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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - The slate of Democratic candidates is in flux for a vacant Missouri congressional seat with just two days remaining before party leaders pick a nominee.

State Rep. Linda Black, of Bonne Terre, announced Thursday that she would not seek the Democratic nomination to succeed Republican Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson, who resigned last month. Black had been among the leading contenders for the 8th District seat in southeast Missouri.

Poplar Bluff chiropractor Jack Rushin, who lost to Emerson last year, said Thursday that he also is considering whether to drop his bid for the June 4 special election.

But state Rep. Steve Hodges, of East Prairie, announced he was entering the race.

The two other Democratic candidates are Todd Mahn of Festus and Markel Fitchpatrick of Blodgett.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - People fired for sleeping on the job and missing work could have a harder time getting unemployment benefits under a bill endorsed by the Missouri Senate.

The Senate gave initial approval Wednesday to a measure expanding the definition of "misconduct" in the workplace. The change would make it harder for people to qualify for unemployment insurance after they are fired. Supporters say the bill will protect businesses from liability and give them more freedom to fire employees who misbehave at work. The legislation is sponsored by Republican Sen. Will Kraus, of Lee's Summit. It needs one more affirmative vote in the Senate before moving to the House.

The man who was shot by a woman while strangling her sister during a home invasion, has been charged.

Police say Joshua Jewell forced his way into a Highland apartment on Sunday. Once in side Jewell allegedly attacked the two sisters living there. During the attack on sister said she thought the man was going to kill her sibling. She grabbed her gun and fired two shots, with the second one hitting Jewell in the back.

Jewell continues to recover at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.