Jason Hancock
@jasonhancock.bsky.social
Editor-in-chief of The Missouri Independent, a nonpartisan, nonprofit newsroom.
Detective for the people. Raker of muck.
jhancock@missouriindependent.com
Detective for the people. Raker of muck.
jhancock@missouriindependent.com
Pinned
Jason Hancock
@jasonhancock.bsky.social
· Jan 11
Here's a preview of our newsletter, the Daily Independent. It's free & shows up in your inbox everyday at 6 a.m.
Today, I lay out the two moments that explain Mike Parson's 6yrs as governor (subscriber exclusive), alongside stories by Anna Spoerre, Kevin Hardy & others. #moleg
tinyurl.com/zj6wnafu
Today, I lay out the two moments that explain Mike Parson's 6yrs as governor (subscriber exclusive), alongside stories by Anna Spoerre, Kevin Hardy & others. #moleg
tinyurl.com/zj6wnafu
Reposted by Jason Hancock
More than 3,000 immigrants who are in Missouri legally but are not citizens are expected to lose eligibility for the nation’s largest federal food assistance program this month.
Another 6,000 could lose benefits in the coming months. #moleg #mogov
Another 6,000 could lose benefits in the coming months. #moleg #mogov
Thousands of refugees, legal immigrants in Missouri could lose food assistance • Missouri Independent
More than 3,000 legal immigrants and refugees in Missouri are expected to lose eligibility for federal food assistance this month.
missouriindependent.com
November 11, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Reposted by Jason Hancock
PAC tied to Jay Ashcroft’s 2024 Missouri governor campaign fined for violating ethics laws #moleg #mogov
PAC tied to Jay Ashcroft’s 2024 Missouri governor campaign fined for violating ethics laws • Missouri Independent
The PAC backing Jay Ashcroft’s 2024 bid for governor improperly coordinated with his campaign, according to a consent agreement.
missouriindependent.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Reposted by Jason Hancock
The number of Hepatitis C infections in pregnancy increased tenfold from 2000 to 2019. Legislative solutions helped paved the way for a new ‘meds to beds’ program at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis that’s bringing better access to a cure. #moleg #mogov
‘Light bulb moment’: New approach to treating Hep C postpartum a success in St. Louis • Missouri Independent
A “meds to beds” program at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis has seen huge success in curing postpartum women infected with Hepatitis C.
missouriindependent.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Reposted by Jason Hancock
Many are grappling with financial uncertainty of investing their life savings as they work to make their marijuana businesses a success #moleg #mogov
‘Blood, sweat and tears’: Missouri cannabis microbusiness owners begin to see light • Missouri Independent
Missouri has approved 12 microbusinesses to begin operating out of 68 total licenses issued: two dispensaries and 10 wholesale licenses.
missouriindependent.com
November 10, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Reposted by Jason Hancock
The Trump administration has instructed states that authorized full November nutrition assistance benefits to return a portion, another unprecedented reversal for a program that helps 42 million people afford groceries. #moleg #mogov
States told by Trump administration to 'undo' full SNAP benefits paid for November • Missouri Independent
Trump has instructed states that authorized full November nutrition assistance benefits to return a portion.
missouriindependent.com
November 9, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Reposted by Jason Hancock
When Josh Hawley gets angry
The Weekender @missouriindependent.com.web.brid.gy
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November 9, 2025 at 2:46 PM
When Josh Hawley gets angry
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Reposted by Jason Hancock
Researchers and business leaders warn that discriminatory laws are pushing LGBTQ+ Missourians and employers to leave, hurting the state’s economy. #moleg #mogov
Missouri anti-LGBTQ+ laws linked to population loss and decline in tax revenue, studies find • Missouri Independent
Researchers and business leaders warn that discriminatory laws are pushing LGBTQ+ Missourians and employers to leave the state.
missouriindependent.com
November 7, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Missouri anti-LGBTQ+ laws linked to population loss and decline in tax revenue, studies find #moleg #mogov
Missouri anti-LGBTQ+ laws linked to population loss and decline in tax revenue, studies find • Missouri Independent
Researchers and business leaders warn that discriminatory laws are pushing LGBTQ+ Missourians and employers to leave the state.
missouriindependent.com
November 7, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Reposted by Jason Hancock
If Missouri’s newly gerrymandered congressional map makes it to the ballot next year, Republican Secretary of State Denny Hoskins wants to tell voters it “better reflects statewide voting patterns” and replaces a “gerrymandered” version that “protects incumbent politicians.” #moleg #mogov
Referendum backers reject ballot title for vote on gerrymandered Missouri congressional map • Missouri Independent
If Missourians vote on the gerrymandered congressional map, Secretary of State Denny Hoskins wants the ballot to say it “reflects statewide voting patterns.”
missouriindependent.com
November 6, 2025 at 12:57 PM
Reposted by Jason Hancock
The exact number of abortions provided since the passage of Amendment 3 is not yet available. But Sam Lee, a longtime anti-abortion advocate with Campaign Life Missouri, said it seems to be “nowhere near what we had anticipated or what the supporters of Amendment 3 had anticipated.” #moleg #mogov
Missouri legalized abortion 1 year ago. Here’s what’s happened since the landmark vote • Missouri Independent
One year ago, Missourians codified the right to abortion in the state constitution. Multiple lawsuits and a proposed abortion ban followed.
missouriindependent.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri legalized abortion 1 year ago. Here’s what’s happened since the landmark vote #moleg #mogov
Missouri legalized abortion 1 year ago. Here’s what’s happened since the landmark vote • Missouri Independent
One year ago, Missourians codified the right to abortion in the state constitution. Multiple lawsuits and a proposed abortion ban followed.
missouriindependent.com
November 5, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Reposted by Jason Hancock
Five Democratic senators pilloried the plan for replacement workers as potentially putting the nation’s military at risk while U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley demanded the company negotiate in good faith with striking workers. #moleg #mogov
Boeing receives more heat from Congress to settle St. Louis strike • Missouri Independent
Democratic and Republican senators say Boeing is potentially putting the nation's military at risk by choosing to replace striking workers.
missouriindependent.com
November 4, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Reposted by Jason Hancock
A hearing that was to be the first of at least three this month deciding the fate of Missouri’s newly gerrymandered congressional map was postponed Monday due to a judge’s illness. #moleg #mogov
Judge’s illness delays hearing on referendum to overturn Missouri’s gerrymandered map • Missouri Independent
A hearing that was to be the first of at least three deciding the fate of Missouri’s newly gerrymandered congressional map was postponed Monday.
missouriindependent.com
November 3, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri health premiums to rise as much as 30% for 2026 amid uncertainty over federal subsidies #moleg #mogov
Missouri health premiums to rise as much as 30% for 2026 amid uncertainty over subsidies • Missouri Independent
Most individual health insurance plan premiums in Missouri will increase next year in addition to new costs as federal subsidies expire.
missouriindependent.com
October 31, 2025 at 10:38 PM
Reposted by Jason Hancock
Missouri aid for moms and babies to continue as other food assistance ends during shutdown #moleg #mogov
Missouri aid for moms and babies to continue as other food assistance ends during shutdown • Missouri Independent
Gov. Mike Kehoe and state health officials announced continued funding for food assistance with some programs set to run dry.
missouriindependent.com
October 30, 2025 at 11:07 AM
Reposted by Jason Hancock
Boeing faces more pressure from Congress as St. Louis workers strike nears three months
Union members narrowly rejected the company’s last contract offer, and in response Boeing leadership has vowed to accelerate efforts to hire permanent replacement workers. #moleg #mogov
Union members narrowly rejected the company’s last contract offer, and in response Boeing leadership has vowed to accelerate efforts to hire permanent replacement workers. #moleg #mogov
Boeing faces more pressure from Congress as St. Louis workers strike nears three months • Missouri Independent
Union members narrowly rejected the company’s last contract offer, and Boeing leadership has vowed hire permanent replacement workers.
missouriindependent.com
October 29, 2025 at 7:14 PM
Reposted by Jason Hancock
The Missouri House Ethics Committee on Wednesday wrapped up an investigation into an obscene text message sent from one lawmaker to another during September’s legislative special session. #moleg #mogov
Missouri House ethics hearing focuses on obscene text sent by Democratic lawmaker • Missouri Independent
The Missouri House Ethics Committee on Wednesday wrapped up an investigation into an obscene text message sent from one lawmaker to another.
missouriindependent.com
October 29, 2025 at 8:47 PM
Reposted by Jason Hancock
‘How can you not worry?’: Missouri food pantries brace for families to lose federal aid #moleg #mogov
‘How can you not worry?’: Missouri food pantries brace for families to lose federal aid • Missouri Independent
As the federal shutdown drags on, food pantries across Missouri are confronting how to meet demand if SNAP benefits run out in November.
missouriindependent.com
October 28, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Reposted by Jason Hancock
Reposted by Jason Hancock
In September, an average of 487 Missourians were waiting for a bed in a psychiatric hospital run by the state. The waitlist has grown by a third since September 2024 and almost 88% since September 2023. #moleg #mogov
Nearly 500 Missourians awaiting court-ordered mental health services, an all-time high • Missouri Independent
Although pilot programs providing services in jails have helped address mental health needs, sheriffs say they aren't enough to meet demand.
missouriindependent.com
October 27, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Reposted by Jason Hancock
The biggest unresolved question after a months-long study of the Missouri parole system is arguably the most important — what portion of a sentence must be served before an incarcerated person is eligible for release? #moleg #mogov
Missouri governor’s parole working group ducks question of time served before release • Missouri Independent
The biggest unresolved question after a months-long study of the Missouri parole system is what portion of a sentence must be served before release?
missouriindependent.com
October 24, 2025 at 1:38 PM
Reposted by Jason Hancock
The first three bullet points of the ballot summary make no mention of the proposal’s main purpose, which is to require constitutional amendments put on the ballot by voters to obtain both a simple majority statewide and a majority in all eight congressional districts to pass. #moleg #mogov
Lawsuit challenges ‘ballot candy’ in proposal to make it harder to amend Missouri constitution • Missouri Independent
Missouri Realtors challenged the summary for a proposal making it nearly impossible for constitutional amendments to pass through the initiative petition process.
missouriindependent.com
October 23, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Reposted by Jason Hancock
When state lawmakers passed the bill allowing Missouri to collect sales tax on internet purchases, they also expanded an exemption for mining and manufacturing. Two counties that lost 20% of their sales tax revenue want the courts to nullify the law or force the state to replace the money. #moleg
Loss of sales tax revenue spurs lawsuit by two Missouri counties • Missouri Independent
Two southeast Missouri counties are suing the state after losing one-fifth of their sales tax revenue to an exemption enacted in 2021.
missouriindependent.com
October 23, 2025 at 12:09 PM
When state lawmakers passed the bill allowing Missouri to collect sales tax on internet purchases, they also expanded an exemption for mining and manufacturing. Two counties that lost 20% of their sales tax revenue want the courts to nullify the law or force the state to replace the money. #moleg