News from the South - Missouri News Feed
Final full day of absentee voting is at hand
SUMMARY: Missouri’s first year of in-person absentee voting has been a significant success, with over 200,000 ballots cast before polls close on Tuesday. In St. Louis County, election officials are preparing for the final voting days and report high participation. On Saturday, many voters utilized satellite voting sites, with lines typically moving efficiently within 30 minutes. Election workers are equipped to handle increased demand, having prepared ample supplies, including 900,000 sheets of ballot paper. Officials remind voters that it’s too late to mail in ballots; they must be hand-delivered by 7 PM on Tuesday.
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As Election Day approaches, St. Louis County is seeing an unprecedented turnout in absentee voting. The county’s early voting period, which began on Oct. 22, has already drawn an impressive 200,274 ballots. This figure demonstrates high voter engagement ahead of the November election, with absentee voting by mail contributing significantly.
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News from the South - Missouri News Feed
ISP trooper dodges two crashes in seconds
SUMMARY: Illinois State Police released dramatic video of a trooper narrowly avoiding two crashes caused by violations of the state’s “move over” law. Fire Chief John Veilleux, after 43 years in the field, expressed disbelief at the footage, emphasizing that drivers often don’t pay attention. The incident occurred months ago in Chicago, and multiple drivers now face charges, including failure to move over. ISP reported 27 crashes into trooper vehicles last year due to similar violations. Missouri and Illinois have laws requiring drivers to slow down and move over for emergency responders to enhance safety. Fines for violations can reach $250, with potential license suspension.
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Video footage of an Illinois State Trooper dodging two crashes is being shared by Illinois State Police to remind drivers about the reason behind Move Over laws. Even with his 43 years of experience, Collinsville Fire Chief John Bailot found the video difficult to watch. But despite his disbelief, the chief is not surprised by the mindset of drivers. FOX 2’s Jeff Bernthal reports.
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News from the South - Missouri News Feed
Missouri AG seeks to join class-action lawsuit against Tyson Foods
Missouri AG seeks to join class-action lawsuit against Tyson Foods
by Egan Ward, Missouri Independent
February 21, 2025
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey filed a motion to intervene in a class-action lawsuit against Tyson Foods on Tuesday.
If granted, Bailey’s involvement will allow him access to confidential documents currently being withheld by Tyson Foods and key depositions taken by the prosecuting attorneys. Bailey aims to join the suit through permissive intervention, which will require the court to approve.
The case, which is being processed in New Madrid County, began when four farmers under contract with Tyson sued after the closure of a chicken processing plant in Dexter. The case, first filed in December 2023, alleges that Tyson breached the farmers’ contracts, leaving them with millions of dollars in debt.
The lawsuit also claims Tyson intentionally sold the plant to a noncompetitor, Cal-Maine Foods, in order to cut chicken supply and raise market prices.
An investigation by the Watchdog Writers Group, in partnership with Investigate Midwest, revealed that Tyson closely coordinated with Cal-Maine Foods in the sale of the Dexter plant, including attempts to prevent farmers from seeking legal remedies over the broken contracts.
The case has caught the attention of Missouri politicians. Following the November 2023 plant closure, Bailey sent a letter to Tyson CEO Donnie King, where he stated that it is “paramount that you do everything in your power to either keep the facilities open or sell to any interested party, including a competitor.”
In July 2024, U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley sent a public letter to King, which claimed that the CEO deliberately misled him and others by assuring them that the company would sell to a noncompetitor. Three days later, Bailey announced on social platform X his intent to join as a party in the lawsuit.
Tyson has produced 1,325 documents during the lawsuit, of which all but three remain confidential. The plaintiff’s attorneys, Brandon Boulware and Russell Oliver, have argued that Tyson is concealing evidence to break the law.
If allowed to join the case, Bailey’s status as attorney general could put pressure on Tyson.
“We are grateful for the support from the state of Missouri,” Boulware said. “Tyson Foods owes them answers, especially its farmers.”
This story originally appeared in the Columbia Missourian. It can be republished in print or online.
Missouri Independent is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Missouri Independent maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jason Hancock for questions: info@missouriindependent.com.
The post Missouri AG seeks to join class-action lawsuit against Tyson Foods appeared first on missouriindependent.com
News from the South - Missouri News Feed
Exploring the rich history of the Walt Theatre
SUMMARY: The tiny Walt Theater in New Haven, Missouri, has been a local entertainment hub since 1940. With just 170 seats, it offers a nostalgic Art Deco ambiance. The theater was named after founder Walter, who, along with Walt Disney, was honored with a photo from Disney. Owned by Allen and Marcus Obras, the theater’s history includes early ticket prices of $5.05. The Obras family is also involved in renovating local buildings, including the 1870 Central Hotel, now a modern bed and breakfast. Despite its vintage charm, the theater now features digital movies and modern amenities.
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FOX 2 is in your neighborhood, New Haven. FOX 2’s Ty Hawkins and John Pertzborn traveled over to the Walt Theatre to learn more about the history of the venue
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