Good morning, Jefferson City.

After 20 years of service at United Way of Central Missouri, Theresa Verslues celebrated her retirement party on Thursday and will step down as vice president Monday (leaving a legacy of compassion, commitment, and integrity), according to United Way president Lee Knernschield.

Room at the Inn has run out of space at First Baptist Church and is looking for a new cold weather shelter to house 20 beds (and add a day shelter) to help local homeless stay warm during winter.

The body of 33 year old Katelynn Nelson from Boonville was recovered from the Missouri River in Jefferson City after her abandoned car was found in a Boonville park this week — authorities say there is no evidence of foul play.

A former nurse at Jefferson City Correctional Center, Amy Murray, pleaded guilty by an Alford plea to second degree murder, second degree arson, and tampering with physical evidence in connection with her husband's death during a 2019 fire in Iberia — she was sentenced to 12 years with the arson and tampering charges running concurrently.

The Jefferson City Board of Education approved a $172 million operating budget for next school year on Thursday night, which includes the largest base pay raise in 17 years for certified teachers.

The approved budget gives an $1,800 increase for teachers, with meeting documents detailing revenue and debt service funds — a move aimed at balancing operating needs — and ensuring steady support for future improvements.

Senator Josh Hawley sent a letter Tuesday to Energy Secretary Chris Wright asking the Energy Department to cancel its $4.9B conditional loan for the Grain Belt Express project because it may harm farmland in Missouri.

He warned the loan is an elitist land grab that strips land from hardworking farmers and ranchers — and he requested a clear response by June 30.