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Auditor slams DESE, Social Services for early childhood funds

State Auditor Tom Schweich rated as “poor” the work Missouri’s departments of Social Services and Elementary and Secondary Education have been doing in supervising early childhood development and education programs.

Lawmakers send school, public buildings security plans law to governor

With just 2 1/2 hours to spare before the Legislature's 6 p.m. deadline, the state Senate cast the final votes needed to send Gov. Jay Nixon a bill re-imposing closed-records status to security and emergency response plans for schools and other public buildings.

Threat of further filibuster kills transportation sales tax for session

State Sen. Mike Kehoe reluctantly admitted defeat this morning on his proposal for a 10-year, one-cent sales tax to pay for transportation improvements.

Nixon promises layoffs if budget not changed

Gov. Jay Nixon this morning promised to "reduce staff and services accordingly — including making the necessary layoffs — effective July 1" if lawmakers pass the state's budget in its current form.

Laughrey issues preliminary injunction in Linn State drug testing case

Preliminary order in effect until July trial

With a few exceptions, Linn State Technical College students won’t have to take a drug test, at least while a judge's preliminary injunction is in effect.

Transportation sales tax bill goes to Missouri House

Before leaving for their weeklong spring break, state senators, last Thursday, passed and sent a proposed one-cent, 10-year sales tax for transportation improvements to the House. If the House agrees, the proposal would face a statewide vote next year.

Driver charged in fatal wreck

A little more than a dozen hours after he was involved in a fatal, wrong-way wreck on U.S. 54, Cole County prosecutors named Dennis G. Leporin in five criminal charges Thursday.

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Opponents: Utility surcharge bill would allow unfair charges

Supporters of Kehoe legislation say claim is baseless

By the end of this week, supporters expect the Missouri Public Service Commission will have completed its analysis of the potential effects of Sen. Mike Kehoe’s bill allowing electric utilities to charge consumers for infrastructure work, even before getting PSC approval.

PSC approves Ameren rate increase

Rate hike is fifth in last six years

Morgan County investigating double murder

A Morgan County couple were found dead Tuesday morning in their home on Oak Hill Drive, in Ivy Bend, south of Stover. The fatal victims were identified as Wayne Wells, 80, and Mae Wells, 72.

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