Judicial Appointments: Gov. Mike Kehoe appointed Tom Smith as an associate circuit judge for Missouri’s 21st Judicial Circuit, filling the vacancy left by Judge Joseph L. Green. Elections & Ballot Access: Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice W. Brent Powell told a lower court to move fast in the citizen-led redistricting referendum fight after Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejected signatures—setting up another round of court deadlines before November. AI Policy: Missouri lawmakers unveiled a framework and plan for future legislation to set guardrails on AI infrastructure and data centers, including protections for residential customers and limits on AI in health care (bills can’t be introduced until January 2027). Local Government & Immigration: Nixa City Council voted 5-1 to approve a 287(g) task force agreement that would let trained local officers perform certain federal immigration enforcement functions. Courts & Rights: A reporter tied to a 2023 Kansas newspaper raid reached a $850,000 settlement with the city of Marion, underscoring ongoing press-freedom fights. Public Safety & Energy: Liberty’s planning commission recommended denying a proposed 200-megawatt battery storage facility, sending the issue to the City Council. State Politics Watch: MOScout’s update highlights campaign money and political shakeups, including Rep. Dirk Deaton’s resignation.