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Top Of The Morning News: Thursday, February 16, 2012

A daily digest of headlines from KCUR.

  • Explosives Found Near Kansas Statehouse
  • Missouri AG And Lawmakers Take On Second Injury Fund
  • Voters’ Rights Group Wants Kobach’s Work Records
  • Veteran Ballet Dancer Retires

Explosives Found Near Kansas Statehouse

Police say they found explosives inside a vehicle near the Kansas Statehouse.  While checking on an illegally-parked truck, an officer spotted a holster -- but no gun -- through the window.  Police called in the FBI and the Topeka Bomb squad.  Read more of the details here.

Missouri AG And Lawmakers Take On Second Injury Fund

Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster (D) is urging Missouri lawmakers to either find a way to make the state’s Second Injury Fund solvent again or to get rid of it entirely.  The fund provides payments to workers who return to the workforce after being injured on the job, then are injured on the job again. The Attorney General’s office manages the fund, and Koster says it’s been losing money ever since lawmakers in 2005 capped the amount of money Missouri businesses have to pay to keep the fund afloat.  Read more here.

Voters’ Rights Group Wants Kobach’s Work Records

Some voters’ rights advocates are asking Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach to turn over documents showing how much time he spends on official duties. Kobach is well known for his work writing laws aimed at fighting illegal immigration, and critics say he’s spending too much time on these activities.  Kobach says his outside work happens on night and weekends.  Find out more here.

Veteran Ballet Dancer Retires

Described as the "epitome of balletic grace," Kimberly Cowen is the one remaining Kansas City Ballet dancer hired by the late Todd Bolender, former artistic director. But, it's the end of an era.   After more than three decades in dance, and 20 years with the company, Cowen has decided it's the right time to retire. Learn more about the dancer and her career here.

 

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