JEFFERSON CITY - Gov. Bob Holden commended the efforts state agencies have taken in making Missouri safer. He recognized programs working together to create a statewide network of information that puts Missouri on the forefront of the Homeland Security movement. Holden also proclaimed September 11 as Patriot Day and notified all state building to put their flags at half-staff. He also encouraged churches across the state to ring their bells and for citizens to observe a moment of silence at noon on Saturday.

JEFFERSON CITY - An amendment to change the diversion of transportation funds is up for vote in November. Supporters say the amendment will benefit the whole state. Opponents argue that the initiative will take much needed money away from state departments.

JEFFERSON CITY - The Missouri Department of health says that more Missourians have been diagnosed with West Nile this year than at this time in 2003. They report nine confirmed or probable cases since July.

JEFFERSON CITY - With a significant number of women on the statewide ballot and at least one campaign trying to capitalize on the growing appeal of female candidates, 2004 may go down as the year of the woman in Missouri politics. Less than two decades after Harriett Woods was the first woman elected to statewide office, four out of five statewide races have candidates who are women. Three of these candidates have held statewide office before.