Proposed scooter rules drive controversy in Springfield A new set of restrictions on scooters in Springfield has created a controversy. If approved, the new ordinance would require helmets to be worn by drivers of scooters, such as currently required for motorcyclists.  In addition, drivers would have to carry insurance.  The proposal would also limit the number of passengers on scooters. Supporters say it's all about keeping motorists safe and financially accountable in the event ...

Springfield Officer Aaron Pearson's dad, father-in-law also were officers Officer Aaron Pearson, the Springfield police officer who was shot early Monday, is originally from Blue Springs, east of Kansas City.  Both his father and father-in-law were law enforcement officers. Springfield police investigators believe Pearson was shot by a man who has four convictions for resisting arrest or assaulting a law enforcement officer.  That suspect has been out of a state prison since last Nov. 18. Pearson ...

January still thawing Warm weather is on tap for several more days. Find out how long the warm conditions will last and when wint4er may make a return to the Ozarks by watching the video. ...

Focus of police shooting investigation fought with officers 4 times in past Joshua Hagood was arrested eight hours after an officer was shot in Springfield early Monday. Hagood has served jail and prison time in the last 15 years. In 2000, he pleaded guilty three times for driving with a revoked license and served two days in jail, followed by two years of probation and an order to complete community service. In 2004, he received a five-day ...

Businesses in area of officer shooting remained on high alert Officers were still on the scene at 6 p.m. Monday where Springfield Police Officer Aaron Pearson was shot near Chestnut Expressway at Glenstone Avenue.  Chestnut just west of the intersection remained shut down as the investigation into the shooting continues. The shooting happened near the intersection near the south edge of the O’Reilly Auto Parts lot.   It's an area filled with many businesses and is a ...

Police went through businesses in search for police shooter Officer was shot at 1:30 a.m. Monday. ...

In parting shot, Obama prods India on religious freedom
By Frank Jack Daniel and Roberta Rampton NEW DELHI (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama weighed in on one of India's most sensitive topics as he wound up a visit on Tuesday, making a plea for freedom of religion to be upheld in a country with a history of strife between Hindus and minorities. Hours before boarding a flight to Saudi Arabia, Obama warned India not to stray from its constitutional commitment to allow people to freely "profess, practice and propagate" religion. "India will succeed so long as it is not splintered along the lines of religious faith, as long as it is not splintered along any lines, and it is unified as one nation," he said in a townhall address to mostly young Indians. Obama's speech, after three days in New Delhi aimed at cementing a strategic partnership, was widely interpreted as a message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), whose rise to power emboldened activists to declare India a nation of Hindus.

Storm unleashes blizzard conditions on parts of Northeast
NEW YORK (AP) — A storm packing blizzard conditions spun up the East Coast early Tuesday, pounding parts of coastal New Jersey northward through Maine with high winds and heavy snow.

Inquiry into London killing of ex-KGB spy Litvinenko begins
By Michael Holden LONDON (Reuters) - A long-awaited public inquiry into the death of Alexander Litvinenko began in London on Tuesday, nine years after the former KGB spy died after drinking tea poisoned with a rare radioactive isotope in the British capital. From his deathbed, Kremlin-critic Litvinenko, who had been granted British citizenship, accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of ordering his murder and British authorities say there is evidence to charge two ex-KGB agents with murder. Russia has always denied any involvement in his death. "The issues to which Mr Litvinenko's death gave rise are of the utmost gravity and have attracted worldwide interest and concern," said chairman Robert Owen at the launch of the inquiry at London's High Court.

Police raid southern French town with strong jihadi network
PARIS (AP) — French security forces detained five people Tuesday and broke up a jihadi recruiting network in a small southern town that has sent several French youths to fight in Syria and Iraq, the interior minister said.

Gunmen at Libyan luxury hotel take hostages; 3 guards dead
TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) — Gunmen stormed a luxury Libyan hotel popular with foreigners Tuesday, killing at least three guards and taking hostages, a security official said.