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   JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - The Missouri Senate has passed a proposed change to the state's Constitution designed to strengthen gun rights.

   The amendment would declare gun rights "unalienable" and compel elected officials in Missouri to defend against any infringement on the right to bear arms. It would also allow people to use firearms in defense of their families.

   Senators voted 29-2 Thursday to send the measure to the House. It is sponsored by Republican Sen. Kurt Schaefer, of Columbia. Missouri voters would need to sign off on the constitutional change if the measure passes the House.

   The gun amendment is SJR14

   St. Louis County’s Workforce Development director says he resigned under pressure after he extended a business trip for two days to attend President Barack Obama’s inauguration.  

   Gene Gordon had attended the U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting in January.  He stayed in Washington an extra three nights to attend the inaugural ceremony on Jan. 21.  

   The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Gordon initially included the additional cost on his county expense report, but by February 7th had charged the additional hotel costs to his own credit card.  He also gave the county a check to cover additional cab and airfare.  

   Gordon told the paper he quit after objections were raised over his handling of the expenses because he didn't want to "get political."

   Martin Luther King Jr. was shot and killed by James Earl Ray at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tenn., 45 years ago, on April 4, 1968.

   His death shocked a country rocked by riots, civil discord, and a controversial war.  It sparked nationwide protests, a two-month manhunt and an outpouring of grief for the slain civil rights leader who continues to stand for equal rights, peaceful protests and justice for all.