Missouri’s Budget Blunder: Federal Dependency Threatens Chariton County’s Rural Heartland
Missouri’s state budget has been propped up by a flood of federal dollars, creating a mirage of prosperity with record-high spending on schools, roads, and healthcare. But for the farmers, small business owners, and families of Chariton County—living in tight-knit towns like Keytesville, Salisbury, Mendon,…
Why Missouri’s Rural Senators and Reps Are Ignoring a Fairer Constitutional Amendment Process
Missouri’s Constitution is the backbone of our state’s governance, meant to echo the will of all its people—not just those in the biggest cities. Yet, the current process for amending this vital document is stacked against rural Missouri, amplifying urban voices while rural counties get…
The Rise of Populist Conservatism in Missouri: A Challenge to the Republican Establishment
In Missouri, a battle for the soul of the conservative movement is playing out between grassroots populists and the entrenched Republican establishment. While the GOP dominates state politics, not all Republicans represent the values of the people who elected them. Many in leadership have prioritized…
Local Schools Thrive, DESE Fails: Centralized Control Is Missouri’s Education Problem
In Missouri, local school districts like Brunswick R-II, Keytesville R-III, Northwestern R-I, and Salisbury R-IV are shining examples of what’s possible when educators focus on kids, not bureaucracy. Yet, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is dragging them—and our students—down with its…