Missouri State Capitol

Parson calls special session, setting up debate on contraceptives, Planned Parenthood

(Missouri Independent) – A special session to extend provider taxes essential to the state’s Medicaid program will begin at noon Wednesday, Gov. Mike Parson announced Tuesday afternoon. The announcement was issued just minutes after a noon deadline set by Parson on Monday. The call came after seven members of the Senate Conservative Caucus sent him a letter demanding […]

Missouri Governor Mike Parson

Parson set to call special session to extend Federal Reimbursement Allowance with ban on certain contraceptives

(Missouri Independent) – Missouri lawmakers appear to be headed into a special session next week to renew medical provider taxes vital to sustaining the state’s Medicaid program. Gov. Mike Parson met Tuesday with the state Senate Republican caucus. The group discussed language that would bar the state from paying for some contraceptive medications and devices and extend […]

Charges Filed

Two from Trenton face charges after arrest by Highway Patrol

Two Trenton residents arrested by the Highway Patrol in Grundy County on Wednesday night, June 15, face charges. Online court information indicates 22-year-old Brittany Nicole Roberts and 20-year-old Jalen Kirk Harper have each been charged with the felonies of tampering with physical evidence in a felony prosecution and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Harper also faces […]

Man finding eviction notice on door (Photo courtesy Missouri News Service)

Report urges strong eviction moratoriums, robust rental aid

A new study of eviction filings in St. Louis during the pandemic found people within protected classes under the Fair Housing Act, communities of color, women-led households, and families with children are impacted at higher rates than others. The Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council’s report noted even though moratoriums have kept many people unable to […]

Digital Photography Photo

Missouri Department of Conservation expands opportunities for photography and filming in conservation areas

The Missouri Conservation Commission gave final approval to the Missouri Department of Conservation on a proposed change to the Wildlife Code of Missouri regulations that would require permits for commercial or for-profit photography and videography on MDC areas. Commercial use is defined as any activity that directly or indirectly results in financial gain, or where […]

Eviction Notice with face mask

Legal-Aid Groups: Know your rights when facing eviction

With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) eviction moratorium on shaky legal ground and set to expire at the end of June, legal advocates in Missouri want tenants to know their rights when facing an eviction. More than 90% of tenants in eviction courts go unrepresented, while 90-percent of landlords have representation. Jacki Langum, director of […]

Unemployment Benefits Graphic

Governor Parson announces Missouri to end all pandemic-related unemployment benefits

To address workforce shortages across the state, Governor Mike Parson directed the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to notify the U.S. Department of Labor that Missouri will end participation in all federal pandemic-related unemployment insurance programs effective Saturday, June 12 at 11:59 p.m. “From conversations with business owners across the state, we know […]

Illegal Firearms and firearm theft

Missouri man pleads guilty to multiple counts of possessing illegal firearms, drug trafficking; faces at least 20 years in prison

A Missouri man has pleaded guilty in federal court to multiple charges of illegally possessing firearms, including stolen firearms, and drug trafficking. Brandon L. Hill, 33, of Independence, Missouri, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays on Thursday, April 29, to three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, two counts […]

Take Back Drugs

DEA collects nearly 840,000 pounds of unwanted medications during National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day collected 839,543 pounds (419.7 tons) of unused, expired, and unwanted medications across the country. Americans once again showed their dedication toward helping prevent addiction and potential overdose by removing prescription pills from their homes. The April event included 4,425 community partners at 5,060 collection sites throughout the country. “DEA’s […]