JEFFERSON CITY - Opposition to a proposed 80-cent cigarette tax increase is emerging from some groups that support a higher tobacco

tax, but oppose the way the revenue would be allocated under the proposal.

JEFFERSON CITY - The Missouri Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association is the first group to voice opposition to a potential constitutional amendment that would increase tax on a pack of cigarettes by 80 cents.

Their executive director, Ronald Leone says it's a huge tax increase against a generally poor group of people.

JEFFERSON CITY - State Representative Steve Hobbs says he wants voters to approve an amendment restricting eminent domain.

The amendment would keep the state government from taking property and giving it to private developers.

JEFFERSON CITY - Monarch Butterflies are passing through Missouri on their way south for the winter.

They are the only butterfly to make such a migration, sometimes travelling around 1,000 miles.

JEFFERSON CITY - The Governor is required to appoint both Democrats and Republicans to some Committees.

But Democrats say Blunt inacurately appointed some as Democrats.

JEFFERSON CITY - Missouri State Auditor Claire McCaskill claimed that her office has found how nearly 5 million in the administration's Medicaid budget cuts could have been retained to cover the cost of medical items to Medicaid recipients.

The audit was conducted from Jan. 1, 2003 - March 31, 2004.