Missouri governor lifts state of emergency for Ferguson

FERGUSON, Mo. - Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has lifted the state of emergency he declared Aug. 16 in response to looting and violent protesting in Ferguson.

The unrest followed the Aug. 9 shooting death of 18-year-old Michael Brown by a Ferguson police officer. A state grand jury and the U.S. Justice Department are still investigating the shooting.

Nixon on Wednesday cited a return to some normalcy in the St. Louis suburb, with school back in session and businesses reopening. He called the progress "a testament to the efforts of community and faith leaders" who worked with government and police officials to return peace to the streets.

His decision means the Highway Patrol is no longer in charge in Ferguson.

Nixon also terminated an executive order that had activated the Missouri National Guard.