Isaac heads to St. Louis
Drought-stricken Missouri is preparing for what has been an unusual occurrence this summer - a couple of rainy days. Forecasters expect remnants of tropical storm Isaac to reach Missouri on Friday, with rain spreading over southern, central and eastern portions.
The National Weather Service says the St. Louis region could get 3 to 5 inches. Soaking rains are expected to help alleviate Missouri's drought but not break it. More than 97 percent of the state is now listed in the two most severe categories of drought.
Koster will not appeal decision on ballot summary
Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster says he won't appeal a judge's decision rewriting the ballot summary of a health insurance proposal.
Koster confirmed Thursday that he refused a request from Democratic Secretary of State Robin Carnahan to challenge a ruling that her original ballot summary was unfair and insufficient. A Cole County judge ordered Carnahan to use a revised summary supported by Republicans. Carnahan's office described the new wording as incomplete and uninformative. But Koster says it more accurately reflects lawmakers' intent.
The question will ask: "Shall Missouri law be amended to prohibit the Governor or any state agency, from establishing or operating state based health insurance exchanges unless authorized by a vote of the people or by the Legislature?"
Domestic violence victims utilize Mo. program
More than 1,500 victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking have been able to keep their addresses secret under a Missouri program begun five years ago.
The "Safe at Home" program was created under a 2007 law championed by Secretary of State Robin Carnahan. It protects the home addresses of victims by allowing the secretary of state's office to serve as a mail forwarding service. Carnahan says more than 1,500 people have used the program since it began, including about 1,000 who are currently enrolled in it.
Participants must sign a statement saying they have good reason to believe they've been a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, rape or stalking.
