Kansas City area, signifying Missouri’s first major response to Kansas in the protracted fight over the future of the teams. | Published May 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kacen Bayless

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe put forward a plan to help fund stadiums for the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, but the plan didn’t pass before the General Assembly’s annual session ended. By Neil Nakahodo

NO. 8: WHAT’S MISSOURI’S NEXT PLAY TO KEEP CHIEFS, ROYALS AFTER STADIUMS PLAN DIES?

Gov. Mike Kehoe is widely expected to call a special session, but lawmakers are angry at each other. | Published May 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jonathan Shorman Kacen Bayless

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.