Wealthy donors pump $2 million to Missouri candidates in last blitz
Wednesday was the last day donors could cut six-figure checks to candidates before new campaign contribution limits kicked in
Ohio House committee votes to pass 20-week abortion ban
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – An Ohio House committee has voted to pass a bill that would ban abortions after 20 weeks. The committee voted Wednesday night to pass the ban, which now heads to the full House for consideration Thursday. That follows House approval Tuesday night of the so-called heartbeat bill, which would prohibit abortions…
2 killed in 30-vehicle pileup on slick Michigan interstate
FOWLERVILLE, Mich. (AP) – Authorities say at least two people have died and others are hurt following a 30-vehicle pileup on a snowy, icy Michigan interstate near the state capital of Lansing. Michigan State Police are blaming slippery conditions for the Thursday morning crash on I-96 near Fowlerville. The pileup forced the closure of the…
Gov. Nixon slashes spending for Medicaid, other programs
Gov. Jay Nixon has restricted $51 million in spending for Medicaid and excess bond authority, while making available nearly $4 million for schools, law enforcement, higher education, and mental health for the current fiscal year budget. “As Governor, I have kept Missouri’s budget in balance by restricting more than $2.2 billion in spending authorized by the…
City launches winter operations for homeless
With dangerously cold temperatures here, nonprofits, volunteers, and City officials are launching Winter Operations over the next few nights. Increased outreach and additional shelter bed space is being offered for people who do not have shelter. Individuals or families seeking shelter should please contact the following agencies: St. Louis Housing Helpline: (314) 802-5444 United Way:…
Comptroller: State employee bonuses on hold during impasse
CHICAGO (AP) – Comptroller Susana Mendoza says state employees promised bonuses will now have to wait to receive them during the ongoing budget impasse. The office that controls Illinois’ checkbook announced Wednesday that payments to social services and public safety come first. Mendoza, a Democrat, took office this week after ousting Republican Leslie Munger in…
Missouri prison harassment reports spur call for review
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) – Missouri’s Republican House Speaker Todd Richardson is calling for an investigation of the state Department of Corrections after reports of widespread workplace harassment. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch (http://bit.ly/2h7tw7F ) on Wednesday reported Richardson says he won’t tolerate what he said appears to be a culture of sexual harassment. The alternative…
8 people indicted for smash-and-grab at Missouri Saks store
ST. LOUIS (AP) – Eight Chicago residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury for the smash-and-grab crime at a Saks Fifth Avenue in suburban St. Louis. The U.S. Attorney’s office in St. Louis on Wednesday announced the indictments. All eight suspects are in their 20’s. Illinois State Police say they are also under…
Rauner asks Democrats for budget proposal, delays meeting
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner says he wants Democratic leaders to present him a budget proposal to end an 18-month stalemate before meeting again for another round of negotiations. Rauner made the announcement Wednesday a day before a planned meeting with legislative leaders, which he canceled. The Chicago Sun-Times reports (http://bit.ly/2h4CnUX )…
Police called after man uses axe in altercation
( KTRs) Authorities are investigating a call for an assault that involved an axe. Police were called to a residence in the 4800 block of Maffitt, just after midnight, Wednesday. When they arrived that victim told officers that he had got into an altercation with his neighbor, who then produced an axe and struck the…