July 2025

An Excelsior Springs woman who tested positive for drugs was taken into custody during a court-ordered urinalysis at a scheduled hearing in her ongoing felony sex abuse case. Desiree A.

MIRANDA JAMISON Lead Reporter Editor’s note: This story is the first in a two-part series examining information Missouri health leaders recently discussed about sweeping federal Medicaid cuts. Part One details the proposed reductions, potential impacts on rural hospitals and urgent warnings from administrators across the region.

With the start of school still weeks away, the Excelsior Springs School District has released its official supply lists for the 2025-26 academic year in hopes of helping families get a head start on back-to-school shopping.

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has signed a wide-ranging education reform bill into law, setting in motion dozens of changes that will affect every public and charter school in the state starting with the 2025–26 academic year.

A new Missouri law will require all public school districts to implement stricter policies regarding student use of cell phones and other personal electronic communication devices during the school day, beginning with the 2025–26 school year.

Orrick varsity 8-man football coach Matt O’Dell brought back an old drill Monday as he and his staff continued to prep the Bearcats for their 2025 season. To conclude the day’s activities, O’Dell had the Bearcats run through “the circle drill.” The drill works like this: A player lines up on defense.

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As scorching summer temperatures settle across Missouri, Ameren Missouri is working to keep local families safe and cool. The company recently donated 15 ENERGY STARcertified window air conditioners to the Excelsior Springs Good Samaritan Center.

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