For years doctors have prescribed acid blockers to children with no symptoms of acid reflux to try to help control their asthma.

But a new study shows the anti-reflux medicine isn't helping.

The research followed more than 300 children between the ages of 6 and 17. In addition to an inhaled steroid, about half the children were given an acid blocker for six months, and half a placebo. None of the children had symptoms of acid reflux.

Legislation that would require Missouri voters to show photo identification at the polls has passed a State House committee.

Voters who don’t have a photo ID would be required to use provisional ballots, which would be counted once their identities are correctly verified.  It passed 7 to 3 on a straight party line vote, with every Republican on the House Elections Committee voting “yes” and every Democrat voting “no.”  The sponsor, House Speaker Pro-tem Shane Schoeller (R, Willard), says the bill shouldn’t be divisive.

Missouri Senator Roy Blunt says the race for the Republican presidential nomination could still be in play in March when Missouri holds its caucus. But before that, Missouri will hold a meaningless presidential primary on Feb. 7.

Blunt, a Republican, says at a time when the state is trying to save money, a primary that has no binding impact should have been eliminated.

"But we're going to have it," Blunt said. "And that February primary may give some guidance to people going to the March caucuses."

Updated at 1:40 p.m. with additional information from the Lindbergh School District.

Updated at 2:45 p.m. with information from the Webster Groves School District.

Updated at 3:57 p.m. with a statement from the Kirkwood School District.

A Democratic senator who planned to sit with a Republican for President Barack Obama's State of the Union address says he will keep the seat empty in honor of his ailing colleague.

Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk suffered a stroke this past weekend and underwent surgery Sunday night. He is in intensive care at a Chicago hospital and doctors say he could lose full use of his left arm and experience facial paralysis.