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An idea for a new Jackson mascot (2/27/19)Hey Jackson peeps. Pop quiz: 1. What three famous Marvel Comics Book characters have a direct relationship with your city? 2. What are the names of the comic book artists who created these characters? If you didn't know the answers to those questions, don't feel bad. I didn't either until several months ago. I'm not, after all, a comics book aficionado. But I do know quite a bit about Jackson, or at least I thought I did, having lived in the county seat for 20 years or so...
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What does the AG's office believe? Innocence or a wild conspiracy? (12/25/16)The State of Missouri's case against David Robinson is in shambles. The prosecution's star witness has recanted his testimony. A second witness, who was never credible in the first place, has recanted his testimony. And, before killing himself, another man confessed on audio tape that he killed Sheila Box. That confession was recorded more than a decade ago, yet David Robinson is set to turn another calendar year inside the Jefferson City Correctional Center, 16 years after the murder...
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Kezer case reveals the sin of a nation (1/31/16)In 2008, a young but talented cops and courts reporter stepped into my office and told me she wanted to dig into the Angela Mischelle Lawless murder case. A young managing editor myself, I knew this was an important decision, and I was apprehensive to pursue the subject. ...
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'Microaggressions' are all around us (11/22/15)So what was I to make of the unrest on the campus of the University of Missouri? When I first heard that a black student was willing to starve himself to death unless the university president resigned -- along with a long list of other demands -- I began asking questions, not as a journalist, but as a person. What was so awful that a young man with promise was willing to lay down his life? I still don't have a perfect answer...
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An independent's frustration (8/23/15)It seems today we have more choices for just about anything you can think of. There are countless restaurant franchises, representing all types of foods. There are thousands upon thousands of stores, both physical and online, where you can buy just about anything. There are hundreds of styles of kitchen faucets. You can choose any number of model airplanes or vintage jewelry. Looking for something to read? Good luck picking among the millions of titles...
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When Obama ruins your life ... (7/12/15)Sometimes news and politics play too big of a role in our moods and collective psyche. Perhaps that's a counterproductive thing for a newspaper editor to say. I understand more than most what content interests people. Our online analytics are quite clear on what people like to read. And you like to read about crime, death and, when it comes to politics, controversy...
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A teenage cowboy, my brother and some bullies (6/21/15)In my eyes, he was the toughest kid in the school. And some 20 years later he feels even bigger in my mind and heart. Let me tell you a story about a strapping young cowboy who loved my brother. His name was Jessie Brown. He went to my church, and was about two years younger than I. He was an imposing young man, who stood over 6 feet tall, with strapping shoulders and a strong back he no doubt sculpted by doing work that country boys who wear cowboy boots tend to do...
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Anonymously, we find out what teachers think (6/7/15)Missouri teachers think our students are over-tested. That is according to a survey released last week by the Missouri State Teachers Association. Last month I wrote a column on the topic of media access, and how it relates to transparency and the accuracy of what we report...
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When coliform hits the fan (5/31/15)Our newsroom received several emailed news releases in the past week from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Because of this delivery of information, we were aware of World Atlatl Day at Graham Cave. We knew that we could tour the heirloom gardens at Deutschheim State Historic Site. We knew about the latest exhibit at the Missouri State Museum and all the fun adventures we could enjoy on National Trails Day...
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Journalism transparency: owning up to mistakes (5/10/15)My professional mistakes haunt me. I think about them nearly every day; at least the worst ones. They replay in my mind like a dripping faucet that can't be fixed. When I was a sports reporter, working solo on the sports desk on a Wednesday night, I wrote a short, time-sensitive story involving the Southeast Missouri State University athletics program. ...
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Using schools, students for fast-food ad campaigns (4/26/15)Students, teachers, principals and parents in the Jackson school district are participating in a clever fundraising campaign. It's innovative, and it probably will be successful. But is it appropriate? Last week, I, along with many other parents in the school district, received fliers about this new campaign. I also received an email from the principal encouraging my family to participate...
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Missouri: The Hide Me State (4/19/15)Public institutions in Missouri are making a mockery of transparency. Before I present evidence backing that claim, I'd like to tease you with a few questions. Answers will be revealed later in the column. 1.) How much do you think a public entity ought to be able to charge for someone to transcribe audio recordings?...