Missouri Politics & Voting: Early voting is now open statewide ahead of Aug. 4, with Kansas City-area voters urged to bring valid photo ID and pay attention to Amendment 5’s income-tax phaseout plan. Statehouse Power Play: In Senate District 20, incumbent Curtis Trent faces Lori Rook in a GOP primary that’s being framed as a referendum on Jefferson City insiders. Campaign Finance & Influence: A Missouri Senate District 16 GOP primary is drawing scrutiny after an Illinois gambling company funneled money into attacks via a PAC tied to video lottery terminal legalization. Education & Youth: Northwest Missouri State’s Regional Professional Development Center named 2026-27 Regional Teachers of the Year, spotlighting standout math and English language arts educators. Faith & Community: Teens at the Steubenville STL Mid-America youth conference in Springfield explored the theme “Worthy,” with stories of renewed Catholic faith. Culture & Sports: A columnist reports on MLB’s Pride Night rules and a First Amendment debate after players used Bible verses on caps. Local Giving: The Big Biscuit kicked off its third annual “Stuff the Bus” school supply drive across Missouri and three neighboring states. Science & Health: Missouri S&T won a $38M federal award to strengthen the domestic critical minerals supply chain.