Wesley Bell

Gov. Mike Parson appointed Melissa Price Smith to fill out the term of Wesley Bell, who was recently sworn in as Missouri’s 1st Congressional District representative.

Diann Valenti was ensnared in a dispute over a councilman hiring his stepdaughter as an aide.

Melissa Price Smith’s swearing-in follows a monthslong legal fight between Missouri and county officials over who has the power to appoint the prosecutor.

The Missouri Court of Appeals issued the ruling several hours after holding a hearing Thursday.

Dennis Hancock, R-Fenton, hired his stepdaughter as an administrative assistant, in violation of a state constitutional ban on nepotism. Members of the council staff then allegedly engaged in a coverup to make it look like she had never been employed by the county.

Rep. Cori Bush reflects on her House tenure and her electoral defeat.

The ruling from Circuit Judge Brian May of the 21st Circuit will be appealed.

Circuit Judge Brian May said he will issue his decision promptly. His ruling will almost certainly be appealed.

Gov. Mike Parson has chosen St. Louis County Assistant Prosecutor Melissa Price Smith as the next St. Louis County Prosecutor. County and state leaders are currently in a legal battle over who has the authority to appoint the prosecutor.

U.S. Rep. Cori Bush, D-St. Louis County, gave a farewell address to Congress on Thursday.