Illinois school safety group offers preliminary suggestions

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – Officials studying safety in Illinois schools say local authorities should adopt sound existing guidelines for securing the schoolhouse, build trust in students to come forward with their suspicions, and consult regularly with local police. The School Security and Standards Task Force has issued an interim report to the General Assembly which…

Missouri lawmakers begin 2016 legislative session

(KTRS/AP) – Missouri lawmakers are sitting down this hour to begin the 2016 legislative session. This year’s session starts with new leadership. House Speaker Todd Richardson says an ethics overhaul is a top priority. He took over after then Speaker John Diehl resigned after it was discovered he exchanged sexually explicit text messages with an intern.…