John Breslin News
Supreme Court declines review of constitutionality of Medicaid expansion initiative
Missouri's Supreme Court declined this week to address the issue of whether a ballot initiative to expand Medicaid is unconstitutional.
Missouri joins other states suing robocallers, feds announce record $225 million fine
MIssouri, along with seven other states, has filed suit against alleged robocallers accused of calling more than one billion numbers across the country, including to millions of Missourians.
Hotel chain announces huge layoffs, but signs of recovery are on horizon
A hotel chain has announced the largest single layoff of employees since the start of the COVID-19 shut down on Friday, but the state's economy is showing real signs of recovery.LM Services Corportation, which operates Hilton, Holiday Inn and Sheraton brand hotels, said 1,468 employees at multiple locations in the St. Louis area.
Mail in ballots soar, governor not yet decided on whether to sign bill easing restrictions
More than 70,000 people in St. Louis County are reported to have mailed in their votes for elections on Tuesday, more than four times the number from last year's municipal polls.
Business leaders urge governor to sign four bills they believe important
Business leaders are urging Gov. Mike Parson to sign four believes they are believe are important for helping to revive Missouri's economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Investigation continues into Google, suits may be filed within months
An anti-trust investigation into the actions of Google and involving many states, including Missouri, is continuing, the attorney general's office has confirmed.
Few inquiries to insurance director over business interruption, but Missouri companies join lawsuits
Missouri's insurance department has received 12 inquiries and six other telephone calls related to business interruption coverage and the COVID-19 outbreak.
St. Louis City first jury trial still on calendar, but all depends on phased plan
St. Louis Circuit Court s still planning to hold its first jury trial following the COVID-19 shut down.But it all depends on whether it can hit targets under the mandates of the Missouri Supreme Court regarding the gradual reopneing of the judicial system to in person hearings.
Reports indicate Bayer close to settlement of tens of thousands of weedkiller lawsuits
Bayer has reached verbal agreements to settle tens of thousands of lawsuits filed by people claiming they contracted cancer after using its weedkiller, according to news reports.
Mail in voting allowed in elections, though some Democrats and secretary of state object
Republicans supported a bill allowing for expanded mail in voting in elections later this year, a move backed by civil rights groups, but opposed by many Democrats and, for very different reasons, by Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft.
Online learning advocates left disappointed over failure to pass access bill
Advocates for the expansion of online education were left disappointed after the Missouri General Assembly failed to pass a bill it is claim will rid the state of "arbitary barriers" to virtual learning.
Legal actions continue over shutdown while politicians afraid of 'being blamed for grandma's death,' attorney says
Two fitness centers in St. Louis County were told to close their doors by a federal judge, who ruled that they were a danger to public health.
Business leaders ask governor for special session to address claimed problem of COVID-19 lawsuits
Business leaders are urging Gov. Mike Parson to call a special session of the Missouri General Assembly to address what they claim is the "growing problem" of lawsuits linked to COVID-19 outbreak.
Broadband access program extension passed by legislators
A grant program aimed at filling the gaps in internet broadband access in Missouri will be extended following the passage of a bill at the end of the session.
St. Louis City, County re-open, all grappling with aftermath of drastic shut down
St. Louis City and County will begin reopening Monday, two weeks after the statewide order allowing local authories to make their own decisions on restarting business, and other aspects of life, following the COVID-19 close down.
Lawmakers pass resolution placing planned redistricting change on November ballot
Missouri lawmakers have passed a resolution that will allow voters the chance to overturn a change to the constitution that will directly affect how redistricting happens in the state next year.
In shortened session, legislators manage to pass tort reform bill, key win for businesses
Business leaders and tort reform advocates have welcomed changes that it is planned will limit punitive damage awards in Missouri.Senate Bill 591 passed by the legislature includes another key target for business leaders, a reform of the MIssouri Merchandising Practices Act (MMPA), which allows consumers to sue for misleading marketing and packaging of products.
Provisions limiting liability of health care providers during emergency proposed, broad support
Lawmakers in Missouri are attempting to protect health care providers, including nursing and care homes, from lawsuits arising from the COVID-19 crisis.
Appeals court considers arguments over multi-billion dollar verdict in J&J talc case
Arguments over whether a vedict and $4.69 billion award against Johnson & Johnson over claims its talc-based powder caused ovarian cancer were heard by a Missouri Appeals Court.
Court hears legal argument over claims city, county unlawfully continuing shut down
Two businesses have filed suit against officials from St. Louis County and city officials over claims the local authorities do not have the authority to order the continuing shuttering of their premises.