St. Louis sues Kia, Hyundai over rash of car thefts

ST. LOUIS (AP) — A federal lawsuit accuses automakers Kia and Hyundai of failing to install industry-standard anti-theft technology, resulting in thousands of thefts of vehicles in St. Louis. The Missouri city filed the lawsuit Monday seeking damages in excess of $75,000 plus punitive damages. Several other cities that have filed similar lawsuits, including Cleveland,…

Missouri lawmakers try to strengthen abortion ban

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Legislation by a Missouri Republican would strengthen the state’s abortion ban. A GOP-led Senate committee on Wednesday debated an amendment that would say abortion rights are not protected in Missouri’s Constitution. Missouri law already bans abortions except in medical emergencies. The ban kicked in after the U.S. Supreme Court last year…

Missouri officials investigate transgender youth clinic

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley and the state’s Republican attorney general are investigating whistleblower complaints against a transgender health center for children. Hawley and Attorney General Andrew Bailey on Thursday announced their investigations of Washington University Transgender Center at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. The whistleblower claims minors are put on puberty blockers…