Commentary
Climate grief and the stark choice that confronts us
If the five stages of grief are denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance, Americans can be found at all points along the continuum when it comes to global climate change and the environmental crisis that accompanies it. Like many who’ve contemplated a grim healthcare diagnosis that seems to belie of how they feel in the moment, millions […]
Promoting telehealth in Missouri is a step to making health care more accessible, cost-effective
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenging period for Missouri and the entire nation, with few positive outcomes to highlight. However, one notable exception has been the advancement of telehealth services, especially audio-only telehealth, which emerged as a critical healthcare solution during this crisis. Although the use of telehealth has declined with society returning to […]
Missouri politics proves that sometimes just entering a race makes you a winner
Sometimes, the true outcome of a political campaign isn’t reflected in the final vote count. Jason Kander’s 2016 Senate race is a prime example. Despite Donald Trump winning Missouri by nearly 19 points, Roy Blunt only squeaked out a win with a margin under 3%, thanks in part to a viral advertisement featuring Kander assembling […]
Every state is about to dole out federal funds for broadband. Not every state is ready
When the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was signed in late 2021, it included $42.5 billion for broadband internet access as part of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program. The program aims to ensure that broadband access is available throughout the country. This effort differs from previous federal broadband programs because it promised to […]
Donald Suggs’ legacy with St. Louis American: ‘Local history would look entirely different’
The St. Louis American first hit newsstands on March 17, 1928. At that time, the Black weekly newspaper was an eight-page tabloid with a circulation of about 2,000. More than 95 years later, The American reaches about 300,000 people each month through the print newspaper and website. It’s the largest weekly newspaper in Missouri and […]
Resolution of the abortion issue will be a seminal test for our democracy
Shrouded in hypocrisy, entangled by complexity and ensnarled in a battle for control, the abortion issue will be a real test of the structure of our democratic form of government. Will there be a new overarching federal law along with specific state laws governing abortion? It is a central focus in the 2024 presidential election, […]
Why discussing politics at Thanksgiving is good for democracy — and your family
There’s a popular meme which reads: “I just saved a ton of money on Christmas gifts discussing politics during Thanksgiving Dinner.” Polls show most Americans don’t want to talk politics during the holidays, and others offer suggests for dodge the topic at Thanksgiving. But research shows that political conversations matter for our country, for bettering […]
Capitol Perspectives: Does power corrupt in the Missouri House?
This column is prompted by the problems plaguing Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher who is facing calls by his colleagues to resign because of financial double-dipping by seeking reimbursement from the House for travel expenses that had been paid by his campaign. His troubles continue a pattern of House speakers who have run into trouble […]
A jailed ex-KC cop is a problem for Mike Parson. Blaming the prosecutor won’t solve it
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson clearly doesn’t know what to do about Eric DeValkenaere, the former Kansas City police officer convicted of killing a 26-year-old Black man, Cameron Lamb. Parson, forever a county sheriff at heart, hates the thought of a cop sitting in prison and he’s under pressure from the extended brotherhood of law enforcement […]
Unholy night – A Trump White House Christmas coup caper
It was a Christmas party at the Trump White House, and despite the festive decorations, the trees and the wreaths and the red-and-green bunting, the mood must have been grim. A few days earlier, the U.S. Supreme Court had firmly rejected a lawsuit filed by the state of Texas seeking the overthrow of election results […]
How can we make the most of this holiday season?
Given the feelings of unease that often punctuate our daily lives in many areas, the holiday season provides an opportunity for us not only to celebrate, but to discover lasting meaning that could carry us to new heights of understanding and rejuvenation. Lasting meaning can be found in many ways, but three ways in particular: […]
Taps’ mournful tune sets the right tone for Veterans Day remembrance
Promptly at 5 p.m., every day, rain or shine, blizzard or heat, a volunteer bugler wearing a period World War I U.S. Army uniform stands at attention near the flagpole at the National World War One Memorial not far from the White House in Washington D.C. On a brilliant autumn day, I watched as a […]