News briefs
Court leaves income tax measure on August ballot
The Missouri Supreme Court has declined to hear a last-minute appeal over the wording of a proposed constitutional amendment that would eliminate the state income tax and expand sales taxes, clearing the way for the measure to appear on the Aug. 4 ballot.
The court’s decision leaves in place ballot language revised by the Missouri Court of Appeals. Supporters of the proposal had sought additional changes before a deadline for certifying the August ballot.
The measure, which will appear as Amendment 5, asks voters whether to begin a process that could eventually phase out Missouri’s income tax and replace revenue with increased sales taxes.
With the court declining review, election officials can move forward with preparing ballots for the August election.
Missouri delays SNAP junk food restrictions
Missouri has postponed implementation of a policy restricting the purchase of certain foods through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program until 2027, state officials announced.
The policy, originally scheduled to take effect next year, would prohibit SNAP benefits from being used to buy candy, prepared desserts and sugary drinks. State officials said the delay is intended to allow additional time for implementation and coordination with retailers and federal agencies.
Supporters say the restrictions could encourage healthier food choices, while critics argue the measure limits personal decision-making and places additional burdens on low-income families.
The new start date is February 2027.
Garden to honor former leader Peter Raven
A celebration of life for Dr. Peter H. Raven, the longtime leader of the Missouri Botanical Garden and an internationally recognized botanist, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Bayer Event Center.
Raven, who died earlier this year at age 89, served as president and director of the Garden from 1971 to 2010. During his tenure, the institution expanded its global research, conservation and education efforts.
Speakers will include Missouri Botanical Garden President and Director Dr. Lúcia Lohmann, St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer and several scientific colleagues.
St. Louis Zoo mourns longtime orangutan
The St. Louis Zoo announced the death of one of its oldest residents, a 57-year-old orangutan believed to have been the second-oldest orangutan in North America.
Zoo officials said the animal died recently after experiencing age-related health issues. The orangutan had lived at the zoo for decades and was known to generations of visitors.
Orangutans typically live far shorter lives in the wild, making the animal’s longevity notable among accredited zoos. Zoo staff said veterinary and animal care teams monitored the orangutan’s health closely in recent years.
The zoo remembered the ape as an important ambassador for orangutan conservation and education.