A former Kansas City-area lawmaker is indicted on federal charges for cheating on disability benefits.  ACLU sues Missouri over policy it says is preventing inmates from marrying.  It’s a daily digest of news from KCUR.

Former Sugar Creek Lawmaker Indicted On Fraud Charges

Raymond Salva from Sugar Creek served in the Missouri House from 2003 through 2010.  The indictment purports that Salva drew a $30,000 annual state salary while getting disability and claiming he was unable to work because of a neck injury and had not worked.  Read more here.

ACLU Sues Over Policy Preventing Inmates From Getting Married

The ACLU has filed a federal lawsuit against the state prison facility at Jefferson City over a policy they say is barring inmates from getting married.   ACLU officials say a wedding never took place because of a new policy requiring all visitors to disclose their Social Security numbers to prison staff upon entering but that the Cole County Recorder of Deeds refused.  Find out more here.

Missouri Democrats Want Campaign Contribution Caps Restored

House Democrats say they’ll again try to get campaign contribution limits restored in Missouri when next year’s regular legislative session begins.   The Missouri Supreme Court reinstated caps on campaign contributions in 2007, but a 2008 law removed them again.  Find out more about the proposal here.

Mississippi River Businesses Ask For Emergency Declaration 

As Mississippi River levels continue to drop, leaders from the river navigation industry sent a letter to President Obama asking for an emergency declaration.   They fear the lack of water will stop or interrupt commerce by mid-December.  Read more here.

Brownback Believes US Will Avoid Fiscal Cliff

If lawmakers in Washington don't reach a budget agreement soon, a series of automatic spending cuts and tax increases will take effect.   Kansas Governor Sam Brownback doesn’t think the nation will head over the so-called fiscal cliff.  Learn more about how potential cuts could affect Kansas here.

Taking A Look At the Monocle

A new venture among performing artists in Kansas City will allow patrons to commission them for productions or special events.  Find out more about the new troup called The Monocle and its four performers here.