Multimedia reporter for @MO_Independent covering Missouri's cannabis industry, legislature. #duPont2022 finalist, @Reveal contributor. Frmly @StLouisAmerican
Joined January 2010
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Pinned Tweet
30 Oct 2024
Since 2022, state regulators have used a lottery system to award 96 microbusiness licenses — a program sold to voters as a way to help victims of the War on Drugs get a toehold in the burgeoning cannabis industry.
But 44 of them are under investigation. missouriindependent.com/2024…
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Rebecca Rivas retweeted
18 Jun 2025
A tornado watch has been issued for parts of Illinois and Missouri until 4 PM CDT
ALT This graphic displays Tornado Watch watch number 432 plotted on a map. The watch is in effect until 4:00 PM CDT. The watch includes parts of Illinois and Missouri. The threats associated with this watch are a couple tornadoes possible, scattered hail up to two inch size possible and scattered gusts up to 70 mph likely. There are 5,098,904 people in the watch along with 2108 schools and 140 hospitals.
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3 Jan 2025
“We’re what the microbusiness program was essentially meant to help.
We are the Black and Brown. The War on Drugs certainly hit our ethnicity the most. We’re family run & we’re native Missourians. We’re just trying to bring organic cannabis to Missouri.”
missouriindependent.com/2025…
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Rebecca Rivas retweeted
5 Dec 2024
The nonprofit was used by Mayor Quinton Lucas’ predecessor primarily to bring speakers to KC to talk about economic development.
Lucas and his former chief of staff use it for Chiefs tickets, hotel stays, flights & dinners. #moleg #mogov via @Allie_Kite
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Rebecca Rivas retweeted
Division of Cannabis Regulation Director Amy Moore said her team shares the concern about predatory practices, and that’s why the division previously issued warnings to applicants.
via @MO_Independent @Rebeccarivas
newsfromthestates.com/articl…
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Rebecca Rivas retweeted
29 Oct 2024
A majority of revoked microbusiness licenses are connected to groups/individuals who flooded the lottery by recruiting people to submit applications and offering contracts that limited their profit & control of the business. #moleg #mogov via @Rebeccarivas
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Rebecca Rivas retweeted
14 Oct 2024
Josh Hawley draws rebuke over use of private jets for Missouri Senate campaign
The first-term Republican’s campaign spent more than $132,000 on chartered flights between mid-December and June #mosen #moleg via @J_Hancock
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Rebecca Rivas retweeted
11 Oct 2024
Missouri regulators deny certification for majority of social-equity cannabis license winners
Of 24 dispensary licenses selected in June, The Independent has identified 14 likely connected to groups the state has cracked down on #moleg via @Rebeccarivas
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Rebecca Rivas retweeted
9 Oct 2024
The $30,000 donation is drawing concern from critics of the proposed amendment — and even lawmakers in support — who question whether the pension board is using taxpayer dollars to support a political campaign. #moleg #mogov via @RudiKellerMI
missouriindependent.com/2024…
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Rebecca Rivas retweeted
8 Oct 2024
The court debate Tuesday over how Missouri marijuana products get taxed statewide sounded similar to a grammar class on conjunctions and comma placement. #moleg #mogov via @Rebeccarivas
missouriindependent.com/2024…
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3 Oct 2024
Right now, the state is focusing on THC products that children could mistake for regular food or candy — not banning all intoxicating hemp products like Delta-8 beverages sold at bars or liquor stores.
That could change next summer w/ DHSS budget request. missouriindependent.com/2024…
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Rebecca Rivas retweeted
3 Oct 2024
False names used in testimony to Missouri House committee studying immigrant crime #moleg #mogov via @RudiKellerMI
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Rebecca Rivas retweeted
3 Oct 2024
Missouri lawmakers will convene a special committee to study the consequences of nuclear weapons production in the St. Louis area and recommend legislation for next year, House Speaker Dean Plocher announced Thursday. #moleg #mogov via @Allie_Kite
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Rebecca Rivas retweeted
3 Oct 2024
While a large part of Gov. Mike Parson’s ban on intoxicating hemp products may be on pause, plans are underway to kick it back up next summer, according to a preliminary budget request by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. #moleg #mogov
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Rebecca Rivas retweeted
2 Oct 2024
Nearly 8,000 seniors and Missourians with disabilities could lose at-home care over the next year after a new eligibility algorithm went into effect this week. #moleg #mogov via @clarabatess
missouriindependent.com/2024…
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Rebecca Rivas retweeted
25 Sep 2024
Missouri's Department of Social Services “knowingly and purposefully” subverted the state’s open records law to gain the upper hand in litigation, Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem ruled Monday.
missouriindependent.com/2024… @MO_Independent
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Rebecca Rivas retweeted
26 Sep 2024
Missouri began issuing food benefits for children that were designed to cover the summer months just last week.
9,500 kids have been issued benefits so far, out of ~490,000.
State officials said their goal is to finish distribution by end of this year.
missouriindependent.com/brie…
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26 Sep 2024
I got to talk with the lovely @etaecha today on @STLonAir about an alleged predatory scheme that’s showing up in the social-equity cannabis license process.
Here’s my latest story on contracts between investors and eligible applicants they’ve recruited.
missouriindependent.com/2024…
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26 Sep 2024
And lastly, the story that got me looking to these contracts. A Michigan-based company was recruiting people on Craigslist to enter Missouri’s social equity license lottery using contracts forcing them to eventually relinquish all control — and profits. missouriindependent.com/2023…
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26 Sep 2024
One more :) The state revoked 8 social-equity dispensary licenses linked to out-of-state groups earlier this year. All are appealing the decision.
Filings w/ MO’s Administrative Hearing Commission will continue to offer a glimpse of who’s behind them. missouriindependent.com/2024…
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