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T. LOUIS (AP) -- U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill is urging members of the U.S. House to pass the Violence Against Women Act.

The Missouri Democrat was in St. Louis Friday and spoke alongside Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce. McCaskill says the act will provide resources to help law enforcement save lives of women.

McCaskill says the Senate has twice voted to reauthorize the act and President Obama is waiting to sign it.

The House and Senate have been trying for the past year to renew and expand the 1994 act, credited with reducing domestic violence in the country, but Native American tribal authority over domestic violence cases has been a major point of contention.

McCaskill says the House needs to end delays.

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- The city of St. Louis and St. Louis County are joining together on economic development.

The city and county on Friday announced formation of a regional partnership to be known as St. Louis Economic Development Partnership. The organization will guide efforts to support new businesses and help existing firms grow.

Officials say the effort will create a unified voice for the region and deliver services more efficiently.

Police need the public's help to find a 21-year-old woman who is developmentally disabled.

Cara Ascencio was last seen on January 31 after leaving a family member's home. Her family tells police she does not have a cell phone or access to money. Cara suffered a brain injury and has other mental health issues, leaving her with diminished mental capacity. She is a white woman, five-and-a-half feet tall and weighs 185 pounds. She was last seen wearing a pink parka coat, blue jeans, knee high black boots and was carrying a white purse.

Anyone with information is asked to call the St. Peters Police.