Attorney General meets the Missouri press

Catherine Hanaway speaks at the Missouri Capitol on Feb. 19, 2026

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway takes questions from members of the Missouri Press Association at the governor’s mansion during MPA’s annual Day at the Capitol Feb. 19. (Photo by Jordan Yount)

Staff Report//February 20, 2026//

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Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway pinch hit for Gov. Mike Kehoe during the Missouri Press Association‘s annual Day at the Capitol Feb. 19. The governor usually meets with members of the Missouri press during a luncheon at the governor’s mansion and takes questions, but Gov. Kehoe was traveling Thursday and was unable to attend.

Hanaway addressed the proliferation of video gaming machines throughout the state and her office’s recent lawsuits in Dunklin County targeting five businesses where the machines are operating. Late last week U.S. District Court Judge John Ross ruled the machines meet the statutory definition of ‘gambling device’ and are illegal when played outside of a state regulated casino.

“I think they are absolutely illegal,” Hanaway told members of the press, adding that she has reached out to county prosecutors to offer help from her office in going after the machines. Hanaway noted several rural prosecutors have been hesitant to join the fight because they are often outgunned by attorneys for the companies that own the machines.

Tags: Missouri Attorney General, Gov. Mike Kehoe, Catherine Hanaway, video gaming machines, Dunklin County, Missouri press Association, county prosecutors, Customer Protection Law

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