Missouri

Jay Ashcroft draws bipartisan attacks over comments about veterans benefits • Missouri Independent

Published

2 years ago

February 22, 2024

Jay Ashcroft draws bipartisan attacks over comments about veterans benefits • Missouri Independent

Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft is facing criticism from Republican and Democratic rivals over comments he made at a candidate forum this weekend calling into question the fairness of special benefits for veterans.

During a panel for gubernatorial candidates at the annual Missouri Republican Party Lincoln Days in Kansas City over the weekend, Ashcroft was asked how the state can better support veterans and active duty military personnel.

Ashcroft said “we need to do what we promised them,” before acknowledging he was about to say something that “probably isn’t what you want for the answer to your question.”

“I don’t think we ought to treat people based on classifications,” he said. “I think we ought to treat everybody equally. And I don’t think we ought to say that if you live here, we’re gonna charge you this, but if you live here, we charge you this. I don’t think we ought to say if you’re in the military, we’ll give you this discount, but everybody else has to pay twice as much. I don’t think that’s good government.”

When someone is a member of the military and moves into the state, Ashcroft said, “it’s harder sometimes to get licensed and make sure you have licensing reciprocity. What I always said was, why don’t we just make that rule for everybody? Why don’t we just say that government is the problem, and let’s get government out of the way, let people make their own decisions and not keep picking and choosing winners and losers.”

He concluded: “I appreciate veterans. I have veterans in my family. I like what they’ve done. But what we ought to do is say, if it’s good for veterans, it’s good to do it for everyone.”

This answer from ⁦@JayAshcroftMO⁩ was the most discussed answer from the ⁦@MissouriGOP⁩ forum yesterday. ⁦
Jay Ashcroft comes out against military discounts for our state’s veterans. Shameful. #MOGOV pic.twitter.com/g1iUBym36a
— West STL Republican (@WestStLouisGOP) February 18, 2024

State Sen. Bill Eigel, a Weldon Spring Republican who served in the Air Force, responded to Ashcroft’s comments during the forum by saying he was “stunned to hear one of the candidates here say he’s not interested in looking into veteran’s issues or helping them out.”

He continued his criticism Wednesday, as footage of Ashcroft’s comments began to spread on social media.

“I lost friends. I saw the struggle upon returning to the states,” he said. “I disdain the ruling elite who send our men and women to die in their wars, all while doing nothing to ensure their sacrifice is honored when they return home.”

Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, a Republican from Jefferson City who also participated in the candidate forum, said Wednesday evening that for Jay Ashcroft to “treat our veterans as anything less than heroes is disrespectful to all veterans and their families. Communities across our state value our nation’s heroes and their service and sacrifice to our country, and they would want their governor to do the same.”

Democrats also piled on.

Emma O’Brien, press secretary for the Democratic Governors Association, called Ashcroft an “insider politician who only looks out for himself, but wants to rip away benefits from members of the military and veterans who put their lives on the line to protect our freedom.”

In a statement to The Independent Wednesday evening, Ashcroft did not address the criticism but said it is “shameful that we have failed to fulfill our commitment to our veterans.”

“No Americans make a greater sacrifice for our freedoms and security than the men and women who wear the uniform of our armed forces,” the statement read. “The sacrifices that they and their families make are unimaginable for those of us who have not served. I honor that service and as governor will make our commitment to them a priority, without qualification.”

Source link

Missouri

Missouri Highway Patrol helps answer viewer question on Missouri’s stop-arm law

Published

6 hours ago

January 29, 2026

Press Room

Missouri Highway Patrol helps answer viewer question on Missouri’s stop-arm law

KSHB 41 reporter Marlon Martinez covers Platte and Clay counties in Missouri. Marlon has been following this story for months. Share your story idea with Marlon.

—
A Northland viewer’s question about school bus safety laws has prompted clarification from the Missouri State Highway Patrol about when drivers must stop for school buses at intersections.

Missouri Highway Patrol helps answer viewer question on Missouri’s stop-arm law

Claudia reached out asking about Missouri law regarding stopping for school buses on divided streets and highways, specifically on 96th Street between North Oak and Highway 169. I took her question to the Missouri State Highway Patrol for answers.

The intersection at 96th Street and North Oak Trafficway creates common confusion for drivers due to its wide, busy design with a median-divided roadway and traffic light control.

“This is a much different intersection, because it is light controlled. Obviously, that’s a median divided roadway, so she’s still able to go straight even in that, in that or those drivers are able to go straight even in that situation,” Corporal Justin Howard with the Missouri Highway Patrol said.

On four-lane roads with medians, drivers on the opposite side of the road do not need to stop when a school bus stops with its stop arm extended.

However, at four-way intersections, the rules change. Drivers behind the bus must stop, and drivers traveling towards or turning in the direction of the bus must also stop, while others can proceed with caution depending on their position relative to the bus and signal light.

Although that changes if there is a four-way intersection with a median. Cars behind the bus must stop. All other drivers must proceed with caution.

“If a school bus is stopped, stop arm is out, red lights are illuminated. All lanes of the roadway are to stop,” Howard said.

When drivers are uncertain about the rules, Highway Patrol offers simple advice: slow down and be cautious.

“No meeting, no event is worth, you know, not paying attention to these types of violations, that the precious cargo that’s being transported on these school buses is extremely important, not only to the families, the schools, the community,” Howard said.

Kansas has similar stop-arm laws to Missouri’s regulations.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says they will continue enforcing stop-arm violations as they encounter them.
—

Source link

Missouri

$200 Bet365 Bonus Code SILIVE updated for Missouri St. vs. Sam Houston in MO

Published

18 hours ago

January 28, 2026

Press Room

0 Bet365 Bonus Code SILIVE updated for Missouri St. vs. Sam Houston in MO

On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, Bet365 Sportsbook has announced a compelling $200 offer, perfect for new users in MO ahead of tonight’s key Conference USA clash between Sam Houston State and Missouri State. This new promo opens an ideal opportunity to score $200 in bonus bets with Bet365 bonus code SILIVE.

Just place a $5 wager on tonight’s key Conference USA contest, Sam Houston vs. Missouri St, and you’ll unlock $200 in bonus bets, ready to be used on live betting, parlays, or player props. Whether you are backing the Bears to cover the spread at home or taking the Bearkats to snag an upset victory, this bonus delivers value across the entire sports calendar.

Bet365 Bonus Code SILIVE Details for Wednesday, January 28, 2026:

Follow these steps to access this flexible welcome offer:

Register for a new Bet365 Sportsbook account using the bonus code SILIVE.
Deposit $10 or more.
Place a $5 wager on any sport, including tonight’s Missouri vs. Alabama game.
Get $200 in bonus bets instantly once your wager settles, regardless of the outcome.

Bet365 Bonus Code Terms and Conditions:

Offer Details	Terms
Bet365 Bonus Code	SILIVE
New User Offer	Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose
Bonus Amount	$200 in eligible Bet365 states
Qualifying Bet	Bet $5 on any eligible sporting event
Deposit Requirement	Minimum $10 deposit required
Minimum Odds	-500 or greater
Eligibility	New customers only; 21+
Legal States	AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MO, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA
Bonus Bet Receipt	Bonus Bets credited after qualifying wager settles
Bonus Bet Terms	Bonus Bets excluded from returns; expire in 7 days
In-App Promos	Bet Boost, Profit Boost, Prop Protect, 100% Parlay Boost, Early Payout

Tonight’s Featured Matchup for Bet365 Bonus Code SILIVE: Sam Houston St vs. Missouri St

This key Conference USA clash pits a pair of competitive teams jockeying for positioning the conference standings.

Matchup Overview

Teams: Sam Houston State vs. Missouri State
Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Venue: Great Southern Bank Arena

Odds

Spread: Missouri State favored at -1.5
Total (Over/Under): 148.5
Moneyline Odds: Sam Houston State +112, Missouri State -121

Win Probabilities

Sam Houston State: 47%
Missouri State: 53%

Odds are correct at time of publication and subject to change.

Special Sam Houston vs. Missouri State Bet Boost:

Bet365 has released a featured Bet Boost for tonight’s Conference USA clash, offering enhanced odds for those backing Missouri State to win at home.

Moneyline: Missouri St
1st Half Result: Missouri St
Total: Over 152.5
Odds Boosted to +550

Bet365 Bonus Code SILIVE unlocks the Missouri sports betting launch bonus when you follow these simple steps.Bet365 Bonus Code.

Why Bet365 Bonus Code SILIVE Is the Best Missouri Promo:

With college basketball heating up ahead of March Madness, and tonight’s key Conference USA clash between Sam Houston State and Missouri State on the baord, there has never been a better time to join Bet365. The SILIVE bonus code provides instant bankroll flexibility, allowing you to turn a $5 bet on the Bears into $200 in bonus bets to use on future games or any other market.

Sign up now with Bet365 bonus code SILIVE to secure your Missouri sports betting bonus.

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ, CO, IN, IL, KS, KY, LA, MD, MO, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ only (18+ in KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/MO/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.

If you or a loved one has questions or needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net for more information.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Source link