News for Monday, April 18, 2011

Missouri dog law deal announced

JEFFERSON CITY — An effort to repeal a law approved by voters that clamps down on Missouri dog breeders took a new twist Monday as several agricultural and animal advocacy groups agreed to support a fresh plan that would repeal some of the law’s restrictions and give puppy producers extra time to comply with its mandates.

Longtime Missouri congressman Harold Volkmer dies

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Harold L. Volkmer, a 20-year Democratic congressman from northeast Missouri known for his advocacy of the rights of gun owners, has died. He was 80.

Top GOP officials meet on Missouri redistricting

JEFFERSON CITY — Many of Missouri’s top Republicans from the Legislature and Congress met in Jefferson City on Monday to try to settle a stalemate over redrawing the state’s congressional districts.

Republican budget includes overhaul of food stamps

House Republicans resurrected a 1990s-era fight over food stamps in their budget approved last week, arguing that any serious attempt to cut spending must include an overhaul of government programs that help needy families pay for food.

Stocks sink after S&P issues warning on US debt

NEW YORK (AP) — A warning from Standard & Poor’s that the agency might lower its rating on U.S. government debt sent stocks on their steepest slide in a month Monday.

Oil drops, gas $4 or more per gallon in 6 states

NEW YORK (AP) — Oil slipped more than 2 percent Monday after Standard & Poor’s lowered its long-term outlook for U.S. debt, raising concerns about the economy and expectations of cuts in government spending. Another move by China to slow its booming economy also helped push prices down.

At least 44 dead after twisters pound South

SANFORD, N.C. (AP) — Lowe’s store manager Michael Hollowell had heard the tornado warnings, but his first clue that the danger was outside his front door came when he saw his staff running toward the back of the home improvement store.

Obama’s tax return: Income down — to $1.7M

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is making less money than he used to, though it’s still a lot: He and wife Michelle reported income of $1.73 million last year, mostly from the books he’s written, according to his just-filed tax return. That was down from the $5.5 million of a year earlier.

Pentagon inquiry clears McChrystal of wrongdoing

WASHINGTON (AP) — A Pentagon inquiry into a Rolling Stone magazine profile of Gen. Stanley McChrystal that led to his dismissal as the top US commander in Afghanistan has cleared him of wrongdoing.

A glance at Republican legislative hotspots

Republicans have moved quickly to convert November election gains to legislative advances in the states.

Taliban militant kills 2 inside Defense Ministry

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — A Taliban militant opened fire inside the Afghan Defense Ministry on Monday, killing two Afghan soldiers in the latest daring attack inside a government or military installation.

Nigerian leader wins presidential poll amid riots

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan won the oil-rich country’s presidential election Monday, as severe rioting sweeping across the Muslim north demonstrated the religious and ethnic tensions still dividing Africa’s most populous nation.

UN says Libyan regime promises Misrata access

TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) — The U.N. humanitarian chief said Monday that the Libyan government has promised her access to the besieged rebel city of Misrata, but with no guarantees that the assault by Moammar Gadhafi’s forces would cease.

Sheriff faces meth charge in state ravaged by drug

One county on the edge of the Missouri Ozarks seemed oddly immune to the scourge of methamphetamine ravaging the state, boasting few meth raids or arrests in recent years.

Haven’t filed a tax return? Ask for an extension

If you’ve waited this long to file your tax return, it may be time to put aside the 1040 and go straight for the 4868. That’s the form you’ll need to request a six-month extension from the Internal Revenue Service if you can’t make tonight’s midnight deadline.

Our Opinion: Model good sportsmanship – on the field and off

Parents can learn a lot from their children. A valuable lesson of youth sports is sportsmanship – for parents as well as youngsters.

Perspective: Redistricting map opposed

I began the week at the Ike Skelton Training Site at a deployment ceremony for members of the 548th Transportation Company. Though the company is based in Trenton, a 30-man detachment is from Centertown.

Poll: Students optimistic despite money doubts

For young people who came of age in the recession, the American dream of life getting better for each new generation feels like a myth.

Mo. district uses Saturday to make up snow days

Officials in a southwest Missouri school district say attendance was lower than normal but better than expected when they held classes on Saturday.

MacNeil returns to PBS to tell story of autism

It’s been 16 years since Robert MacNeil sat behind an anchor’s desk and a decade since half of PBS’s famous MacNeil/Lehrer news team did any street reporting. It took a 6-year-old autistic boy named Nick to persuade MacNeil to work in front of the camera again.

Odd work schedules pose risk to health

Reports of sleeping air traffic controllers highlight a long-known and often ignored hazard: Workers on night shifts can have trouble concentrating and even staying awake.

LaHood vows to stop air traffic controller napping`

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says that while the government won’t pay air traffic controllers to take naps while on duty, federal officials are open to other options to ensure aviation safety.

Missouri weekly gas price update

Press Release

Average retail gasoline prices in Missouri have fallen 2.5 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.71/g yesterday.

Ruth ready to take spot on Missouri’s veteran offensive line

Missouri offensive lineman Travis Ruth understands he has big shoes to fill this season. But with a little help from the man who wore those shoes last season, Ruth’s transition may be a bit easier.

Black community starts dialogue on recent violence

NAACP leader: Lincoln University not to blame

Kemoh Edwards is concerned about what he sees in the headlines these days. More importantly, he wants to do something about it.

March for Babies a success

Annual event expected to raise about $160K for March of Dimes

Underneath the carnival-like atmosphere at Sunday’s March for Babies event, emotions ran deep for the many children — some surviving, others not — who faced early births and other physical disabilities at the start of their lives.

PAT program offers resource for parents, young children

Even through kindergarten doesn’t begin until a child is 6, experts say the first years of life are the most important to a child’s development, and educating them should begin as early as possible.

Drugmaker Eli Lilly’s 1Q profit falls 15 percent

Eli Lilly says its first-quarter profit fell 15 percent because of charges for restructuring and a diabetes drug development agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim.

Chamber’s community development director excited about big-impact projects

As Mark Mehmert took a seat for an interview in downtown Jefferson City’s Coffee Zone, he took a moment to catch his breath. That’s a rare treat for the director of community development for the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce.

Scientists: Gulf health nearly at pre-spill level

Scientists judge the overall health of the Gulf of Mexico as nearly back to normal one year after the BP oil spill, but with glaring blemishes that restrain their optimism about nature’s resiliency, an Associated Press survey of researchers shows.

Emporia State takes doubleheader from Lincoln

The Emporia State Hornets ripped Lincoln pitching for 29 runs in two games while sweeping a Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association baseball doubleheader Sunday.

Nuclear site permit bill faces short time frame

Missouri Senate floor leader says passage before recess may not be realistic

There’s been a lot of talk about the future of nuclear power in the state, and whether lawmakers should pass a bill allowing an electric utility to charge its ratepayers for the costs of applying for, and winning, a U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Early Site Permit.

Lincoln shines at Gateway Classic

The Lincoln track and field teams had 10 different members win individual events Saturday in the Gateway Classic hosted by Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.

Local youths dance in Native American powwows

Three New Bloomfield teens have chosen to dance to the beat of a different drum — a Native American one. Ethan Viet and Joe and Mikel Thompson all participate in Native American-style powwow dancing around the state.

Lady Jays, Lady Crusaders meet tonight to open play in C.C. Invitational

The Helias Lady Crusaders and Jefferson City Lady Jays know one thing heading into tonight’s game at the 179 Soccer Park — they’re going to see the best of each other.

Lowe’s staff save dozens as storm hit NC store

More than 100 employees and customers at a home improvement store, crammed shoulder-to-shoulder seeking safety from one of the deadly storms that ripped through the South, screamed in near unison once the steel roof curled off overhead, the store’s manager said Sunday.

A new approach to veterans’ justice

Mo. legislators, groups and veterans work to establish state veterans’ court model

During a recent meeting held at the Missouri Capitol office of state Rep. David Day, R-Dixon, a new justice model for military veterans that is taking root across the nation was the topic of an energized discussion.

Analysis: Republican legislation potential veto targets

Missouri’s Republican-led Legislature has been in a rush to pass legislation relating to hogs, dogs, discrimination and redistricting. The common characteristic of the four topics is that they carry some controversy — and thus are potential veto targets for Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon.

Sen. McCaskill to hold education events around Missouri

(Revised, see correction at end of story)

U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill is launching a 15-town tour around Missouri this week to meet with parents, teachers, students and school administrators about potential changes to the federal education law.

Poll: US economy improving despite global events

Economists say the U.S. economy is gaining strength despite political unrest in North Africa and the Middle East and last month’s devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Wounded Marine returns to support of home

When it was clear he would not be returning to active duty after being shot while out on patrol in Afghanistan, U.S. Marine and Callaway County native Tyler Huffman knew exactly where he wanted to be: Home.

A youth shortened by war

Local veteran came of age during Vietnam War

Local veteran Steven P. Amick recognizes the sacrifices he and his fellow veterans made during the Vietnam War, and remains proud of the tumultuous journey that delivered him to adulthood.

State Historical Society building plans advance

The State Historical Society has received formal approval from the city of Columbia for an eventual move away from the University of Missouri campus.

Missouri House cancels formal Monday floor session

Missouri House members are taking an unusual break with less than a month remaining in the legislative session.

Common tax breaks for families, individuals

U.S. tax laws are filled with a total of $1.1 trillion in deductions, credits and exemptions, an average of about $8,000 per taxpayer, according an analysis of tax data from 2009. Last year’s federal deficit was $1.3 trillion.

Job cuts for poor seniors could up homelessness

For $700 a month, 65-year-old Esmeralda Calderon cares for children part-time through a federal community service job that’s in jeopardy because of cuts to the proposed federal budget for 2011. It’s the only source of income for a woman who has no one to rely on and lives alone in public housing in a gritty Hollywood neighborhood.

Gas in 6 states, nation’s capital tops $4 a gallon

Add New York to the growing list of states where gas prices are topping $4 per gallon.

Gordon-Levitt in new sci-fi film after ’Inception’

After traveling to Japan for a dream-reading assignment in “Inception,” Joseph Gordon-Levitt has taken on another sci-fi picture that brings him to Asia — the China-set action-thriller “Looper.”

Egypt stocks resume slide

Egypt’s benchmark stock index has dropped almost 3 percent, dragged down for a second day by investor concerns over an investigation involving the head of a major Mideast equity firm.

Officials: No nuclear risk to North Pacific fish

North Pacific fish are so unlikely to be contaminated by radioactive material from the crippled nuclear plant in Japan that there’s no reason to test them, according to federal and state of Alaska health officials.

Judge considering whether city committed fraud

A federal judge in Kansas City is considering a fraud probe of Lee’s Summit and its attorneys after the city refused to pay $16 million to a former resident who spent several years behind bars for a crime he did not commit.

Ohio man who killed 3 says he has ’evil thoughts’

A man sentenced to life in prison without parole for murdering his girlfriend’s daughter and an elderly couple said in his videotaped confession that he constantly has “evil thoughts” and thinks about killing.

Despite another strong start, Francis still winless

Jeff Francis has pitched well enough to win all four of his starts with Kansas City.

Cardinals fall as Franklin allows HR to Kemp in ninth

Ryan Franklin defended the sinker he threw to Matt Kemp that landed in center field and prevented the St. Louis Cardinals from sweeping the Los Angeles Dodgers. It was right where he meant to throw it, Franklin said, unlike in the series opener when Kemp homered off him but the Cardinals won anyway.

Johnson edges Bowyer for victory at Talladega

Jimmie Johnson won the race. Dale Earnhardt Jr. got the checkered flag. Maybe they should go in the NASCAR record books as co-winners.

Geithner confident Congress will raise debt limit

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner says Republican leaders have privately assured the Obama administration that Congress will raise the government’s borrowing limit in time to prevent an unprecedented default on the nation’s debt.

Study: Half of supermarket meat may have staph bug

A new report estimates that half the meat and poultry sold in the supermarket may be tainted with the staph germ.

Coyotes captain Doan beat the “Mantracker”

Phoenix Coyotes captain Shane Doan beat the “Mantracker.” Doan and brother Brook survived a manhunt on the “Mantracker” television show.

Action comedy ’Gallants’ named HK best film

Hong Kong’s annual film awards on Sunday honored a sentimental favorite with its top prize — a quirky, low-budget action comedy about a kung fu master who briefly wakes up from a 30-year-old coma to train two aging students and two newcomers.

Winds-stoked wildfires threaten Texas communities

Strong winds and tinder-dry conditions presented more challenges Sunday for firefighters battling a spate of wildfires threatening communities across Texas, including a blaze in Austin that destroyed several homes and prompted an aerial water attack.

Paper: Documents show US funding Syrian opposition

The State Department has been secretly financing opponents of Syrian President Bashar Assad, The Washington Post reported, citing previously undisclosed diplomatic documents provided to the newspaper by the WikiLeaks website.

Match.com to check users in sex offender registry

Singles website Match.com said Sunday that it will begin screening its users against the national sex offender registry after a woman filed a lawsuit against the company saying she had been assaulted by someone she met through the popular dating service.

Sunday's MLS Capsules

Kenny Cooper scored against his former club and the expansion Portland Timbers won their second straight match with a 3-2 victory on Sunday against FC Dallas.

Sunday's National League Capsules

Matt Kemp hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning, giving the Los Angeles Dodgers a 2-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday that ended their five-game skid.

Sunday's American League Capsules

Grady Sizemore homered in his return for Cleveland after major knee surgery, and the Indians beat Baltimore 4-2 on Sunday for the Orioles’ seventh straight loss. Sizemore, Cleveland’s hustling All-Star center fielder and leadoff man, hadn’t played since last May, when he was forced to have microfracture surgery on his left knee.