// a href = ./ //

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Air Force says it cost $2.1 million to send two nuclear-capable B-2 bombers on a training exercise over South Korea that was widely viewed as a show of force in response to weeks of threats from North Korea.

<br><br>

The service's Global Strike Command said Friday in a statement that the total flight time for the B-2s was 75 hours. The aircraft made the more than 6,500-mile round trip from Whiteman Air Force Base in Warrensburg, Missouri to a South Korean island range on Thursday.

<br><br>

North Korea has threatened nuclear strikes on Washington and Seoul.

<br><br>

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said the decision to send the B-2s for drills with South Korea was part of normal military exercises with a close ally and not intended to provoke a reaction from North Korea.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Gov. Jay Nixon has signed legislation authorizing tax incentives for big-time sports events and some charitable donations.

<br><br>

Nixon highlighted his support for the charitable tax breaks by traveling to a food bank in Cape Girardeau on Friday. He signed the sports incentives without comment.

<br><br>

The sports legislation authorizes up to $3 million of tax credits annually for organizations that host amateur sporting events such as NCAA tournaments or Olympic trials. Lawmakers hope the cash will help Missouri compete with other states.

<br><br>

The other bill reinstates tax credits for donations to food pantries, child advocacy centers and pregnancy resource centers that had expired in recent years. Nixon says the tax credits can leverage private donations to help "our most vulnerable citizens."

<br><br>

Both bills were passed by the Legislature on March 13.

The impeachment hearing Ellisville Mayor Adam Paul, will continue as planned on Monday night.

<br><br>

A judge ruled against Paul's lawyer, Chet Pleban's request to postpone the hearing. The Post-Dispatch reports that Pleban claimed the city council was biased against Paul and the impeachment proceedings were unconstitutional. The judge said those issues should be raised at the hearing, which is being held one night before the city council elections.

<br><br>

Paul is facing impeachment for several reasons, including allegedly throwing a former council member out of a meeting last year.