Features

Looking for love even after Valentine’s Day? Look out for scams

Scammers use fake online dating profiles to pursue a relationship with someone and gain their trust. They will eventually ask for money or present an investment opportunity, sometimes after spending weeks or months building a relationship. Investment scams and romance scams are among the riskiest reported to BBB. Both are high-stakes scams where strong trust

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House takes first step on property tax changes

By Emma Farrel and Samantha Jackson, Missouri News Network House lawmakers took the first step Wednesday toward making changes to the state’s property tax system. The Missouri House of Representatives voted to move forward House Bill 2780, a wide-ranging bill built around a restructuring method known as “siloing” that supporters say would change how tax

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Sandy Crawford Capitol report

Things are getting busy in the Missouri Senate. This week, I saw one of my bills move to the Missouri House of Representatives for its consideration. Senate Bill 1020 Authorizes the Department of Revenue to enter into a contract without rebidding when NO qualifying bids are received during the initial request for proposal. This will

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The sooner you file your taxes, the less likely you will run into a scam

Don’t put off doing your taxes for too long. The sooner you file, the less likely you’ll run into a scam. BBB regularly receives reports about government impostors, including around tax season. Scammers impersonating the IRS during tax season hope to get your personal information for tax identity theft or to trick you into paying

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Bill would lower minimum wage for minors in Missouri

By Sawyer Bess, Missouri News Network A bill that would lower the minimum wage for minors was pitched by its sponsor Wednesday as a way to help small businesses and young workers. Senate Bill 1325 would create a separate minimum wage for those under age 18 who are employed in Missouri. The new minimum wage

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MO officials announce third consecutive year of declining traffic fatalities

Missouri leaders today announced data showing that traffic fatalities declined in 2025 for the third year in a row, marking a significant milestone in the state’s ongoing effort to improve roadway safety. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe joined the Missouri Department of Transportation, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and other safety partners in making the announcement,

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We have concluded another busy week in the Missouri Senate. The Missouri Senate Insurance and Banking Committee heard my Senate Bill 834. Senate Bill 834 establishes rules confirming that common loan modifications, such as lowering interest rates, extending loan terms, or adjusting payment schedules, do not change or alter a lender’s lien priority. For example,

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How our role on Appropriatons Committee is turning the “Show Me State” into the “Grow Me State”

By Mark Alford This week, I’m proud to share good news for Missouri’s Fourth District. Through the Fiscal Year 2026 government funding process, our office secured nearly $23 million in targeted federal investments for communities across central and western Missouri. These are strategic investments in infrastructure, healthcare, workforce training, agriculture, research, and public safety. As

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Take part in the 56-day challenge blood drive

Start the new year by making a lifesaving commitment. Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO) invites you to take the 56-Day Challenge in 2026. Give blood, save lives, repeat and you could win up to $56,000 in Visa gift cards, sponsored by Adam Swenka with Flat Branch Home Loans and The Giving Branch. Community

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BBB tips on how to keep your personal information safe

As people rely more on online services for daily activities, it’s more important than ever to be in control of your data. This Data Privacy Week, BBB wants you to keep in mind that personal information is regularly shared on the internet through cell phones, tablets, laptops and other devices. These access points make it

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