The Associated Press

GM can move forward with expansion in Wentzville

General Motors can move forward on a proposed $380 million expansion of its plant in Wentzville, now that a union has approved local work rules for the plant. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch  reports that members of United Auto Workers Local 2250 approved the four-year local work rules contract on Thursday. GM has said the expansion will create up to 1,850 jobs for the region. GM plans to build a new mid-size pickup at Wentzville as part of the expansion.

Reporting by Alex Rusciano of WCBU was used in this report.

Updated at 5:08 p.m. with Associated Press information regarding appeal.

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Peoria is withdrawing its fight to regain state-funded social service contracts.  A circuit judge in Springfield recently ruled that the State Department of Children and Family Services can cancel its adoption and foster care contracts with Catholic Charities.  

Updated 5:14 p.m.

The Missouri House has passed its version of a wide-ranging tax credit bill.

It does not place expiration dates, or sunsets, on historic preservation and low income housing tax credits, as demanded by the Senate.  Instead, House GOP leaders hope to mollify the Senate with a new proposal:  All tax credit programs would come up for review every four years and be subject to a renewal vote by the General Assembly.  The measure is sponsored by House Budget Chairman Ryan Silvey (R, Kansas City).

Demonstrators with the group OccupySTL are facing accusations of curfew violation after they were arrested in a downtown St. Louis park.

Police arrested the protesters about 12:20 a.m. Thursday at Kiener Plaza, more than two hours after the park's 10 p.m. curfew. Police spokeswoman Katie O'Sullivan says 10 were arrested, but Colleen Kelly of OccupySTL says the number was 11 because a homeless person who supports the movement was also arrested.

All but one of those arrested remained jailed by late morning Thursday.

Report: Checketts reaches deal to sell majority stake in Blues

According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Dave Checketts has a verbal agreement to sell a majority stake in the St. Louis Blues to Chicago businessman Matthew Hulsizer. As part of the deal, Checketts could remain with the club in some capacity.