Missouri political headlines, Sept. 16, 2026: Hawley, Schmitt, redistricting, Mizzou DEI and data centers

National politics with Missouri connections

Josh Hawley announced he has no intention of running for president in 2028. He also was one of four Republicans who joined Democrats when the U.S. Senate failed to advance a sweeping cryptocurrency bill. Separately, coverage flagged a bipartisan moment in Washington over AI concerns, including an instance of Hawley partnering with Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal.

Eric Schmitt and higher education policy

Redistricting and election administration

Multiple outlets reported active legal fights over Missouri's congressional maps. Missouri Republicans asked a federal court to revive a revamped map while other coverage noted that the Secretary of State said it's too late to switch to the 2025 lawmakers' map for November. A court decision and ongoing litigation have produced conflicting claims about which map will apply, and plaintiffs and state officials remain engaged in filings and hearings.

University of Missouri DEI controversies

K-12 oversight and funding decisions

Education advanced a plan to issue A–F letter grades to schools and signaled support for St. Louis Public Schools after a critical auditor report. The state education board declined to seek a proposed $300 million increase in school aid, and the public release of statewide school letter grades was delayed.

Data centers and local economic impacts

Missouri's Department of Mental Health named Jason Jones as director of the behavioral health division. Gov. Mike Kehoe presented the state's highest public safety awards and spoke at a chamber groundbreaking. Reporting also highlighted worker safety concerns: outdoor workers in Missouri face growing heat risks. Media cited a range of local courtroom and administrative developments including attorney general activity around police board appointments in St. Louis County.

What this means for readers in Missouri

Expect continued legal maneuvering over redistricting through the fall and uncertainty about which congressional map will govern November ballots. Watch federal legislation tied to crypto, AI, and college athletics—Senators with Missouri ties are active in those debates. Locally, follow university and school board proceedings for near-term decisions that could affect campuses and public K–12 funding, and track data center approvals for their tax, energy, and land-use consequences.