Will Iowa raise the cigarette tax 65 cents?
A bill in the Iowa Legislature aims to increase taxes on tobacco products and implement an excise tax on vape and consumable hemp products to address the state’s high cancer rates. Advocates for cancer awareness support the
‘Time Matters’: Support Grows for Purple Alert to Locate Missing Children and Adults
A group of advocates testified in front of the Missouri Children and Families House Committee in support of HB 1840, a bill proposing the creation of a Purple Alert system to help find missing individuals with developmental
Federal judge rules Missouri’s gas station slot machines are illegal gambling devices
Two “no-chance” gambling machines await customers in a Columbia convenience store (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent). A bill that would create a state-run video lottery system to replace the current slot machine games received initial approval Monday in the
Conception Junction Students Earn State Berth with First Place Innovate Award
The N.E.R.D.S. Robotics team from Conception Junction, Missouri, including Lyndon Haden, Andy Lager, and Nolan Wallace, advanced to the state competition after winning the first place Innovate Award at the FIRST Tech Challenge KC East League Tournament
New Data Shows Shifting Attitudes About Living and Working in Northwest Missouri
Maximize Northwest Missouri has released the findings from its 2025 Alumni & Resident Survey, comparing data to 2020 about living, learning, working, and playing in northwest Missouri. The survey highlights challenges and opportunities in the region, with
Northwest Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band to Launch Spring Season
By RYAN SKAITH Northwest Missouri State University’s premier instrumental ensembles, the Wind Symphony and the Symphonic Band, will kick off their spring concert season with a performance featuring a wide array of musical eras and styles. The
I dropped a tub of margarine on my foot the other day and it still hurts.
I can’t believe it’s not better
FBI formally declines to share evidence with Minnesota officials in Alex Pretti shooting
Minnesota’s top investigative agency says the FBI has formally declined to provide evidence or information in the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti, a decision state leaders are calling highly unusual. Pretti, an intensive care nurse, was
Father of Georgia school shooting suspect faces jury as trial begins
Jury selection and opening statements began Monday in the case against Colin Gray, the father of the teenager accused of carrying out the 2024 mass shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. The shooting left four
Missouri man injured after semi overturns
NODAWAY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 1p.m. Monday in Nodaway County. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2026 P eterbilt semi driven by 40-year-old Columbia man was southbound on RT. Y