News

Update: A 2 p.m. scheduled press conference with Gov. Nixon on this topic was canceled without explanation to the press.

Updated at 3:46 p.m. April 20, 2011:

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon says officials are making progress toward completing an agreement on a dog-breeding law to make revisions embraced by the governor.

The Legislature earlier passed legislation to rewrite a dog-breeding law that voters approved last year. Nixon didn't say Wednesday if he'll sign or veto that legislation.

The Missouri Senate has passed a funding plan for public schools as it begins debate on a $23 billion proposed budget.

• A Senate budget bill approved Wednesday would provide schools $3 billion in basic aid next year - the same amount as this year but an estimated $179 million less than called for under the school funding formula.

Legislators and Gov. Jay Nixon say the state cannot afford to pay schools the full amount they are due.

Severe Weather Hits Missouri

Tornados swept through eastern Missouri yesterday, damaging homes and yanking down power lines. No injuries were reported.

The Pike County Sheriff's Department says the storm hit the Bowling Green area late yesterday afternoon, and that three tornadoes were seen in the county in a 45-minute period. Some homes in the Clarksville area had roof damage, and barns and outbuildings in rural Pike County also were damaged.

Updated at 6:01 p.m. April 20, 2011:

Police have arrested Elex Murphy of North St. Louis and are holding him without bond.

A police investigation revealed the attack was part of a game which involves unprovoked attacks on innocent bystanders.

An investigation to identify other suspects is ongoing.

Original Story:

St. Louis police say they have arrested an 18-year-old man in connection with the beating death of a 72-year-old Vietnamese immigrant and the assault of the 59-year-old wife.