The Countian, Jefferson County | Missouri Lawyers Media

Judge denies John Edwards’ bid to dismiss criminal case

John Edwards lost a bid for dismissal of criminal charges arising from his alleged misuse of presidential campaign funds to hide an extramarital affair.

Efforts to expand driver texting ban again fall short

Late last year, federal safety officials made a deadly crash in rural eastern Missouri a focal point in a nationwide call to ban drivers from using their cellphones while behind the wheel.

Missouri state budget includes ups, downs for judiciary

The state judiciary is set to receive just under $195 million in fiscal year 2013, which begins July 1. That’s an increase of more than $4 million over the current budget.

High Ridge Commons opens

A ribbon cutting at 7:30 a.m. Friday will celebrate the grand opening of the High Ridge Commons Walmart Supercenter at Highway 30 and High Ridge Commons Parkway.

‘Big blow’ leaves Pevely in financial distress, may revive license fee

The city of Pevely may have to take drastic measures to avoid a possible deficit in next year’s budget.

Appeals court upholds verdict in deputies’ racial discrimination suit

A state appeals court likely disappointed both sides last week when it affirmed a $300,000 verdict and a $326,000 attorney fee award issued in a racial discrimination case against St. Louis Sheriff James Murphy.

Media lawyers see social media slowly becoming the press

Thomas R. Julin, a media-law attorney, says as companies like Google become bigger and more powerful, they are the press.

Bad blood over Herculaneum, Festus shared water plant lead to resignation

Disagreements on the methods to fix the bad water problems in Herculaneum and Festus may have led to some bad blood between members of the Jefferson County Water Authority and the resignation of Plant Manager Tom Ward.

State legislators battle for port money

Missouri Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder held a press conference in Herculaneum on Monday morning to rally for the restoration of $1.2 million earmarked in the state budget for a new Mississippi River port near the Doe Run property.

Senate sends Nonpartisan Court Plan changes to House

The Missouri Senate has given final approval to a resolution that would give the governor more influence over the Nonpartisan Court Plan.

No new trial over railroad employee’s shooting

In a 5-2 decision, the Missouri Supreme Court on Tuesday said a railroad employee who was accidentally shot while on the job cannot have a new trial.