Missouri
Lawmakers question security at Missouri Capitol
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri lawmakers are criticizing Capitol Police for not being transparent enough during emergency situations.
A bipartisan panel of lawmakers told the chief of the Missouri Capitol Police Thursday they are concerned about their safety inside the statehouse. This comes after threats were made, but the General Assembly said it was not informed.
Now, members are calling for changes to the way the building is secured.
“These concerns stem from numerous occasions of threats, including bomb threats being made against the state Capitol building, without leadership in either body being notified,” Senate President Cindy O’Laughlin said during the committee hearing.
In one of their first hearings of the year, leaders of both chambers said they are troubled about the gap in information. Lawmakers said they want an immediate update on threats.
When asked if she feels safe in the Capitol, O’Laughlin said yes.
“We just want to let people know the things that do concern us, and we want to think that we’re well versed in what is expected for us and people who visit the Capitol,” she said.
Sen. Rick Brattin, R-Harrisonville, chairs the Joint Committee on Capitol Security.
“Some people in the General Assembly and the staff have raised concerns and issues with that that have potentially hampered the capabilities of members and staff that would like to be efficiently and effectively able to perform and be a part of the solution and of the security apparatus of this building,” Brattin said.
In a letter signed by O’Laughlin and House Speaker Jon Patterson, R-Lee’s Summit, to Chief Zim Schwartze, they questioned why there’s only one entrance for visitors after the state paid for more than one metal detector.
“Members of the General Assembly and staff alike have been stopped from entering the building through certain entrances, while some members of the public are not even screened before entering the building,” O’Laughlin said.
The meeting comes on the heels of Monday’s governor inauguration. Schwartze said a security plan has been in the works for months.
“It is a very comprehensive plan, and we’ve been meeting regularly, as well as a lot of phone calls and a lot of emails, and a lot of information has been shared,” Schwartze said.
Under current rules, people who have a concealed carry permit are allowed to enter the Capitol with a firearm but cannot be in any legislative meeting rooms or in the House or Senate chambers.
The committee plans to meet again in the coming weeks.
Missouri
What’s open on Christmas in mid-Missouri?
Some mid-Missouri stores and restaurants will have adjusted hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. KOMU 8 News has compiled a list of what’s open on Christmas in 2025.
If you don’t see your establishment listed, please email news@komu.com with your operating hours.
Stores
Walgreens – East Broadway, Columbia
- Christmas Eve: Store open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., pharmacy open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Christmas Day: Store open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., pharmacy closed
Walmart
- Christmas Eve: Open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Christmas Day: Closed
Target – Columbia
Target – Jefferson City
- Christmas Eve: Open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Christmas Day: Closed
Aldi
- Christmas Eve: Open 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Christmas Day: Closed
Dollar General
- Christmas Eve: Open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Christmas Day: Closed
Dollar Tree
- Christmas Eve: Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Christmas Day: Closed
Gerbes
- Christmas Eve: Open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Christmas Day: Closed
Hy-Vee
- Christmas Eve: Store open 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., Pharmacy open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Christmas Day: Closed
Moser’s Food
Sam’s Club
- Christmas Eve: Store and pharmacy open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Christmas Day: Closed
Schnuck’s
- Christmas Eve: Open 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Christmas Day: Closed
Restaurants and Coffee Shops
IHOP
- Christmas Eve: Open 12 a.m. to 7p.m.
- Christmas Day: Closed, opens next day at 5 a.m.
Waffle House
7Brew
- Christmas Eve: Open 5:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Christmas Day: Closed
Scooter’s
- Christmas Eve: Open 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Christmas Day: Closed
Starbucks – Broadway & Fairview in Columbia
- Christmas Eve: Open 4:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Christmas Day: Open 6 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Starbucks – Missouri Boulevard & U.S. 50 in Jefferson City
- Christmas Eve: Open 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Christmas Day: Open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Starbucks – Nifong & Buttonwood in Columbia
- Christmas Eve: Open 4:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Christmas Day: Closed
Starbucks – West Truman & Country Club in Jefferson City
- Christmas Eve: Open 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Christmas Day: Open 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Starbucks – Ninth Street in Columbia
- Christmas Eve: Open 5 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Christmas Day: Closed
Missouri
BetMGM Missouri bonus code NYPDM1500: Get a 20% first deposit match up to $1,500 for Missouri vs. Alabama State
You can get in on Missouri sports betting with a BetMGM welcome offer for college basketball on Thursday.
BetMGM Bonus code NYPDM1500 gets bettors a 20 percent first deposit match up to $1500 when in Missouri.
Mizzou is a 22.5-point favorite over Alabama State. The Tigers step back onto its home floor looking to reset after road losses to Notre Dame and Kansas. Alabama State has struggled mightily against high-major opponents.
BetMGM Missouri bonus code NYPDM1500
The BetMGM Bonus Code NYPDM1500 can be used for any sport and market offered at BetMGM. That includes Missouri State vs. Arkansas State in the Xbox Bowl.
BetMGM’s Missouri promo code is considered one of the highest valued promotions in contrast to other Missouri bonus offers.
If bettors wanted to snag the maximum value of the offer, they would have to deposit $7,500. Otherwise, they get 20 percent of whatever they deposit, i.e., deposit $100, get $20.
New users must be physically present in Missouri when signing up at BetMGM to take advantage of this welcome offer.
How to sign up for BetMGM in Missouri
- Select your bonus offer.
- Choose your state.
- Fill out your login details.
- Enter the BetMGM bonus code NYPDM1500
- Make a deposit.
- Bet responsibly.
What our Post expert thinks about Missouri vs. Alabama State
Alabama State has already dropped its two power-conference tests by an average of 32.5 points, and its defensive profile hasn’t suggested much resistance.
The Hornets bring two of the SWAC’s top scorers in Asjon Anderson and Micah Simpson, they are giving up 81.4 points per game and allowing opponents to shoot 45.3 percent from the floor.
Missouri’s rebounding edge should matter — the Tigers pull nearly 40 boards per game while Alabama State is giving up 37.4 a night and just surrendered 18 offensive rebounds to UT Martin.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. See BetMGM.com for Terms. 21+ only. MO Only. New Customer Offer (If applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. Please gamble responsibly.
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Sean Treppedi handicaps the NFL, NHL, MLB and college football for the New York Post. He primarily focuses on picks that reflect market value while tracking trends to mitigate risk.
Missouri
Road construction impacts access to the Southwest Missouri Humane Society in Springfield
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – Road construction on Springfield’s northside is affecting access to the Southwest Missouri Humane Society.
MoDOT is realigning the intersection of Norton and Melville Road as part of the I-44 overpass project. The bridge work and intersection project are both impacting the animal shelter.
The shelter sits on Norton Road just west of where the work is happening. Visitors can only reach the shelter by taking the long way up West Bypass to Westgate Avenue, then onto Norton Road.
MoDOT says the intersection at Norton and Melville is supposed to be closed for two weeks. The bridge project, as a whole, is supposed to be completed by the end of the year.
To report a correction or typo, please email digitalnews@ky3.com. Please include the article info in the subject line of the email.
Copyright 2025 KY3. All rights reserved.
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