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

Tuesday, April 23, 2013  Missouri social service officials have told a House panel the state could save $28 million annually by moving people from welfare programs onto federal disability payments.

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

Tuesday, March 26, 2013  USDA Secretary Vilsack to announce expansion of program aimed at reducing rural poverty

Friday, February 08, 2013  University of Missouri officials announced 16 new online programs Friday morning.

Thursday, February 07, 2013  The new sentencing structure would apply only to people carrying less than 35 grams of marijuana.

Thursday, January 24, 2013  Fontana Unified School District police purchased 14 of the Colt LE6940 rifles last fall, and they were delivered the first week of December — a week before the Connecticut school shooting.

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.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013  Recycling materials can come with extra fees, but to the future of the enviroment; they are priceless.

Monday, January 14, 2013  He wants to expand early education programs in Missouri

Friday, January 11, 2013  Two men are in custody and accused of stealing gold football championship rings and other items from the home of a St. Louis Rams coach.

Thursday, January 10, 2013  Gov. Jay Nixon has named three people to the commission responsible for overseeing the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis.

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."

Wednesday, December 12, 2012  Missouri utility regulators have approved a $260 million rate increase for electric customers of Ameren Missouri.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012  Senate Democrats divided over cuts to benefit programs, raising roadblock to any fiscal deal

Monday, November 12, 2012  Missouri Auditor Tom Schweich is planning to review the Department of Social Services' administration of two assistance programs.