From Associated Press – JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) – The Missouri House has given initial approval to a proposal that would exempt small farms from parts of the state’s clean water law. The proposal, approved Wednesday, says farms would not need a permit to allow water from their property to run into the state’s waterways, whether from irrigation or precipitation. The exemption would not apply to larger farms. The Department of Natural Resources would still be allowed to intervene to …

From Associated Press – TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – Kansas regulators are seeking to take over management of 15 nursing homes after the operator of the facilities advised the state it will not be able to make an upcoming payroll. The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services said Wednesday it has asked 13 district courts to put the facilities in their jurisdiction into receivership while arrangements are made for them to continue providing care for about 845 residents. The agency …

From Associated Press – JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) – The Missouri House has given initial approval to a bill that would drastically lower tuition for combat veterans seeking graduate degrees. The House voted on the bill on Wednesday. If it becomes law, combat veterans enrolling in a graduate program at a public university would not have to pay more than 30 percent of the normal cost, including tuition and fees. The discount would be good for 20 years after a veteran’s discharge, but w…

From Associated Press – TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley has chastised his colleagues for failing to make progress on a school finance plan. He urged them Tuesday to come to grips with reality. The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that during the debate lawmakers said they were interested in negotiating with school attorneys. They also expressed frustration with the Kansas Supreme Court. They rejected Hensley’s efforts to inject hundreds of millions of doll…