State News
Judge selection method open to vote under proposed amendment
JEFFERSON CITY — Critics of the way some Missouri judges are selected today filed a proposed constitutional amendment to let voters pick a new method.
Law dictating governor use of state cars needs work, audit says
JEFFERSON CITY — A state audit of the governor’s office released Thursday points out continued problems with political and personal use of state vehicles.
Judge rewrites contentious ballot summary for stem cell initiative
At issue is a procedure known scientifically as somatic cell nuclear transfer, in which a person’s cell is injected into a human egg, which is then stimulated to grow as if it had been fertilized by a sperm.
Webber to run for 23rd District seat
Hickman High School alumnus and Iraq War veteran Stephen Webber has decided to run for the 23rd District seat in the Missouri House of Representatives.
Threatening a woman into abortion illegal under proposed bill
JEFFERSON CITY — Husbands and wives can divorce in Missouri without needing a reason. But abortion opponents want to make it a crime if a man threatens divorce to pressure his wife into an abortion.
Specialty license plates bill seeks expanded lawmaker scrutiny
JEFFERSON CITY — A federal court ruling requiring Missouri to issue a "Choose Life" license plate has prompted lawmakers to reconsider the way the state approves specialty vehicle plates.
Third Republican to run for Hulshof’s seat
A third Republican, Tourism Director Blaine Luetkemeyer is competing to succeed Congressman Kenny Hulshof.
State senate mulls legislation to limit construction of new casinos
The bill would limit the building of new casinos and increase taxes on existing ones
Republican announces she will campaign to fill Hulshof’s seat
Danie Moore, of Fulton, officially announced that she will run to represent the 9th Congressional District. She is the second Republican to make this announcement. She said that her top priority is national security.
Missouri Drug program may suffer under Bush budget cuts
Some lawmakers say that there isn’t enough money allocated to the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program to support police efforts against methamphetamines.
Southeast Missouri to get new cancer, heart disease care
The Saint Francis Medical Center plans to begin work this spring on an $84 million center for cancer and heart disease in southeast Missouri.
Leaders raise funds to assist Kirkwood’s recovering mayor
Mayors in St. Louis County are among those raising funds to help a Kirkwood official recently wounded at his City Hall.
Republicans might ride Blunt’s (term’s) coattails
Gov. Matt Blunt isn’t running for re-election this year. But his record in office is.
Gov. Blunt confirms benefits of biodiesel
Gov. Matt Blunt touted the benefits of a biodiesel bill Friday that he said will spur economic growth, bolster national security and benefit the environment.
Eight arrested on drug-related charges
An early morning sweep in northern Missouri, brought about by a 22-month undercover operation, resulted in eight arrests.
Legislative budget leaders look to trim Blunt's spending plan
Concerns about the economy are causing Missouri lawmakers to look for ways to trim Gov. Matt Blunt’s spending proposals. Blunt has proposed a nearly $23 billion budget for next fiscal year, which would leave about $50 million not spent.
Blunt recommends allocation of $1 million for fight against sexual and domestic violence
The amendment will take advantage of federal funding that helps cover the cost of forensic medical exams, or rape kits, for sexual assault victims, and will redesignate $1 million of the originally proposed funding to go toward the creation of a sexual assault grant program.
Missouri House wants to stop sex offenders from taking pictures of children
A proposal in House could punish registered sex offenders with a fine and a year in jail for taking photos and video of children.
Senate bill would allow nurses to write more prescriptions
A bill in the Missouri Senate could give nurses the ability to write prescriptions for a wider range of controlled substances including Vicoden and Valium.
Cutting the campaign caps
Elections are becoming more expensive due to inflation, but the cap in public funding is hindering transparency in campaigns, said Majority Leader Charlie Shields. Shields and Sen. Jeff Smith offer two alternatives.
