Human Trafficking Graphic

Two suspects detained, 9 victims rescued, during human trafficking operation at Holiday Inn East Hotel in Columbia

The Columbia Police Department, Boone County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri Attorney General’s Office, and a multitude of other local, state, and federal agencies conducted a successful joint human trafficking operation at the Holiday Inn East hotel in Columbia, Missouri on Friday night. The joint operation, organized by the Columbia Police Department, the […]

Community Cleanup

Citywide cleanup in Galt set for May 22

A dumpster will be set up on the east side of the Galt Square one day next week for citywide cleanup. Items to be collected May 22nd from 8 o’clock to noon include furniture, mattresses, rugs, sinks and bathroom fixtures, lawn furniture, TVs, appliances, dismantled swing sets, discarded toys, and dry paint cans. Items to […]

Medical Marijuana Dispensary

Push for disclosure of Missouri medical marijuana records runs into veto threat

(Missouri Independent) – An effort by lawmakers to require disclosure of ownership information for businesses granted medical marijuana licenses was derailed on Thursday when state regulators suggested a possible gubernatorial veto.  On Tuesday, the Missouri House voted to require the Department of Health and Senior Services provide legislative oversight committees with records regarding who owns […]

Medicaid Expansion in Missouri

Missouri’s Governor Parson abandons plans to implement voter-approved Medicaid expansion

(Missouri Independent) – Missouri will not expand Medicaid coverage to working-age adults on July 1 because lawmakers refused to include funding for the health care program in the state budget, Gov. Mike Parson announced Thursday. In a news release, Parson said the state was withdrawing documents submitted to the federal government necessary to add the approximately 275,000 […]

Budget news graphic

Lawmakers approve Missouri operating budget

Missouri foster care advocates are praising Friday’s passage of the $35.1 billion state operating budget, saying it provides unprecedented support for the foster families who care for the thousands of children in Missouri foster care. House Budget Committee Chairman Cody Smith (R-Carthage) tells Missourinet that the budget provides a $90 million increase for foster and adoptive […]

Missouri Department of Social Services

Furious lawmakers demand answers from Missouri DSS for undercount of abuse reports

(Missouri Independent) – Lawmakers slammed the Department of Social Services on Thursday for underreporting the number of substantiated cases of abuse and neglect at youth residential facilities during a previous legislative hearing. For nearly an hour-and-a-half on Thursday, the House Special Committee on Government Oversight pressed DSS officials on why the number of findings of […]