Political Rewind: Gun bill, Medicaid expansion and Ellisville's future on the front burner

Obama budget hit by right and left, with few signs of compromise

Though President Barack Obama’s new budget tosses some bones to deficit hawks in an effort to loosen the debt deadlock, congressional Republicans gave few indications that it they would be willing to compromise on his demand for revenue hikes.

Koster won't appeal ruling on law allowing firms to decline contraception coverage

Attorney General Chris Koster won’t appeal a federal court decision striking down a new state law that allows employers to exclude contraception, abortion or sterilization from insurance coverage. Koster dubbed the measure "just plain foolishness."

After removal in Ellisville, Adam Paul vows to fight on in court

After days of testimony and procedure, the Ellisville City Council voted Monday to remove Mayor Adam Paul from office. The beleaguered leader of the small west St. Louis County municipality said that his fight would move to St. Louis County Circuit Court.

Politically Speaking

St. Louis Public Radio’s Chris McDaniel and Marshall Griffin join Beacon political reporter Jason Rosenbaum to discuss the Department of Revenue debate over conceal and carry documents, lobbying money in Jefferson City, and Medicaid expansion's developments. Listen to the podcast.

Beacon Roundtable: Medicaid Expansion

On this week's Beacon Roundtable, health editor Sally Altman talks with  Robert Joiner and Jason Rosenbaum about Medicaid expansion in Missouri. Listen to the podcast.

SLU needs new leadership, say three-fourths of faculty respondents to survey

The one-question survey was taken by the university’s chapter of the American Association of University Professors. The survey is the latest volley in the dispute between the faculty and university President Lawrence Biondi. The university administration sharply criticized the survey on several grounds, including its exclusion of students and staff.

Background check compromise helps clear way for debate on major gun bill

A bipartisan proposal on the thorny issue of background checks – proposed by four senators, including U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill. – may help pave the way for votes on the first major gun legislation in a decade. A key Senate vote comes Thursday.

Dooley pledges to fight legislative effort to nullify county's foreclosure ordinance

St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley told reporters that he will do what it takes to stop state legislation that effectively nullifies the county’s foreclosure mediation ordinance. That includes going to Jefferson City to fight against the bill -- or filing a lawsuit if the bill is signed into law.

Mo. Legislators Received More Than $330,000 From Lobbyists In Two Months

Expensive meals, basketball tickets and clothes are all common examples of gifts from lobbyists to the people that craft our laws and govern us. St. Louis Public Radio this week launched a new, ongoing, data-driven project to track all of that money. In just two months, the tab is more than $330,000 and still climbing.

McKee clears legal hurdles for Northside development

The Missouri Supreme Court ruled unanimously that St. Louis Circuit Judge Robert H. Dierker Jr. erred when he ruled in 2010 that the St. Louis ordinances authorizing the huge plan did not set out a “defined development project."

State health committee passes resolution supporting Medicaid expansion

Amidst legislative wrangling and uncertainty, the MoHealthNet Oversight Committee passed a resolution Tuesday in support of expanding Medicaid. The committee -- which includes representatives from state departments, the medical community and the state legislature -- voted 8-2 to approve the measure.

Debate over Medicaid expansion is as hot as gun control in parts of south Missouri

Mistrust of government runs deep in south central Missouri. During a Beacon reporter's visit last week, residents offered a myriad of reasons for rejecting government money for Medicaid expansion.

Nixon describes Medicaid talks as 'thoughtful,' but Lamping contends nothing's changed

While Gov. Jay Nixon characterized his talks with the GOP Senate caucus on Medicaid expansion as a "a good, solid, open discussion," state Sen. John Lamping, R-Ladue, says that his assessment, and that of other GOP senators, haven't changed on the matter. 

Mo. Senate Gives 1st-Round Approval To Bill Barring DOR From Scanning Source Documents

The Missouri Senate has given first-round approval to legislation that would prohibit the Department of Revenue (DOR) from scanning and storing source documents for driver’s license, conceal-carry, and other applications.

Zweifel decides against 2016 bid for governor

State Treasurer Clint Zweifel's decision removes a Democratic obstacle in Attorney General Chris Koster’s potential run for the office. But Zweifel -- who can't run again for his current office due to term limits -- isn't ruling out seeking another post.