Stop the Human Trafficking

17 illicit massage businesses in Missouri shut down for alleged sex and human trafficking

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt announced an update to his office’s efforts to evict illicit massage businesses through the Hope Initiative. Since launching the initiative, 10 additional illicit massage businesses have either been evicted, are in the process of being evicted, or their eviction is likely.  “Human trafficking is a global scourge that affects millions […]

Missouri State Highway Patrol Website New 2021 (MSHP)

Patrol reports arrest of Iowa man in Caldwell County on numerous accusations

The Highway Patrol reports the arrest of a Blockton, Iowa man in Caldwell County on Friday evening, December 11th on multiple allegations. Forty-two-year-old Ty Vaughn was accused of driving while intoxicated—chronic offender, felony driving while revoked or suspended, felony assault—second degree, property damage—first degree, and armed criminal action. Other allegations included abuse or neglect of […]

Jeremiah Searles Final

Denver, Missouri man admits murdering woman during court appearance, sentenced to 30-years in prison

A Denver, Missouri man was sentenced December 10th to 30 years in the Department of Corrections on felony murder—second degree. Worth County Prosecuting Attorney Janet Wake Larrison reports 39-year-old Jeremiah Searles was sentenced after pleading guilty to killing Melissa Chapman. A news release says Searles admitted to striking Chapman in the head with part of […]

Facebook

Missouri Attorney joins multistate lawsuit seeking to end Facebook’s illegal monopoly

Attorney General Eric Schmitt joined a bipartisan coalition of 48 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against Facebook Inc., alleging that the company illegally stifles competition to protect its monopoly power. The filing can be found here. The lawsuit alleges that, over the last decade, the social networking giant illegally acquired competitors in a predatory manner […]

School Funding

Audio: $76 Million in to be deployed to Missouri’s K-12 schools, once Governor signs supplemental budget

About $76 million in federal money will be heading to Missouri’s k-12 schools, once Governor Mike Parson signs the supplemental budget bill. House Budget Committee Chairman Cody Smith, R-Carthage, says the $1.27 billion supplemental budget includes $75.6 million for school nutrition services.     “i.e., paying for meals in k-12 education,” Smith says. “So this […]

Missouri Capital Building Jefferson City

Audio: Southeast Missouri lawmaker will file resolution to block proposed pay raises for state lawmakers

A veteran state lawmaker from southeast Missouri will file a resolution this week, aimed at blocking proposed pay increases for state lawmakers and statewide elected officials. Deering GOP State Representative Andrew McDaniel has voted against previous pay raises for lawmakers, and says it’s state employees and teachers who should receive a raise:     The […]

Missouri flag with money

Audio: Missouri’s Senate President Pro Tem to review report recommending pay increases for lawmakers

A bipartisan committee is recommending a five percent pay increase for Missouri lawmakers AND for statewide elected officials. The Citizen’s Commission on Compensation for Elected Officials has made the recommendation. While he hasn’t seen their report yet, Senate President Pro Tem Dave Schatz says the commission’s work is independent.     The “Springfield News-Leader” reports […]

Gallatin City Hall

Gallatin Board of Aldermen, with lengthy agenda, approve ordinance related to commercial structures billed for utility cost

The Gallatin Board of Aldermen approved an ordinance on November 23rd establishing rules related to multiple-unit commercial structures to be billed for utility cost of service. City Clerk Hattie Rains explains the ordinance provides a definition and acknowledges that multiple units within the same commercial structure would have to adhere to additional cost of service […]