Morning Newscast for August 12, 2026

From the KBIA Newsroom in Columbia, I'm Caitlin McElwain. The first hearing in a new lawsuit over Missouri's gerrymandered congressional map happens this morning. As Sam Zeff tells us, it comes as the deadline to rule on the suit is fast approaching. The lawsuit seeks to overturn a decision by Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, who last week said that a ballot referendum on redistricting is unconstitutional. Volunteers gathered some 367,000 signatures to put the question on the November ballot. Denny Hoskins said it makes no difference how many people sign the petition because the state constitution doesn't allow voters to weigh in on redistricting. The issue must be decided by September 8th. The last day ballot language for November can be changed. Up first, Cole County Judge Daniel Richard Green must rule on whether national and state Republican committees can intervene on behalf of Denny Hoskins. I'm Sam Zaff. University of Missouri System President Moon Choi is demanding city leaders improve safety in downtown Columbia, following an incident there over the weekend. The Columbia, Missouri reports a man was rested near the corner of 9th and Walnut Street's Sunday after being seen pointing a gun down a sidewalk. Mayor Barbara Buffalo said in a statement she is seeking suggestions to assist with the town's safety, but does not want the good side of Columbia to go unacknowledged. A Missouri state senator is vying to become the first Republican to represent the state's fifth congressional district in 77 years. Salisa Colackel has more. Rick Bratton, who is endorsed in the Republican primary election by President Donald Trump, hopes to unseat longtime Democratic incumbent representative Emmanuel Cleaver II. His chances were boosted by a GOP redistricting last summer. The new fifth district extends east from Chust Avenue in Kansas City to Middle Missouri. Bratton told KCUR's up to date it's time for fresh new representation. We've had almost, what, seven decades of Democrat rule in Kansas City. And I think it's, you know, a fresh new start is one of the things that I'm going to be pushing on this campaign trail. Bratton won the crowded Republican primary by 20 points. I'm Silisa Colloquial. Governor Mike Kehoe says the Missouri National Guard is playing a key role in helping Panama's military with security efforts. Mike Kehoe was in Panama last week, in part to celebrate Missouri's 30th anniversary of working in the Central American nation. Mike Kehoe says cybersecurity is a main focus of the ongoing mission. After visiting with key leaders in the government and business leaders, that particular piece is very, very important to that country, and they're very grateful that we're involved. Keeho says the trip also included trade meetings with companies interested in purchasing Missouri agricultural exports and manufactured products. I'm Caitlin McElwain. KBIA News, Columbia. KBIA is sponsored by Accounting Plus.