Lake of the Ozarks

Naegleria fowleri lives in warm, fresh water and can enter the brain through the nose, where it causes inflammation and tissue death. Fewer than 200 people have contracted the amoeba since 1962, but infection is almost always fatal.

The amoeba is a single-celled organism that lives in hot springs, lakes and other warm freshwater bodies. The Missouri health department says this is only the state's third case on record, but infections are nearly always fatal.

The measure would have amended the Missouri Constitution to allow for a casino to be built near the Osage River and Bagnell Dam, south of U.S. 54. It would have increased the number of state-licensed casinos from 13 to 14.

Backers of Missouri Amendment 2, which would legalized sports gambling, claim in TV and online ads that the resulting revenue will boost public education. But its detractors point out there is no evidence Missouri schools will see any benefit.

Missouri Amendment 5 on the November ballot would clear the way for a new casino to be placed in the popular vacation spot.

The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, is tackling political issues even as polarization burdens congregations across the country. Plus: Residents near the Lake of the Ozarks hope that approving a new casino could help bring in more tax revenue and fund some long-needed infrastructure projects.

In November's election, Amendment 5 will ask Missouri voters if they want to allow a casino — plus a hotel, convention center and restaurants — on the Osage River near the Bagnell Dam at the Lake of the Ozarks. The plan is led by Bally’s, which operates a casino in Kansas City.

Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft initially said that the plan didn’t receive enough signatures in Missouri’s 2nd Congressional District. But a judge on Friday ruled that backers did collect enough, and ordered the measure included as Amendment 5 in the November election.

The Osage River Gaming & Convention Committee is asking a judge to reverse a decision by the Missouri Secretary of State’s office that its initiative petition didn't have enough signatures to qualify for the ballot.

Lisa Jeanine Findley of Kimberling City, Missouri, is charged with trying to defraud Elvis Presley’s estate of millions of dollars and steal ownership of the iconic Graceland property in Memphis.

Kansas City may not be as well known for its lakes as other parts of the Midwest, but you can still find plenty of waterfront access within a short drive. Here’s a guide to the Missouri and Kansas towns where you can enjoy the lake life this summer.

If approved by Misouri voters, the development would include a hotel, convention center, restaurants and other attractions.