the morning cram [gyyaarrrggghhh!!! edition]

I'm not sure what the Pirate Party is...but I'm down. 

NPR reports on one of Germany's newest political parties. Tech-savy twenty-somethings have a fresh vision on democracy. 

Kentucky ~ A Hopkinsville company is expanding. Owensboro stand-off ends without incident. New warden for state pen. Christian County could name a new superintendent. Contractors are working on I-69. EPA coal hearings have started. Paul and McConnell block Paycheck Fairness. 

Illinois ~ It's time to tackle the pension again. 

Missouri ~ A tornado killed three on Monday. 

Tennessee ~ Parents are suing a Clarksville school for bullying.