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 […]

Coronavirus News Graphic

Sullivan County Health Department reports 7 new cases of COVID-19

Sullivan County Health Department has confirmed seven additional positive cases of COVID-19 in Sullivan County.  Currently, Sullivan County sits at a total of six hundred and thirty-eight, with two active probable cases, eight deaths, and thirty-seven active cases. The positive cases have been determined to be community-related.  To maintain confidentiality, no other information will be […]

COVID-19 Fraud graphic

Seven charged in connection with COVID-relief fraud scheme involving at least 80 fraudulent loan applications

Seven individuals across two states were charged in an indictment unsealed for their alleged participation in a scheme to obtain approximately $16 million in forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Amir Aqeel, 52, and Pardeep Basra, 51, both of […]

2020 Elections vote

Missouri Election Day FAQ: What you need to know to make sure your vote counts

(Missouri Independent) – Across Missouri, local election officials have received 628,395 mail-in and absentee ballots, according to the Secretary of State’s Oct. 27 report.  Already, that’s more than twice the total absentee ballots counted in the November 2016 election. While many Missourians have already voted by mail or in-person absentee, many more will head out […]

Sex Trafficking

Missouri Attorney General launches new initiative to combat human trafficking in illicit massage businesses

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt announced earlier today a new, first of its kind initiative to combat instances of human trafficking by targeting illicit massage businesses across the state. The Hope Initiative targets illicit massage businesses that may be engaging in human trafficking and advertising on illicit websites while posing as a legitimate business. The initiative’s […]

Coronavirus

Free COVID-19 testing clinic to be held in Kirksville

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and Missouri National Guard are coordinating a free COVID-19 testing drive-through clinic for state residents at the Northeast Missouri Fairgrounds of Kirksville. Participants are asked to enter the fairgrounds from the Patterson Street entrance. Those being tested should wear masks to protect staff administering the tests. Individuals […]

North Central Missouri Mental Health Center

Counselors available for support during pandemic through North Central Missouri Mental Health Center

The North Central Missouri Mental Health Center has COVID-19 counselors available to provide support and resources to anyone struggling with the pandemic. Free services include individual and group counseling, development, presentation, and distribution of educational materials, community networking and support, and assessments, referrals, and resource. Ask for a crisis counselor by contacting the North Central […]