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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Gavel and Law book news graphic

Audio: Missouri Legislature’s state budget negotiators recommend the hiring of 53 public defenders

The Missouri Legislature’s state budget negotiators are recommending the hiring of 53 attorneys for the state Public Defender System. During negotiations, Senate Minority Floor Leader John Rizzo of Independence says his wife corrects some cases handled at the local level by overworked attorneys.     The system has nearly 400 lawyers handling about 90,000 cases […]

Meet Missouri’s national spelling bee participants

In 39 days, eight Missouri students will begin competing in the annual Scripps National Spelling Bee. This year’s contest will include 209 spellers all vying for the treasured championship trophy. According to the bee, spellers will begin participating virtually in the first of three rounds on June 12. The semifinals are scheduled for June 27. […]

Court TV Moberly Correctional Center Killing

Audio: Jury deliberates two hours before convicting northern Missouri man of killing his secret fiance

A jury in mid-Missouri’s Cole County deliberated for more than two hours on Thursday before returning guilty verdicts against a northern Missouri man charged in the 2018 death of his secret fiance.     54-year-old James Addie has been convicted of first-degree murder and armed criminal action for the April 2018 death of Molly Watson, […]

Missouri Law Enforcement Memorial in Jefferson City

Missouri to honor law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty during memorial service on Capitol grounds

The Department of Public Safety announced details of two ceremonies to be held on April 30 and May 1 at the Law Enforcement Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol to honor Missouri law enforcement officers who paid the ultimate price for protecting their communities. DeKalb County Sheriff Andy Deric Clark will be one […]

Court TV van parked at Courthouse

Audio: Closing arguments set for Thursday in high-profile Addie Murder trial; Court TV has live coverage

Closing arguments are set for Thursday in Jefferson City in a high-profile northern Missouri murder trial that’s being broadcast live nationwide on Court TV.     54-year-old James Addie is charged with first-degree murder for the 2018 death of Molly Watson, his fiance. Addie and Watson both worked at the Moberly Correctional Center (MCC). The case was […]