The latest local news, weather and high school sports in and around Columbia and Jefferson City

Friday, April 05, 2013  Official: Obama's budget proposes cuts to Social Security in attempt to compromise with GOP

Saturday, March 30, 2013  Some growing Missouri schools and small districts lacking high-dollar property are facing challenges to fund needed construction projects because of a state cap on debt.

Thursday, March 07, 2013  Efforts to avoid government shutdown move to Senate as Obama seeks talks on bigger budget deal

Tuesday, January 22, 2013  Obama and his aides approached the inaugural speech with a belief that the president had replenished his political strength with his re-election and with his end-of-year deal with Republicans that raised upper-income tax rates on some of the wealthiest Americans.

Thursday, January 17, 2013  A bipartisan group of Missouri leaders working to reduce the federal debt is expressing concern about the "fiscal cliff" deal passed by Congress earlier this month.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013  Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich says House Republicans are making a mistake.

Thursday, January 10, 2013  Erskine Bowles, co-chairman of the U.S. deficit commission, calls failure to agree on a plan to reduce the national debt "the most disappointing thing in my life."

Monday, January 07, 2013  The tough talk on the Sunday morning talk shows doesn't bode well for voters who are frustrated by the political gridlock.

Wednesday, January 02, 2013  The deals hands President Barack Obama most of the tax hikes on the rich that he campaigned for

Wednesday, January 02, 2013  The bill doesn't prevent a temporary Social Security payroll tax reduction from expiring

Thursday, December 20, 2012  If Congress and the White House don't reach an agreement, taxes would go up for nearly every American family as part of the year-end "fiscal cliff."

Tuesday, December 11, 2012  Evidence of Congress' plummeting popularity is everywhere.

Thursday, November 29, 2012  Obama is mounting a public campaign to build support and leverage in the negotiations.

Monday, November 19, 2012  A bipartisan group of current and former Missouri officials is calling for federal leaders to address the national debt.

Saturday, November 10, 2012  Obama calls for wealthy to pay more in taxes, says nation supports his position