The latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Heartland

Saturday, May 18, 2013  A national animal welfare group has donated $50,000 to a University of Missouri training academy to help rural law enforcement investigators attend anti-cruelty workshops.

Friday, May 17, 2013  Iowa lawmakers have reached a spending compromise for Iowa's public universities and other education programs.

Friday, May 17, 2013  Missouri lawmakers are down to their final day to pass legislation before their annual session ends.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013  A joint committee of lawmakers from both parties and chambers settled Tuesday on spending $41 million for economic development.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013  Lawmakers outraged over another military sex case involving someone assigned to prevent sexual assault.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013  The Ticket to Work program covers more than 1,300 Missouri residents but is due to expire this August.

Friday, May 10, 2013  Under the legislation, students would have to be continuously enrolled for a certain number of credit hours per semester to continue receiving state aid.

Thursday, May 09, 2013  The new Ottumwa Police Chief will likely be named next week.

Monday, May 06, 2013  The City Council will hold two special meetings this week.

Monday, May 06, 2013  Missouri lawmakers have until Friday to finalize the state's roughly $25 billion operating budget.

Saturday, May 04, 2013  The Republican-majority Iowa House has approved legislation that would change collective bargaining rules in the state.

Saturday, May 04, 2013  The Missouri House has approved legislation aimed at replenishing a financially troubled state fund for injured workers.

Wednesday, May 01, 2013  The Missouri House has endorsed a bill that would allow motorcyclists to forgo wearing helmets on the road.

Wednesday, May 01, 2013  FDA allowing 15-year-olds with ID to buy morning-after pill over the counter

Wednesday, May 01, 2013  Jury gets first glimpses into Michael Jackson's private life as testimony begins in civil case