John Breslin News
More than 80,000 mail in, absentee ballots received by St. Louis County, a record
A record number of absentee and mail-in ballots - 80,000 - were received by St. Louis County prior to the primary election and ballot initiative vote, according to officials. And, across Missouri, an estimated 226,000 voters requested absentee ballots, though not all would have returned them.
Two bars file suit over city orders to shutter over claimed violations of regulations
Two bars have filed lawsuit after the city ordered them and two others to close over claimed violations of ordinances related to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Debate heats up over Medicaid expansion ahead of election; Voters to decide Tuesday
State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick and several lawmakers have reiterated their opposition to the expansion of Medicaid in Missouri.
Bayer looking to overturn farmer's $250 million dicamba judgment, says Bader's still in business
Bayer is seeking to overturn a jury verdict and award of more than $250 million to a Missouri peach farmer who claimed one of the company's herbicides harmed his crop beyond repair.In papers filed in federal court, the company claims the farmer, Bill Bader, is still in business and that the dicamba-based weed killer did not ruin his crop and business.The company hired a private investigator who visited the Bader's retail store in Campbell and found that it was still in business.
100,000 mostly laid off workers lose health insurance since start of pandemic
One hundred thousand laid off workers lost their insurance in Missouri since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new national report.In Missouri, 17 percent of non-elderly adults are currently uninsured, according to the report by Families USA, a Washington-headquartered non-profit.Th total is now 613,000, an increase of 100,000 since February.
City leaders hoping for another special session to deal with COVID-19 liability protection
Municipal leaders are hoping for another special session to deal with the fall out from the COVID-19 pandemic, including protecting local governments from liability.
AG files brief arguing for dismissal of charges against gun wielding couple
Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt has called for the dismissal of charges against a St. Louis couple accused of the unlawful use of firearms.
Missouri senator asks for civil rights investigation into city attorney actions
Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley has asked the U.S. Department of Justice to launch an investigation into the St. Louis city attorney's actions relating to a couple being investigating over their brandishing of firearms during a street protest.
Former governor hits out over claimed failures by successor
Former Gov. Eric Greitens has accused his successor of having a "cowardice problem" for failing to dispatch state troopers to a St. Louis residence where a couple brandished firearms while protestors walked down a road.Gov. Mike Parson responded by stating that the couple, Mark and Patricia McCloskey, had every right to defend their home.
Extra funding for broadband coming from CARES Act, other areas, but school districts hurting
Approximately $55 million of federal funding will be allocated to education in Missouri, according to the state's education commissioner.
Easing of rules for out of state occupational licenses welcomed by business leaders
Workers from other states will now be able to come to Missouri following the signing of an occupational licensing bill.Governor Mike Parson signed HB 2046 which allows those who have gained a license in another to more easily operate in Missouri.
Violent crime likely to be on agenda of special legislative session
Violent crime is likely to be discussed in any special session, with city leaders urging legislators and the governor to introduce measures as a priority.
Couple holding guns as protesters walked by home unlikely to face charges, castle doctrine applies
Charges are unlikely to be brought against a St. Louis couple who made national headlines when they stood outside their home June 28 holding weapons while protesters walked past the house, according to legal experts.
Governor signs law on punitive damages, merchandising act
Governor Mike Parson signed into law changes to the legal make that was championed by business leaders and tort reform advocates.
Cities likely to cut spending on capital projects, services amid fallout from COVID-19
Cities across the country, including in Missouri, are suffering deep financial problems due to COVID-19, according to a new survey of more than 1,000 municipalities.
Roundup settlement would net plaintiffs average of $60K; Lawyers could take $3 billion in fees
ST. LOUIS - An average of more than $60,000 will be paid out to plaintiffs claiming they were harmed by the weedkiller Roundup, but it is unclear how the money will be divided up. Lawyers for plaintiffs, on the other hand, will receive between 25 and 33 percent in fees, or close to $3 billion, plus costs.
Hundreds of eviction filing expected after ban lifted in early July
Hundreds of eviction filings are expected once the courts begin once again to process actions by landlords in early July, according to the St. Louis City Sheriff's Office.
State, local officials expect dramatic increase in overall voting with extended mail in ballots: Ashcroft
Voters across Missouri can begin requesting mail in ballots for the August primary on Tuesday following its expansion under a new law in place for the remainder of the year.
Judges must support law on new punitive damages rules, business leader says
Judges will have a major say over whether to allow a lawsuit to include punitive damages, but they must follow the guidelines laid down by new legislation, according to one indutry representative.
Supreme Court to decide on damages cap in suit against public entity
Missouri's Supreme Court is pondering whether the St. Louis metro system is liable for much higher damages than other public entities.