Show-Me State Times

A groundbreaking ceremony took place at the Fisher Delta Research, Extension and Education Center (FD-REEC) in Portageville, Missouri, marking the beginning of a new chapter for agriculture research in the region. The event celebrated the construction of the Roy Blunt Soil Testing and Research Laboratory, a $4.6 million facility aimed at enhancing research programs related to soil, water, and plant-tissue testing.Former Senator Roy Blunt, a prominent figure in Missouri agriculture, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to have a facility named after him, stating,...

Canadian Man Sentenced for Cross-Country Crime Spree

U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk sentenced Mohsen Akbari, a Canadian man who conducted a cross-country crime spree, to 15 months in prison for stealing $109,000 from retailers in at least 11 states. Judge Pitlyk also ordered Akbari to repay the money, with $75,000 already seized from his accounts.During his crime spree, Akbari employed various tactics to steal money from retailers. He would make a small purchase and then deceive store employees into giving him cash by using sleight-of-hand techniques. Akbari's modus operandi included claiming to collect $100 bills with...

House budget prioritizes infrastructure investment

The Missouri House has passed a spending plan which includes funding for several key business priorities backed by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, including money to improve Interstate 44 and expand broadband access in rural areas. House lawmakers passed the budget bills – which total roughly $50 billion – on Thursday, April 4.Legislators have shown a commitment to investing in Missouri’s infrastructure and maximizing the state’s position as a logistics hub. After making a historic investment in I-70 last year, House lawmakers have proposed a FY25 budget...

Jon Hamm to speak at Saint Louis University's May 2024 commencement

Jon Hamm, the Emmy-award-winning actor known for his roles in "Mad Men" and "30 Rock," will address graduates at Saint Louis University's May 2024 commencement ceremony.

Comptroller Green Named As 2024 Super Shero

Comptroller Green has been recognized as a 2024 Super Shero for her outstanding dedication to public service and contributions as the St. Louis City Comptroller and CFO. The prestigious award was presented by Lifespiration, a St. Louis based marketing firm, during its annual "Superpower is You" Inspirational Luncheon on March 29, 2024.The Super Shero award aims to honor women whose achievements and contributions serve as an inspiration for others to pursue their dreams and reach new heights. Comptroller Green and her fellow nominees were surrounded by family, friends, and...

Urban heat island effects alter solar eclipse studies for 2024

Research published in the journal Atmosphere has revealed that the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect in St. Louis moderated the expected temperature cooling during the 2017 total solar eclipse.

Sikeston Man with Over 12 Felony Convictions Sentenced to Serve 200 Months in Prison for Gun Crime

A Sikeston, Missouri man, Milton Napoleon Porter, 41, has been sentenced to serve 200 months in prison for being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Clark handed down the sentence after Porter pleaded guilty to the offense and acknowledged his prohibited status as a gun possessor due to his multiple felony convictions.According to court documents, Porter was apprehended by officers from the Sikeston Department of Public Safety after a reported vehicle break-in incident on East Kathleen Street last July. Porter attempted...

FDA conducted lowest number of inspections on Biologics companies in Missouri during March

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted an inspection at one Biologics company from Missouri in March.

Attorney General Bailey Requests Execution Date for Christopher Collings

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has officially requested that the Missouri Supreme Court set an execution date for Christopher Collings, the individual convicted of the heinous abduction, rape, and murder of nine-year-old Rowan Ford in 2007. Collings's actions were described as particularly gruesome, as he not only committed the heinous acts but also took measures to conceal the evidence, including disposing of the victim's body in a sinkhole and destroying incriminating items.During Collings's trial, it was found that he had tortured the victim in a vile and...

Saint Louis University hosts events during second annual St. Louis Tech Week

Saint Louis University is set to host a series of events during the upcoming St. Louis Tech Week, scheduled for April 8-12.

Attorney General Bailey Warns of Baseball Ticket Scams as Season Begins

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Today, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has issued a warning to baseball fans in Missouri about potential ticket scams as the 2024 baseball season kicks off."Now that the Kansas City Royals and St. Louis Cardinals have opened their seasons, I want to educate Missourians on potential ticket scams," said Attorney General Bailey. "With ticket sales rising as our Missouri baseball teams begin their regular season, the Attorney General’s Office wants to ensure that consumers have the right tools at their disposal. We will pursue anyone who attempts...

St. Charles County Man Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Soliciting Sex from Minors

ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Ronnie L. White on Thursday sentenced Thomas J. Bowles, a registered sex offender from St. Charles County, Missouri, to 40 years in prison for soliciting sex from two minor victims via social media.Bowles, now 48, repeatedly contacted a female minor offering to be her “sugar daddy” in exchange for sex acts and explicit material. He also targeted a second minor, claiming he could mentor her in the modeling industry and providing gifts in exchange for sexual contact.In a victim impact statement, one of the victims described Bowles as...

Man Accused of Secretly Recording Women in St. Louis Area

A man in the St. Louis area has been indicted on a federal charge for allegedly engaging in disturbing activities. Erik Elsasser, 37, faces one felony count of distribution of child pornography, to which he pleaded not guilty. According to the indictment, Elsasser is accused of distributing images and videos containing child pornography online between August 2022 and August 2023.The motion filed against Elsasser reveals even more troubling details, stating that he surreptitiously recorded individuals in various private settings. One incident involved a partially nude...

St. Louis Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for Six Armed Robberies

U.S. District Judge John A. Ross handed down a 17-year prison sentence to Bruce Franklin, a St. Louis man involved in six armed robberies within a three-month period in 2021. Franklin, 64, confessed to targeting various stores, including cell phone stores and a Family Dollar outlet, during his criminal spree.According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Dunkel, Franklin's crime spree included robbing the Boost Mobile store at 3636 Page Boulevard, the T-Mobile at 4167 Lindell Boulevard, the MetroPCS at 3949 Lindell Boulevard, and the Family Dollar at 11123 Bellefontaine Road...

$1.9 billion in sales and gross receipt tax revenue for Missouri in Q3 2023

Missouri collected $1.9 billion in tax and gross receipts, a 9.1% increase from the second quarter of 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau

Missouri: Veterinary companies were the second most FDA inspected companies in Missouri in March

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted two inspections at two Veterinary companies from Missouri in March.

Exhibition explores faith through art using everyday materials

The Museum of Contemporary Religious Art (MOCRA) at Saint Louis University is currently hosting an exhibition titled "Open Hands: Crafting the Spiritual," which explores themes of faith and spirituality through art made from everyday materials.

Florissant Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Possessing Child Pornography

U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk sentenced Sheldon S. Dokes to eight years in prison for possessing over 1,700 images containing child sexual abuse material. Dokes, now 31, uploaded the files from his mother's home in Florissant, Missouri, using the screen name "Sin Frost." He admitted to first viewing child sexual abuse material in a group chat on the Kik app.According to the report, Dokes had multiple images and videos of child pornography on his phone, Instagram account, and Facebook Messenger. He also distributed some of these materials via Kik Messenger. Dokes...

St. Louis County Man Sentenced to a Total of 10 Years in Prison for Drug, Gun Crimes

A St. Louis County man, Antwan Boothe, has been sentenced to a total of 10 years in prison for drug and gun crimes. The sentencing was conducted by U.S. District Judge Catherine D. Perry, who presided over the case involving Boothe's possession of fentanyl and a firearm.Boothe, 33, was involved in a police chase after fleeing a traffic stop with his 9-year-old son in the car. During the pursuit, Boothe hit multiple parked cars and attempted to escape on foot, discarding a gun as he fled. Upon his arrest, officers discovered a significant amount of fentanyl in his...

Witnessing a celestial spectacle