Lawmakers Hoping To Approve A Must-Pass Spending Bill

By ANDREW TAYLOR, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans early Thursday unveiled a new, stripped-down spending bill to prevent a government shutdown this weekend and allow quarreling lawmakers to punt most of their unfinished business into the new year. The bill would stave off a government shutdown through Jan. 19 and permit lawmakers to head…

Governor Greitens Backs Workers’ Compensation Boost For Firefighters

By SUMMER BALLENTINE, Associated Press JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri lawmakers should make it easier for firefighters to get workers’ compensation, Gov. Eric Greitens said Wednesday during a visit to the St. Louis Fire Academy. The bill by Republican Rep. Nick Schroer would make firefighters and other first responders eligible for workers’ compensation for illnesses…

House Passes Massive Tax Package; Senate To Vote Next

By STEPHEN OHLEMACHER and MARCY GORDON, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — Gleeful Republicans on Tuesday muscled the most sweeping rewrite of the nation’s tax laws in more than three decades through the House. House Speaker Paul Ryan dismissed criticism of the widely unpopular package and insisted “results are what’s going to make this popular.” The vote,…