2 Mexican nationals admit Missouri refuge pot-growing plot

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) – Two Mexican nationals have admitted in federal court their role in a large marijuana-growing operation at a central Missouri federal wildlife refuge. Twenty-seven-year-old Carlos Horacio Vasquez-Duarte and 24-year-old Rigaberto Camacho Reyes pleaded guilty Tuesday in Jefferson City. Federal prosecutors say law enforcement officers discovered the marijuana-growing operation last October on…

Missouri House votes for local lobbyist gift ban

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) – The Missouri House has voted to prohibit local elected officials from accepting lobbyist gifts. The proposal received initial approval Tuesday with a voice vote. It would prevent any local government official, including superintendents or charter school operators, from accepting lobbyist gifts. The measure would apply to cities, counties, municipalities, school…