David A. Lieb, The Associated Press

While National Newswatch does not keep an archive of external articles for longer than 6 months, we do keep all articles written by contributors who post directly to our site. Here you will find all of the contributed and linked external articles from David A. Lieb, The Associated Press.

Virginia Supreme Court strikes down Democrats' redistricting plan, dimming party's midterm hopes

Virginia Supreme Court strikes down Democrats' redistricting plan, dimming party's midterm hopes

The Virginia Supreme Court on Friday struck down a voter-approved Democratic congressional redistricting plan, delivering another major setback to the party in a nationwide battle against Republicans for an edge in this year's midterm elections.

Redistricting battle intensifies in states after US Supreme Court ruling on Voting Rights Act

Redistricting battle intensifies in states after US Supreme Court ruling on Voting Rights Act

A Supreme Court decision striking down a majority Black congressional district in Louisiana has amplified an already intense national redistricting battle by providing Republican officials in several states new grounds to redraw voting districts.

Redistricting battle intensifies in states after Supreme Court ruling on Voting Rights Act

Redistricting battle intensifies in states after Supreme Court ruling on Voting Rights Act

A Supreme Court decision striking down a majority Black congressional district in Louisiana has amplified an already intense national redistricting battle by providing Republican officials in several states new grounds to redraw voting districts.

Supreme Court ruling on race-based redistricting prompts quick action in some states

Supreme Court ruling on race-based redistricting prompts quick action in some states

Before the words were even written on a Supreme Court decision striking down a majority Black congressional district in Louisiana, some states already were taking steps to respond to it.

Virginia Supreme Court considers whether to block voter-approved US House map favoring Democrats

Virginia Supreme Court considers whether to block voter-approved US House map favoring Democrats

The Virginia Supreme Court on Monday will hear arguments in a Republican challenge to the redrawn congressional map that was approved by voters last week and could net Democrats four additional U.S. House seats.

The US has a long history of changing voting districts for political reasons. Is it legal?

The US has a long history of changing voting districts for political reasons. Is it legal?

The gerrymandering of House districts is becoming more rampant across the U.S.

The US has a long history of gerrymandering legislative voting districts. Is it legal?

The US has a long history of gerrymandering legislative voting districts. Is it legal?

The gerrymandering of House districts is becoming more rampant across the U.S.

Virginia voters approve redistricting plan that could boost Democrats' seats in Congress

Virginia voters approve redistricting plan that could boost Democrats' seats in Congress

Virginia voters approved a mid-decade redistricting plan Tuesday that could boost Democrats' chances of winning four additional U.S. House seats in November's midterm elections that will decide control of the narrowly divided Congress.

A former Missouri lawmaker wins back thousands of dollars seized after sexual misconduct allegations

A former Missouri lawmaker wins back thousands of dollars seized after sexual misconduct allegations

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- A former Missouri lawmaker who was censured and fined over sexual misconduct allegations has won a court case to recoup thousands of dollars of seized salary, marking a reversal of fortune for one of the many officials involved in a recent nationwide reckoning over sexual misconduct among public figures.

Virginia voters deciding on redistricting plan that could boost Democrats' seats in Congress

Virginia voters deciding on redistricting plan that could boost Democrats' seats in Congress

Virginia voters on Tuesday will decide whether to ratify an unusual mid-decade redrawing of U.S. House districts that could boost Democrats' chances of flipping control of the closely divided chamber, as the state becomes the latest front in a national redistricting battle.

States eulogize Charlie Kirk with new laws promoting religion and free speech

States eulogize Charlie Kirk with new laws promoting religion and free speech

A new Kansas law will allow college students to sue their schools for free-speech violations. In Tennessee, a new law will encourage teachers and professors to include "the positive impacts of religion" in American history courses.

What to know about Trump's tax breaks for tips and overtime when filing state tax returns

What to know about Trump's tax breaks for tips and overtime when filing state tax returns

As the tax-filing deadline nears, millions of Americans are expected to claim new federal income tax breaks for tips and overtime wages available for the first time under a wide-ranging tax law enacted by President Donald Trump.

Charlie Kirk highway got vetoed in Arizona. Elected officials are citing politics

There will be no Charlie Kirk highway in his home state of Arizona. The reason: politics.

Missouri court says new Trump-backed US House districts are in effect ahead of midterm elections

Missouri court says new Trump-backed US House districts are in effect ahead of midterm elections

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- New U.S. House districts in Missouri backed by President Donald Trump can be used ahead of the midterm elections, despite the potential for a voter referendum on the new map, a judge ruled Friday.

Missouri court upholds mid-decade congressional redistricting backed by Trump

Missouri court upholds mid-decade congressional redistricting backed by Trump

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The Missouri Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld a mid-decade redistricting plan that gives Republicans an improved chance at winning an additional U.S. House seat in this year's midterm elections.

Missouri judge strikes ballot summary for Trump-backed congressional redistricting plan

Missouri judge strikes ballot summary for Trump-backed congressional redistricting plan

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo, (AP) -- If Missouri voters get to decide whether to adopt new U.S. House districts backed by President Donald Trump, the ballot proposal presented to them won't say a word about gerrymandering.

Missouri judge rejects a challenge to new US House districts backed by Trump

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- A Missouri court has rejected a legal challenge to new U.S. House districts backed by President Donald Trump that are aimed at helping Republicans win an additional seat in the midterm elections.

Former Missouri House speaker sentenced to prison for COVID relief fraud

Former Missouri House speaker sentenced to prison for COVID relief fraud

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (AP) -- A former Missouri House speaker was sentenced Monday to 21 months in prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud for misusing federal COVID-19 relief funds for his personal benefit.

As citizen voting bill stalls in US Senate, some states forge ahead

As citizen voting bill stalls in US Senate, some states forge ahead

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- While the U.S. Senate remains deadlocked over President Donald Trump's call for strict citizenship voting requirements, Republicans in some states are pressing ahead with their own measures that could require documentary proof of citizenship to join or remain on the voter rolls.

Virginia redistricting election will go forward while court considers appeal

Virginia redistricting election will go forward while court considers appeal

Virginia voters will get to cast ballots on a congressional redistricting plan benefiting Democrats while a court battle plays out over the legality of the effort.

Utah Congress members sue to try to block new House districts that boost Democrats' chances

Utah Congress members sue to try to block new House districts that boost Democrats' chances

With the deadline to file for reelection a little over a month away, two of Utah's Republican members of Congress are asking a federal court to block the use of new U.S. House districts that could boost Democrats' chances of winning a Salt Lake City area seat in November.

What to know about the state gerrymandering battle kick-started by Trump

What to know about the state gerrymandering battle kick-started by Trump

After a frenetic few months of congressional redistricting efforts, President Donald Trump's plan to reshape voting districts for partisan advantage ahead of this year's midterm elections stands at an important juncture.

What to know about Trump's mid-decade redistricting push ahead of the congressional elections

What to know about Trump's mid-decade redistricting push ahead of the congressional elections

After a frenetic few months of congressional redistricting efforts, President Donald Trump's plan to reshape voting districts for partisan advantage ahead of this year's midterm elections stands at an important juncture.

Voters sue to suspend Missouri's new congressional map until a referendum

Voters sue to suspend Missouri's new congressional map until a referendum

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The question of whether Missouri's new congressional districts are in effect for the 2026 elections will be up to a court to decide.

The US Treasury wants more states to embrace Trump's tax cuts. So far, only a few have done so

The US Treasury wants more states to embrace Trump's tax cuts. So far, only a few have done so

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- To tax tips or not? That is a question that will confront lawmakers in states across the U.S. as they convene for work next year.

States face a choice on whether to embrace Trump's tax cuts on tips, overtime and more

States face a choice on whether to embrace Trump's tax cuts on tips, overtime and more

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- To tax tips or not? That is a question that will confront lawmakers in states across the U.S. as they convene for work next year.

States faces a choice on whether to embrace Trump's tax cuts on tips, overtime and more

States faces a choice on whether to embrace Trump's tax cuts on tips, overtime and more

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- To tax tips or not? That is a question that will confront lawmakers in states across the U.S. as they convene for work next year.

As gerrymandering battles sweep country, supporters say partisan dominance is 'fair'

As gerrymandering battles sweep country, supporters say partisan dominance is 'fair'

When Indiana adopted new U.S. House districts four years ago, Republican legislative leaders lauded them as "fair maps" that reflected the state's communities.

Opponents of Trump-backed redistricting in Missouri submit a petition to force a public vote

Opponents of Trump-backed redistricting in Missouri submit a petition to force a public vote

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Opponents of Missouri's new congressional map submitted thousands of petition signatures Tuesday calling for a statewide referendum on a redistricting plan backed by President Donald Trump as part of his quest to hold on to a slim Republican majority in next year's elections.

Missouri court orders new wording for ballot measure seeking to restrict abortion rights

Missouri court orders new wording for ballot measure seeking to restrict abortion rights

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- A Missouri appeals court panel ordered new wording Thursday for a ballot measure seeking to roll back abortion rights in the state, ruling that voters must be told the amendment would repeal "reproductive healthcare rights" they approved just one year ago.

Missouri seeks federal help in pressing China for $25 billion in COVID damages

Missouri seeks federal help in pressing China for $25 billion in COVID damages

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri has escalated its attempt to seize Chinese government-owned property across the United States, asking the Trump administration for help collecting on a roughly $25 billion court judgement related to the COVID-19 pandemic that Beijing has flatly rejected.

What's next in the national redistricting fight after California approved a new US House map

What's next in the national redistricting fight after California approved a new US House map

The new congressional map that California voters approved marked a victory for Democrats in the national redistricting battle playing out ahead of the 2026 midterm election. But Republicans are still ahead in the fight.

What to know about redistricting efforts across US at Trump's prodding

What to know about redistricting efforts across US at Trump's prodding

President Donald Trump's desire to secure the Republican majority in Congress has prompted an unusual burst of mid-decade redistricting in multiple states.

California expands privacy protections as Democratic-led states resist Trump's immigration agenda

California expands privacy protections as Democratic-led states resist Trump's immigration agenda

Immigrants selling food, flowers and other merchandise along the sidewalks of California will have new privacy protections intended to keep their identities secret from federal immigration agents.

More states are moving to redraw US House districts after Trump urged it for partisan gain

More states are moving to redraw US House districts after Trump urged it for partisan gain

A mid-decade battle over congressional redistricting is playing out in state capitals, in courtrooms and on the ballot.

Trump's big bill is prompting urgent action in some Democratic states, but not in Republican ones

Trump's big bill is prompting urgent action in some Democratic states, but not in Republican ones

New Mexico lawmakers are to open a special session Wednesday to boost funding for food assistance and rural health care -- actions the Democratic governor contends are needed to "minimize the damage from President Trump's disastrous bill" cutting federal taxes and spending.

Missouri governor signs Trump-backed plan aimed at helping Republicans win another US House seat

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe signed a new U.S. House map into law Sunday as part of President Donald Trump's plan to try to hold on to a narrow Republican majority in next year's congressional election.

Missouri judge strikes down ballot summary for anti-abortion measure backed by Republican lawmakers

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- A Missouri judge has struck down a ballot summary for an anti-abortion amendment backed by Republican state lawmakers while concluding that it presented an unfair and insufficient description to voters.

Missouri Senate passes Trump-backed plan that could help Republicans win an additional US House seat

Missouri Senate passes Trump-backed plan that could help Republicans win an additional US House seat

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri Republicans handed President Donald Trump a political victory Friday, giving final legislative approval to a redistricting plan that could help Republicans win an additional U.S. House seat in next year's elections.

US Rep. Emanuel Cleaver faces off with Missouri lawmakers seeking to reshape his district

US Rep. Emanuel Cleaver faces off with Missouri lawmakers seeking to reshape his district

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Facing those seeking to oust him from office, Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver warned Missouri lawmakers on Thursday that a redistricting plan backed by President Donald Trump is reopening decades-old racial divisions in Kansas City.

Missouri voters and lawmakers clash over who should be able to initiate constitutional amendments

Missouri voters and lawmakers clash over who should be able to initiate constitutional amendments

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri voters and the lawmakers they elect could be headed for a clash at the ballot box over the power to set public policy.

Missouri Republicans advance Trump-backed plan to redraw US House districts

Missouri Republicans advance Trump-backed plan to redraw US House districts

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri's Republican-led House turned aside Democratic objections Tuesday and passed a plan backed by President Donald Trump to redraw the state's congressional districts so that Republicans could win almost all of them.

Trump-backed plan to redraw Missouri congressional districts draws opposition at first hearing

Trump-backed plan to redraw Missouri congressional districts draws opposition at first hearing

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri residents denounced a plan to redraw the state's congressional districts on Thursday as Republican lawmakers pressed ahead with President Donald Trump's strategy to bolster Republicans in next year's congressional elections.

Missouri takes up Trump's redistricting effort in Republican push to win more US House seats

Missouri takes up Trump's redistricting effort in Republican push to win more US House seats

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri lawmakers are meeting in a special session to redraw the state's U.S. House districts as part of President Donald Trump's effort to bolster Republicans' chances of retaining control of Congress in next year's elections.

AP analysis shows Texas and California redistricting efforts could mess with rare partisan balance

AP analysis shows Texas and California redistricting efforts could mess with rare partisan balance

As Texas Republicans and California Democrats redraw U.S. House districts to their advantage ahead of next year's elections, they're potentially disrupting a rare partisan balance in American politics.

Former US Attorney Catherine Hanaway appointed as Missouri's next attorney general

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Former U.S. Attorney Catherine Hanaway was appointed Tuesday as Missouri's next attorney general, vowing a tough-on-crime approach as her predecessor leaves for a job with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey resigns to take a top FBI position

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey resigns to take a top FBI position

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, a Republican who has been an ardent backer of President Donald Trump, said Monday that he is resigning to take a leadership position at the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Texas dispute highlights nation's long history of partisan gerrymandering. Is it legal?

Texas dispute highlights nation's long history of partisan gerrymandering. Is it legal?

When Democratic lawmakers fled Texas to try to prevent the Republican-led Legislature from redrawing the state's congressional districts, it marked the latest episode in a long national history of gerrymandering.

20 states sue FEMA for canceling grant program that guards against natural disasters

20 states sue FEMA for canceling grant program that guards against natural disasters

Twenty Democratic-led states filed suit Wednesday against the Federal Emergency Management Agency, challenging the elimination of a long-running grant program that helps communities guard against damage from natural disasters.

Missouri judge again blocks many of the state's anti-abortion laws

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- A Missouri judge blocked many of the state's abortion restrictions Thursday, reimposing a preliminary injunction against them just a little over a month after the state's highest court had lifted a previous hold.

Democratic states double down on laws resisting Trump's immigration crackdown

Democratic states double down on laws resisting Trump's immigration crackdown

As President Donald Trump's administration targets states and local governments for not cooperating with federal immigration authorities, lawmakers in some Democratic-led states are intensifying their resistance by strengthening state laws restricting such cooperation.

As Trump targets DEI, Republican-led states intensify efforts to stamp it out

As Trump targets DEI, Republican-led states intensify efforts to stamp it out

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Republican-led states are accelerating efforts to stamp out diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, expanding from higher education to other government functions since President Donald Trump fully embraced the movement.

Missouri lawmakers approve referendum to repeal abortion-rights amendment

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Six months after Missouri voters approved an abortion-rights amendment, Republican state lawmakers on Wednesday approved a new referendum that would seek the amendment's repeal and instead ban most abortions with exceptions for rape an incest.

Lawmakers seek to rein in citizen ballot initiatives with new requirements for petitions

Lawmakers seek to rein in citizen ballot initiatives with new requirements for petitions

Citizen activists supporting a public vote on important issues could have to brush up on their reading, writing and arithmetic if they want to get their initiatives on next year's ballot in some states.

Immigrants in the US unlawfully can drive legally in 19 states. Now some states want to stop them

Immigrants in the US unlawfully can drive legally in 19 states. Now some states want to stop them

As drivers on U.S. highways cross from one state to another, they often are greeted by a large "Welcome to ...." sign.

Some GOP states are targeting driver's licenses issued to immigrants illegally in the US

Some GOP states are targeting driver's licenses issued to immigrants illegally in the US

As drivers on U.S. highways cross from one state to another, they often are greeted by a large "Welcome to ...." sign.

Indiana takes a first -- and long -- shot at acquiring parts of Illinois

Indiana takes a first -- and long -- shot at acquiring parts of Illinois

Indiana is taking a first step toward acquiring parts of Illinois, though a last step appears rather unlikely.

Missouri lawmakers advance proposed repeal of abortion-rights measure approved by voters

Missouri lawmakers advance proposed repeal of abortion-rights measure approved by voters

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri's Republican-led House advanced a proposed constitutional amendment Tuesday asking voters to repeal an abortion-rights measure they narrowly approved last year and instead ban most abortions with exceptions for rape and incest.

Weedkiller maker asks US Supreme Court to block lawsuits claiming it failed to warn about cancer

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Global agrochemical manufacturer Bayer has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to decide whether federal law preempts thousands of state lawsuits alleging it failed to warn people that its popular weedkiller could cause cancer.

No state has axed its income tax on wages in 45 years. Now 2 Southern states are on a path to do so

No state has axed its income tax on wages in 45 years. Now 2 Southern states are on a path to do so

About 45 years have passed since a U.S. state last eliminated its income tax on wages and salaries. But with recent actions in Mississippi and Kentucky, two states now are on a path to do so, if their economies keep growing.