KCUR Morning News 2-17-11

By Maria Carter

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Two new sets of criminal charges are filed against a man already accused in a series of rapes in and around Kansas City's Waldo area.

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit against Kansas City's Power & Light district for racial discrimination.

The Kansas budget director says Gov. Sam Brownback is ruling out higher contributions for government workers or changes in benefits as ways to solve the long-term issues with the state pension system.

A bill that would outlaw abortions of fetuses deemed viable outside the womb has passed a Missouri House Committee.

Missouri's state prisons could become smoke-free if some state lawmakers have their way.