Editorials

By Phill Brooks
    This column was inspired by a discussion with Missouri Independent Reporter Rudi Keller the day after the 2022 legislative session adjourned.
    We reminisced about earlier years when there seemed to be a more intense focus on the specific details of public policy rather than ideology and pondered what caused the change.

By Garrett Hawkins
    The supply chain issues that started with toilet paper and computer chips in 2020 have morphed to disrupt nearly everything in our daily lives. As of late, news shows are highlighting weary parents who are scouring near and far for essential baby formula. At home in Appleton, I drove past two fuel stations that had bone dry tanks for two days last week, sending residents miles away just to find gasoline. Everyone is talking. Everyone is grumbling. Everyone is hastily adapting.

By Phill Brooks
    The 2022 regular session of the Missouri General Assembly was the most dysfunctional I can remember in more than 50 years covering the statehouse.
    Endless Senate filibusters stalled action for weeks on major issues for Missourians—contributing to the second lowest percentage of bills passed in an annual session in more than one-third of a century.

By Gene Policinski
    Well, at least, we know: Roe v. Wade, which has protected abortion rights in the U.S since 1973, seems likely to be overturned.

    A recent trespassing case in Wyoming involving four area men may have created more questions than answers when it comes to accessing public land for recreation. But one thing is clear—we need federal action that guarantees we can all easily access public land.

By Phill Brooks
    Missouri's legislature enters its final days of the 2022 legislative session facing an unusually large pile of partisan and ideological divisive issues.