Top Of The Morning News: January 14, 2013

Chiefs name a new general manager. Barge shippers are breathing easier after contractors deepen a particularly troublesome stretch of river. A Missouri businessman challenges the federal health care law, saying a provision the company health plan provides free contraceptives violates his religious freedom.

Chiefs Name John Dorsey General Manager

A week after presenting their new head coach, the Kansas City Chiefs will introduce their new general manager, John Dorsey, Monday afternoon. Learn more about Dorsey’s career here.

Barge Shipping Concerns Ease On Mississippi River

Barge shippers can breathe a sigh of relief, at least for now. The lingering drought gripping much of the nation had threatened to reduce water levels on the Mississippi River to the point that shipping would be effectively shut down. This weekend, contractors working for the Corps completed a project to deepen the shipping channel on a particularly treacherous stretch of the river south of St. Louis.   Read more here.

Businessman Challenges Contraceptive Provision

A federal court is scheduled today, to take up one Missouri businessman’s challenge to a recently enacted provision of the federal health law. The provision requires that most employee-health plans include no-cost coverage of contraceptives. But the rule has faced backlash from several businesses and lawmakers around the region. Find out more here.