TUGUEGARAO, Philippines (AP) — Typhoon Mangkhut lashed the northern Philippines with destructive winds and heavy rain that set off landslides and destroyed homes on Saturday, leaving at least 12 people dead, as Hong Kong and other parts of southern China braced for the powerful storm. The most ferocious typhoon to hit the disaster-prone Philippines this…
SPRINGFIELD, IL (AP) — Education Secretary Betsy DeVos was campaigning against states regulating student-loan companies when she called her friend, Gov. Bruce Rauner, in August 2017. Two weeks later, the Republican governor vetoed legislation creating protections for students taking out federal loans . In language that echoes President Donald Trump’s education chief in her continuing crusade against…
ST. JOSEPH, MO (AP) — A St. Joseph man faces two felony charges after a fatal boating accident during the Memorial Day weekend. The St. Joseph News-Press reports 41-year-old Cletus Barsch was charged Thursday with boating while intoxicated, resulting in death. He also was charged with endangering the welfare of a child. The Missouri State Highway Patrol…
CHICAGO, IL (AP) — Opportunities long closed to Illinois residents with criminal records are beginning to open as employers seek new sources of talent and lawmakers bet that gainful employment will reduce recidivism. Illinois lawmakers have changed licensing laws to make at least 100 occupations more accessible to people with a criminal background. The state…
Maryland Heights, MO (KTRS) The candidates vying to become Missouri’s next U.S. senator took center stage in their first debate. The Missouri Press Association hosted a forum in Maryland Heights on Friday featuring the two major party candidates along with two minor party candidates. Healthcare was among the topics addressed. G-O-P candidate Josh Hawley, who…
By JONATHAN DREW , Associated Press WILMINGTON, N.C. (AP) — Blowing ashore with howling 90 mph (155 kph) winds, Hurricane Florence splintered buildings, trapped hundreds of people and swamped entire communities along the Carolina coast Friday in what could be just the opening act in a watery, two-part, slow-motion disaster. At least four people were…
Maryland Heights, MO (KTRS) – The race for Missouri Auditor is heating up, as the candidates participated in a debate-style forum hosted by the Missouri Press Association on Friday. Democratic incumbent Nicole Galloway wasted no time going after Republican challenger Saundra McDowell, stating, “She’s so financially compromised, she might be willing to accept dark money…
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri high school students could apply a computer science credit toward math, science or practical art credits needed for graduation under a bill passed by state lawmakers. Senators voted 28-1 Friday to give the measure final approval. It now heads to Gov. Mike Parson. The measure would also create an…
JEFFERSON CITY (AP) A Missouri circuit judge has ruled that a proposed redistricting measure should be removed from the November ballot. Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green on Friday ruled that the ballot initiative unconstitutionally addresses multiple topics. He directed the secretary of state to remove the measure from the Nov. 6 ballot. At issue is…
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri lawmakers have passed a bill to expand treatment courts. Senators voted 29-0 in favor of the bill during a special session Friday. The bill now heads to Gov. Mike Parson. Lawmakers passed a wide-ranging bill with a similar provision during their annual legislative session that ended in May. But…