Missouri voters dump never-used redistricting reforms
– Two years after Missouri voters enacted a first-of-its-kind initiative intended to create “partisan fairness” in voting districts, they have changed their minds. “I don’t think there’s a problem with letting voters reconsider it,” said Republican state Sen. Dan Hegeman, who sponsored this year's measure. The original Clean Missouri measure also limited lobbyist gifts and campaign contributions to lawmakers, and made lawmakers' records open to the public. Republican lawmakers also paired the redistricting changes with slightly lower limits on lobbyist gifts and campaign contributions. Hegeman said they merely were mirroring the approach of the original Clean Measure measure.
No charges for Florida man who mistakenly killed son-in-law
GULF BREEZE, Fla. - Investigators say a Florida man won't face charges after accidentally shooting and killing his son-in-law who had jumped out of the bushes during a surprise birthday visit. Santa Rosa Sheriff Bob Johnson said during a news conference that the shooting happened late Tuesday at the home of 61-year-old Richard Dennis. Johnson says 37-year-old Christopher Bergan was married to Dennis' daughter and they had flown in from Norway to surprise him for his birthday. Authorities say Bergan had banged on Dennis' door and jumped out when Dennis answered, prompting Dennis to fatally shoot him. Dennis says he thought the banging noise was from another relative he had gotten into an argument with earlier in the day.
Sheriff: Man in stolen dump truck fatally shot by deputies
MILTON, Fla. - Authorities in Florida say deputies fatally shot a man who stole a dump truck and rammed into patrol vehicles. Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson told news outlets that deputies were attempting to perform a traffic stop on the stolen dump truck early Tuesday morning. Johnson says the man rammed the truck into patrol cars several times. He says deputies cornered the man near the entrance of Pensacola State College but he continued to ram the truck into patrol vehicles. Johnson says law enforcement officers weren't injured and the college isn't being threatened.