Clara Bates
@clarabates.bsky.social
Pinned
Clara Bates
@clarabates.bsky.social
· Jan 9
Kurtis Watkins asks federal court to free him from prison, citing revelations about St. Louis cop • Missouri Independent
A St. Louis man sentenced to 25 years in prison based on the testimony of a police officer is asking a federal court to vacate his conviction.
missouriindependent.com
Kurtis Watkins, sentenced to 25 years in prison based solely on the testimony of police officer Steven Pinkerton is asking a federal court to vacate his conviction — after new evidence about Pinkerton’s past came to light last month following a monthslong investigation by @missouriindependent.com 1/
Reposted by Clara Bates
A Missouri man who was sentenced to death by a trial judge in 2009 despite a jury deadlocking on whether he should be executed has been scheduled to undergo lethal injection in October.
via @missouriindependent.com
www.newsfromthestates.com/article/exec...
via @missouriindependent.com
www.newsfromthestates.com/article/exec...
Execution date set for man sentenced to die by a Missouri judge over 2005 murder
A Missouri man who was sentenced to death by a trial judge in 2009 despite a jury deadlocking on whether he should be executed has been scheduled to undergo lethal injection in October.
www.newsfromthestates.com
June 25, 2025 at 2:01 PM
A Missouri man who was sentenced to death by a trial judge in 2009 despite a jury deadlocking on whether he should be executed has been scheduled to undergo lethal injection in October.
via @missouriindependent.com
www.newsfromthestates.com/article/exec...
via @missouriindependent.com
www.newsfromthestates.com/article/exec...
Reposted by Clara Bates
A Missouri man who was sentenced to death by a trial judge in 2009 despite a jury deadlocking on whether he should be executed has been scheduled to undergo lethal injection in October. #moleg #mogov via @clarabates.bsky.social
Execution date set for man sentenced to die by a Missouri judge over 2005 murder • Missouri Independent
A Missouri man was sentenced to death by a trial judge in 2009 despite a jury deadlocking on whether he should be executed.
missouriindependent.com
June 25, 2025 at 1:52 PM
A Missouri man who was sentenced to death by a trial judge in 2009 despite a jury deadlocking on whether he should be executed has been scheduled to undergo lethal injection in October. #moleg #mogov via @clarabates.bsky.social
Reposted by Clara Bates
In the nearly two decades Sara Smith spent working at Missouri’s Department of Social Services, she remembers nine different people running the agency in charge of investigating child abuse and neglect.
In March, Smith took the helm herself. #moleg #mogov via @clarabates.bsky.social
In March, Smith took the helm herself. #moleg #mogov via @clarabates.bsky.social
New Missouri child welfare leader looks for a clean break from the past • Missouri Independent
Sara Smith remembers nine different people running the agency in charge of investigating child abuse and neglect.
missouriindependent.com
June 23, 2025 at 1:03 PM
In the nearly two decades Sara Smith spent working at Missouri’s Department of Social Services, she remembers nine different people running the agency in charge of investigating child abuse and neglect.
In March, Smith took the helm herself. #moleg #mogov via @clarabates.bsky.social
In March, Smith took the helm herself. #moleg #mogov via @clarabates.bsky.social
Reposted by Clara Bates
Sara Smith, the new Children’s Division director, has moved away from her predecessor’s focus on shrinking the foster care system. The Independent's @clarabates.bsky.social sat down with her for an interview about her tenure so far and plans for the future. #moleg #mogov
New Missouri child welfare leader looks for a clean break from the past • Missouri Independent
Sara Smith remembers nine different people running the agency in charge of investigating child abuse and neglect.
missouriindependent.com
June 23, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Sara Smith, the new Children’s Division director, has moved away from her predecessor’s focus on shrinking the foster care system. The Independent's @clarabates.bsky.social sat down with her for an interview about her tenure so far and plans for the future. #moleg #mogov
Reposted by Clara Bates
When the state announced the Caruthersville license office was going to close, residents needing to renew registrations or driver license were directed to the closest open offices in Kennett, New Madrid and Malden. #moleg #mogov via @rudikellermi.bsky.social
Five Missouri counties no longer have a license office. A fee hike seeks to fix that • Missouri Independent
A bill increasing Missouri license office fees is intended to find contractors for the six currently closed and prevent further closings.
missouriindependent.com
June 20, 2025 at 3:03 PM
When the state announced the Caruthersville license office was going to close, residents needing to renew registrations or driver license were directed to the closest open offices in Kennett, New Madrid and Malden. #moleg #mogov via @rudikellermi.bsky.social
Reposted by Clara Bates
Missouri has among the highest rates of antipsychotic drug use in nursing home residents, contributing to the state’s health care system ranking near the bottom nationally in a report released Wednesday. #moleg #mogov via @clarabates.bsky.social
Missouri’s health system among worst-performing in the country, report finds • Missouri Independent
Missouri has among the highest rates of antipsychotic drug use in nursing home residents, contributing to the state’s health care system ranking near the bottom nationally in a report released Wednesd...
missouriindependent.com
June 18, 2025 at 12:06 PM
Missouri has among the highest rates of antipsychotic drug use in nursing home residents, contributing to the state’s health care system ranking near the bottom nationally in a report released Wednesday. #moleg #mogov via @clarabates.bsky.social
Reposted by Clara Bates
Roughly two-thirds of Medicaid population in Missouri of working age (age 19-64) are employed; most of the rest have a work disability or illness, are caregiving for a child under age 6, or are in school, or retired.
@cahsperiph.bsky.social cahsper.wustl.edu/items/charac...
@cahsperiph.bsky.social cahsper.wustl.edu/items/charac...
June 10, 2025 at 5:58 PM
Roughly two-thirds of Medicaid population in Missouri of working age (age 19-64) are employed; most of the rest have a work disability or illness, are caregiving for a child under age 6, or are in school, or retired.
@cahsperiph.bsky.social cahsper.wustl.edu/items/charac...
@cahsperiph.bsky.social cahsper.wustl.edu/items/charac...
Reposted by Clara Bates
One lawmaker said without passing an extension on the statute of limitations for child abuse survivors, Missouri runs the risk of becoming a "sanctuary state for pedophiles." #moleg #mogov via @clarabates.bsky.social
Missouri Republican says special interests killed bill aiding child sex abuse survivors • Missouri Independent
Missouri advocates scored a victory during this year’s legislative session with the elimination of non-disclosure agreements in child sex abuse cases. But the internal politics of the Capitol spelled ...
missouriindependent.com
June 16, 2025 at 12:02 PM
One lawmaker said without passing an extension on the statute of limitations for child abuse survivors, Missouri runs the risk of becoming a "sanctuary state for pedophiles." #moleg #mogov via @clarabates.bsky.social
Reposted by Clara Bates
Law enforcement officers have apprehended Vance Boelter, who is accused of murdering DFL House leader Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. Gov. Tim Walz and law enforcement leaders are expected to speak shortly. minnesotareformer.com/2025/06/15/v...
Vance Boelter, accused of assassination of DFL House leader Melissa Hortman, apprehended • Minnesota Reformer
Boelter is a Christian who voted for President Donald Trump and opposes abortion and LGBTQ rights, according to interviews with his childhood friend and videos of his sermons posted online.
minnesotareformer.com
June 16, 2025 at 3:35 AM
Law enforcement officers have apprehended Vance Boelter, who is accused of murdering DFL House leader Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. Gov. Tim Walz and law enforcement leaders are expected to speak shortly. minnesotareformer.com/2025/06/15/v...
Reposted by Clara Bates
A $1.5 billion stadium funding plan aimed at convincing the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals to stay in Missouri was signed into law Saturday afternoon by Gov. Mike Kehoe shortly before his trip to France on a trade mission. #moleg #mogov via @jasonhancock.bsky.social
Missouri governor signs Kansas City stadium funding, St. Louis disaster aid • Missouri Independent
A $1.5 billion stadium funding plan aimed at convincing the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals to stay in Missouri was signed into law.
missouriindependent.com
June 14, 2025 at 8:32 PM
A $1.5 billion stadium funding plan aimed at convincing the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals to stay in Missouri was signed into law Saturday afternoon by Gov. Mike Kehoe shortly before his trip to France on a trade mission. #moleg #mogov via @jasonhancock.bsky.social
Reposted by Clara Bates
House Democratic leader Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, dead after targeted shooting. Sen. John Hoffman was also shot, though he's expected to recover.
Minnesota House Democratic leader dead after targeted shooting; Democratic senator also shot • Minnesota Reformer
House Democratic-Farmer-Labor caucus leader Melissa Hortman, who was among the most influential Minnesota elected officials of the past decade, died on Saturday morning after a man impersonating a pol...
minnesotareformer.com
June 14, 2025 at 3:57 PM
House Democratic leader Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, dead after targeted shooting. Sen. John Hoffman was also shot, though he's expected to recover.
Reposted by Clara Bates
The number of Missourians languishing in jail while they wait for a spot in a state-run psychiatric hospital continues to climb, with nearly 450 people stuck in limbo in need of mental health treatment.
@missouriindependent.com reports:
@missouriindependent.com reports:
Missourians stuck in jail waiting for mental health care up 40% from last year
The 444 individuals on the Department of Mental Health’s waitlist have been charged with crimes but not convicted.
www.stlpr.org
June 13, 2025 at 10:08 PM
The number of Missourians languishing in jail while they wait for a spot in a state-run psychiatric hospital continues to climb, with nearly 450 people stuck in limbo in need of mental health treatment.
@missouriindependent.com reports:
@missouriindependent.com reports:
Reposted by Clara Bates
Since 1875, the Missouri Constitution has banned state or local governments from granting public money or credit for the benefit of private interests. How does the stadium bill passed this week get around that prohibition?
@rudikellermi.bsky.social 'splains it. #moleg #mogov
@rudikellermi.bsky.social 'splains it. #moleg #mogov
Rudi ’splains it: How Kansas City stadium funding clears state constitutional hurdles • Missouri Independent
The 19th century default on Missouri railroad bonds led to a ban on state funds for private enterprise, raising questions about stadium funding plans.
missouriindependent.com
June 13, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Since 1875, the Missouri Constitution has banned state or local governments from granting public money or credit for the benefit of private interests. How does the stadium bill passed this week get around that prohibition?
@rudikellermi.bsky.social 'splains it. #moleg #mogov
@rudikellermi.bsky.social 'splains it. #moleg #mogov
Reposted by Clara Bates
Individuals on the waitlist have been charged with crimes but not convicted. Many are detained for longer than they would be if they’d received the maximum sentence for their charges. #moleg #mogov via @clarabates.bsky.social
Missourians stuck in jail waiting for mental health care up 40% from last year • Missouri Independent
The number of Missourians languishing in jail while they wait for a spot in a state-run psychiatric hospital continues to rise.
missouriindependent.com
June 13, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Individuals on the waitlist have been charged with crimes but not convicted. Many are detained for longer than they would be if they’d received the maximum sentence for their charges. #moleg #mogov via @clarabates.bsky.social
Reposted by Clara Bates
The number of Missourians languishing in jail while they wait for a spot in a state-run psychiatric hospital continues to climb, with nearly 450 people stuck in limbo in need of mental health treatment. #moleg #mogov via @clarabates.bsky.social
Missourians stuck in jail waiting for mental health care up 40% from last year • Missouri Independent
The number of Missourians languishing in jail while they wait for a spot in a state-run psychiatric hospital continues to rise.
missouriindependent.com
June 13, 2025 at 1:27 PM
The number of Missourians languishing in jail while they wait for a spot in a state-run psychiatric hospital continues to climb, with nearly 450 people stuck in limbo in need of mental health treatment. #moleg #mogov via @clarabates.bsky.social
missouriindependent.com/2025/06/10/k...
Legislation to void non-disclosure agreements in child sexual abuse cases was signed into law today by Gov. Mike Kehoe. @missouriindependent.com
Legislation to void non-disclosure agreements in child sexual abuse cases was signed into law today by Gov. Mike Kehoe. @missouriindependent.com
Kehoe signs into law Missouri bill voiding NDAs in child sex abuse cases • Missouri Independent
Legislation to void non-disclosure agreements in child sexual abuse cases was signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Mike Kehoe.
missouriindependent.com
June 10, 2025 at 10:51 PM
missouriindependent.com/2025/06/10/k...
Legislation to void non-disclosure agreements in child sexual abuse cases was signed into law today by Gov. Mike Kehoe. @missouriindependent.com
Legislation to void non-disclosure agreements in child sexual abuse cases was signed into law today by Gov. Mike Kehoe. @missouriindependent.com
Missouri ranked in the bottom third of all states for children’s health, according to a report released Monday — due in part to a high rate of child and teen deaths.
missouriindependent.com/briefs/misso... @missouriindependent.com
missouriindependent.com/briefs/misso... @missouriindependent.com
Missouri continues to lag behind most states in children’s health, report finds • Missouri Independent
Missouri ranked in the bottom third of all states for children’s health, according to a report released Monday — due in part to a high rate of child and teen deaths.
missouriindependent.com
June 9, 2025 at 10:23 PM
Missouri ranked in the bottom third of all states for children’s health, according to a report released Monday — due in part to a high rate of child and teen deaths.
missouriindependent.com/briefs/misso... @missouriindependent.com
missouriindependent.com/briefs/misso... @missouriindependent.com
Reposted by Clara Bates
Missouri has begun issuing federal food benefits that could reach 475,000 kids this summer. #moleg #mogov via @clarabates.bsky.social
Missouri begins issuing summer food aid for kids • Missouri Independent
Missouri has begun issuing federal food benefits that could reach 475,000 kids this summer, filling a need when school food is not available.
missouriindependent.com
June 6, 2025 at 10:41 PM
Missouri has begun issuing federal food benefits that could reach 475,000 kids this summer. #moleg #mogov via @clarabates.bsky.social
Missouri this week began issuing federal food benefits for low-income children, called SUN Bucks @missouriindependent.com
missouriindependent.com/briefs/misso...
missouriindependent.com/briefs/misso...
Missouri begins issuing summer food aid for kids • Missouri Independent
Missouri has begun issuing federal food benefits that could reach 475,000 kids this summer, filling a need when school food is not available.
missouriindependent.com
June 6, 2025 at 10:31 PM
Missouri this week began issuing federal food benefits for low-income children, called SUN Bucks @missouriindependent.com
missouriindependent.com/briefs/misso...
missouriindependent.com/briefs/misso...
ArchCity Defenders filed a lawsuit today to block Missouri from taking over the St. Louis police:
missouriindependent.com/2025/06/05/c... @missouriindependent.com
missouriindependent.com/2025/06/05/c... @missouriindependent.com
Civil rights law firm sues to block Missouri from taking over St. Louis police • Missouri Independent
A St. Louis civil rights law firm filed a lawsuit Thursday challenging the state takeover of the St. Louis police as unconstitutional.
missouriindependent.com
June 5, 2025 at 4:35 PM
ArchCity Defenders filed a lawsuit today to block Missouri from taking over the St. Louis police:
missouriindependent.com/2025/06/05/c... @missouriindependent.com
missouriindependent.com/2025/06/05/c... @missouriindependent.com
Reposted by Clara Bates
Gov. Mike Kehoe wants a quick session to approve stadium financing, disaster relief and state spending that failed in the regular session. How he satisfies lawmakers demanding more could decide success or failure for the new governor. #moleg #mogov via @rudikellermi.bsky.social
Missouri special session begins with lawmakers split on stadium funding plan • Missouri Independent
The opening of the legislative special session Monday put partisan and intraparty fights in the Missouri Senate on display.
missouriindependent.com
June 2, 2025 at 10:45 PM
Gov. Mike Kehoe wants a quick session to approve stadium financing, disaster relief and state spending that failed in the regular session. How he satisfies lawmakers demanding more could decide success or failure for the new governor. #moleg #mogov via @rudikellermi.bsky.social
Reposted by Clara Bates
Missouri has a long history of struggling to administer Medicaid and other safety net programs. Advocates worry thousands of vulnerable Missourians will lose benefits they are eligible fore because of new administrative barriers proposed by GOP-led Congress #MOleg #mogov
Missouri struggles to administer safety net programs. Congress is proposing more red tape • Missouri Independent
Proposed changes to Medicaid could mean thousands lose coverage in Missouri over red tape and bureaucratic hurdles.
missouriindependent.com
June 2, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Reposted by Clara Bates
Democrats, upset after the GOP cut off debate on abortion % paid sick leave during session, showed just how disruptive they could be Thursday.
They refused to let the Senate conduct ceremonial bill signings due to a lack of a quorum, forcing senators to make unplanned trips to Jeff City tomorrow.
They refused to let the Senate conduct ceremonial bill signings due to a lack of a quorum, forcing senators to make unplanned trips to Jeff City tomorrow.
Bipartisan resistance building against Missouri governor’s stadium funding plan • Missouri Independent
Gov. Mike Kehoe’s stadium funding plan for the Chiefs and Royals is facing growing resistance from across the ideological spectrum.
missouriindependent.com
May 29, 2025 at 6:11 PM
Democrats, upset after the GOP cut off debate on abortion % paid sick leave during session, showed just how disruptive they could be Thursday.
They refused to let the Senate conduct ceremonial bill signings due to a lack of a quorum, forcing senators to make unplanned trips to Jeff City tomorrow.
They refused to let the Senate conduct ceremonial bill signings due to a lack of a quorum, forcing senators to make unplanned trips to Jeff City tomorrow.
Reposted by Clara Bates
Gov. Mike Kehoe’s stadium funding plan for the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals is facing growing resistance from across the ideological spectrum as lawmakers prepare to return to the Missouri Capitol on Monday. #moleg #mogov w/ @rudikellermi.bsky.social
Bipartisan resistance building against Missouri governor’s stadium funding plan • Missouri Independent
Gov. Mike Kehoe’s stadium funding plan for the Chiefs and Royals is facing growing resistance from across the ideological spectrum.
missouriindependent.com
May 29, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Gov. Mike Kehoe’s stadium funding plan for the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals is facing growing resistance from across the ideological spectrum as lawmakers prepare to return to the Missouri Capitol on Monday. #moleg #mogov w/ @rudikellermi.bsky.social
Reposted by Clara Bates
Missouri has agreed to abide by a request from the federal government to turn over personal data about anyone receiving food assistance, the state social services agency confirmed to @clarabates.bsky.social. #moleg #mogov
Missouri will hand over personal data of food aid recipients to feds • Missouri Independent
Missouri has agreed to abide by a request from the federal government to turn over personal data about anyone receiving food assistance, the state social services agency confirmed to The Independent T...
missouriindependent.com
May 28, 2025 at 1:38 PM
Missouri has agreed to abide by a request from the federal government to turn over personal data about anyone receiving food assistance, the state social services agency confirmed to @clarabates.bsky.social. #moleg #mogov