Drug deactivation pouches to be handed out in St. Charles County
( KTRS ) The Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Charles County is donating 10,000 “drug deactivation pouches” to families in the fight against drug abuse. The organization teamed up with Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, a leading global specialty pharmaceutical company. The 10,000 pouch distribution program encourages families to become actively involved in the safe and responsible…
Gov. Rauner signs package of criminal justice legislation
CHICAGO (AP) – Gov. Bruce Rauner has signed a slew of bills aimed at overhauling parts of the state’s criminal justice system, including new rules for juvenile offenders. Among the bills the Republican governor signed into law on Monday are proposals to change the minimum probation period for convicted juvenile, allow juveniles to immediately petition…
Low income families, seniors, disabled can apply for help with heating bills
( KTRS ) An Illinois program offering help with winter heating bills is preparing to enroll seniors and people with disabilities. Enrollment for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program begins Sept. 1. The program offers assistance to low-income families by paying benefits directly to the utility companies. A single person qualifies for help if…
Former Missouri state Sen. Betty Sims dies
CLAYTON, Mo. (AP) – Former two-term state Sen. Betty Sims of St. Louis County, a Republican who championed efforts to improve the health of women and children, has died. Sims’ daughter Molly Sims Weber told The Associated Press that Sims died Monday of complications due to pancreatitis. She was 80. Sims served in the Senate…
University of Missouri projects drop in freshman enrollment
COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) – Officials at the University of Missouri have projected that about 1,400 fewer first-time freshmen have enrolled at the school compared to last year. The Columbia Daily Tribune reports that the university’s projection would result in a class size of 4,800. University spokesman Christian Basi says this year’s exact number will not…
Groups say death row inmate’s defense funds are insufficient
ST. LOUIS (AP) – Five legal groups are supporting a Missouri death row inmate whose execution was halted hours before it was to be carried out in 2014, saying that he can’t receive an adequate defense with the money allocated. Three national criminal defense associations, a civil rights law firm and the American Bar Association…
Standoff in Belleville ends peacefully
(KTRS) – A standoff in Belleville is over. Fox 2 reports that the situation ended peacefully. The incident began when a suicidal man locked himself inside a home in the 500 block of South Pennsylvania.
Treatment center owners say drug court participants forced to work as police informants
ST. LOUIS (AP) – The owners of a Franklin County treatment facility have filed a lawsuit against the county and others alleging that some participants in drug court were forced to work as informants for police, causing them to fail drug tests and the program. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports the lawsuit was filed Aug.…