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Top Of The Morning News: Monday, March 26, 2012

KU Goes To Final Four, Third Bill Seeks To Raise Missouri's Cigarette Tax, Zoo Brings Endangered Beetle Back to Missouri, and more headlines from KCUR.

Jayhawks Advance To Final Four

The Kansas Jayhawks got top-flight performances from their powerful duo of Tyshawn Taylor and Thomas Robinson and defeated North Carolina 80-to-67 to advance to the NCAA's Final Four.  It's the 14th time KU has made the Final Four in school history -- and the second time under Coach Bill Self.  Read more here.

Third Bill Filed To Raise Cigarette Tax In Missouri

Yet another billhas been filed in theGeneral Assemblythat would raise Missouri’s cigarette tax, currently the lowest in the nation. This one would raise it to 75 percent of the current national average – in other words, from 17 cents per pack to $1.09-1/2 cents per pack.  Missouri’s tax per pack would also rise or fall as the national average changes, and it would require a referendum by Missouri voters to take effect.  Find out more here.

Roberts Rails Against Affordable Care Act

TheU.S. Supreme Court takes up arguments in a case that may determine whether the Affordable Care Act is fully implemented in 2014, as scheduled.  The controversial health care overhaul was passed two years ago last Friday, and Kansas Senator Pat Roberts is still railing against it.  Listen to the story here.

Endangered  Beetle Returns To Missouri

An endangered beetle could be making its way back to Missouri, with some help from the Saint Louis Zoo and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.  If all goes well, the zoo plans to reintroduce the American burying beetle to Wah’ kon-tah Prairiein southwestern Missouri in early June.  Learn more here.

 

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