Missouri was one of only six states with a patchwork of local regulations that prevented a free and fair market across the state.

With the new law, local jurisdictions can still set their own building code standards and still license contractors, but contractors will now have the option to receive a statewide license that will be recognized by all municipalities.

Two days before shots rang out at Power Ultra Lounge, hitting 25 people, the owner paid the city for his business license.

However, it was nearly seven months late.

Massage therapists must now get a license. It’s a law therapist Marhia Ross is excited for because she hopes it cuts out an ugly side to her profession.

Not just anyone can get a license — you must be at least 18; go through 500 hours of training from an accredited school and pass a criminal background check, and exam.

The Sheriff’s Office had received reports from homeowners of men offering to pour asphalt or sealant onto their driveways for cash. Once the work is done and the suspects leave, homeowners soon discover the work was shoddy, the Sheriff’s Office said.

The homeowners confirmed the men approached them offering to do the work for $1,300 cash. When the homeowners had second thoughts, they asked the men if they were licensed to do the work, and they said they were not.

Based on about five weeks of data from Host Compliance, a company that combs 22 online platforms such as Airbnb and HomeAway to see who’s advertising their homes for vacation rental without proper local clearance, Newport has shut down 78 rentals and has about 50 more to review, Kim Brandt, Newport Beach’s community development director, told the City Council on Tuesday.

An ex-convict will be at risk of losing his or her business license only upon commission of another crime that is similar to the one that landed them in prison…