Politics

Activists have submitted a petition that seeks to decriminalize marijuana in Springfield.

The Springfield News-Leader reported that petitions with more than 2,500 signatures were submitted Friday to the Springfield city clerk.

Assistant City Clerk Anita Cotter says about 2,100 valid signatures are needed to move the petition forward to City Council, which could pass the petition or submit it to a vote.

Show-Me Cannabis Regulation board member Maranda Reynolds says the group continues collecting signatures in case some of the ones it submitted aren't useable.

Missouri Auditor Tom Schweich says the state lost out on nearly $1.3 million because of how the Office of Administration has billed for a new telephone system.

The Jefferson City News Tribune reports the Office of Administration was supposed to determine costs for the phone system and charge state agencies for their share. Money would be deposited in a revolving fund and bills paid from that fund.

State House primary candidates for mid-Missouri's 44th and 47th Districts debated last night at a League of Women Voters forum at the Columbia Public Library. Among the hot topics: the federal health care law and how to maintain Missouri's aging highway system.

Egypt is an ancient civilization with a newborn democracy.  So, after revolutionaries toppled dictator Hosni Mubarak, growing pains were expected. The top generals have been ruling the country for six decades, and they weren’t about to give up power without a fight. 

Two Columbia military members have died in the last five days.