Missouri House endorses motorcycle helmet law change The Missouri House has endorsed a bill that would allow motorcyclists over the age of 21 to forgo wearing helmets while travelling on the road.    Current law requires motorists to wear helmets or face a fine of up to $25 for each offense.   Supporters say adults should have the freedom to decide whether to wear a helmet and argue Missouri misses out on tourism because of the ...

Missouri House endorses June primary election date The Missouri House gave initial approval to legislation that would move the state's primary elections to June.    Party primaries for Congress, the state Legislature and statewide offices are currently held in even-numbered years on the Tuesday after the first Monday in August. But the bill endorsed on Wednesday would move the primaries to the first Tuesday after the third Monday in June.   Supporters say the earlier primaries ...

Arkansas company wins $3.5M Air Force contract An electronics company affiliated with the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville has received a $3.5 million contract from the U.S. Air Force to develop a power module for a fighter jet.   University officials announced Wednesday that Arkansas Power Electronics International will use the money to build a high-temperature, silicon carbide power module for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. APEI specializes in advanced electronics for customers, including ...

13-year-old boy drove truck because dad was drunk Police in this St. Louis suburb who pulled over a swerving pickup say they found a 13-year-old boy who was driving because his dad was intoxicated.  Foristell Police Chief Douglas Johnson says the boy was pulled over Saturday after an officer saw the truck swerving along eastbound Interstate 70.  His 46-year-old father said he asked his son to drive because he had too much to drink ...

Drury, Northark partner for degrees, tuition breaks Drury University is partnering with an Arkansas community college from Arkansas to help keep students on the path to graduation. North Arkansas College and Drury have finalized a new agreement that enables students to earn an associate degree by combining their Northark credits with those earned at Drury University. The Reverse Transfer and Articulation Agreement allows Northark students to transfer back academic credits for course work ...

Mo. House panel will consider impeaching governor A Republican-led House committee plans to hold a hearing on Wednesday on measures seeking to impeach Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon. The hearing on three separate impeachment resolutions includes one citing Nixon's decision to allow same-sex couples who married legally in other states to file joint tax returns in Missouri.  Another measure criticizes the governor for the amount of time he took to call a special election ...

Jackson seeking Knicks coach, says it won't be him
GREENBURGH, N.Y. (AP) — The coaching search is on in New York, and the best possible candidate has already been eliminated.

Abbas: Unity with Hamas does not contradict peace talks with Israel
RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said on Wednesday a unity pact he reached with the militant group Hamas earlier in the day did not contradict peace talks he is pursuing with Israel. Israel called off a session of talks in response to the deal with the Gaza-based Islamist group, which is sworn to its destruction. But Abbas said in a statement that an independent state living peacefully alongside Israel remained his goal. (Reporting By Noah Browning; Editing by Angus MacSwan)

Special Report: For private deals, no one is watching the watchdogs
By Emily Flitter OMAHA, Nebraska (Reuters) - From 2006 to 2009, Provident Asset Management raised $485 million from 7,700 investors who were drawn to its promises of annual returns as high as 18 percent on oil and gas assets. Law firm Mick & Associates helped. Provident paid Mick to provide "due diligence" reports to help brokers decide whether to recommend the investments to their clients. Brad Updike, a Mick energy-sector specialist, reviewed each of the 23 deals, known as private placements.

USAF: Colombia crash caused by plane hitting hill
NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — Air Force investigators say a plane crash that killed four people in Colombia this past fall occurred when the plane's pilots failed to stay over water and slammed into a hill.

Amsterdam may ban pot shops in Red Light district
AMSTERDAM (AP) — Amsterdam has won court permission to ban marijuana cafes in its famous Red Light district, stepping up a crackdown on the city's freewheeling lifestyle.