Even as the federal number-crunchers are telling us that the recession is over, more bad economic news is coming to Missouri.

As my colleague Virginia Young reports today, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon will be making more budget cuts today — probably at least $300 million and maybe more.

A comment from one state lawmaker in the story really struck me. Senate President Pro Tem Charlie Shields, R-St. Joseph, said: “The big places you go to get money are higher education and (elementary and secondary) education, but those are the untouchables.”

That’s because of Nixon’s pledge to keep funding for colleges stable.

I have a…

On Friday, Sarah Palin abruptly announced that she will resign as Alaska governor at the end of the month. She was supposed to serve until the end of 2010 and had the option of running for re-election.

According to the New York Times, she offered conflicting signals about her intentions and her motivation.

In her tone and some of her words in an often-rambling announcement, she sounded like someone who was making a permanent exit from politics after what her friends have called a rough and dispiriting year.

But her remarks, delivered in a voice that often seemed rushed and jittery, sounded at…

With last week’s announcement by Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt that he would not seek re-election, the field of potential candidates has widened with several state officer holders either throwing their hat in the ring, or they’re seriously considering a run.

U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof, Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, Treasurer Sarah Steelman, have all taken the leap to declare their intentions. But other high-profile names are also considering a run.

Names like U.S. Attorney Catherine Hanaway of St. Louis, Senate Majority Leader Charlie Shields of St. Joseph and House Speaker Rod Jetton of Marble Hill — are also considering a run.

Monday’s story by…