
Local news
Jefferson City
Cole County, Missouri


Cole County Man Sentenced in Abuse Case
Frederick Copping was sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to three charges connected to the sexual abuse of a juvenile in Cole County, Missouri. The charges included child abuse involving sexual…

Missouri Hemp Restrictions Take Effect
Missouri’s new restrictions on intoxicating hemp products took effect statewide on November 12. Convenience stores, bars, restaurants and other businesses without a state marijuana facility license can no longer sell…
Opinion: Missouri rejected one partisan map. Now fix the map process
Missouri voters rejected one partisan map, and the state should now reform how its electoral maps are drawn, the opinion writer argues. The column points to the recent Missouri House election, where Democratic…
Families can skate with Santa at Washington Park Ice Arena in Jefferson City
Families can skate with Santa at Jefferson City’s Washington Park Ice Arena on Dec. 12 from 1 to 4 p.m. The annual event will feature holiday lights and music, plus an outdoor appearance by Santa in his sled for photos…
A super majority no longer exists in Missouri House
The Missouri House of Representatives has officially lost its super majority status. This shift in legislative composition marks a significant change in the chamber's ability to override gubernatorial vetoes or pass…

Missouri to require permits at unstaffed MDC shooting ranges next year
The Missouri Department of Conservation has announced that starting next year, visitors will be required to obtain permits to use its unstaffed shooting ranges. This new policy aims to better manage facility usage and…

Three people seriously injured in Cole County crash
Three people suffered serious injuries in a two-vehicle crash on westbound U.S. Highway 50 at Lookout Trail in Cole County on Nov. 10. The Missouri State Highway Patrol said a pickup crossed the westbound lanes and was…
2026 Buy Missouri Holiday Gift Guide released
Missouri Lieutenant Governor David Wasinger released the 2026 Buy Missouri Holiday Gift Guide on Veterans Day in Jefferson City. The digital guide highlights products made by small businesses, manufacturers and artisans…
Glenna L. Cole (August 24, 1933 - November 8, 2026)
Glenna L. Cole, 93, of Jefferson City, Missouri, died on November 8 after a brief illness, surrounded by her family. Born in Texas County, she worked for Brown Shoe Factory before spending 30 years as an inventory…

Missing Baby Recovered in Callaway County
A six-week-old girl reported missing from Lebanon was found unharmed in Callaway County on Tuesday and reunited with her mother in Jefferson City. The Missouri State Highway Patrol said troopers used Flock camera…
USDA lowers Missouri corn and soybean production estimates for 2026
The U.S. Department of Agriculture lowered its 2026 production estimates for corn and soybeans in Missouri. The revised figures indicate lower expected output for the state’s two major crops. The supplied report does…

Webber, Sharpe outline priorities ahead of Missouri legislative session
Missouri lawmakers Brendan Webber and Sharpe have outlined their priorities ahead of the upcoming legislative session. Webber, who has served on local boards and taken part in community affairs in Mexico, will represent…

A tribute to a veteran's invisible wounds
Army veteran Carol Thompson says Veterans Day should prompt recognition of veterans’ sacrifices throughout the year, including the invisible wounds many carry after service. She describes military culture as encouraging…

Ameren urges veterans, active military in need to apply for bill assistance
Ameren is urging veterans and active-duty military members struggling with energy bills to apply for grants of up to $600 through its Military Assistance Fund. The assistance is available to eligible Ameren residential…

Missouri Senate Republicans choose new leaders as election losses reshape chamber
Republicans in the Missouri Senate have selected new leaders as election losses reshape the chamber. The leadership changes will influence the party’s direction and organization in the state legislature. The selection…

Missouri awarded $218 million in second year of federal rural health grants
Missouri has been awarded $218 million in the second year of federal rural health grants. The funding is intended to support healthcare in rural communities across the state. The award continues federal assistance for…

Missouri House Prepares for New Legislative Session
The Missouri House is preparing for a new legislative session. The brief report provides no further details about the session’s agenda, timing or the measures lawmakers may consider.

Give nature-themed holiday gifts from MDC
The Missouri Department of Conservation is encouraging people to choose nature-themed gifts for the holidays. The brief notice offers no further details about specific products or where they can be purchased.

MDC to Require Permits at Unstaffed Shooting Ranges
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has announced a new policy requiring visitors to obtain permits for the use of unstaffed shooting ranges. This change aims to better manage facility usage and ensure safety…

Missouri to pay $150,000 to settle lawsuit over prisoner’s death by suicide
Missouri will pay $150,000 to settle a lawsuit over the death by suicide of a prisoner, according to the report. The settlement resolves claims brought against the state concerning the circumstances surrounding the…

Missouri Supreme Court rules against Ash Grove legislator in challenge to 2025 stadium funding bill
The Missouri Supreme Court ruled against state Sen. Michael Moon and two other challengers in their appeal of a stadium financing deal enacted in 2025. The decision leaves the law in place. Moon, a Republican from Ash…

Area businesses earn inaugural Main Street Missouri Awards
Five Missouri businesses have received the inaugural Main Street Missouri Awards, recognizing cafes and restaurants that bring people together and support their communities. The winners were selected from community…

Missouri to receive $218-million in funding for Rural Health Transformation Program
Missouri will receive $218.5 million in the second year of the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, up from $216.2 million in its first year. The Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for…

Simmons, Banderman reflect on election results
Missouri state representatives John Simmons and Brad Banderman have won reelection, defeating Democratic challengers in the Nov. 3 vote. Simmons received 62% of the vote, while Banderman won about 60.7%. The Franklin…

New ‘Buy Missouri’ gift guide supports local small businesses
The state of Missouri has launched its annual 'Buy Missouri' gift guide, a curated initiative designed to promote local small businesses and entrepreneurs during the holiday shopping season. By highlighting unique…
Missouri childcare subsidy waitlist grows as providers struggle to fill classrooms
Missouri is facing a growing crisis as the state's childcare subsidy waitlist continues to expand. Many families are struggling to secure affordable care, while providers report significant difficulties in filling…

Behavioral healthcare access in jail lacking in most Missouri communities
A guest commentary argues that Missouri county jails lack adequate access to behavioral healthcare. Citing Missouri Appleseed research, the author says mental health challenges are widespread among incarcerated people…

Is Missouri’s abortion fight over?
Missourians have voted twice to protect abortion access in the state constitution, and the latest ballot results have left the right in place. Amendment 3 failed, while Amendment 6 passed, requiring an 80% vote in the…

Missouri awarded $218 million in second year of federal rural health grants
Missouri will receive $218 million in the second year of federal Rural Health Transformation Fund grants, part of $10 billion distributed among all 50 states. The five-year, $50 billion program is intended to strengthen…