Editorials

By Phill Brooks
    This column is prompted by a question from a long-time statehouse observer as to why Missouri's legislature has become so divided. My answer involved the number of changes in the statehouse over the decades.

By Sarah Hultine Massengale
County Engagement Specialist in Community Economic Development
    It’s a bit past the holidays, but let’s talk a minute about the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge. If we only consider his finances, he was successful, right? He ran a strong business, made lots of money, employed lots of people…but we know there was more to the story. His employees were struggling, his community needed help, he was isolated, unhappy, and had lost relationships because of his obsession with money. The ghosts of Christmas showed him the need to think about more than money to define success and well-being.

    Should Missouri taxpayers have to pay exorbitant fees to get copies of records that are open to the public? Governor Mike Parson thinks so.

By Garrett Hawkins
    There are a few places in Appleton folks gather to drink coffee and swap stories each morning. I typically catch up on news at the hardware or feed store when I’m picking up supplies or feed. Kids’ ballgames, the weather, markets and, yes, the craziness in Washington, D.C. are the usual topics.

By Alan Morgan and John M. Bridgeland
    A New Year rings in and the COVID pandemic is still with us. Pandemic fatigue is understandable at this point.  But the loss of more than 824,000 Americans to date and the arrival of a new, more transmissible variant, should drive a renewed push to turn the tide.

By Garrett Hawkins
    Another session of the Missouri General Assembly is upon us, and this year looks to be a busy one. With redistricting, members running for higher office and many passionate legislative disagreements, 2022 should have no shortage of fireworks at the state capitol.