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

Friday, March 22, 2013  Senate leader Reid says Democrats' gun bill will seek expanded background checks for buyers

Thursday, January 17, 2013  President Barack Obama's proposed ban on new assault weapons and large-capacity magazines struck a nerve among rural lawmen and lawmakers.

Tuesday, January 01, 2013  The measure cleared the Senate on an 89-8 vote early Tuesday, hours after Vice President Joe Biden and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky sealed a deal.

Monday, December 31, 2012  House Republicans notified lawmakers that the chamber will vote Monday evening on other bills. They say that will be their only votes of the day.

Monday, December 31, 2012  The White House and Senate Republicans sorted through stubborn disputes over taxing the wealthy and cutting the budget to pay for Democratic spending proposals as Monday's midnight deadline for an accord avoiding the "fiscal cliff" drew to within hours.

Friday, December 28, 2012  Top members of Congress and President Barack Obama are holding out slim hopes for a limited fiscal deal before the new year.

Friday, November 16, 2012  Obama on tricky path in fiscal cliff negotiations with congressional leaders

Friday, September 16, 2011  Congress is under pressure to pump quick money into FEMA.

Thursday, August 11, 2011  Congress' supercommittee faces warring pressures to follow party ideology, find big debt cuts

Thursday, July 28, 2011  House GOP sets vote on revamped debt-limit bill despite veto threat and naysaying Senate Dems

Monday, July 25, 2011  Boehner preparing debt limit, spending cut package if bargain with White House remains elusive

Friday, July 15, 2011  Debt face-off shifts to Congress; Obama offers 3 options as Senate leaders mull their own deal

Saturday, April 09, 2011  Congress, White House reach deal to avoid government shutdown, cite 'historic' spending cuts

Friday, April 08, 2011  Nearing a shutdown that would affect millions, Obama and GOP scramble to reach budget deal

Wednesday, April 06, 2011  Story updated with a poll, tell us what you think