News

The dramatically swift democratic reform in Myanmar has been the geopolitical surprise of the past year. The new government -- headed by former military Thein Sein -- freed thousands of political prisoners and signed truces with rebel groups. 

The Columbia Fraternal Order of Police, or FOP, is calling for the removal of Police Chief Ken Burton.  The Mayor and City Manager were sent a 349-page complaint that detailed grievances against Burton and his alleged violations.  City Manager Mike Matthes responded with his support of the embattled police chief.

A judge upheld the language of a proposed ballot initiative Thursday that, if passed, would raise the state minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $8.25. Kansas City Restaurant Owner Victor Allred challenged the initiative, claiming the language was unfair. But Cole County Circuit Judge rejected his challenge. Missouri Jobs for Justice is the group supporting the initiative, and will turn in the signatures to the Missouri Attorney General next week. 

The Missouri House has approved legislation that could make it harder for employees to be shielded from retaliation by their employer for reporting wrongdoing in the workplace.

In an 86-66 vote Thursday, the House approved a measure that limits "whistleblower" status to employees who report or refuse to carry out illegal acts. The bill also caps the amount of punitive damages a person can recover if a company retaliates against the whistleblower.

A recent inspection found that the University of Missouri System President's house needs approximately $88,000 dollars worth of restoration.

The budget chairman for the Missouri House is not happy with the Senate’s decision early today (Wednesday) to restore 28 million dollars for blind pensions.  An amendment by GOP Senator Jim Lembke of St. Louis County reversed the cut that the House wanted to use for Higher Education.

The Missouri House has given first-round approval to legislation that would expand tax breaks for auto parts manufacturers.  Ford and General Motors already have access to the incentives. 

Jefferson City Public Schools is in negotiations with Lincoln University and Linn State Technical College as part of a plan to build a new high school to replace the old facility.

A Missouri Senate committee is considering legislation that would make CPR training a requirement for graduating from high schools.