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Massive Missouri hailstorm kills zoo animal and smashes vehicles

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A powerful hailstorm that swept across southwest Missouri killed a zoo animal, shattered car windshields, damaged buildings, and knocked out power to thousands of homes and businesses, according to local officials and weather authorities.

The storm struck the Springfield and Greene County area on April 28, bringing hailstones reportedly as large as softballs as severe weather moved across parts of the central United States.

According to USA Today and the Springfield News-Leader, meteorologists with the National Weather Service measured hail up to four inches in diameter during the storm, with one report in Greene County reaching 4.75 inches. [Read more…] about Massive Missouri hailstorm kills zoo animal and smashes vehicles

Missouri voters oust city council members after $6 billion data center approval

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Voters in the small Missouri city of Festus have removed four incumbent city council members from office following growing controversy surrounding approval of a proposed $6 billion data center development.

The election result in the St. Louis suburb came just days after the city council approved a development agreement for a large hyperscale data center project planned on roughly 360 acres on the city’s southwest side.

According to reporting by Politico and local Missouri media, all four incumbents seeking reelection were defeated after residents expressed frustration over the handling of the project, particularly concerns about transparency, rezoning, infrastructure impacts, and communication with the public. [Read more…] about Missouri voters oust city council members after $6 billion data center approval

Missouri Republicans push ‘born-alive’ abortion bill as session nears end

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Missouri Republicans are pushing to pass a controversial “born-alive” abortion bill before the state’s legislative session ends next week, setting up another major confrontation in the state’s long-running abortion debate.

The legislation, known as the “Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act”, would require medical providers to administer life-saving care to infants born alive following an attempted abortion. Under the bill, anyone who “knowingly performs or attempts to perform an overt act that kills a child born alive” could face first-degree murder charges.

The measure has become a top priority for Republican lawmakers in the state legislature, despite opposition from Democrats, abortion-rights advocates, and even some anti-abortion Republicans. [Read more…] about Missouri Republicans push ‘born-alive’ abortion bill as session nears end

Missouri judge declines to immediately halt controversial kratom product sales

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Missouri’s attorney general has failed, for now, in an attempt to immediately halt the sale of controversial kratom-derived products sold by Kansas City-based CBD American Shaman, in a case that highlights growing national debate over the increasingly popular substance.

Jackson County Circuit Judge Charles McKenzie ruled Friday that the state had not yet presented sufficient evidence to justify an emergency temporary restraining order against the company and several affiliated businesses.

The lawsuit, brought by Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway alongside the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, specifically targets products containing “7-OH” – short for 7-hydroxymitragynine – a potent compound derived from kratom. [Read more…] about Missouri judge declines to immediately halt controversial kratom product sales

Trump administration moves to expand hunting access across US federal lands

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The Trump administration is moving to expand hunting and fishing access across federal lands following a January order issued by US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, a policy shift that is already prompting debate over conservation, visitor safety, and the future management of America’s national parks and wildlife areas.

In a statement released by the House Committee on Natural Resources, chairman Bruce Westerman welcomed the move after the Department of the Interior issued a Secretarial Order aimed at removing restrictions on hunting and fishing access on public lands and waters.

“Hunting and fishing are cherished activities for millions of Americans, including myself,” said Westerman. “I’m glad to see Secretary Burgum and the Trump administration take action to expand recreational opportunities on our public lands for sportsmen and women to enjoy.” [Read more…] about Trump administration moves to expand hunting access across US federal lands