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SD public defense duties shift from counties to state; SCOTUS appears skeptical of restricting government communications with social media companies; Trump lawyers say he can't make bond; new scholarships aim to connect class of 2024 to high-demand jobs.

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The SCOTUS weighs government influence on social media, and who groups like the NRA can do business with. Biden signs an executive order to advance women's health research and the White House tells Israel it's responsible for the Gaza humanitarian crisis.

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Midwest regenerative farmers are rethinking chicken production, Medicare Advantage is squeezing the finances of rural hospitals and California's extreme swing from floods to drought has some thinking it's time to turn rural farm parcels into floodplains.

MO Legislators Start Second Special Session, Amid Grumbling

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Monday, June 12, 2017   

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Special sessions of the Missouri Legislature are typically reserved for emergency budget matters, but that isn't the case this year.

State lawmakers are back in session today to address abortion-related issues, including a St. Louis ordinance banning discrimination in housing or employment based on a woman's "pregnancy and reproductive health decisions.” They were called into special session in May by Gov. Eric Greitens to debate a possible utility rate reduction for two employers.

University of Missouri Law School Professor Richard Reuben said neither topic falls into the category of true emergency.

"Instead, to me they suggest that Gov. Greitens is using his authority to call a special session simply to further his own political agenda,” Reuben said. “And I think that's a highly questionable use."

But Republican Sen. Bob Onder, who represents parts of suburban St. Louis, has said "No greater issue fits the category of 'extraordinary' than the safety of Missourians and the protection of life.”

Opponents of the St. Louis ordinance say it penalizes local businesses that want to hire only workers who are anti-abortion.

Gov. Greitens, whose party has majorities in both houses of the Legislature, has told lawmakers he's "cancelling their summer vacations." Reuben said it's a move that's getting a mixed reaction.

"While he clearly has the authority to do so, the question in my mind - and, I think, the minds of a lot of people in Missouri - is whether he is abusing that authority,” Reuben said.

The last special session in Missouri cost taxpayers $66,000.


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