Stories from Saturday, December 11, 2021

President Biden was in the Show-Me-State this week attempting to convince Missourians to support his “Build Back Better” legislation. Despite its catchy name, this massive spending package would be a disaster for Missouri. Democrats claim the $2 trillion spending bill has “zero costs” although any thinking Missourian knows that this claim is outrageous. ...

We are blessed to live in a region full of small towns and big hearts. We see that over and over again throughout the year as our friends and neighbors dig deep in support of good causes. And a local group has helped put our region on the national map for just that reason. But they were just telling everyone what we already knew here at home...

After the pandemic forced many families to alter or cancel plans for get-togethers last year, many of us were looking forward to a more traditional holiday season this year. Instead, people are realizing they’re either going to have to scale back their celebrations or be prepared to pay a lot more for them. ...

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. (AP) — Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing at least six people overnight as a storm system tore through a candle factory in Kentucky, an Amazon facility in Illinois and a nursing home in Arkansas. The Kentucky governor said he feared dozens more could be dead...

Disaster-aid and humanitarian groups are mobilizing to help tornado victims and setting up dedicated fund for donations to support their efforts. Here's a look at some of the relief being provided and ways to donate. The American Red Cross is making it easy to make a quick $10 donation simply by texting "REDCROSS" addressed to the number, 90999. ...

MAYFIELD, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky's governor said Saturday that a monstrous tornado likely killed dozens of people in the state and the toll was climbing after severe weather ripped through at least five states, leaving widespread devastation. Gov. Andy Beshear said upwards of 70 may have died when a twister touched down for more than 200 miles (320 kilometers) in his state but the number of deaths could exceed 100 across 10 or more counties...